Full transparency in government starts will representatives listening and speaking honestly. Please submit questions here.
I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Q: Why are you running?
A: I’m running for the US Congressional 4th District because our current system and government are broken. Both parties have been corrupted and cannot legislate in the public’s interest. We have been split by partisan slogans and rhetoric but need to unite against corruption and unethical policies. We need people with the courage to stand up to big money and stand for the people with honesty and integrity. I want to give the people who are tired of both parties a candidate they can identify with and trust to speak their voice in Washington DC.

Q: What are your qualifications and background? 
A: I meet every qualification from Article 1 sections 1-5 of the US Constitution. 
I was born and grew up in Northern California. My family, parents, friends, and relatives live in the district. I have long-term interests and loyalty not only to the community in which I live but also to Northern California where my family roots go back into the 1800’s.

Q: What are the most pertinent issues in your race?
A: The most pertinent issue to Democracy in America is the funding of our campaigns. Who are our elected officials representing, “We the People” or big corporate donors?  The Citizens United v FEC decision on January 21st earlier this year has amplified the problem by allowing any US incorporated business (foreign owned included) and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on campaign advertising. Where does that leave Joe taxpayer?  According to Rep. McClintock’s staff, he supports the court’s decision on allowing unlimited corporate and union advertising dollars to be spent on campaigns. I’m with over 70% of Americans and believe this is an outrageous decision and needs to be reversed.

Q: What can you do to save tax dollars?
A: My first act once elected will be to author a bill making our federal and presidential campaigns publicly funded. With a small investment we could realize billions in budget savings. Lawmakers spend anywhere from 1/3 to 2/3 of their time fundraising (aka making deals with big donors) for their next campaign. This practice leads to huge bills that are filled with earmarks and pork to pay back those big donors. It also leads to staggering amounts of subsidies to industries and companies that don’t need subsidies. It would be up to the people to persuade candidates to only use public financing by not voting for those who use private funds.  The priorities of our elected officials have to be the people not special interests if we want Democracy in America.

Q: HEALTH CARE: Should Congress allow the federal government to compete with private insurers in offering health insurance?
A: The competition of a Medicare for all public option is the only way to reduce the ballooning cost of private health insurance in America.  Amending ERISA law giving States the self governing power of setting up their own single payer program.

Q: TAXES: Should Congress raise income taxes on those who earn more than $250,000 per year as a way to pay for programs or reduce deficits?
A: No, those who make 250k should not have their taxes increased. The top marginal tax rate needs to return to the days of balanced budgets and national debt reduction. This rate increase will only come into effect after the first $3 million is made.

Q: IMMIGRATION: Should Congress make it easier for immigrants to become U.S. citizens?
A: No, it should not become easier. Immigration is a cornerstone in the foundation of America but the saturation of cheap labor into the US workforce would hurt an already dwindling middle class during these times of 17% unemployment or underemployment. 

Q: GLOBAL WARMING: Should companies be forced to pay higher taxes if they do not reduce greenhouse emissions
A: Yes, this increase in revenue could help recover some of the hidden external costs associated with these pollutants. These companies have the goal to externalize costs and internalize profits. These external costs are then picked up by the taxpayer.

Q: OIL DRILLING: Should Congress lift the ban on offshore drilling in an attempt to lower gasoline prices?
A: No, 81% of estimated oil and gas resources on federal lands both onshore and offshore remain undeveloped, along with 10,000 drill permits. Lets use these before starting new leases. More information about drilling permits is available online. 

Q: GAY RIGHTS: Should Congress repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act which makes it illegal for the federal government to recognize gay marriages?
A: Yes, I believe this is in violation of the 10th amendment. This issue comes down to civil and equal rights for all US citizens. Government contracts such as Civil Union/ Marriage license should be absent of discrimination.

Q: Ranching itself can upset the balance of nature, e.g. contamination of the water table, clearing of the land and over grazing, etc. What is your opinion on wildlife vs ranching?  How would you balance the two?

A: I share concerns about ranching gaining more and more power in our government. I am a private Ranch Manager (organic) and fully support small family farms and oppose large industrial agriculture. Our public lands have been handed out as subsides for grazing and along with those land grants the migration patterns of wildlife have been threatened by either fences or hunting. I will be a proponent of breaking up all monopolies whether it be financial, energy, or agriculture.  I will also be a proponent of ending subsides to large industries that centralize wealth and political power. For a representative government to work in a functional manner we need to make sure it is the people who fund and control the government, not big money special interests.  We need to move towards a more local agriculture market, right now the average distance travelled of one pound of food is over 1,500 miles. This is unsustainable and very detrimental to our air, water, and our health.