[ STATE HOUSE ]
36
Pearl City-Palisades
Christopher A. Prendergast
RepublicanAge: 49 Job: Real estate agent Past: Airport manager positions with two airlines
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I am making myself available to the people of my district to be their voice in the state Legislature on matters of concern to the constituency. As the name implies, the office holder should accurately represent the opinion of the community he/she represents. Too often, however, personal and partisan politics prevail.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Schools must be desirable and rewarding places to go for teachers and students in terms of safety, security and diversified technical and vocational curricula. Education must take immediate priority through reallocation of funds and taking advantage of available federal funding. Teachers should be empowered to improve the system from within.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Successful business climate is translated by the availability of reasonable paying jobs from businesses providing jobs that offer more than minimum wages, which is inadequate for Hawaii's cost of living. Better wages and benefits result in longevity, less turnover ...
Roy M. Takumi
DemocratAge: 49 Job: Hawaii State AFL-CIO communications director Past: State representative
What qualifies you to be a state representative?
A commitment to public service, a passion for public policy, and familiarity with the legislative process. Most importantly, the ability to build the necessary consensus to resolve tough issues such as my efforts this year to reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Continue to emphasize accountability that recognizes and promotes excellence with consequences for performance, including rewards, assistance and sanctions. We should also resist the temptation to micro-manage the system, and give teachers the flexibility and resources to do their job.
What, if anything, should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Continue to reduce regulations and costs on small businesses. Insist on corporate accountability and responsibility. It makes no sense to give tax credits or subsidies to corporations and then have them lay off workers while their executives continue to receive exorbitant salaries. Continue efforts to diversify economy such as in biotechnology.
