Sam Rasoul (Candidate)
(540) 784-4594
5524 Williamson Road
Unit #2
Roanoke, VA 24012
5524 Williamson Road
Unit #2
Roanoke, VA 24012
Biography
RASOUL, Sam; graduated from Lord Botetourt High School; B.B.A., Roanoke College, Salem, VA; M.B.A. Hawaii Pacific University; started several small businesses in women's fitness, tanning, movie rentals, and real estate; worked with The Hope Fund; participated with organizations such as the Williamson Road Business Association, The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke City, and The Virginia Defense Force.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for VA-6.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Sam Rasoul 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?
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 we continue to engage in the development of a global community, this great nation unfortunately finds itself lagging in innovation, specially in regard to the renascent Asian communities. In order to ensure American leadership in innovation and competition in this global market, current science and technology policy issues must be reassessed.
As a nation we would have to expand our science oriented educational programming. Therefore it is imperative to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Also, we must work to align post-secondary education to state and federal needs for critical competencies, STEM teachers, and new knowledge through research and development.
In addition, I have found that entrepreneurial innovative activity has been hampered by various government imposed restraints. Thus its crucial that we encourage business innovation and entrepreneurship through supportive state policies.
As we continue to engage in the development of a global community, this great nation unfortunately finds itself lagging in innovation, specially in regard to the renascent Asian communities. In order to ensure American leadership in innovation and competition in this global market, current science and technology policy issues must be reassessed.
As a nation we would have to expand our science oriented educational programming. Therefore it is imperative to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Also, we must work to align post-secondary education to state and federal needs for critical competencies, STEM teachers, and new knowledge through research and development.
In addition, I have found that entrepreneurial innovative activity has been hampered by various government imposed restraints. Thus its crucial that we encourage business innovation and entrepreneurship through supportive state policies.
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?
As we know the world on the edge of environmental disarray if we continue down our current path. The impact of this environmental catastrophe will gravely effect our climate around the world and such change will adversely alter life cycles, which will threaten our livelihood. One way to prevent this would be to limit greenhouse has concentrations in the atmosphere, released by greenhouse gas emission. If these are not controlled the world will very likely see a raise in the Earth's average temperature, influence precipitation and intense storm pattern shifts.
As far as my stance on the following issues:
Cap-and-trade system: I predominately believe in development of alternative energy sources, however seeing as there needs to be a TEMPORARY solution until those sources have been efficiently tapped into, this system could provide that transitional solution we need. With a few precise supervision of emissions and strict phased caps, we may be able to utilize this system until alternative sources are developed.
Carbon tax: Once again this is only a temporary part of our current crisis. The burning of coal only seems to propagate the emission problem, therefore placing a tax on coal could curtail reliance on coal, but does not solve the overall issue.
Increase fuel-economy standards: Standards should definitely be increased above and beyond the current proposed increase of 26-35 miles per gallon and instead should be around 40-50 miles per gallon. But once again reliance on foreign oil only puts this great country to a disadvantage, therefore we should refocus our efforts on alternative fuel development.
Research: As I have reiterated throughout my responses, the search for alternative fuel and energy sources are of top priority for several reasons. To name a few, we will increase our national security by deceasing our dependence on foreign oil, increase our production, and maintain the leader in innovation and development if concentrate our efforts on s
As far as my stance on the following issues:
Cap-and-trade system: I predominately believe in development of alternative energy sources, however seeing as there needs to be a TEMPORARY solution until those sources have been efficiently tapped into, this system could provide that transitional solution we need. With a few precise supervision of emissions and strict phased caps, we may be able to utilize this system until alternative sources are developed.
Carbon tax: Once again this is only a temporary part of our current crisis. The burning of coal only seems to propagate the emission problem, therefore placing a tax on coal could curtail reliance on coal, but does not solve the overall issue.
Increase fuel-economy standards: Standards should definitely be increased above and beyond the current proposed increase of 26-35 miles per gallon and instead should be around 40-50 miles per gallon. But once again reliance on foreign oil only puts this great country to a disadvantage, therefore we should refocus our efforts on alternative fuel development.
Research: As I have reiterated throughout my responses, the search for alternative fuel and energy sources are of top priority for several reasons. To name a few, we will increase our national security by deceasing our dependence on foreign oil, increase our production, and maintain the leader in innovation and development if concentrate our efforts on s
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?
Invest In Alternative Energy. I believe that we should invest in alternative energy sources, not
only to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, but to decrease energy costs for our small businesses
and small farmers. American can and must relieve itself from dependence on foreign oil from the Middle East. We should look to revolutionize our energy future by creating and entirely new economic sector based around “green collar jobs” which will revitalize our market system, which is currently in a recession. Some alternative energies we should investigate over the next decade are:
· Solar Energy
· Ethanol Fuels
· Investment in TIDAL POWER PLANTS
· Woodchip Heating
· Hydrogen Fuel Cells
only to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, but to decrease energy costs for our small businesses
and small farmers. American can and must relieve itself from dependence on foreign oil from the Middle East. We should look to revolutionize our energy future by creating and entirely new economic sector based around “green collar jobs” which will revitalize our market system, which is currently in a recession. Some alternative energies we should investigate over the next decade are:
· Solar Energy
· Ethanol Fuels
· Investment in TIDAL POWER PLANTS
· Woodchip Heating
· Hydrogen Fuel Cells
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?
Education is more than just another expense item on the government's operating budget, education is our future. I tried to think of how I can express that in my own unique way, but it has all been said before. So I borrowed a quote that I enjoy from Henry Adams in the 19th century which states “The chief wonder of education is that it does not ruin everybody concerned in it, teachers and taught,” This quote stresses to us as human beings that we will NEVER go wrong when furthering educational initiatives. We are only led astray when we forget that we are life-long students..
Remembering that we are life-long students, I turn my focus on two areas in education. Pre-K education to better prepare our students going into primary schools, and post-secondary education.
Today with the rising costs of a college education, we should offer increased financial assistance and viable alternatives such as an increased emphasis on skills and vocational training, not just for graduating high school seniors, but for adults in a career transition.
Nation-wide, tuition for higher education has increased by about 40% over the past five years. Even in our region, tuition at Virginia Tech has doubled from $3,664 in 2001 to $7,397 in 2007.
To Do:
- Increased Financial Aid- I would increase financial assistance for higher education, expanding
on and creating new work/study programs that encourage students to earn their assistance.
- Skills/Vocational Training- I would expand programs and increase financial assistance for skills
and vocational training that is accessible to high school graduates and to adults in a career
transition. I would create a work/study apprenticeship program that offers a tax deduction for
small businesses that hired unskilled students/workers and trained them.
- Pre-K Education- I would push for matching funds from the federal government for states that
implemented an expansion of a primary school system to include four year olds.
- Expanding Head Start- I
Remembering that we are life-long students, I turn my focus on two areas in education. Pre-K education to better prepare our students going into primary schools, and post-secondary education.
Today with the rising costs of a college education, we should offer increased financial assistance and viable alternatives such as an increased emphasis on skills and vocational training, not just for graduating high school seniors, but for adults in a career transition.
Nation-wide, tuition for higher education has increased by about 40% over the past five years. Even in our region, tuition at Virginia Tech has doubled from $3,664 in 2001 to $7,397 in 2007.
To Do:
- Increased Financial Aid- I would increase financial assistance for higher education, expanding
on and creating new work/study programs that encourage students to earn their assistance.
- Skills/Vocational Training- I would expand programs and increase financial assistance for skills
and vocational training that is accessible to high school graduates and to adults in a career
transition. I would create a work/study apprenticeship program that offers a tax deduction for
small businesses that hired unskilled students/workers and trained them.
- Pre-K Education- I would push for matching funds from the federal government for states that
implemented an expansion of a primary school system to include four year olds.
- Expanding Head Start- I
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?
To alleviate the strain on water availability we need to focus on the source of the problem, namely climate change, melting ice caps, water availability and quality. Thus we must work to minimize carbon emissions and climate altercation.
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?
Seeing as I am a strong advocate of health care reform, I will concentrate my efforts into effectively providing the the necessary resources for health care improvement. Therefore I will fight to ensure that what little funding we do have, will be focused on health oriented research.
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?
I am a supporter of The “United States National Health Insurance Act,” H.R. 676
Introduced by Rep. John Conyers:
Brief Summary of Legislation:
The United States National Health Insurance Act establishes a unique American national universal health insurance program. The bill would create a publicly financed, privately delivered health care system that uses the already existing Medicare program by expanding and improving it to all U.S.
residents, and all residents living in U.S. territories. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that all Americans will have access, guaranteed by law, to the highest quality and most cost effective health care services regardless of their employment, income, or health care status. With over 45 million+ uninsured Americans, and another 50 million who are under- insured, the time has come to change our inefficient and costly fragmented non- health care system.
For more information about H.R. 676 which is co-sponsored by 70 Congressman, please visit: http://www.healthcare-now.org/resources/hr676.htm.
I will start a local organization that focuses on health care for children 13 and under with part of my
salary that I have pledged. I call this organization FutureCare, which is under Local Initiatives.
Introduced by Rep. John Conyers:
Brief Summary of Legislation:
The United States National Health Insurance Act establishes a unique American national universal health insurance program. The bill would create a publicly financed, privately delivered health care system that uses the already existing Medicare program by expanding and improving it to all U.S.
residents, and all residents living in U.S. territories. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that all Americans will have access, guaranteed by law, to the highest quality and most cost effective health care services regardless of their employment, income, or health care status. With over 45 million+ uninsured Americans, and another 50 million who are under- insured, the time has come to change our inefficient and costly fragmented non- health care system.
For more information about H.R. 676 which is co-sponsored by 70 Congressman, please visit: http://www.healthcare-now.org/resources/hr676.htm.
I will start a local organization that focuses on health care for children 13 and under with part of my
salary that I have pledged. I call this organization FutureCare, which is under Local Initiatives.
Login/Register to EditSAM RASOUL'S RECORD ON SCIENCE
Political Positions
Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
Education
- Nothing posted to date
Energy
- Nothing posted to date
Environment
- Nothing posted to date
Health
- Nothing posted to date
Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
