Alderman J. Paul Vance of Waterbury will take your questions from now until 8:00pm. Welcome, Paul!
Quick Update Some technical difficulties have thrown us off a bit. Paul should be here to answer questions now.
In the meantime, he has answered some of the questions already posted here.
25 comments:
Paul, there are plenty of questions that have been asked ahead of time by people who couldn't make this time slot. I'll be posting those questions with the writer's name attached.
Ebpie asks:
Paul Vance: On what issues do you differ from the Democratic leadership? How does the 5th district know it's getting an honest, independent representative and not a "yes man" to Nancy Pelosi?
An anonymous commenter asks:
To Paul Vance:
What would you say are the two issues that you would focus on the most if you were elected to Congress? Why do you think they are important?
First thing is first, it would be silly for me to charge my opponent with being a 'yes woman' for Washington interests and then do the same thing myself.
I have a track record of putting the interests of the people that elected me ahead of the 'party'-- that is only called 'doing what is right'. When I was first elected to the Waterbury Board of Aldermen, the city was crying out for leaders who would act bi-partisan. Nearly a decade of ethics scandals had left the city in a giant mess, and all parties were going to have work together to solve it. So I did what my parents taught me to do, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. As President of the Board of Aldermen, I have made it a point to work together with members of all parties (there are three major parties in Waterbury, the Democrats, Republicans and the Independent Party.)
I am not ashamed to admit that I don’t have all the answers, but I am willing to listen and learn. If someone has an idea or proposal, I am going to listen to it, no matter what party they are, and then decide what is in the best interests of my district. My first priority as Congressman will be to serve the people of the fifth district, not the Democratic Leadership or any other leadership in Washington.
FYI--I posted in another spot on the blog page.
First and foremost, is making sure that we are waging the war on terror successfully. This means that we put our resources and troops where they are most needed, tracking down terrorists. We need to find Osama Bin Laden and his lieutenants. Right now, we are bogged down in Iraq with no clear exit strategy. In the meantime, bin Laden roams free,no doubt planning more attacks against the U.S. and our allies.
Also, Congress must take steps to ensure that our nation’s fire and law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to keep our communities safe. My father has been a state cop for over 30 years, and I have many friends on the Waterbury fire department. I know first hand that the commitment of our first responders to keeping us safe knows no bounds. However, in order to better protect us, they need adequate resources. Recently, Nancy Johnson voted against an amendment that would have provided $50 million to local communities to protect major chemical facilities. She also opposed increased funding for the COPS program, which is a very successful program that has helped almost 13,000 towns and cities put 100,000 new police officers on the streets. Nancy Johnson likes to talk about being tough on crime and protecting our homeland from terrorism, but when the opportunity comes to match that rhetoric with legislation that provides real support to local law enforcement agencies she fails to support it. The bombings in London should strengthen our resolve and our focus on protecting all of our transportation.
Another issue that is very important to me is ensuring that all Americans have access to good health care. My mom has been an emergency room nurse for over 30 years, and almost everyday she would come home with the story of another working family that couldn’t afford health care, and thus had to treat the emergency room like many people treat their primary care physicians. Often times they would forgo going to a doctor because they couldn’t afford to pay for the visit, and what should have been minor ailments grew into something worse.
This doesn’t just affect those with out health insurance, but all of us. When working families are forced to treat the emergency room has their primary care provider, it results in longer waits and reduced access for all of us. I just recently read an article in the Danbury News Times that said that in the emergency room of Danbury Hospital, the average length of visits for patients who see doctors in the emergency room but are not admitted to the hospital is 112 minutes, and for those patients who are serious enough to have to be admitted to the hospital, the average length of visit is 240 minutes. To the Hospital’s credit, it is trying to improve upon these times by working with IBM to develop a computer system to help it streamline its operations. The best way to improve upon these times however, is to cut down on the amount of people who need to go the emergency room by ensuring that all Americans have access to cheaper, more efficient preventative care.
FrankS asks:
To Paul Vance...:
Would you refuse lobbyist and PAC money, if other campaigns did the same?
JoeDuffeyFan said...
Tell me why you are running and how you are going to win?
Thanks!
I'm going to bend the staffer rule here because Aldon is not a member of a competing campaign, and his questions are interesting ones.
Aldon Hynes asks...
Questions:
You mention that your ancestors were immigrants in your interview. Currently the issue of immigrants is getting a lot of attention, especially in the Danbury area. What are your thoughts about dealing with immigrants, particularly in terms of drivers licenses, amnesty and related topics getting a lot of coverage?
Back in April, The Hill reported that Rep. Chris Murphy has met with the DCCC, seeking their support and that he hopes to raise between $1.5 and $2 million. Have you met with the DCCC, how much do you expect to raise, and do you believe it will be sufficient?
I'm told that in 2001 you were the deciding vote in Waterbury between Jarjura and Napoli. Can you comment on what led you to support Jarjura over Napoli?
On the homeland security issue, I saw in this weeks National Journal that the Senate just two weeks ago cut 50 million dollars in transit security. Since Sept 11th, we have spent 18 billion on airline security and only $250 million on transit security. We need to be proactive and smart in this war on terror.
Frank S asked me "Would you refuse lobbyist and PAC money, if other campaigns did the same?"
I would love to have a campaign based on ideas and not based on who can dial for the most dollars. Would I do it? Sure, but I am not going to hold my breath that my well funded opponent would ever consider the thought. Our political system is corrupted by the amount of money that it takes to run a campaign and I will be a voice in Congress for reforms. I hope that some of my democratic collegues in Hartford will begin to make some changes to return government to the voters.
JoeDuffeyFan said...
Tell me why you are running and how you are going to win?
Thanks!
Ok Joe D--
The short answer is this--- I think that public service is one of best things that a person can do.
My parents taught me to be a leader and to give back to the community. When I moved back to my hometown after law school, I began serving as a volunteer youth sports coach (tee-ball) and on Waterbury's retirement and pension board.
I grew up in this district, came home to this district- I work here and I am building a home here. My wife Michele and I want to raise our family here.
I want to speak for those who are ignored, those people in the middle class who work hard. The rich are spoken for, we need to look out for the needs of the poor-- but I know that the middle class are being ignored. Connecticut leads the nation in job loss over the past twenty years. Good people deserve an advocate and that is what I will do.
Seems like everyone asked their questions before. This may not be the most lively time spot.
assumptioncollege asks...
It is nice to have some young blood taking a stance for the citizens of CT. Some questions that my husband and I have that we would like to hear your thoughts on
-How do you plan on dealing with the diversity of issues that pertain to such a large distric such as the 5th?
-Any ideas on how to bring industry and businesses back to CT (we are located in such a great location between two major cities, there must be something we can do).
-Do you support Attorney General Blumenthal's quest to challenge the federal government on the "No Child Left Behind" issue?
-And last but not least any thoughts on bringing toll booths back to CT to help generate some revenue?
Joe D--
How am I going to win? I am going to continue to build my campaign with the support of the cities and towns, the neighborhoods of this district. I have been setting up the professional aspects of this campaign, but this race will be won by someone who can represent the homegrown values of this district. I share these values.
If anyone has other questions for Paul, now is certainly the time to ask them.
Aldon--
Thank you for your questions, I appreciate it.
The question on immigration is a great one. My maternal grandfather's family came to Waterbury from Ireland, my paternal grandfather's family came from Ireland to Torrington. They worked hard and played by the rules. They came here for opportunity for their family, I think that is the American dream.
Immigration is an important issue and one that has changed dramatically over the past century and a half since my family came to and settled in Connecticut. We should ensure that legal immigration continues, that all visitors to the country meet appropriate guidelines for becoming citizens, that they meet the new security requirements put in place post 9/11 and that America is still seen around the world as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those that want to come here and legally earn their citizenship.
On the other hand, I am opposed to rewarding those that broke the law in coming to or residing in America. I believe that we need to work with these illegal aliens to and help them lawfully become citizens but I don't believe we should reward their illegal behavior by giving them drivers licenses, etc. Unlike some, I believe that some of the illegal aliens currently in the country came here for the same reasons that my family came to American 150-years ago, to obtain greater opportunity for themselves and their children. These same people are the ones that are doing many of the jobs that we tend to ignore - office cleanup, roadwork and landscaping. We need to reform the immigration system to assimilate these individuals and bring them lawfully into America. People that want to come here, work hard, pay taxes and share in the American dream should be able to!
Aldon- Part II
I have taken all of the steps necessary to make a serious run for Congress including meeting with the DCCC, meeting with campaign consultants, interviewing staff, and looking for a headquarters as well as putting up our web site. I am thrilled that this campaign is really coming together.
I believe my opponent may be overstating his fundraising prowress since former Congressman Maloney, as a targeted incumbent, raised 2.25 and 2.1 million, respectively, in his races in 2000 and 2002.
As for me, I will raise what is needed to win this primary.
Paul,
Do you think your lack of experience working at the state legislative level hurts you?
Aldon Part III-
I am not certain what you mean. I didn't have a vote,if you mean on the Town Committee. Ron Napoli and then State Rep. Jarjura met in a contested Democratic primary with Larry DePillo finishing a close second to now- Mayor Jarjura. I was nominated by the Town Committee and I had committed to run whoever the party nominated.
I am glad that since 2001, Waterbury's Democrats have been united and we have done a great job in leading the city back from the brink. I am prouder still that Mayor Jarjura, the Board of Aldermen and solid community people, like Ron Napoli have all worked in concert for Waterbury. Democrats have help put Waterbury on the right track, now we need to do the same for this district.
All right, we are a bit over our schedule, so I'll wrap things up here. Thanks very much to Waterbury alderman and congressional candidate in the 5th District Paul Vance for answering your questions tonight.
Thanks also to all who submitted questions!
Assumption---
Let me attempt to break down your question quickly--
-How do you plan on dealing with the diversity of issues that pertain to such a large distric such as the 5th?
The same way I have in Waterbury, by coming to them, by sitting down and listening to their concerns, and working together to help solve their problems. This district, while spread out geographically, shares many of the same concerns---stopping the job loss in Connecticut, protecting Social Security for our generations and having a tax system that rewards the hard working middle class. As for issues that are town specific, I plan on being present and having an open dialogue with the people I will represent.
-Any ideas on how to bring industry and businesses back to CT (we are located in such a great location between two major cities, there must be something we can do).
A few things-- We need to invest in transportation on a state and federal level. Ever been stuck in traffic with an appointment? Me too, and it is bad for the economy! The federal government needs to work to keep good jobs in Connecticut by offering tax incentives to companies who will commit to staying here.
-Do you support Attorney General Blumenthal's quest to challenge the federal government on the "No Child Left Behind" issue?
YES. How many unfunded mandates can we get from Washington? I applaud AG Blumenthal for protecting the towns and cities who are being forced to foot the bill for a program that has not been funded properly.
-And last but not least any thoughts on bringing toll booths back to CT to help generate some revenue?
Can possibly work, it is certainly a state issue though.
Last question-- and my typing skills are still C+ at best!
Paul,
Do you think your lack of experience working at the state legislative level hurts you?
I am proud of my record of success. My experience is at the local level representing 110k people and overseeing a budget of more that 300 million dollars. My experience is that of someone who works hard in the community where I was born and raised, and now I want to represent my community.
Rosa DeLauro did not have any state elected experience and is an excellent example of a committed public official. One of my favorite quotes (by Walt Disney) is "When your values are clear, your decisions are easy." Well, my values have been forged in this district and I think that Congress could use a little dose of homegrown values!
Good night and God bless.
Thanks again to all of those who asked questions and especially to Genghis Conn for putting this together.
Thanks for answering all these questions, Paul! Thanks especially for staying a little late to do so. We all appreciate it.
As I look at the questions that were asked, I realized that I missed one question last night about the DLC. The question (and a response from another blogger) is below and my response is further down the post. Thanks again for the questions.
MikeCT said...
Have you been involved with the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC)? If so (or if not), why would progressives prefer you as a candidate over State Sen. Chris Murphy, who has a fairly strong progressive record?
12:46 PM, July 12, 2005
MikeCT said...
Disclaimer: I should say that I'm not involved with the Murphy campaign!
2:29 PM, July 12, 2005
JoeDuffeyFan said...
It is interesting that we would be already asking about narrow DC-based affiliations - DLC v DNC - who cares?
MikeCT and JoeDuffeyFan-- good dialogue on an issue that was raised with other candidates on this blog.
I was asked recently by one of my young cousins, "What is a liberal and what is a conservative?" I gave her a long answer that provided more confusion than clarity. I don't exactly know how to define 'progressive', nor do I know what exactly what it means to have a 'progressive record'. I do know what it is to work hard and to fight for working people, because I have done it and I continue to do it. I am proud of my record in championing ethics reforms and financial responsibility here. There has been no greater honor than working for the people of my hometown.
I happily registered Democrat when I was 18 years old because our party looks out for the 'little guy', and champions the working family-- and as the son of a cop and a nurse- I am a proud to be the product of a working family.
As for the DLC, I say this- unlike the Republican Party which seems to desire a 'one size fits all' approach, I am proud to be a Democrat- where diversity of thought and a 'big-tent'mentality are a part of our party's history and of it's future. I will listen to and talk to any person whose goals are to make people's lives better, especially the people of this district.
At the end of the day, this state and district has lost jobs and we have common concerns and challenges such as our security and the War on Terror, fixing social security and making sure our nation and this district is on the right track. My 'rock-ribbed' values were shaped by my parents, coaches, teachers, clergy and by my neighbors while growing up in this district- to me, that means a heck of a lot more than the labels or DC based affiliations.
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