Toni Gilhooley (Candidate)
717-652-5770
P.O. Box 6688
Harrisburg, PA 17112
P.O. Box 6688
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Biography
GILHOOLEY, Toni; born May 28, 1947. Certificate, Pennsylvania State Police Academy. State Trooper, Pennsylvania State Police, retired; Instructor, Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for PA-17.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Toni Gilhooley 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?
Incentives matter. The freedom to innovate, improve and invent in the American system has produced and attracted some of the finest scientific minds for generations. Typically, the most compelling incentive is the profit incentive, and the degree to which profit can be taken in an open market system will assure the environment in which America can hold its leadership role. The country needs to be certain that regulation of technologies and the businesses that employ them is responsible, and that the regulatory and tax environments in which they perform are not punitive and regressive. We should continue to encourage quality education and fast track immigration requests from the people whose minds can contribute to scientific and engineering progress.
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?
The Earth’s climate is always changing, though man’s influence on the changes is not settled. There is evidence that a broadly discerned warming trend of two or more decades reversed in 1998, and that the planet has cooled very slightly in the years since. There is overwhelming evidence that the Earth experienced many warming and cooling cycles millennia before man became sufficiently numerous to have any impact at all. There is too much unknown about earth science and the cycles of Earth’s sun to indict humans for the changes. Cap and trade schemes are disguised taxes on energy use that will expand government and enrich those who broker the credits to the detriment of taxpayers and responsible energy users. Increased fuel economy standards can have negative impact on highway safety and increase injury accidents. Government funded research means that government will pick and choose winners and losers in a marketplace of options. The market will always seek to invest in promising technologies. The government should get out of the way and let markets work. If government wants to encourage innovation, they should enact tax exemptions and/or credits for the work of the innovators, not carbon taxes for users of energy.
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?
Drill here. Drill now. We are committed to petroleum-based sources of energy for quite a long time while other forms of energy are developed. Drilling in ANWR and offshore, exploiting oil sands and shales are national security and consumer cost imperatives. Open the markets for all energy sources, both limited and sustainable, to see which will provide the ultimately successful forms of future energy. Keep in mind that, in addition to fuels, materials we use everyday, from plastics to farm chemicals, are hydrocarbon-based products.
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?
American education would benefit from removing the federal government from all aspects of education that will permit districts to continue to promote student self-esteem at the expense of actual academic achievement. If the federal government can find a way to focus schools on teaching kids rather than coddling teachers unions, and can encourage kids to “feel good about themselves” by actually learning science and math instead simply showing up from time to time, I’d support it.
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?
The responsible uses of water resources and the reclamation of water following such use are desirable. So is preventing unnecessary use of limited water resources. An example: Crop subsidies in the Farm Bill encourage overproduction of subsidized commodities and overuse of water and the farm chemicals that run off and corrupt waterways. These subsidies should be removed from federal programs. Low or no interest loans to communities to provide effective water treatment is something to consider. Financing a service that improves local environments and improves water supplies and waterways it seems a reasonable use of tax money provided it is repaid.
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?
It’s difficult for one not currently in the Congress to answer that question specifically, not knowing the nature or scope of proposals that will confront legislators in the next Congress. But, I can say with conviction that I support the reasonable research objectives of the American military, intelligence services and federal law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security. I am mindful that, even though the product of such research initially seems confined to the needs of a particular agency or group, funding these often has benefits to the commercial and private sectors as well. The Internet is a classic example. There may be other legitimate recipients of federal support for science and technology, and I would consider these on a case by case basis.
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?
Advances in science, research and technology have stamped out certain diseases and improved the diagnosis and treatment of countless others. There is no reason to believe that, coupled with healthy, responsible lifestyle decisions, the continued improvements in health and quality of American life will not continue to be largely driven by improvements in these fields.
Aside from the digital management and exchange of health records, the cost of healthcare is seldom a scientific issue. It is more a regulatory and social issue and needs to be addressed as such – reduced regulation, tort reform, availability of insurances, and so on.
Aside from the digital management and exchange of health records, the cost of healthcare is seldom a scientific issue. It is more a regulatory and social issue and needs to be addressed as such – reduced regulation, tort reform, availability of insurances, and so on.
Login/Register to EditTONI GILHOOLEY'S RECORD ON SCIENCE
Education
- Nothing posted to date
Energy
- Nothing posted to date
Environment
- Nothing posted to date
Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
Health
Healthcare
Gilhooley supports using market-based systems to make healthcare affordable. She supports allowing businesses and groups to purchase health insurance as a group to increasing buying and negotiating power. Gilhooley also supports creating and deploying new health information technology. She opposes government mandates and single provider systems.
Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
