League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Marin, Sonoma, Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Trinity Counties, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Susan L. Adams Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 2

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?

One method is to promote clean, renewable energy for all new buildings, especially government buildings, insist on better fuel efficient cars, provide incentives, grants and loans for small local serving businesses and work closely with those in my District so that the right funds are directed where needed.

The president's Jobs Act, which would reinvest into our failing infrastructure and would bring new jobs on board. Innovative programs like starting up the Maritime Highway with Short Sea Shipping, providing low interest loans for business incubators such as the FoodWorks in Arcata or the Venture Greenhouse in San Rafael.

One of the biggest challenges is the regulatory nightmare which makes starting new businesses near impossible and chasing established businesses away. Regulatory oversight and efficiency needs to be part of the congressional job. As an example: George Lucas pulled the plug on his studio project in Marin County because a multitude of local, regional, state and federal agencies each had their own unique and long drawn out permitting processes (water and sewer districts, water quality agency, NOAA, ACoE, Fish and Game, Fish and Wildlife, etc.). Keeping good regulations that protect health and safety is important, but streamlining the process so that what should take one or two months to approve, doesn't take 1 or 2 years and cost 3 times the amount.

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?

We can start by reducing defense spending and put that money to work at home rebuilding our infrastructure, funding education and health care.

But we need to look at the defense allocation overall, especially some of the weapons systems which may be obsolete or unproven and military bases throughout the world where they may no longer be needed. But at the same time, we need to keep the promise we made to our troops and the provision of health services when they come home from the war.

We can also consider raising the tax levels on corporations and the very wealthy. When Warren Buffet and his colleagues says "tax me, more," I'm happy to oblige.

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?

We must change our emphasis to clean, renewable energy, away from fossil fuels, natural gas, coal and nuclear.

We must create more fuel efficient vehicles, and institute clean and renewable energy use in all public buildings and vehicles.

The increased implementation of solar panels alone can save millions in cost, and provide energy to fuel much of our electrical needs.

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

I propose a Medicare for All program. Medicare is working. It has a low overhead and can be expanded for all, not just the elderly and disabled. Get the insurance companies out of making health care decisions based on profits, not the needs of the patients.

Obama's health care plan is a start. But we need to do so much more. As a County Supervisor I have seen first hand how locally run preventative care-oriented clinics can help those in need, keep people healthier, including the elderly and children and add to overall wellness and well-being of he community.

This is an economic issues and even a National Security issue, in preparing to met demands of the 21st century.

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

We must get the built-in corruption bred of special interest and corporate money out of politics. The Citizens United decision allowing corporations to give endless amounts to fund their candidates must be overturned by Amendment.

Small changes are made at the local level, but major systemic changes at the Federal level codified by strong laws and enforcement are needed.

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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 16, 2012 15:36
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