Q&A with Greenberg

1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?

I believe that Washington has forgotten who they truly work for, and my number one goal when I get to Congress will be to give the people a voice once again in government. My business background has uniquely prepared me for the economic hardships our nation faces. I will work to turn our economy around by encouraging American ingenuity. The entrepreneurial spirit is what makes America great and will turn around our economy. America is the greatest nation on earth, and we must all work together to preserve our liberties and pass on a stronger nation to our children. Both parties have failed the American people by playing partisan politics rather than working together to find solutions. I will work across party lines, never worrying who amongst the political establishment I anger. I will gladly sacrifice the Congressional pin on my lapel to do the right thing for the families in the 8th District.

2. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

As Congressman, I aim to lower taxes to create jobs here at home and eliminate wasteful government spending to balance the budget. I will work towards energy independence by developing additional American-made energy, increasing efficiency, and encouraging development of clean alternatives. I will make our families safer by strengthening our security and providing our law enforcement officers the tools they need to be successful.

3. In which ways, if at all, would you alter U.S. policy in Iraq and Afghanistan? How would you characterize the effect of the U.S. "surge" in Iraq? What objectives, if any, must the U.S. still meet before it begins to withdraw troops?

We need to bring our troops home safely from Iraq as quickly as possible, while ensuring Iraq is left as a free, safe and stable democracy. If the Iraqi government deems it necessary, some troops should remain temporarily to assist in training Iraqi soldiers. Also, measures must be taken to ensure that troops returning home receive the best medical care and can more easily readapt to civilian life. The escalation of violence and destabilization of Afghanistan calls for a temporary increase in troop strength. However, we must learn from the situation in Iraq and work with our allies in the region, most notably Pakistan, to conduct military operations while strengthening our relationship with our allies. In addition, we must have a clear set of goals and a pre-established plan for bringing our troops home safely once those goals are met.

4. What short-term steps, if any, would you advocate to keep gasoline prices in check?

Energy prices can be lowered in the short-term by lifting the Congressional ban on offshore drilling and drilling in Alaska and by removing the red tape that prohibits building new refineries and nuclear energy plants. While it will take several years for these new energy sources to contribute to America's energy supply, their future existence will drive down energy prices immediately.

5. Please list the key elements of your preferred long-term energy policy. Rank or rate the relative importance of domestic oil exploration, conservation and alternative-energy development. What part, if any, should ethanol play in U.S. energy policy?

America's long term energy future is not in oil. Investments must be made into alternatives that can reduce and eventually eliminate our nation's dependence on oil. We need to reinvest revenues received from selling land leases to oil companies into clean and safe energy alternatives, moving our nation towards a long term solution without costing taxpayers a dime. Ethanol production has proven not to be the silver bullet many hoped it would be. Ethanol is simply a step toward a clean, renewable alternative that quenches our nation's thirst for oil. I advocate higher-tech alternatives such as algae biodiesel & cellulosic ethanol.

6. What steps, if any, should Congress take to promote economic recovery? What steps by the federal government might make the nation's economy worse?

I believe our nation needs a second economic stimulus package. However, it must be accomplished through permanent tax cuts rather than one-time government hand-outs. These tax cuts would help provide relief to Americans who are struggling with high food and energy costs, and stimulate a struggling economy. America's tax structure is not competitive in the global market and it is eliminating jobs for hard-working Americans. We must lower corporate taxes to attract businesses and incentivize companies to place their bets in America. In addition, by increasing American-production of energy (offshore drilling, nuclear, alternatives) we can create additional jobs and strengthen our economy.

7. Do you favor or oppose a larger federal role in health-care? Either way, why and what should the federal role be? What, if anything, should be done about rising health care costs and Americans who do not have health coverage?

A massive federal bureaucracy is not the answer to our healthcare situation. It would be costly and inefficient, increasing healthcare costs while decreasing the quality and availability of health care services. We must reduce federal mandates on health insurance plans, which are a result of special interest activities in Washington. Giving individuals the power to choose the plan that suits them and their family will lower the number of uninsured in America and bring down the cost of healthcare. Allowing individuals and small businesses to pool for buying power will also serve to lower healthcare costs. We must also ensure that our doctors are paid in full and on time. In addition, increasing competition by encouraging more businesses into the pharmaceutical industry would drive down the cost of prescription medication and increase choice for consumers.

8. Would you maintain or scale back federal tax cuts made during the past eight years? Either way, why? How, as specifically as possible, would you try to reduce federal budget deficits and the national debt?

The tax cuts must be extended permanently, and I would consider reducing them even further. A struggling economy cannot sustain increased taxation, and by reducing taxes we allow hard-working Americans to keep more of their paychecks to spend on their futures as they see fit. History has shown that lower taxes actually increase revenues to the federal government. Wasteful government spending is what throws our budget out of balance and puts our nation further into debt. I will fight relentlessly against wasteful government spending and the unethical practice of earmarks.

9. The current Congress could not agree on immigration reform. What would you do to advance reform in a divided Congress, and, briefly, what should the key policy elements be?

The debate over illegal immigration is over the law, not the people. Legal immigration is vital to our nation's future, and the system must be streamlined. The laws regarding illegal immigration are not being enforced-they must either be enforced or reworked. I would push for a completion of the Mexican border fence. This is something a divided Congress can agree on. In addition, businesses must be given the tools they need to be able to abide by the laws. They need to be able to immediately look up the citizenship status of a potential employee before they are hired. I would push for expanded access to programs like the e-verify system.

10. In what ways is the U.S. government successfully defending citizens against terrorism, and in what ways is the U.S. failing in that regard?

The US government has successfully protected her citizens from another attack on US soil thanks to the reforms to our intelligence agencies passed in the wake of 9/11, along with the increased tools provided them and an increase in public awareness. These gains are fragile, however, and the safety of our families is paramount. Domestic terrorism must also be considered, and that is where we are failing. In the name of "fiscal conservatism" many important programs, such as the BYRNE Grant and the AFGP (Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program), have received heavy cuts in recent years. I believe in spending wisely, or "fiscal responsibility"-and I can think of nothing more important than the safety of our families. Funding to these programs must be restored. Our law enforcement must be given the tools they need to be successful in their all-important task.