League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles, Ventura County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Mark Reed Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 30

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?

I'm a free enterprise advocate. I will push for legislation that will lower taxes and stimulate and encourage economic growth. I firmly believe that raising taxes stifles growth, weakens the economy, and will put more people out of work

2. How should the federal budget deficit be addressed, now and into the future? How should budget priorities for defense and domestic programs be adjusted?

I will work to reduce and eliminate the growing debt that we can never repay. I will put forth a belief that our troubles started back in 1933 with the declaration of the emergency powers act. It was at this point and time we the people were robbed of the rights afforded us by the U.S.Constitution. Our individual sovereignty is now in jeopardy unless we start a policy reversal to re-establish the constitution and return the power back to "We The People". My pledge to you is to fight bigger government, higher taxes and wasteful spending. I believe we should never forget the sacrifice of all our service members by keeping better track of returning military personal so they get the services they deserve. That includes providing them with first-class medical care and other benefits to which they are entitled. I have already been acknowledged as a strong advocate for veterans and the sacrifices they have made.

3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy? Should there be an emphasis on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, and/or on reducing our dependence on foreign sources?

In order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we need to abolish the Department of Energy, and drill in this country where we can. We need to support reasonable and appropriate development of alternative energy sources such as: wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal and improve hydroelectric facilities. I oppose a national cap and trade program because of the higher cost that families and businesses would incur. It will also drive more companies out of this country, leaving more Americans unemployed.

4. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?

We need to repeal the insurance exemption and allow people to buy or take existing policies across state lines. We should be afforded the same options as Federal employees. This will create true market competition. Abolish the third-party payer system. Our healthcare policy spells out what is covered and how much is allowed to be paid by the policy. The patient shops for the doctor or service needed online. The patient makes the decision to work within the allotted schedule or adds to it for better services. This will promote competition and drive prices down. In addition it will empower the patient and create a better doctor patient relationship. Drug companies need to be held accountable through patent reform and opening the free marketplace for competition. The need to recover research and development for new medicines is understandable. However, there is a clear abuse by the drug companies and their pricing index.

5. What, if any, changes should be made to federal rules on campaign financing?

The First amendment grants individuals and businesses the free and unfettered right to advertise, lobby, and contribute to politicians as they choose. The Constitution does not grant Congress the power to regulate campaigns. Article II expressly authorizes the regulation of elections, but the omission of campaigns is obvious.

Congress lacks Constitutional power to regulate campaigns at all.

Therefore, campaign finance reform really means more regulations; telling the American people how they can spend their money and how they can lobby Congress.

Restriction of all citizens freedoms because some politicians cannot control themselves, is NOT the answer.

The real problem: Members of Congress who yield to temptation and influence of money, selling their votes to remain in office. If enough members did not succumb to such temptation, the suggestion of campaign finance reform to undermine the Constitution, would not be necessary

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: April 26, 2012 19:05
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