WDEL ElectionWatch Presented by Shellhorn & Hill Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives Candidates were asked to provide a bio and tell us where they stand on five key platform areas...
DEMOCRAT
John Carney
The second of nine children, John was born in Wilmington and raised in Claymont. Both of his parents, Jack and Ann, were teachers who taught him the importance of hard work and the value of a good education. After graduating from Dartmouth College, John chose to come back to Delaware to pursue a career in public service.
Throughout his career, John has always worked to bring people together to get things done. He was worked with both Democrats and Republicans to solve Delaware’s most pressing problems. As Lt. Governor and Secretary of Finance, John worked to create jobs, cut taxes, and strengthen Delaware’s economy. He led the fight for the Cancer Right to Know law and was a strong supporter of the smoking ban.
John also works to improve his community through service on several boards, including the YMCA of Delaware, Special Olympics Delaware, and the St. Francis Hospital Foundation. He is the founder of the Wilmington Hope Youth Basketball League, which strives to teach the city’s youth valuable life lessons through the game of basketball.
John lives in Wilmington with his wife, Tracey, and their sons, Sam and Jimmy.
Education
I firmly believe that the key to long term success as a nation is building a world class public education system.
My top priority is to create jobs and a 21st century economy for our state and nation. To do this, we need to train our students for the science and technology jobs of the future. I support high standards for all of our students, with an emphasis on math, science, and technology, to prepare the next generation of workers to compete in a global economy.
World-class schools require us to have quality teachers in the classroom. We need to do everything we can to attract and prepare the best teachers and give them the tools they need to be successful in raising the achievement levels of all students.
As we move to a 21st century economy based in science and technology, many of the jobs coming back to our state require more than a high school degree. Families need to know that colleges, universities, and community colleges are affordable options, and that’s why federal Pell grants and student loans are so important to help families afford the rising cost of college tuition.
Heatlh
The healthcare system in America is broken. Over 100,000 Delawareans are living without health insurance. Small businesses, in particular, have trouble finding quality coverage that meets their needs and that they can afford. We need to fix our healthcare system so that individuals and businesses can find quality coverage at an affordable price.
While there are shortfalls in the reforms passed this year, the law does provide an opportunity to extend coverage to more families without insurance and make coverage more affordable. But we still have a lot of work to do to make sure the reforms serve the needs of all Delaware families.
Already, the new law is creating a high risk pool to provide insurance to Delawareans with serious pre-existing conditions. I support partnering with other states in our area to create a regional pool for individuals and small businesses, increasing the number of eligible participants and reducing the cost of coverage.
I also believe we need to reduce healthcare inefficiencies by focusing on direct patient physician care. I support placing an emphasis on patient-centered medical homes, which are supported by the local association of family physicians and change the incentives in our healthcare system to reduce costs, provide better patient care, and improve outcomes.
Delaware families should be able to take their children to the doctor and small businesses should be encouraged to grow without the burden of rapidly rising insurance premiums. John is committed to fixing our healthcare system and making these latest reforms work to provide families with the insurance options they need and small businesses the opportunity to grow.
Environment
Delaware is blessed with many precious natural resources, from rich farmland and beautiful beaches to coastal marshes and thick upland forests. We must do everything we can to protect these resources and preserve them for future generations.
For Delaware, preserving our environment means creating an energy policy that reduces carbon emissions and invests in emerging renewable energy technology. As Delaware’s Congressman, I will help secure federal investment in clean energy technology to replace the oil and natural gas power sources on which we rely too heavily today. These new forms of energy will not only protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, but create jobs for Delaware workers in a new, green economy.
We also must move away from the coal, oil, and natural gas sources that only increase global warming and pollution. That is one reason that I so strongly oppose President Obama’s plan to drill for oil and natural gas off of our beaches. My main concern is that just one accident in this industry could destroy Delaware’s coastline, damage our state’s economy, and devastate local communities.
In 2008, I worked to pass the Cancer Right to Know law to make sure that Delawareans have access to critical information regarding cancer risks in their neighborhoods and communities. As Delaware’s Congressman, I am committed to identifying the causes of these cancer risks, and pledge to identify federal funding for a statewide body burden study to better detect any contaminants in our air, water, or environment that put Delawareans at risk.
Public Safety
As a Wilmington resident and father of two sons, I am concerned with protecting the neighborhoods and communities across our state. In too many of our communities, drugs, guns, and the violent crimes that go with them are terrorizing Delaware residents and making them feel unsafe in their homes. I support aggressively enforcing our existing drug and gun laws and prosecuting those who commit violent crimes.
I also know that Delaware’s police officers are on the front lines working everyday to keep our communities safe. As Congressman, I will fight to make sure that Delaware officers have the tools and resources they need to enforce our laws, work with residents, and protect our neighborhoods.
The long term solution for crime in our neighborhoods is not just a law enforcement issue. Crime prevention is inseparable from improving our schools and creating jobs. We need world-class schools that prepare our young people to compete in a global economy and good jobs so that people can provide for their families and become productive members of society. Otherwise they are likely to turn to drugs and crime. As Congressman, I am committed to achieving these goals and will work hard everyday to protect Delaware’s communities.
Economy
Today, our nation is facing its most significant economic challenges since the Great Depression. Delaware families are struggling to provide for their children, pay their mortgage, and save for college or retirement.
I strongly believe that our future depends on creating jobs and building a 21st century economy in Delaware. We need to bring make things again in the U.S., and our best opportunity to do that is by investing in emerging, renewable energy technology. I know these opportunities first hand and will work to help businesses create good paying jobs and a clean energy future by supporting advancements in green technology.
I also know that small businesses are the engine of growth in our economy. I am committed to lowering the tax burden and reducing federal regulations on small businesses to help them grow and create jobs. I will also work with banks and the federal financial system to ensure that qualified small businesses can get access to the credit they need to expand.
I also know that too much government debt will be a drag on our economy in the long term. I will make it a top priority to get government spending under control and reduce the national deficit. I am committed to making the smart, fiscally responsible decisions that create jobs, help small businesses grow, and get our economy back on track.
Rose Izzo
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and now I live in Wilmington, Delaware where I raise my family.
I have degrees both in Psychology and in Communications, but, most importantly, I am a wife, a mother; therefore, I know how to balance a budget, and I know the costs of putting food on a table in the current economic situation. While I am all of the aforementioned, I am not a Career Politician. I respect and honor the Constitution, the Bill of Right, our Veterans and the Voters. For more information, please visit my website: www.RoseIzzoForCongress.com.
Education
I believe that our children's education is the key to our economic future; therefore, we need to help our children succeed in this competitive world we live in by making sure they have the best educational programs. Our education system is not effective. Schools have loss control of accountability of the teachers and this is the fault of the teachers unions. This needs to be changed. I feel that local government needs to look at all options and see what solution works best for them.
Heatlh
I signed the "Repeal It" Pledge for The Club for Growth. In this, I stated that I would sponsor and support legislation in order to repeal any federal healthcare takeover passed in 2010, and I would replace it with real reform that actually benefits us by lowering healthcare costs without growing the government.
I believe that we can lower the cost for healthcare by letting insurance companies compete across state lines. We need Real TORT Reform. We need portability: if people have health insurance with a company, and they change jobs, they should be allowed to take their coverage with themselves.
Environment
As your Congresswomen I will vote NO on “Cap and Trade”. I will sponsor and co-sponsor legislation to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our children and our grandchildren.
Public Safety
According to The Constitution of the United States of America, safety of our citizens must be provided. Our first responders are on the front lines when facing a crisis. As your Congresswomen, I will vote to ensure our Police, Fire and EMS workers get the equipment they need to get the job done and to keep them safe while protecting us.
Economy
We need to develop a strong economic environment in order to help small businesses grow. This will, in effect, create jobs and new opportunities for our fellow Delawareans. I believe we need to cut taxes on small businesses, and this will open up more jobs for prospective employees. As it stands now, the Federal Government has an extremely oppressive way of regulating taxes, restricting business startups, and hindering innovation along with prosperity.
We need to help businesses instead of penalizing them. I will fight to burn every regulation that restricts and kills entrepreneurs and small businesses from succeeding. I will also support Delaware's infrastructures. Our highways, bridges, sewer systems, and transportation need major funding. The support will create and bring new jobs to our amazing residents.
Earl Lofland
Earl Lofland lives in Clayton, Del. He attended Clayton Elementary, Smyrna High School and Widener University, where he studied legal education and federal taxation.
In 1997, he was registered as an Authorized IRS E-file provider and Tax professional and began a business Lofland's Professional Services. In 2000 and 2001, he was contracted with Intuit Corporation as a "Turbo Tax "Individual Taxpayer Tax Consultant" for their Customers using Turbo Tax Software.
He is an avid history buff, studying US Military and US Marine Corps history, American History as well as the US Constitution, Economics and Law.
Since losing his father in 1999 to Parkinson's Disease, Earl has been a strong voice and advocate for the Morris K Udall Act and scientific research to find a cure for Parkinson's and other neurological movement disorders since 1995. He has been a supporter of the National Parkinson's Disease Foundation based in Miami FL since 1995.
He is currently the State President for The Knights of the Innocent - a national non-profit child advocacy organization headquartered in Collinsdale, PA.
His family has been in Delaware dating prior to 1762. With some whom have served the people of Delaware as Secretary of State. US Congressman (James R. Lofland), Governor (Son of Letitia Ross Lofland Wm HH Ross) and Sussex County Sheriff (Dorman Lofland 1775-1777).
Boating, hunting, trapping, crabbing and gardening have also played a major role in of his life.
He has been an avid motorcyclist for over 25 years and have been active with either Abate of DE, Abate of South Carolina or Abate of Louisiana. A member of the Oath Keepers, Patriot Guard Riders and the Sons of Liberty Riders all non profit organizations that are founded by Veterans. He is a strong proponent and advocate for veterans.
He attends Grace Point Church of God in Smyrna DE and have been involved in conservation where I participated in the Adopt A Wetland Program through DNREC conducting research and teaching others of the importance of the oyster population in the Delaware Bay.
Education
The Constitutional role of Education is to be left up to each individual state and not the federal government.
I propose doing away with the Department of Education on the federal level. This will reduce the size of government and as well as reduce taxes on the taxpayer.
The State, local school administrators and parents are best able to manage and implement the needs for each students K-12 learning and educational development.
I also support voucher programs for students to use in any school of their parents or guardians choice. The parents rights to choose what school their children attend under a voucher program as well should be recognized. Private, Charter, Public School system or, a home schooling learning program.
Heatlh
The recent Health Care Law is unconstitutional and unless it is completely repealed it will cause more problems by adding a huge tax burden on the American Public. Permitting the IRS to invade a person’s bank accounts to see if they are paying for Health Insurance is also a violation the rights of Americans protected by the 4th Amendment No longer will health care insurance be considered a benefit as it will now be included as part of your salary.
Environment
I believe that we must look for alternative sources of energy. We also must promote opportunities for American Owned business growth. Returning back the fundamental principles that our country was founded on is to have a competitive edge in the manufacturing and other private business sectors with other countries. Instead promoting other countries to be more competitive with us. This backwards thinking has destroyed our economy. Our State should be seeking ways to promote and encourage locally owned business owners to grow and prosper.
Public Safety
This is a topic that is best left for the state to address. There are several ways to promote national security. One of those ways is to get out of the UN and the UN out of the US.
Auditing the Federal Reserve and conducting a thorough investigation where the Federal Reserve has given US tax dollars and for what purposes.
Congress should also begin working on measures to begin pulling our military out of Afghanistan and other countries We have no commission from God to be the police for the world. (Benjamin Harrison, Founding Father).
Giving the states leverage in seeking ways to secure their states borders will also promote National Security. Though National Security is a federal issue the borders of each state is a state issue and not to be infringed upon by the federal government.
Reducing the number of illegal immigrants in the states who are on state and federal subsidies will also reduce our national debt and promote small business growth.
By returning back to a sound dollar that is based on a logical gold and silver or real property standard also will be beneficial in solving all of the problems our country faces today.
Each State has its individual problems with illegal immigration. And each state should be capable to manage that problem without the intrusion of the federal Government in accordance to Amendment X of the US Constitution.
Economy
In January of 2011 The Tax payer will be affected with 3 phases of tax burdens. That will further damage the economy. The economy is best solved by leaving that up to the private sector.
High unemployment levels combined higher taxes are two major issues that will impact how our country reduces the national debt to foreign interests.
Several ways to correct the problems with the economy are by abolishing Amendment XVII and doing away with the IRS completely. Another way to do this is by reducing taxes, repealing the recent Healthcare Bill, and extending the Economic Growth and Recovery Tax ACT. This will assist in correcting the economic problems.
Brent Wangen
Brent was born and raised in the Midwest. He experienced both the urban setting of Flint, Michigan and the rural life of Brownsdale, Minnesota. After graduating from Dubuque Senior High in Dubuque, Iowa, he attended the University of Dubuque. Brent joined the United States Air Force in 1989 and was stationed at Dover Air Force Base (AFB) in Dover Delaware as a C-5 Crew Chief as part of the 436th MAW. Here he met his now wife Carol and they began a family. In 1995 after the birth of his daughter, he became a Flight Engineer and was transferred to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Brent was assigned to the 964th AWACS Squadron. In 1998 the Wangen family was blessed with a son. In 1999 Brent was transferred to McGuire AFB in New Jersey and assigned to the 2nd ARS on the KC-10 Extender Arial Refueling Aircraft. After leaving the Air Force in 2002, Brent began working for Computer Science Corporation (CSC) as a Desktop Technician and quickly worked his way into Project Management. In 2007 Brent became a PMI Certified Project Manger and continues to work for CSC in this role today.
Education
In regards to your specific areas listed below, as a Federal candidate all of the listed areas are not within the scope of the Federal Government’s constitutionally granted powers. Only the economy in its purest sense can be acted upon by the Federal Government and I believe I can sum up my position on the economy in a quote from President Van Buren “If laws acting upon private interests can not always be avoided, they should be confined within the narrowest limits, and left wherever possible to the legislatures of the States”, and President Jackson “The duty of government is to leave commerce to its own capital and credit as well as all other branches of business, protecting all in their legal pursuits, granting exclusive privileges to none.” The rest are State level issues that should not be addressed by the Federal Government. Please see Article 1 section 8 of the U.S. Constitution of the United States. The huge deficits and overspending by the Federal Government are directly related to the amount of usurping of powers by the Federal Government. I believe any and all Federal Departments that are set up to deal with any of the areas you have listed below are unconstitutional and should be closed and remanded to the respective states.