[ U.S. HOUSE ]
1
Urban Oahu
Neil Abercrombie
DemocratAge: 64 Job: U.S. House Past: Former state representative, senator, city councilman; teacher; probation officer
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
I have always worked to make Hawaii a better place to live. I want to leverage my seniority in Congress to benefit Hawaii in the areas of federal spending, to better the public schools system, and improve health care and provide prescription drug coverage for our seniors.
What can Congress do to stimulate the U.S. economy?
We need to restore investor confidence with strong enforcement of recently passed laws against corporate fraud. We also need to address the problems of small businesses suffering from the post 9/11 downturn in travel and tourism. I am sponsoring legislation to provide emergency relief in the form of tax credits.
What can Congress do to protect Hawaii and the rest of the nation from terrorist attacks?
Homeland Defense needs better intelligence coordination, which I supported in the recent intelligence authorization bill. It also needs dedicated line personnel and mutual respect between employees and managers. I support a Homeland Defense bill which treats employees as full partners in this vital mission.
James H. Bracken
LibertarianAge: 48 Job: Retired Past: U.S. Army; midlevel management airline service- related industry
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
Fear and passion for my country makes me qualified. Fear because how our government has exploded into an immense accumulation of bureaucracies. I am just a common man that loves my country with a passion that most don't feel. I'm not seeking power or wealth. Two terms is my limit!
What can Congress do to stimulate the U.S. economy?
Repeal the federal income tax and eliminate the IRS and the massive federal government machine. Existing tariffs and excise taxes will support the three main functions intended for the federal government, national defense, federal judiciary and office of the U.S. Treasury. Return to the gold and silver standard is a must.
What can Congress do to protect Hawaii and the rest of the nation from terrorist attacks?
Revoke all unconstitutional gun laws first and foremost. Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution provides for the calling forth the militia to repel invasions. We have the finest military in the world, and protection of our shores should be priority No. 1.
Mark Terry
RepublicanAge: Not given Job: Auto detailer Past: Chairman, Kuliouou-Kalani Iki board; helped protect Ka Iwi Coast, Hanauma Bay
What makes you qualified to serve in Congress?
I can do better than Neil Abercrombie. I will fight for an exemption to the Jones Act. Neil won't do that. An exemption would lower our shipping costs and would lower the prices of many things we buy. With more money in our pockets, our quality of life will improve.
What can Congress do to stimulate the U.S. economy?
Congress should first look at which regulations are outmoded and hinder business. Survey business to find out what business needs. Pass laws that will encourage new sources of energy and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Find alternatives to oil. Pass laws that will assist finding new sources of energy.
What can Congress do to protect Hawaii and the rest of the nation from terrorist attacks?
Congress must fund efforts to "connect the dots," that is, a Department of Homeland Security which will gather and analyze information regarding terror. Congress must fund efforts to strike terrorists in any country before those terrorists attack us. We must not forget this war, even if it seems over.
