League of Women Voters of Michigan

Nonpartisan Voter Guide – November 2006
© LWVMI Education Fund 2006

United States Representative 2 Year Term - Vote for One (1)

Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75 words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words, "Did not respond in time for publication" appear under the candidate's name.

QUESTION 1

Are you concerned about the size of the federal deficit? Explain your answer.

QUESTION 2

What government measures would you propose to improve access to affordable health care?

QUESTION 3

The United States uses a great deal of fossil fuel for power generation and transportation. What measures would you support to tackle the ever increasing need for energy?

11th District

Thaddeus G. McCotter, Republican

Graduate of Catholic Central High School; the University of Detroit; and the University of Detroit Law School. Bar admitted attorney by profession. Public offices held: Schoolcraft Community College Trustee, Wayne County Commission, Michigan Senate. Married to Rita, a registered nurse, and have two sons, George and Timothy, and one daughter, Emilia.

1. Yes. Outside of critical funding for national defense and Homeland Security, the House has held discretionary spending below the rate of inflation; enacted the Deficit Reduction Act to slow the growth of entitlement spending; and passed a legislative line item veto and adopted earmark reform to end wasteful spending. Further, as in our state Constitution, the U.S. Constitution must contain a balance budget amendment. Importantly, we must grow the tax base not raise tax rates.

2. We must achieve universal access to health care. Federally Qualified Health Centers, Health Savings Accounts, consumer protections and information, the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit, an end to services for illegal immigrants, small business health insurance pools, and tort reform will all expand affordable health care to the under and underinsured. But to increase access, I oppose socialized medicine because it will lead to government rationing and destroy the quality of all Americans' health care.

3. We must become energy independent to promote our national security and Michigan's economy: we put the world on wheels and we can keep the world on wheels. To increase the use of alternative fuels, I have supported tax credits to encourage wind and solar energy; ethanol use; purchases of flexible fuel and electric hybrid vehicles; the installation of alternative energy refueling systems; and the expansion and establishment of advanced technology manufacturing facilities.

Tony Trupiano, Democrat

I was raised in Commerce Township, grandson of Italian immigrants, and now reside in Dearborn Heights. My wife and I are blessed with three sons and a grandson. My oldest son served in the Navy and is in the Reserves. My career transitioned from successful small business owner into national radio show host. I received my BA at Alma and am active in several groups for underprivileged children, foster care review and small business owners.

1. Absolutely. We must bring back fiscal responsibility and balance the budget. We can't spend more money then we have in our checkbook, why should Congress? The debt ceiling was raised again so more money can be spent on "credit". Future generations will own our record deficit. Important programs, like student loans were cut yet Congress gave themselves another pay raise. We must pay our debt, balance our budget and be responsible to taxpayers again.

2. Cut Prescription Drug Costs - increase access to generic drugs and let Medicare negotiate bulk rate discounts. Tax Credit for Small Businesses. Provide tax credits and support group health insurance purchasing through pools. Give Employers and Individuals More Affordable Options Through Insurance Pools. Use Technology to Cut Costs/ Improve Services. Pass a Patients' Bill of Rights that ensures health insurers are held accountable if they deny necessary services or don't deliver high quality health care.

3. Secure energy independence in ten years by developing technologies for cleaner, cheaper, and sustainable alternatives, including ethanol. Make better use of available energy and advances in appliances, energy grid systems and distribution. Creating and manufacturing new technologies will grow our economy, create new jobs, and preserve the environment. Hold oil companies accountable; stop rewarding them for gas gouging. Achieving energy independence is a national security issue. We must stop depending on undemocratic countries for oil.

Charles E. Tackett, US Taxpayers

Age 57, married, teenage son. Military: Disabled Vietnam Veteran. MACV, Mekong Delta, Life member VFW. Religion: Christian. Education: EMU, WCC, numerous real estate, finance and building schools. Licensed real estate broker, mortgage broker, builder. Self employed since 1989. Served 5 years on Planning Commission for City of Belleville. Former FOMOCO UAW Local 845 elected official. Charities: Feed the Children, MDA, Mayors Drug Task Force. Hobbies: Golf, deep sea fishing, alabaster carving, ice skating, boxing, shooting.

1. Absolutely! Current federal deficit nearly ten trillion. Government natural resources held in trust for the tax payers (i.e. Oil and natural gas lands, timber, minerals, ore, gold, silver, copper, aluminum etc.) are abundant in the U.S. These resources represent billions of dollars upon conversion which should be used to diminish the deficit. Tax and spend programs should not be implemented by those elected by the people. Pork programs should not exist, period. Proper accounting and ...

2. Explore existing Veterans Administration entitlements (i.e. Hospital and disability as well as co-pay). I propose a tiered system for all retired individuals to reduce and ultimately eliminate property taxes which will free up additional revenue for use by the senior. At the age of 70, all taxes (i.e. property, income, excise, gas) should be eliminated for the senior. So doing will enable the senior on a fixed income to enjoy a better lifestyle and enable them ...

3. Look to your home first. Since 1982 every home I've built is 2x6 exterior wall construction with high energy glass, doors, furnace, air conditioning and hot water tanks. All windows have presto seal, all heat runs are tight. Savings are 30 to 60%. Check your existing home for the above. Proper insulation and air flow is important. Check with local, county, state and federal government for programs with revenue available to save energy. Purchase appliances ...

John T. Tatar, Libertarian

Resident Livonia 30+. Wife, Zhanna. 3 children; John, Carrie, Ed. BS, MS @WSU Secondary Education/Administration. USAR Retired 31 years. Lieutenant Colonel, Commander, XO Training Brigade, Veteran Desert Storm. Teacher LPS 30+, Subjects; English, industrial arts, home construction built 19 homes w/HS seniors, building trades, building maintenance. Presently government teacher Stevenson HS. Owner American Heritage Construction Co. Hobbies: Music, band Ravin Blue, plays, accordion, guitar, bass guitar, banjo, lead singer. Sailing, Black belt Karate, woodworking.

1. Yes! The Deficit causes inflation. Inflation is an insidious hidden tax on the people. Government spending is out of control, causing a weakening of the buying power of the dollar both at home and abroad. As the dollar's power gets weaker, prices of goods rise creating a strain on people with fixed income, retirees, and low wage earners. Congress votes in a raise combating inflation for themselves, but average citizen are stuck in a lurch.

2. Eliminating the income tax will increase money supply to the family at large to pay for their own health care. Eliminate the ban on alternative health care methods, vitamins and minerals and the dictatorial powers of the FDA controls for the benefits of the drug companies. Allow the development of new drug therapies and worldwide participation in medical practices. Allow the free market to control competition between traditional medicine and alternative medical sources and methods.