Candidate Responses for OH-13

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?

Betty Sutton

I believe we absolutely must invest in and make innovation a priority for our nation. I introduced and managed floor debate on House Resolution 350, which passed the House on May 2, 2007. H.Res. 350 was the rule leading to the passage of H.R. 1868, the Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act, which authorized appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for Fiscal Years 2008, 2009, and 2010. The NIST strives to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness through the advancement of measurement science, standards and technology. The bill also allocated funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The MEP program leverages federal, state, local and private investments to stimulate new manufacturing processes and technologies. It is through these new processes and technologies that American manufacturers can better compete against overseas manufacturers.

David Potter

I would support polices that keep government out of the way. Government needs to allow science to grow on it own, support it from a distance. Our innovations in countless areas, medicine, industry, etc. were all done with little government intervention. The more government gets involved directly with science the more it seems to suffer. If government wants to support innovations, it should do so financially; however, they need to realize that they cannot use it for political gain by expecting result tomorrow. It takes time to grow and discover.

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?

Betty Sutton

I am concerned about the impact of global warming. I was pleased to vote for passage of comprehensive energy legislation that invests in renewable energy technology that will protect our environment, create “green jobs” and save consumers money on their energy bills and at the pump. The energy bill increases vehicle emission standards for the first time in 30 years, requiring vehicles to get 35 miles per gallon by 2020. This historic increase will reduce oil consumption by 1.1 million gallons per day by 2020. This energy bill also makes significant strides to curb greenhouse gases. By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions will be cut by 24 percent. In particular, the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting will be increased, reducing emissions and saving Americans $400 billion through 2030. I also believe we should pursue a responsible Cap and Trade policy that will protect our environment and spur development of advanced technology and “green” jobs without sacrificing the jobs of tens of thousands of hardworking men and women in Northeast Ohio and across the U.S.

David Potter

Climate change is an extremely difficult topic; one that I do not truly feel I am an authority to comment on. Mainly because the research that I have uncovered seems incomplete or only select sections are released for the public. There are several polices that I might support if I truly believe the material I was reading had not been edited to achieve a different purpose.

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?

Betty Sutton

As we continue to strive for energy independence, we must develop and promote renewable and alternative forms of energy. Twice last year, I voted for a 15 percent renewable electricity standard (RES), key efficiency and consumer tax provisions and the repeal of unnecessary subsidies for oil companies. I believe we should not abandon these goals and have urged Congressional leadership to continue to pursue an increase in RES and to pass renewable energy and efficiency tax incentives to help achieve our energy independence. I am also a member of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus.

David Potter

a. Increases domestic oil and gas exploration

b. Supports drilling offshore where oil is found

c. Encourages more nuclear and hydropower production

d. Encourages new pipelines

e. Support Coal Gasification, greater use of coal

f. Fund research into innovative clean-coal technologies and alternative fuel sources like hydrogen-fueled engines

g. Make all hybrid cars and trucks eligible for high tax credits

h. Promote the reopening of domestic refineries and the building of more across Ohio and the country

i. Provide incentives to promote conservation and energy efficiency.

j. Authorize a clean coal power initiative for clean coal research

k. Promote wind energy to harness wind power and attract a windmill factory like to Northeast Ohio and the building of wind factories in Lake Erie

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?

Betty Sutton

Our federal government has an obligation to make necessary investments in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math so that our students will be prepared to compete in a rapidly advancing global economy that is dominated by science and technology. Last year I sponsored and managed the resolution which led to passage of the America COMPETES Act, which creates programs to enhance teacher education in the STEM fields and makes crucial investments in education and job training programs for students who wish to pursue STEM careers. I am also proud to cosponsor the Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act, which will build on the America COMPETES Act by providing for enhanced coordination of federal STEM education efforts and foster cooperation between the States and federal agencies.

David Potter

a. Increased Education Spending

b. Allow for more Local and State Control

c. Remove the punishments for teacher and schools

d. Remove AYP goals that are not going to be meant

e. Allow teachers to actually teach!

f. Allow the Ohio Graduation Tests to be more flexible for special needs students

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?

Betty Sutton

As a member of the Great Lakes Task Force, I have taken an active role in fighting to protect the Great Lakes, the largest fresh water source in the world. I will continue to support legislation and federal funding to stop the introduction of invasive species, prevent sewage contamination, and clean up contaminated sediment. I am also a cosponsor of the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act, which will restore authority to what it was prior to Supreme Court decisions of the past six years that have unnecessarily limited federal authority under the Clean Water Act. In addition, I supported a measure to fully fund the Clean Water Fund and voted in favor of the Water Quality Financing Act, which authorizes funds for the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Funds and Construction of Treatment Works. It is vital that we invest now in our national water and sewer infrastructure to ensure a clean and reliable source of water for the future.

David Potter

The first policy that I would support, is putting Americans first. We must make sure that our needs as a country are attained before we assist others.

We must also make an effort to remove the water-wasting habits that Americans have. We need to educate Americans on ways to manage their water supply and not to waste it on things like watering their lawns, which is not helping the environment.

Science can help Americans manage their demand for water by providing more water responsible devise for our homes, i.e. bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

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?

Betty Sutton

I have been a strong supporter and leader in the House in support of federal funding for research and development, whether it is in manufacturing, healthcare or science and technology. Americans can compete with anyone in the world on a level playing field, and we will continue to lead the world with innovative new products if we continue to invest in research and development. There are few investments we can make that will yield a better return than in research and development. Not only am I a cosponsor of H.R. 2138, the Investment in America Act of 2007, but I also signed a letter urging House Leadership to bring that bill, which would permanently extend and nearly double the R&D tax credit, quickly to the floor. I am also a member of the House Research & Development Caucus, which works to highlight the importance of R&D in Congress.

David Potter

The priority that I would give to research would have to be energy, in any form. This country is facing a crisis, one that we truly have not faced before. Our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels is a threat to our national security and our way of life. Take a minute and think about it, our countries dependence on fossil fuels affects everything. The cost of food, our infrastructure, economy, healthcare; there is nothing that our problem with energy does not touch. To me, this is the only priority. If we do not fix this problem, then fixing the others becomes that much more difficult.

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?

Betty Sutton

We live in a promising era, where every day scientists and doctors are developing new measures to improve the cost, quality and availability of healthcare. I believe that public awareness campaigns and funding for medical research and technology, are key components to improved health for all Americans. Scientific initiatives, like stem cell research, are promising frontiers for curing life threatening diseases. I also think it is critical to foster an environment that encourages innovation in science and technology. I voted for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act to increase funding for stem cell research and help ensure that our children and loved ones will have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. In addition to funding cutting edge technology, it is important to continue to fund research initiatives that are already underway. This is why I voted to increase funding for research on diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, breast cancer and bone marrow disease. I believe that with a commitment to research and innovation, scientists will be able to cure these and other diseases, and Americans can enjoy a better quality of life.

David Potter

The United States has the best health care in the world. Our doctors are the best educated and the tools/technologies that they have to work with are without a match. I have spend almost my entire professional career attempting to bring the innovative technologies that science has created to hospitals and doctors so that patients can have all the latest equipment they deserve. Congress should continue to support these companies, by not taxing them into the ground; allowing them to research and create new life saving, life-improving technologies that keep Americans health.

Scientists & Engineers for America

Candidate Responses for OH-13

Innovation

Betty Sutton

David Potter

Climate Change

Betty Sutton

David Potter

Energy

Betty Sutton

David Potter

Education

Betty Sutton

David Potter

Water

Betty Sutton

David Potter

Research

Betty Sutton

David Potter

Health

Betty Sutton

David Potter

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