William O’Neill (Candidate)
P.O. Box 601
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Biography
O'NEILL, William; Born May 6, 1947. BA, Journalism, Ohio University, 1969; JD, John Marshall School of Law. Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army National Guard, retired. Registered Nurse; Appellate Judge, 11th District Court of Appeals, 1996-2008.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for OH-14.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what William O'Neill 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?
When President Kennedy challenged our nation to reach the moon by the end of the 1960s, American scientists and lawmakers rose to the task - and our economy grew. More importantly, it proved that, with the right investments and commitment, American ingenuity knows few bounds.
I believe we need to do a better job of fostering continued advancements in the sciences, and it starts with investments in higher education.
This generation of Americans is faced with an energy crisis that threatens not just our economy and our environment, but every aspect of our livelihood. In a way, this is an Apollo moment for our energy policy. I favor strong investments in renewable sources, including wind, solar and geothermal energy. But we will not get there without the strong commitment of leaders in Washington. It is time for them to inspire us to greatness once again.
I believe we need to do a better job of fostering continued advancements in the sciences, and it starts with investments in higher education.
This generation of Americans is faced with an energy crisis that threatens not just our economy and our environment, but every aspect of our livelihood. In a way, this is an Apollo moment for our energy policy. I favor strong investments in renewable sources, including wind, solar and geothermal energy. But we will not get there without the strong commitment of leaders in Washington. It is time for them to inspire us to greatness once again.
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?
This is now a question of political courage. We need leadership from our representatives in Washington, and so far we have not seen it. Too many of the proposals we're seeing from Congress these days are designed, not with long-term results in mind, but to provide gimmicks and Band-Aids to get them through the next election.
Our approach must be comprehensive and long-term and we must attack the crisis on all fronts - raise fuel economy standards, reduce carbon emissions by encouraging and providing incentives for conservation, and make vast investments into renewable energy technologies to end our dependency on foreign energy.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue - this is about the economy; it's about jobs; it's about health; and it's about our national security.
Our approach must be comprehensive and long-term and we must attack the crisis on all fronts - raise fuel economy standards, reduce carbon emissions by encouraging and providing incentives for conservation, and make vast investments into renewable energy technologies to end our dependency on foreign energy.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue - this is about the economy; it's about jobs; it's about health; and it's about our national security.
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?
As I wrote above, I believe that investments into the future of energy policy are critical if we are ever to get out from under the crisis that has pinned our wallets to the gas pumps. Having more than 50 miles of lakeshore in Ohio's 14th congressional district, I know that wind power can play a huge role in the solution. I'd like to see the generous tax cuts we've given the largest oil companies be re-allocated to the manufacturers who can make alternative energy sources like this a reality.
For Northeast Ohio, another crucial piece of the puzzle is mass transportation. I have proposed taking another look at a 7-year-old study that demonstrated that commuter rail in our region would not just be feasible, but it would be effective.
For Northeast Ohio, another crucial piece of the puzzle is mass transportation. I have proposed taking another look at a 7-year-old study that demonstrated that commuter rail in our region would not just be feasible, but it would be effective.
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?
The federal government has done a lot of harm when it comes to telling our teachers how to teach and our students how to learn, and I'd like to see programs like No Child Left Behind greatly reformed or abandoned altogether.
But the federal government can lead the way in making sure our children have the resources they need to compete in the maths and sciences. We need to invest in programs that raise teachers' salaries and provide incentives for math and science teachers who excel in their areas of expertise.
But the federal government can lead the way in making sure our children have the resources they need to compete in the maths and sciences. We need to invest in programs that raise teachers' salaries and provide incentives for math and science teachers who excel in their areas of expertise.
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?
Ohio's 14th congressional district is lucky to border one of the greatest fresh water sources in the world. First and foremost, I will fight to protect Lake Erie - and the other Great Lakes - from projects that would divert water from the Great Lakes Water Basin. Even though water shortages in other states will tempt lawmakers to tap into the Great Lakes' supply, these diversion projects would not just be unsustainable, they would also have devastating results for the Great Lakes region.
In addition to greater efforts at conservation, I believe that we must turn to the sciences to address the looming water shortage crises, looking at approaches like desalination.
In addition to greater efforts at conservation, I believe that we must turn to the sciences to address the looming water shortage crises, looking at approaches like desalination.
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?
I believe that prioritizing our national budget is the only way we can address our nation's most pressing issues. But research and technology are central to addressing these issues and would be one of the highest priorities.
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?
Health care is a passion for me. I went back to school at the age of 50 to become a registered nurse, and I work nights and weekends in a pediatric emergency room. I know the nation's health care woes can be solved by bringing everyone to the table. We must pursue comprehensive reform to give everyone access to affordable care. In the long run, this will not just drive down the cost of health care, but it will allow our employers and manufacturers to compete in the global economy.
Of course, greater investments in medical research and technology will also go a long way at reducing costs in the system - from advances in prescription drugs to the health industry's record keeping system.
Of course, greater investments in medical research and technology will also go a long way at reducing costs in the system - from advances in prescription drugs to the health industry's record keeping system.
Login/Register to EditWILLIAM O'NEILL ON SCIENCE
Education
O'Neill says that "we need to invest more in training math and science teachers, and provide sufficient support for technology in the classroom.
Energy
On his campaign website, O'Neill has said that we need invest in "innovative and renewable energy sources" and that "each of us can and must do our part." He supports tax incentives for the car industry as well as families.
Environment
- Nothing posted to date
Climate Change
O'Neill says that "Congress must do more to combat global warming" by reducing greenhouse gas emissions "substantially enough and quickly enough to forestall catastrophic climate change."
Health
On his campaign website, O'Neill says that "In an idea world, a universal health care system would both save money and help restore our competitiveness...but our first priority is to find practical solutions that will expand coverage to everyone the system currently leaves out." He also says that "stem cell research...has the potential to reduce the suffering of millions across the nation."
Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
