[ STATE HOUSE ]
32
Foster Village-Mapunapuna
Benjamin C. Cabreros
Democrat
Age: 54 Job: Former mortgage broker Past: State representative; ex-president, St. Anthony School PTG
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have worked in the banking industry for about 21 years and active in many community organizations in Kalihi and Aiea district. If re-elected, I will continue to serve my constituents and to address their concerns in our district.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Education is one of the most pressing issue facing our district. We need to retain good teachers and schools that are well maintained with advanced technological equipments and books and supplies for our students. I will work hard to vote for bills that will continue to give financial support to our public schools.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
We learned from the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy that we cannot depend only on tourism industry. We need to diversify our sources of income. Diversified agriculture, tax credits for residential and hotel construction, medical and research center, military rocket and weapon center - these are some of the projects that we can concentrate on to stimulate our economy.
G. Lynn Berbano Finnegan
RepublicanAge: 31 Job: Senior mortgage loan officer Past: First vice chairwoman, Hawaii Republican Party
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
The desire and ability to affect change through people/relationship skills such as leading, motivating, compromising, and uniting, coupled with hard work, high morals, and integrity. I will do this with experience I have in business, as a member of my daughter's public charter school Board, and as a parent.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district and what would you do about it?
Education is our most pressing issue. Our children are our future. I strongly support locally elected school boards with shared decision making among teachers, parents, and other community members who have a stake in our public education system. Job creation is a very close second.
What is the best way to stimulate the state's economy?
Enact legislation that encourages business formation and minimizes government intrusion of the private sector. This intrusion stifles businesses and inhibits job growth. I favor eliminating the GET on food, rent and medical services. This regressive tax hurts mostly those in lower paying jobs who are working hard to support their families.
