Making Things Better for our Community
One of the biggest reasons I have asked to serve is to make things better for our community.
Oil prices have skyrocketed towards $120 a barrel. Since Democrats took over Congress the price of gas has increased over 50%. No wonder more than four in five Americans feel that we’re headed in the wrong direction as a nation.
I want to continue and take further the idea suggested by Senator John McCain to have a moratorium on the federal gas tax. I call on our state and county governments to do the same. If all three levels of government took this appropriate and necessary action the price of gas in Suffolk County would be decreased by over $.60 per gallon.
This will provide a small break for the people in Suffolk County. I am asking and will fight for a 3 month moratorium on all gas taxes. I further call on the companies that supply the fuel to reduce the cost to stations as well.
We must also reduce our reliance on foreign oil. This is why I support not only wind and solar power but another initiative that will help ease the burden of rising fuel prices—one that will enable the United States to utilize the largest potential untapped resource we have and offset our rising dependence on foreign oil. By allowing oil and gas exploration on a fraction of territory comprising the North Slope of Alaska, we could add more than 1 million barrels of oil a day to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline system, reduce the national debt, and boost the economy.
The facts add up: according to Office of Management and Budget this initiative would enhance federal revenues by hundreds of billions of dollars from tax and royalty revenue and bids on the project.
Most importantly, the indigenous people of the North Slope and three quarters of Alaskans approve of this initiative. We must insure the process is environmentally responsible and uses appropriate technology for the oil and gas exploration. We must ensure the peaceful coexistence of animal life and oil exploration.
Overseas, I call on the Iraqi government to start allocating their $70 billion oil surplus towards easing our dependency while we continue to help them to democracy. Meanwhile, in Washington, our Congress must stop adding to the costs of the war, pork barrel projects like peanut storage houses in Georgia and shrimp research. Our government is on the wrong track, and residents of Eastern Long Island are suffering as a result.
Rarely has there been such a clear cut interim solution to a challenging issue. While the green collar sector is clearly our nation’s future, North Slope oil exploration today is the bridge to tomorrow’s initiatives. And as I’ve said time and again, the future of our communities depends on strong leadership to help affect this necessary change. Fortunately…
Long Island’s Future Begins Now
Return To Fiscal Conservatism
The economy continues to stand as the most universal pressing issue facing Long Islanders.
Today, my generation can no longer afford to raise a family and buy a house in their hometowns. Our parents and grandparents continue to find that a retirement filled with Long Island beaches and close proximity to the city is not financially feasible.
When you consider that the Great American Suburbs were invented here only a few decades ago, it is heart-wrenching to think that this wonderful era in American history is now dying a slow, painful death. And through the past six years, things have only gotten worse.
In terms of financial discipline, the Congressman representing New York’s First District must vote with his constituency in mind. Because our needs here are so unique, we literally cannot afford someone who fails to recognize the cash-strapped mass exodus driving New Yorkers away in record numbers.
But with your help, I promise that change is on the way.
Promise 1: Your vote for me means a vote to extend the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, which will continue to directly benefit all individuals, as well as small business owners.
Promise 2: If we’re not going to raise taxes, then we need to single out areas of inefficient governance, and pork represents the most target rich-environment for a responsible legislator.
Far too often, the vast majority of Congress’ 535 members hide behind a complex system that makes it incredibly difficult to track those who are providing pet programs to their top donors. Earmarks are used to cater to donors, pander to voters, and buy votes on other Congressional proposals.
We need more accountability and openness in our government. Simply, Congress must return to the system of authorization, appropriation and oversight. As Congressman Jeff Flake of Arizona said, earmarks are nothing more than a “transparent gimmick to ensure [Congress members’] own reelection.”
Because of this, you can be assured that I will be a Congressional champion of a systemic earmark moratorium until the system is refined and more open to public scrutiny.
Currently, Congress has conveniently shielded itself from easy access to a list of information tying earmarks to Members of Congress and their donors.
Thanks to some terrific reporting by the Seattle Times, there now exists a first-of-its-kind database which tracks the 2,700 earmarks-amounting to more than $12 billion in the 2007 Defense Appropriations Bill.
The information found on this database is shocking. In 2007, only 13 of 535 Members of Congress did not legislate earmarks. The Military-Industrial Complex described in President Eisenhower’s farewell address is unfortunately alive and well nearly a half-century after we were first warned of this potential pitfall.
And as an aside, while I think politics should never venture into the gutter current challenges compel me to do so now. Instead of financing these programs for things like bridges to nowhere and fruit fly research, perhaps we should address real needs affecting everyone in our district.
Right now, there is no more pressing and universal need directly impacting the people of Suffolk than a modern, countywide sewer system. This is the type of program tailor-made for Congress, yet has gone unaddressed for decades.
As Congressman, I will bring Long Island’s hard working, blue collar mentality to my daily operations, and remember the issues truly important to our district. Because like you, I’m tired of the old and inefficient ways of doing things and I’m ready to lead us in the right direction.
Long Island’s future begins now.
Saturday, April 5th, a great opportunity to clean up our communities
From the Long Island Sound through the Pine Barrens to the beaches of the Hamptons and the Great South Bay, New York’s First Congressional District is a treasure trove of beauty, and with this gift comes tremendous responsibility. In addition to enjoying the natural splendor of our communities, the people of Eastern Long Island must act as caretakers so that future generations may enjoy clean water and open space.
In a few days, we’ll have an excellent opportunity to fulfill our responsibilities. This Saturday, the Keep America Beautiful Campaign comes to Eastern Suffolk, and I want to take this opportunity to issue a challenge to my fellow residents of Eastern Long Island.
If you are obliged to preserve and protect our environment; if you recognize that collectively, our everyday choices make a huge impact on the world; and if you want to prevent litter, reduce waste and beautify communities, then Saturday is your day to shine.
For more information on participating, contact Christopher O’Connor at 631-451-6261.
I look forward seeing you all out there…LONG ISLAND’S FUTURE BEGINS NOW!
Taxes, Taxes, and more Taxes...Bad Timing Congress
The Congressional budget proposal passed earlier this month promises not only the LARGEST TAX INCREASE IN AMERICAN HISTORY-to the tune of $683 billion-but also an added average financial burden to the tune of $3,000 per American family over the next five years.
Taxpayers will realize these increases in many forms, including:
•Expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts;
•13% increase on individuals;
•Increase on capital gains;
•164% increase on dividends;
•Increase in the death tax from 0% to approximately 55%;
•No earmark reform.
Not that there’s ever a good time for taxes, but these additional $3,000 dollars that hardworking men and women of Long Island now owe the government comes at the worst possible time as we now see increased prices on just about everything ranging from gas to property taxes to groceries.
I believe in limited government, less taxes and individual economic freedoms. If Congress would narrow its purpose to simply protecting our rights and our freedoms, irresponsible budget proposals like this would be even more unnecessary.
We need officials to realize that they must better support our communities and families. Leaders must recognize that LONG ISLAND’S FUTURE BEGINS NOW!
Immigration Reform Needed Now
As any patriotic American knows, the United States of America is the greatest nation on the planet. And there is a direct correlation between our nation’s successes and the contribution of immigrants. At the same time, ours is a nation built upon the rule of law, and ignoring the governing principles of our society only undermines the value of our democracy. This is one reason why I, unlike my opponent, oppose hiring halls.
Because of all that our nation offers, those seeking entry to the land of opportunity abound, often taxing the limits of our immigration and customs professionals. We welcome well-intentioned folks that want to come to America legally and contribute as law-abiding citizens.
Considering the state of world affairs, the safety and well-being of our nation requires that our immigration system follow an orderly progression. Failing to account for all those crossing our borders will unnecessarily expose us to the threat of those who mean us harm. Because of this, we need to know who is coming into our nation and why.
Likewise, those who enter our nation illegally must be held accountable for their actions. This criminal activity places an undue burden on our honest and hard-working Middle Class. Morally, it is unfair to allow those that enter the U.S. illegally to cut ahead of the honest men and women awaiting entrance via proper channels.
America’s immigration challenges require action; too often our leaders are content with punting the issue. As Congressman, I will champion systemic reform to properly address immigration and, unlike my opponent, will properly fund the effort to secure our borders.
