League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Barbara, Ventura County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
	Brett Wagner Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 24

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What can be done to ensure that California gets its fair share of federal resources?

Be a proactive member of the House. For example, the 24th district contains several military facilities, one of which I teach at. The effect on the local economy and our national security is effected if these bases either close or are scaled back. I intend to review all the programs and funding options that can be ultilized for the district. The only special interest I have is the 24th District. to represent everyone's best interest and actively seek deserved federal resources. You can't do that by not listening to constituents, not attending meetings and not soliciting concerns. I will reverse this trend.

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

I understand the threat of terrorism and can work with Democrats and Republicans alike to safeguard our country from that threat. As President of the California Center for Strategic Studies, we put together a $10 billion deal to purchase all of the former USSR's dangerously under secured stockpiles of nuclear weapons grade materials to prevent them from falling into terrorists hands.

America's foreign policy needs consistency, clarity and realistic goals. We cannot afford to overextend our armed forces. By doing this, we create an even greater threat by stripping away National Guard and Reservists vital to defending the homeland.

3. What are your priorities for the federal budget?

-Reduce the tax burden on small businesses
-Redirect the tax cuts to benefit working families
-Close the tax loopholes for U.S. corporations that move offshore.
-Restore investor confidence by outlawing deceptive accounting and rampant corporate corruption.
-Balance the federal budget as soon as possible to ensure the long term viability of Social Security, Medicare, public education etc.
-Reverse the corporate policy of exporting American jobs overseas and the current trend towards jobs that do not pay the prevailing wage.