Reform government, lower taxes
By JEFFREY PERRY
Cape Cod Times - August 04, 2010

During the last eight years as a state legislator, I have been outspoken about the failures of government and done my best to represent and serve the people of my district. Now, I ask for your support and vote to take this effort to Capitol Hill as your next congressman.

Here are a few of the issues that motivate me to run for Congress:

Reforming government. Our political system in Washington is broken. In recent years, too many members of Congress have violated the public trust. From bailouts and giveaways, improper influences of special interests and back-room deals, to partisan bickering, Americans are not getting what they need or deserve from their government.

We need to restrain the federal government to its legitimate constitutional functions. Our Founding Fathers were most concerned about the possibility of an overly intrusive and powerful central government, and sadly, their fears are becoming true.

At the core of my political philosophy, I will support a limited government; one that looks toward public service instead of self-service.

Taxes, economy and jobs: I am a strong believer in a free-enterprise system that lowers taxes, promotes opportunity and encourages economic growth. Our economy functions at the highest level when our citizens have more of their income to spend, and businesses have money to invest and add jobs. Government should focus on being efficient stewards of the money it already collects and redefine the priorities to meet the needs of the American people.

The key to job growth is not bailouts. Small businesses are the key to quality employment opportunities. I support proposals of tax reductions and tax simplification. I am committed to legal reform measures that will protect small businesses from the effects of frivolous lawsuits.

We need to look to innovative entrepreneurs who will create the opportunities of new and expanded companies. I support constitutional amendments requiring a balanced budget and providing the president with line-item veto power.

• Health care. I firmly believe that all Americans deserve quality health care coverage, but I am opposed to the health care legislation passed in Congress and signed by President Obama. I know this bill will raise taxes, increase government spending and lower the quality of care we receive, especially for our senior citizens. We need to reform the cost side of health care and not turn our health care decisions over to the federal government.

• Our troops and veterans. I will unconditionally support our men and women in uniform. A working and aggressive intelligence plan is our best and first line of defense. Congress should ask the tough and necessary questions of the president and the agencies he oversees, but not attempt to interfere with the mission of protecting our home land or supporting our military commanders. I strongly believe as a nation we must always recognize the sacrifices of all of our veterans, military members and their families.

• Immigration. We, a nation of laws and government, should not adopt policies that encourage illegal immigration. I oppose amnesty. Congress has failed to enact any meaningful legislation, while tens of millions of illegal immigrants remain in the United States. Because immigration is indeed a complex problem, we need a comprehensive plan. We must secure the borders, never allow illegal immigrants to have access to our social entitlement programs and punish employers who exploit illegal immigrants.