Stand on other federal issues

By David J. Rizzo

"Moderation in all things" -- Quote by Terence from "The Lady of Andros"

Yet, any hard line must be tempered by two realities: a) absolute inflexibility achieves little, as demonstrated by the California state legislature paralysis in settling on a budget for the past two years, and b) President Bush won his last election by the slimmest of margins. The latter case proves that almost half of the population did not want him elected. This other half cannot be ignored. The days of "winner take all" are fast fading for any public servant who wishes to represent the entire constituency for another term.

By the same token, almost 25% of the population of the County of Riverside, for example, are foreign born. The needs of this population must be addressed with equal significance.

Nevertheless, I still believe that the country can best prosper by means of a government with a "tilt to the right." I am very "pro" law and order. I definitely feel we need tort reform. I also believe in a very strong military.

On the other hand, I am not enamored with the "trickle down" theory of economics. I feel that it is the small and medium-sized business owners and middle-class wage earners who deserves tax breaks, not the ultra-rich owners of mega-corporations and financial institutions.

For any other issues that I have left out, I will take my cues from my constituents. After all, a Member of Congress is elected to exercise the will of the constituents, not the will of the representative. I stand ready to be directed by the wishes of the majority of the constituency. As a representative, I would seek constant input regarding both local and federal issues. One way of doing so would be through an interactive Web site where I would seek opinions on an upcoming vote in Congress, and constituents could inform me as to their choice.

Maintaining one-on-one contact with the individuals within a given district allows this kind of representation. I have no interest in endearing myself to the social set within the Washington DC "Beltway." As a representative, my focus would firmly remain on western Riverside County and south Orange County; period.