Scientists & Engineers for America

Candidate Responses for MS-3

Comparing responses to Innovation & the Elections 2008 for:

Innovation

Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?

Joel Gill

Increase grant and schlorship funding for science and math students. Oppose Free Trade Agreements that continue to outsource manfacture of sensitive electronic and technological equipment.

Gregg Harper

All candidates have been invited to respond to the Innovation & the Elections 2008 questionnaire on science and technology policy. Urge Gregg Harper to participate by sending him an email today.

Climate Change

The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?

Joel Gill

A unilateral approach to this problem will not work. We should not saddle the United States with restrictive measures such as a carbon tax or a cap and trade system which would be an additional drain on our economy with no or little benefit to the enviroment. Being in the cattle business, I question why just now are cow bealches and flatulence being blamed for global warming. They have been preforming these natural functions since the beginning of time. I suggest that we are in a normal cycle that will in the next 100 years return to the cooler temperatures of the past.

With the rising cost of fuel, people will self limit and shift to those fuel efficient vehicles on their own so I do not favor mandating greater restrictions on manufactures.

I support greater research to develop military vehicles that will be more fuel efficient and enviroment friendly.

Gregg Harper

All candidates have been invited to respond to the Innovation & the Elections 2008 questionnaire on science and technology policy. Urge Gregg Harper to participate by sending him an email today.

Energy

Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?

Joel Gill

I favor more nuclear develpoment for electricty.

I favor more research on hydrogen as a fuel.

I favor providing credits to promote more usage of Geo thermal technology for home heating and cooling.

For the immediate future, I favor expanded drilling operations both off shore and in ANWR and new refineries provided the oil stays in the United States and does not enter the world market. This must be coupled with a requirement to ensure no or very little reduction in the current amount of oil supplied to by sellers in this nation.

Gregg Harper

All candidates have been invited to respond to the Innovation & the Elections 2008 questionnaire on science and technology policy. Urge Gregg Harper to participate by sending him an email today.

Education

A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?

Joel Gill

I favor promoting through funding, increased programs to introduce elementary students to science programs to entice them to more interest in all sciences. As the students reach the high school level, offer scholarships for those willing to go into science programs in college.

This funding should go directly to the school districts with slight monitoring and a few guidelines for effectiveness, not a one size fits all strictly overseen program from Washington. The local schools will develop the most effective program to entice their particular students into the sciences far better than "big brother".

Gregg Harper

All candidates have been invited to respond to the Innovation & the Elections 2008 questionnaire on science and technology policy. Urge Gregg Harper to participate by sending him an email today.

Water

Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?

Joel Gill

We must maintain the water rights guarenteed by deed in the Western states. For those communities that feel they need more water, they should negotiate and pay for that water from the rightful owner.

More research into desalization of sea water although that at this time is a litttle out of reach, although with more nuclear electricy it may become more practical in the future.

I do not favor expansion of the current wetlands policies which encraoch on private property rights.

Gregg Harper

All candidates have been invited to respond to the Innovation & the Elections 2008 questionnaire on science and technology policy. Urge Gregg Harper to participate by sending him an email today.

Research

For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?

Joel Gill

I favor research into hyrogen as a fuel. I somewhat lean in favor of support more stem cell research.

Gregg Harper

All candidates have been invited to respond to the Innovation & the Elections 2008 questionnaire on science and technology policy. Urge Gregg Harper to participate by sending him an email today.

Health

Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?

Joel Gill

We will probably not be able to research our way out of the high cost of health care. A renewed public system with annual exams (you may use your private physician at your own cost), MRI machines and lab tests manned by new graduates from medical schools and overseen by highly paid senior staff will provide a base line cost of quality patient care to allow insurance companies to provide lower cost policies because expensive tests and procedures could be handled in the public sector once set up. This problem will not be solved overnight.

Gregg Harper

All candidates have been invited to respond to the Innovation & the Elections 2008 questionnaire on science and technology policy. Urge Gregg Harper to participate by sending him an email today.
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