Geoffrey Petzel Q & A

1) What is the No. 1 issue in your district and how would you address it?

The number one issue in my district is the economy. We must address the economic problems in our district by creating jobs, creating fairer tax rates and dealing with the housing mess.

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I would implement a number of policies to improve the economy. First, I will fight for a comprehensive infrastructure spending package that will create jobs and invest in our communities. Second, I will work to close corporate tax loopholes and provide tax incentives to manufacturers who create jobs. Third, I will push for new regulations that require banks to refinance underwater homes at lower interest rates so struggling homeowners will have reduced payments and more money to spend in our communities.

2) How would you promote job growth in your district?

Besides spending money on infrastructure improvements, the federal government cannot directly create jobs in the district. What we can do, is implement policies that encourage private sector job growth. Those policies should include significant tax breaks for employers who create new manufacturing jobs, fair tax rates, and policies that help the housing industry. For every new home being built, 3 jobs are created. We must put policies in place that help rebuild the private sector without bailouts or subsidies.

3) Should the federal government cut spending and where?

Yes. The federal government must cut spending in order to work toward a balanced budget and deficit reduction. The first place we need to cut spending is in Iraq and Afghanistan by bringing all of our troops and independent contractors home. The $10 billion per week price tag for our engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan is significantly contributing to our national debt.

We should also look at spending cuts in every federal agency. We should rely on department heads and employees to identify cost saving measures in every branch of the federal government.

4) If Republican, which GOP presidential candidate do you support?

5) Give an example of something you’ve done that is bipartisanship in nature.

For almost five years I worked with a Republican township board and supervisor to purchase a piece of land for a public park. The project was good for the community and ultimately was supported by the Republican leaders. Party and politics should not matter- only whether an action will benefit the people or not.

6) Name one good policy idea that comes from the opposing party.

Today’s Republican Party seems to be nothing but a party of “no”. Today’s Republican Party has failed to provide new ideas or reasonable solutions to the problems we face today. I can’t come up with a major policy in the last few years that was proposed by Republicans that I agree with. That’s why our country is on the wrong track- our politicians can’t offer moderate proposals- they are stuck in extreme positions that create nothing but gridlock.

7) How do you define family values?

The term family values refer to a social belief that the family is an ethical and moral compass for society. Family values should be defined broadly to include same-sex couples, access to health care, a living wage, and social programs that benefit families. Family values need to be more than a term; it needs to be a series of actions that benefit both traditional and non-traditional American families.

8) What are your thoughts on the healthcare law?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act does accomplish some good things like extending coverage to an additional 30 million Americans and closing the Medicare prescription drug gap. Even with those benefits I am not happy with the law. First, it does not do enough to lower cost. Second, it does not implement serious reforms for Medicare or Medicaid. Such reforms are needed or else we will not be able to fund those programs into the future. Third, the addition of 30 million Medicaid patients will add huge burdens to state budget that are already running deficits. Illinois will be required to come up with $115 million a year extra to cover the new Medicaid patients. Illinois is already running a $500 million a year deficit. How will this new cost be covered?

The best solution is comprehensive health care reform package that deals with private insurance costs and Medicare and Medicaid spending. I believe we need a universal health care system that covers every American. This can be accomplished with a payroll tax to cover the cost while lowering the average employer and employee’s annual expenditure on healthcare. There are real solutions available, but we need a Congress that will get serious and truly deal with this issue.

9) Who is your political role model?

Bill Clinton. President Clinton, despite his shortcomings in his personal life, was a great political figure. He was able to reach across the aisle and work with Republican leaders to accomplish big things for this country including a balanced budget, education reform and strong environmental protections. I respect his willingness to work with everyone for the best interests of the United States.

10) What’s on your iPod?

A little bit of everything. Specifically I have Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elton John, Rihanna, Eminem, Metallica, Norah Jones, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson among many others. I enjoy all types of music.

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