League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Fresno, Merced, Madera Counties, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Loraine Goodwin, M.D.,J.D. Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 16

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?

I encourage everyone to work and participate in the financial repair of our country. I have an education plan that will give veterans the ability to get good jobs now and advance, as desired, to fulfill their dreams. We can not improve until we get a better Congress, so we need to vote our current Congress out!! International businesses do not want to invest in the U.S. because Congress is unstable and unable to make rational policy and program decisions. If we do not get rid of problem congressmen and the "dead weight" Congress will continue to lose the trust of the people and we will lose the ability to become financially sound. I will work to bring the work ethic back to Congress and discuss real issues. I will not revert to TV sound bites and divisive party lines. I will work for you, the American people, our seniors, our veterans, and our families in Congress. I believe in eliminating the deficit, clean air, and clean water. That's why I have worked on the district air board and the water board for years. As a business person, I support business. By running for Congress, I am fighting for the American family and a strong nation..

2. How should the federal budget deficit be addressed, now and into the future? How should budget priorities for defense and domestic programs be adjusted?

I will work to reduce the federal deficit. I will vote to reduce congressional salaries and benefits. I will vote against federal administrative expansion. I have watched republicans and Democrats vote for new expenditures over the past three years, in violation of their promises to cut government expenditures. I will not drag the U.S. into wars throughout the Middle East. We have paid war costs, financial and human, over the past ten years. I will ensure America and her allies are secure and focus on reintegrating our veterans into our communities, jobs, education, financial issues, and health care.

3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy? Should there be an emphasis on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, and/or on reducing our dependence on foreign sources?

Americans use a lot of energy and dislike any solution that requires cutting back. We must use clean energy where possible. Electric cars still have a lot of problems and cities are not prepared to handle a lot of the new technology. With China, Korea and other places using more energy annually, we will need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil sources and protect our identified resources.

4. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?

There needs to be public clarity about the status of the social security funds. I will preserve Medicare for seniors and I oppose vouchers or pay-outs which will leave seniors abandoned, fighting for health care with out government assurances. We can not leave health care and the many potential future concerns to be decided by inexperienced representatives. My background in medicine, law, prevention, mental health, veterans care, senior care, insurance, and health care administration will allow me to improve health care and protect our citizens. I will use my conflict resolution skills to stop the dysfunction and stagnation we have seen in Congress over the past four years. Nothing will improve if Congress only speaks in TV sound bites and party phrases. I will work to improve Congress and bring the confidence in Washington, D.C. needed to secure international investors. As a past union board member and Madera Unified trustee, I am a proven leader who can balance budgets and solve problems. I have run medical businesses for years and I understand the needs and problems of small businesses and start-ups. I started the Madera Farm-to-School Program, feeding kids and paying farmers, so I know how to work with the federal government to create local jobs and feed families in the face of local opposition.

5. What, if any, changes should be made to federal rules on campaign financing?

Too much money is spent inflating candidates who do not have the education, experience or skills to create a better Congress. It takes more than a million signs. Once a candidate in a race hits $60,000 in donations, each candidate should be given $1,000 from an election fund to allow candidates better public visibility. Individual candidates can not compete with the money that floods campaigns from special interests and lobbyists. A huge number of voters are not informed about past work experience of candidates, yet the special interest groups pad their fundraising numbers.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 20, 2012 19:54
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