[ STATE HOUSE ]
23
Waikiki-Ala Moana
Galen Fox
RepublicanAge: 59 Job: Economic development specialist Past: State representative; ex-U.S. Foreign Service officer
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
Relevant experience. Born in Hawaii, raised in Waikiki, with three terms in the state House and past service in responsible federal, state and city jobs, all focused on improving people's quality of life and raising their incomes.
Proven leadership. Head House Republican caucus, which works hard for a better Hawaii.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
We need to break up Hawaii's statewide school district into seven local districts, including four for Oahu, so that urban Honolulu will have our own board fighting for our own schools. Without raising the total tax burden, one existing state tax should be devoted solely to schools.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Hawaii needs business, labor and government working together to support a new, knowledge-based economy that begins with a strong University of Hawaii. We should start treating business as part of the solution, recognizing that only business creates the jobs that we need to keep local families together, here.
Robert Morgenweck
DemocratAge: 36 Job: Research Corporation of UH Past: Chairman, South Oahu Soil and Water Conservation District
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I am a working-class Waikiki resident, husband and father with a happy family. I have served my state and my district in a variety of forms. I will bring my experience to the Legislature to develop innovative ideas to stimulate our economy.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Increase salaries, recruit new teachers, reduce class sizes, work with UH to create a system of continuous teacher training. Make program strong enough that it is attractive for teachers from the mainland to come and take advantage of it. Use interest from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund for starting costs.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Investment in the University of Hawaii. UH is the best tool we have at our disposal for long-term growth. In recent years innovations in bio-technology have brought the academic spotlight to Hawaii. It is now time to capitalize on this attention. Where the new technology is, jobs will follow.
