17th Congressional District candidate survey: Phil Hare
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By Phil Hare | Saturday, November 04, 2006 |
Derek Anderson/Quad-City Times Phil Hare was the district represenative for Rep. Lane Evans for 23 years before becoming the Democratic candidate who wants to succeed Evans.
Phil Hare served as Rep. Lane Evans district director for the congressman’s entire career and was hand-picked by Evans as a successor. Hare graduated from Alleman High School while holding down a job at the International Harvester Farmall factory in Rock Island. He later worked at Seaford Clothing factory, eventually becoming president of the employee union. Hare also served in the Army Reserve. He and his wife Becky raised two children.
Rock Island Arsenal
What contemporary role does the Rock Island Arsenal have in our nation’s defense? What role does the entire island have as a federal installation?
I am a strong supporter of conventional weapons. The Rock Island Arsenal plays a vital role in providing for our national defense. Millions of taxpayers’ dollars have been spent to modernize the Arsenal. We need to be proactive in keeping the current jobs we have there, and work very hard to recruit additional missions. I want to work in a bipartisan manner with our local congressional delegation to keep the Rock Island Arsenal open and expand if possible. I will do everything I can as a congressman to support increased federal funding for this vital installation. The work that was and is being performed at the Arsenal in support of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan saved countless lives and is a testament to the wonderful work being done by the men and women employed on the island.
Mississippi River locks
How necessary is expansion of the upper Mississippi River lock system?
The expansion of the upper Mississippi River Valley Lock System is vital for our farmers and other industries that utilize barge transportation. The locks and dams were built in the 1930s and are badly in need of repair and/or replacement. Over 20,000 good
paying jobs will be created by the expansion of the lock system. I applaud the farm bureau, the corn growers and organized labor for working together on this vital project. I hope the House-Senate conference will finish its work and the necessary funds will be allocated to begin the project. I am in total support of these projects.
Education
Describe the impact of No Child Left Behind on schools in your district. No Child Left Behind has turned our teachers into testers. The Bush administration has underfunded this program and as a result, school districts have had to take funds from programs such as fine arts, physical education and the sciences in order to pay for the required testing. Many children in special education classes are forced to take tests that are beyond their grade level because of a format given by the federal government. I am very much opposed this discriminatory way of treating children in special education and will work to end this practice.
Do you support reauthorization of NCLB?I have spoken to many teachers and school administrators in this congressional district and without exception, they have told me that this legislation needs work.
What role should national standards or a national curriculum play in improving the competitiveness of American public education? I want to work with our teachers, administrations and our students to enact legislation that once again cares more about educating our children than testing them.
Marriage
What should be the federal government’s role in regulating marriage? I do not subscribe to the notion that passing a constitutional amendment will save traditional marriages. Over one-half of all marriages end in divorce. I do not tolerate discrimination for any reason, whether it is race, religion or sexual orientation.
Should America require public and private companies to extend benefits to participants in committed same-sex relationships?I believe that America should treat all committed relationships with the dignity and respect they deserve, including benefits.
Energy
How can America be less dependent on foreign energy? What can you do to make that happen?
I am a strong supporter of alternative energy sources. Ethanol and biodiesel fuels are two great ways for us to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Ethanol and biodeisel are not just good for this district and its farmers, they are good for our nation and our environment. I also want to see Illinois use Illinois coal. Currently we import coal from western states. This makes no sense when we have tons of coal that can and should be mined in the southern part of this district. The federal government needs to work in a partnership with state and local governments to mine the coal safely and burn it in an environmentally friendly manner. I also support solar, wind and hydroelectric power as alternative energy sources. We must also work with the automobile manufacturers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Farm Policy
Are federal subsidies for corn and soybeans viable in our international economy?
I will work to ensure that our farmers are paid a fair amount for the products they produce. I believe subsidies are very important to our farmers in an international economy. I will work very hard to see that our farmers can compete on a level playing field.
Immigration
Complete this sentence: Undocumented Mexican immigrants in America are......here in violation of U.S. laws.
How would you propose handling the undocumented immigrants of any nationality here and those who may follow?I support legislation that would triple fines on employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. Last year, three employers were found in violation of those hiring laws. There are over four million companies in the United States. The Bush administration has done a poor job of enforcing current immigration laws. I also support increasing border patrol officers and enforcement officers.
Social Security
Assess the need for reforming Social Security. What changes do you support? Social Security is one of the most important programs this country has. It is vital to our senior citizens and the people receiving disability assistance. I am opposed to and plan that would include privatization of Social Security. Social Security must be kept off budget and the funds in the plan should not be used for other purposes. Social Security is the only source of income many people have. I will do everything in my power as a congressman to keep this program funded.
The federal deficit
What are your thoughts on the proposed $250 million deficit President Bush hopes to leave at the end of his term?
This president and the Republican Congress have done a terrible job with regards to the deficit. The president cut taxes on the wealthiest Americans like Paris Hilton and is spending $3 billion a week on the Iraq war. Never in American history has this happened. President Bush has not vetoed a single spending bill since becoming president over five years ago. This Congress passed a $253 million bill to fund the infamous bridge to nowhere.This Republican Congress, that just a few years ago criticized Democrats for being big spenders, have spent America into massive budget deficits that will take years and billions of dollars to solve the problem.
What specific steps would you support to hasten its reduction?
I would immediately eliminate the massive tax breaks that Bush gave to the wealthiest Americans. I would also work to see that Congress no longer funds projects that serve no useful purpose. I also believe that our spending priorities are wrong. We need to make sure that our most vulnerable citizens are taken care of and the programs that working families need are funded.
How important is it that Congress act to reduce the deficit during your first term?Very important 1 2 3 4 5 not at all important
Israel and American leadership
Describe America’s leadership responsibility for peace between Israel and its neighbors. Israel is one of America’s closest allies. I believe the United States needs to lead the effort to see that a lasting peace can be achieved for Israel and her neighbors.
Describe America’s leadership role in a 21st century world.
America is the most powerful nation in the world. We are also the greatest democracy in the world. We must lead by example. America should be a beacon of hope and freedom for every other nation to see. We must always remember what makes us great and always be ready to help other countries when called upon.
Nuclear proliferation
How should the U.S. respond to Iran's desire to develop nuclear material?The United States should do everything it can diplomatically with regard to Iran. We should work with the United Nations and with countries from the region to begin discussions with Iran on ending their desire to develop nuclear materials. America should be leading the diplomatic effort to deal with Iran.
How should the U.S. respond to North Korea's missile tests? I believe that as with Iran, the United States should work with other countries in dealing with North Korea. Every possible diplomatic effort must be made to solve this dangerous situation.
Does the U.S. need a consistent response to all nuclear threats? We must always be prepared to defend our nation and our allies if called upon.
How important is it that Congress act to curtail nuclear proliferation during your first term?Very important 1 2 3 4 5 not at all important
War in Iraq
How have your thoughts about the war in Iraq changed over the past year?
I have seen an increase in violence in Iraq during this past year. We have lost over 2600 troops since this war began. Every one of these brave men and women gave their lives for us and are heroes. We have thousands more wounded. This administration has failed to give our troops the necessary equipment to protect them. I will do everything I can to see that our troops are protected.
What outcome would you like to see for Iraq?
I would like to see Iraq be able to stand on its own with regard to its police and mili-tary. I am hopeful that the new constitution that was recently adopted works for all the parties concerned.
What outcome would you like to see for America?
I want to see our troops come home in a safe and timely manner. The president owes the American peoples a better idea of when we can expect our troops to re-turn safely than, as he put it, “not during my term.”
Is a deadline for withdrawal helpful or hurtful in obtaining those outcomes?
I do not believe that giving a reasonable timetable for our troops to come home safely is hurtful. As I said earlier, Iraq must learn to stand on its own. It is time for the government of Iraq to show it has the capability of doing so. That was the purpose given to us by this administration and I believe the time has come for Iraq to govern itself.
How important is it that Congress act on your priorities for Iraq during your first term? Very important 1 2 3 4 5 not at all important
Personal Insight
Here’s an experience I’ve had that I wish everyone could have: I met President Jimmy Carter and his wife at the White House.
The favorite DVD I own is... National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (Chevy Chase stars in this 1989 installment of the Griswold family misfortunes.)
The last CD I bought for myself: “Solid Gold Oldies.”
I’ve bought this book for friends: Take it Back, by James Carville and Paul Begalia
I’ve always wanted to read: Gone With The Wind
Here's an experience I've had that I wish everyone could have: I met President Jimmy Carter and his wife at the White House
My best family vacation was: Our trip to South Dakota in 1990.
Call me if you need help with... ...running a political campaign.
Here’s a musical instrument I’d love to learn how to play: Piano
The first car I purchased for myself was… a 1953 Nash station wagon.
Here is a celebrity who is a terrific role model: Michael J. Fox.
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