Update 4/10/2012:
Read Jonathan’s “A Vision for a Stronger Indiana and a Better America”
When my wife Kelly and I returned to our home in Lawrence County Indiana after 30 years of military service, our intent was to raise our family while continuing to serve our country. I turned down a promotion and retired from the military because I believe that we need to tackle the problems we have right here at home: a broken economy and political system that are no longer working for everyday Americans.
This wonderful nation continues to be the greatest country on earth, but maintaining that greatness requires political leaders who can address our challenges by working together to implement common sense solutions. Unfortunately, we have lost our political center. Too many politicians in Washington have lost sight of the national interest and are consumed by ideological bickering and their own re-election. To remain great, we must find our center again—a center that values political accountability, fiscal responsibility, and a common sense relationship between government, business, and the people.
So what should be done? First, we must fix our economy. We need to put the world’s best workers back to work right away, creating job opportunities, leveling the international playing field, and retooling the workforce for 21st century jobs. We need to regain our superiority in science and technology in our classrooms, research labs, and industries. We must reduce the burden on the small businesses that create innovation and employment, and we must relieve the growing pressure on middle class Americans who have fueled our nation’s prosperity for decades. We need to ensure that the foundation of our economy – its infrastructure – can meet the challenges of tomorrow.
We also need to resolve the structural problems of the federal budget in a responsible way. This process will require compromise, political courage and leadership from both parties. Hard choices will have to be made as we work to control the rising costs of health care and retirement, but I believe that we can reach a solution that secures our nation’s fiscal health while also protecting our seniors and the poor.
These are the beliefs that I value as a candidate. As I travel throughout the district to hear from the people of Southern Indiana, I have been filled with pride by the number of individuals who are working hard to make this region stronger. I will regularly use this page to highlight the efforts of those who are giving back to our people.
Here’s the first: Lawrence County’s effort to start a “Big Brothers-Big Sisters” organization to provide much needed mature and responsible mentors for a growing group of wandering youngsters. Contact CM at (812) 279-2767 to participate.
