League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Marin, Sonoma, Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Trinity Counties, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Larry Fritzlan 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?

See candidate's website, http://LarryFritzlanforCongress.com for additional information.

This country needs to shift from a carbon-centered energy source to green energy options and from machine-made food to farming and producing whole food using sustainable methods. These shifts will create numerous new jobs -- far more jobs than will be lost by the carbon energy-producers.

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?

The United States spends vast amounts on defense that could be better allocated to domestic uses. While we need to retain a defense budget, we don't need to continue colonizing the world. Energy, education, healthcare -- these are just a few of the areas that need better funding if this country is going to stabilize, move forward and flourish.

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?

It is crucial that this country shift its dependence on carbon to using alternative, clean energy sources. We have resources within our own borders to produce energy from wind, water and solar sources. It's critical that this shift begin now, before it's too late for us and our planet to survive.

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

The healthcare problem in this country is first a problem with obesity and preventable health conditions that are rampant in America and that cost millions of dollars to treat. We need to promote health in this country by educating people about healthy food and lifestyle choices, and by providing affordable, nutritious food. When we subsidize corn. corn syrup-filled food, as well as salt and fat-filled food, are cheaper than lettuce and broccoli. The affordability and availability of non-nutritious addictive foods skyrockets health care costs. Second, we need a healthcare plan that does not reward insurance companies at the expense of medical care. A single payer health plan is the only viable means to bringing down healthcare costs and providing fair and easy access to medical care.

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

This is the most critical issue our nation faces today. Until there are different rules for campaign financing, this country will continue to be in a logjam where nothing can be done. As long as politicians are bought by special interests, and cash and special favors are the currency of vote-getting, we cannot have a democracy that represents the people. Campaign finance reform is the only way we can get honest politicians in office who will serve the people's needs. None of the big problems our country faces-- environment, energy, education,addiction, healthcare -- can be effectively dealt with until we have honest adult politicians in office who are capable of thinking about what best serves the majority of the America's citizens.

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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: May 10, 2012 15:43
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