For too long our Government has been controlled by an elite group of professional career politicians.  We must encourage the American people to take part in our government again, truly making our nation, of the people, by the people, for the people, not, of the Government, by the Politicians, for the Special Interests.

Jobs

Americans need good high paying jobs. Since, there are millions of Americans unemployed my first mission and top priority is to provide the tools necessary for immediate job creation. In the past we have heard that illegal immigrants "do the jobs that Americans will not do", for this specific reason I support expanded vocational and technical educational programs in High School and Community College.

Economy

Our Nation is mired in the worst recession of the past generation and all the signs show it will continue into the future.

Our Economy will recover quickly if we cut taxes for the average working person similar to the tax cuts that were enacted under Presidents John F. Kennedy & Ronald Reagan.

Well meaning politicians have spent trillions of dollars on Government stimulus programs that have only benefited their special interest groups and not the average working American, obligating this and future generations to debt they cannot possibly repay.

Health Care

I believe Americans deserve health care, but we as a nation should not create a new government insurance program to provide it. We must strengthen the existing private market system, and expand the opportunities for Americans to purchase health care services at the best possible price. Limiting choice through government control will cause the opposite effect.  Expanding choice and competition will help keep our health care system the envy of the world.

Education

Public education must be improved with a system of high standards and accountability with consequences for underperforming teachers and schools. I support scholarships for students to attend the school of their choice. I am a product of the public school system and fully support public schools.

As a college instructor I propose the establishment of a public-private partnership to properly educate and train students in technical and vocational skills. I have viewed firsthand the results in my students at Long Beach City College when a focused vocational educational program is properly operated. I believe we must identify early in our children's education the student's best qualified for a vocational or technical education, as well as students that are best qualified for a college or university education and provide them the opportunity for success.

Environment

Environmental policy must be practical and exercise common sense, keeping in mind the need to reduce pollution and the protection of our priceless open spaces. We must act responsibly now so future generations will not be left with a polluted world.

Energy

As a nation we have been dependent on foreign oil to meet our energy needs for over 30 years. That dependence helps finance terrorists, and countries that would like to see the downfall of the United States of America. I support a reasonable rational approach along with research and development of alternate energy sources, such as wind, geothermal, solar, nuclear, clean coal, developing our vast untapped natural resources and improving and updating our hydroelectric facilities.

I oppose Cap and Trade, as it will hurt all Americans by driving up energy costs, and will cripple business with new costs and regulations. Some in Congress support the idea of Cap and Trade, because they know it will provide a new source of money to spend. Since over 90% of all business in America are classified as small it will hurt you and I.  If Cap and Trade becomes law it will send trillions of dollars to the government in the form of taxes that the politicians will find a way to quickly spend.

Immigration

The strength of our nation has been built upon legal immigration. I welcome legal immigration and support an immigration policy that encourages the best and the brightest from around the world to come to America and to live the American Dream.  I have personally seen the results of a family that I sponsored for legal residency in the United States of America. They are utilizing their skills and education, living the American Dream. They are productive taxpaying residents and have purchased their first home in America a few years back.

Veterans

The importance of sacrifice of our men and women in military service to our country cannot be understated. I am a vigorous supporter of legislation providing benefits to returning service members and benefits for the families of those killed in action or missing in action. Veterans deserve first class medical care and services, along with other benefits to which they are entitled by their sacrifice.

Constitutional Rights

I believe that the freedom to exercise one's religious beliefs has been vastly diminished in the past generation. The "freedom to practice religion" has been replaced with the "freedom from religion", where religion is being removed from our society. I believe that Americans must have the right to practice the religion of their choice without government interference, as long as the religion does not advocate harm for others.

I am a strong advocate of the right to keep and bear arms, as a basic constitutional protection. I also believe that gun ownership comes with responsibility for the owning and handling of firearms. I believe our approach to gun ownership must be sensible and balanced, keeping in mind the millions of Americans who are responsible gun owners.

Marriage

I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. Each state should be free to make laws regarding marriage, provided the laws reflect the will of the people, expressed directly by vote or through the representatives elected by the citizens of the state.

Abortion

While I fully understand there may be need for abortion in specific limited cases, the use of abortion as birth control must be stopped. I believe that government has the responsibility to regulate in this area through parental consent and notification laws.

As a grandfather of an adopted granddaughter, I believe adoption should be promoted as an alternate to abortion,  There are valid points and issues on both sides of the abortion debate and both sides must be brought together to develop alternatives to abortion.