League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz Counties, CA November 2, 2004 Election
	Joel R. Smolen Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 17

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

2. What are your foreign policy priorities for the United States?

I support the removal of our troop in Iraq to be replaced by regional troop and the expansion of a new Iraq army as soon as possible. I believe in a smaller but strong military that is mobile, but defensive in nature, that could support limited, but appropriate military action. A re prioritization of the military role in foreign policy to one that is decisive, but a military that is used offensively only under the most extreme of situations. I support the reduction of international aid, especially where it supports dependency and supports despotic regimes. I support enhancement of educational opportunity as a much more viable choice than "aid" as it is now defined. I support international "free trade" and view it as a national priority

3. What are your priorities for the federal budget?

A balanced budget with full transparency, Including reductions in expenditures, with accompanying Income tax reduction. It is time for new, creative solutions to our taxes. I support a tax that would encourage business and would also provide for a graduated and appropriate taxes for individuals. I support a VAT tax, which does not tax housing, food, and health related items. That would allow for the disadavantaged to pay little while capturing large expenditures of the wealthy and non-paying or tax avoiding individuals. All would pay. This would allow industry to grow, creating jobs and capital. This would also reduce collection costs and would eliminate the need to file income taxes and would simplify and reduce the IRS to one of oversight and collection management only. This tax would include all residents of the United States.This tax which would be progressive, would include all our citizens and guests, and tourists. I support the elimination of income tax and a smaller IRS, which would only monitor the collection of revenue from VAT taxes. This would provide a means to collect progressive taxes from citizens based on their spending habits, and ability to buy non-essential items. I support the elimination of corporate tax and individual income tax and inheritance tax