Robert Abboud (Candidate)
847-594-5920
1548 E Algonquin Rd.
#613
Algonquin, IL 60102
1548 E Algonquin Rd.
#613
Algonquin, IL 60102
Biography
ABBOUD, Robert; born in Boston, Mass.; received a BS in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University; worked at Argonne National Laboratory on advanced nuclear reactor development; received his MS in Nuclear Engineering from Northwestern University; worked for ComEd as a Senior Nuclear Engineering; ran RGA Labs, Inc., his own design and engineering firm.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for IL-16.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Robert Abboud has said:
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?
As a nation, our most valuable asset is our own intellectual property and ingenuity. These assets have helped the U.S. be at the forefront of the research and design of many different technologies and scientific research throughout modern human history. However today, despite housing the worlds finest technical and scientific institutes, the students we educate are taking their training and their business overseas. This is a direct result of federal trade policy that favors the development of businesses overseas. In Congress, I will work to reverse this trend and utilize all the means available to encourage these students to remain in the United States.
In addition, the United States must focus more resources and attention on improving the science and mathematic education of our youth. Adequately preparing our students to be competitive in a very technical global economy and fostering interest in the sciences is critical to our future.
And finally, the United States must lead the world in research, design and manufacturing of renewable and alternative energy solutions and materials. The energy crisis that is affecting our entire globe requires solutions. Ensuring we are at the vanguard of this emerging industry will continue to help the U.S. remain a leader in technological innovation.
In addition, the United States must focus more resources and attention on improving the science and mathematic education of our youth. Adequately preparing our students to be competitive in a very technical global economy and fostering interest in the sciences is critical to our future.
And finally, the United States must lead the world in research, design and manufacturing of renewable and alternative energy solutions and materials. The energy crisis that is affecting our entire globe requires solutions. Ensuring we are at the vanguard of this emerging industry will continue to help the U.S. remain a leader in technological innovation.
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?
Climate change is an issue I take very seriously. The stewardship of our environment is critical to our global security and the future of our children and grandchildren. It is imperative that we begin addressing this challenge comprehensively today. I support a cap and trade system, increased fuel economy standards and a significant increase in the research and development of new, non-impact energy solutions.
However, I believe our approach to affecting real policy change that combats the threat of global climate change has been mis-focused with an emphasis on punishment style policies. I see the challenge of America's energy crisis and climate change as an economic and scientific opportunity for the U.S.
We have the chance to become a clear, global leader in the development and manufacturing of new energy solutions. My comprehensice energy plan will significantly reduce the amount of carbon we are dumping into our atmosphere, while securing our energy needs for the future. Pleae look to the next question for a more detailed description of my energy plan.
However, I believe our approach to affecting real policy change that combats the threat of global climate change has been mis-focused with an emphasis on punishment style policies. I see the challenge of America's energy crisis and climate change as an economic and scientific opportunity for the U.S.
We have the chance to become a clear, global leader in the development and manufacturing of new energy solutions. My comprehensice energy plan will significantly reduce the amount of carbon we are dumping into our atmosphere, while securing our energy needs for the future. Pleae look to the next question for a more detailed description of my energy plan.
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?
Solving the energy problem takes a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the big oil companies. We have the technology and systems available to do this today. It is a matter of policy and implementation to secure our future. We must no longer give tax breaks and corporate welfare to big oil companies that have simply worked to create oligopolies within our energy market place, instead of reinvesting in refining and developing new sources of energy.
One of the most important aspects is to recognize that our future depends on energy sources that are cheap, plentiful, reliable, safe and clean. Here in Illinois, we have had a long history of using nuclear power, which now generates some 85% of our electricity. Nationally, nuclear energy supplies roughly 20% of our electricity. Hydro electric and the development of wind and solar must also be part of our plan. Ethanol and bio-diesel will be strategically important and must be developed further.
When elected to Congress, I will propose the creation of the American Power Authority (APA). The APA is structured similar to the authorities that have built the great dams out west, and the Tennessee Valley Authority; which fundamentally changed the infrastructure of the central east coast. The APA is a public-private partnership based on private investment of government securities to construct the next generation of American nuclear electric generation to power our homes, factories, high speed rail, and augment the fueling of our cars and trucks. The goal is to double our current inventory by building one hundred new 1,500 MWe units.
The APA will also establish the necessary infrastructure for recycling spent reactor fuel, as is now done in many other countries around the world.
In the end it’s about helping families afford their energy, getting US manufacturing back in business, creating real national security, protecting the environment, and most importantly, putting America first.
One of the most important aspects is to recognize that our future depends on energy sources that are cheap, plentiful, reliable, safe and clean. Here in Illinois, we have had a long history of using nuclear power, which now generates some 85% of our electricity. Nationally, nuclear energy supplies roughly 20% of our electricity. Hydro electric and the development of wind and solar must also be part of our plan. Ethanol and bio-diesel will be strategically important and must be developed further.
When elected to Congress, I will propose the creation of the American Power Authority (APA). The APA is structured similar to the authorities that have built the great dams out west, and the Tennessee Valley Authority; which fundamentally changed the infrastructure of the central east coast. The APA is a public-private partnership based on private investment of government securities to construct the next generation of American nuclear electric generation to power our homes, factories, high speed rail, and augment the fueling of our cars and trucks. The goal is to double our current inventory by building one hundred new 1,500 MWe units.
The APA will also establish the necessary infrastructure for recycling spent reactor fuel, as is now done in many other countries around the world.
In the end it’s about helping families afford their energy, getting US manufacturing back in business, creating real national security, protecting the environment, and most importantly, putting America first.
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?
Disturbing statistics, both locally in the 16th District and nationally, suggest that the United States needs to fundamentally reform the way we fund and administer public education. Recent studies have shown the U.S. ranking 17th and 24th in the world, in math and science test scores. If we intend to remain globally competitive in this new economy, it is critical that we make education a top priority, with special emphasis in the areas of math and science. It is the duty of the federal government to offer our children every opportunity and advantage we can afford so they are equipped to compete in the 21st century.
To move forward the U.S. needs top notch educators, materials, textbook, facilities and resources that are available to all of our students, not just some. Today’s students will lead America into the future only if we give them the tools the need to learn now. However, in order to address the educational challenges of today and tomorrow, we need to put our student's parents back to work, grow the American economy to give us the capital we need to invest in our children.
To move forward the U.S. needs top notch educators, materials, textbook, facilities and resources that are available to all of our students, not just some. Today’s students will lead America into the future only if we give them the tools the need to learn now. However, in order to address the educational challenges of today and tomorrow, we need to put our student's parents back to work, grow the American economy to give us the capital we need to invest in our children.
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?
Fresh water is the world’s most precious resource and as a resident of a Great Lakes state I feel very fortunate. However, the rest of the nation and the world is not quite as lucky. I believe our approach to water needs to include comprehensive plans for conservation and the eventual need for better desalination technology.
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?
Despite the obvious funding and revenue challenges we will face as we work to climb out of our nearly $10 trillion national debt, we must increase our investment in science and engineering. This type of research is not a luxury, or a pet program. This kind of research will support our economy in the 21st century. Without scientific, engineering and other technological research we can forget any chance of returning the United States to the position of a global leader in manufacturing or any of the above mentioned fields. Science and engineering research is the future, and as a member of Congress I will ensure that it becomes a more prominent national priority.
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?
Scientific research and the development of new technologies create incredible opportunities for the American health care system to become a more efficient and better managed system, in addition to increasing the quality of health care delivery.
In the computer age, the digitalization of medical records will make treatment of individual patients more efficient and less dangerous. When doctors and hospitals have your medical history at the tip of a finger, it takes out a great deal of guess work in the most critical moments and emergencies where seconds truly count.
But whether it is the way we use technology to move information or robots to give specialists farther reach to allow them to monitor multiple patients in different locations personally, scientific and technological research could greatly improve the quality of health care in the United States and do much to reduce the cost.
In the computer age, the digitalization of medical records will make treatment of individual patients more efficient and less dangerous. When doctors and hospitals have your medical history at the tip of a finger, it takes out a great deal of guess work in the most critical moments and emergencies where seconds truly count.
But whether it is the way we use technology to move information or robots to give specialists farther reach to allow them to monitor multiple patients in different locations personally, scientific and technological research could greatly improve the quality of health care in the United States and do much to reduce the cost.
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Education
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Energy
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Environment
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Climate Change
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Health
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Innovation
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Research and Research Management
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