[ STATE SENATE ]
17
Mililani
Ron Menor
DemocratAge: 47 Job: Attorney Past: State senator, former representative; board, Mililani YMCA
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
I have extensive legislative experience, including my current role as chair of the important Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing Committee. I also have a genuine desire and commitment to continue serving the families that I represent.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
Our public schools need additional funds and resources. In this regard, revenue enhancement measures, partnerships between the public and private sectors, and reprioritization of government programs should be considered. I also am open to decentralization of the public school system.
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
I believe a multifaceted approach is necessary, including: 1) strengthening tourism; 2) improving public education to ensure a trained and skilled work force; 3) government investment in public infrastructure; 4) adopting tax and other incentives for economic diversification; and 5) reducing the cost of doing business in Hawaii.
Alex Mogilewicz
RepublicanAge: 27 Job: Truck driver Past: District Vice Chair, House 37, Republican Party of Hawaii; Lions Club.
What qualifies you to be a state senator?
Will and desire should be the main qualifications for any job. A position and its duties can be learned, but character, morals and a sense of pride are things that you have to bring with you. They don't get passed down like a parking stall.
How would you improve Hawaii's public schools, and how would you pay for it?
A positive attitude is No.1 in a productive learning atmosphere, and best of all, it's free. True, teachers must be well paid for the important job they do, books must be bought and facilities must be up-kept, but without caring teachers and eager students, all the money in the world won't help a dying system.
What should be done to improve Hawaii's business climate?
Even with all that Hawaii has to offer, it's hard to convince people to take risks in a poor economy. The government can do its part by offering tax breaks to existing businesses and incentives to new entrepreneurs who are willing to invest in Hawaii's future. Proper education of our young people now will help shape our economic and business climates in the future.
