The greatest challenge facing the next congressman and how I would handle it

Recently I have been asked to respond to various questions posed by media organizations on my views on certain issues. The next few blogs will share my answers to some of those questions. First up: "What do you see as the greatest challenges of the office at this time and how do you propose to meet them?"

The greatest challenge is restoring public confidence in the ability of Congress to constructively handle the issues of our time. There is strong sentiment that many congressmen are too engaged in partisan, self-serving agendas rather than listening to the concerns of the people and working with them to design solutions to the problems of the country by unleashing the strength of individual Americans and limiting the scope and size of the federal government. I would focus on reestablishing public confidence by first working with other congressmen in implementing a plan that creates an environment of stable economic growth and job creation.

As I said on May 7, 2009, one of the reasons I am running for Congress is that people who are middle class (or aspire to be middle class) see the traditional middle class foundation of a decent job and affordable housing, healthcare and higher education ( for one's self and one's family) slowing dissolving away from under them. They also see their freedoms and liberties being threatened by an ever growing and encroaching federal government. As an article well states the situation:
"...Republicans...need a reform agenda that helps ordinary Americans- better, helps them help themselves- and that can be seen as such... (M)iddle-class families are the country's backbone, not one of its interest groups....Without a thriving middle class, America will not be a strong country and will certainly not be a country interested in limited government." (from "Beyond 'No'," by Ponnuru and Lowry, National Review, June 8, 2009).

That is why I support Congressman Paul Ryan's proposal to control federal spending, empower small businesses to create jobs, encourage individual responsibility and establish a healthy economy. For more details on Ryan's plan, go to www.roadmap.republican.budget.house.gov.