Chris Bournea, ThisWeek papers
Ohio State University economics instructor Robert Wagner has announced his candidacy for Ohio's 15th Congressional District.
"The main issue that got me into the campaign is I think we need some serious change in Washington," said Wagner, who has never before run for office. "We need people who address the issues, not run from them."
Wagner, a 42-year-old West Side resident who also is a portfolio manager, will run against state Sen. Steve Stivers for the Republican nomination in the race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Deborah Pryce. Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, who narrowly lost to Pryce in 2006, is expected to again be the Democratic candidate.
Wagner said the main issues he plans to focus on are immigration, Social Security reform, health care and education.
Wagner supports the idea of providing scholarships for public school students to attend private schools. He also said people should be allowed more choice in retirement systems rather than being forced to pay into Social Security.
"I support government pension choice. I work at Ohio State and I pay into STRS, the State Teachers Retirement System. That system blows away Social Security," he said. "I want to inform people that they have choices. ... If we (provide more choices), we're leaving our children's future in a more competitive economy."
Wagner said his experience as a portfolio manager will be beneficial in working for Social Security and Medicare reform. He also believes the economy would benefit from tougher immigration policies
"Amnesty is an absolute no-starter. If we allow 12- to 20-million people to come into the country, we're already bankrupting our children," he said. "We need to have an immigration policy that works for our children and America, not immigrants."
Wagner, who earned the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, believes U.S. forces should remain in Iraq until the country has been stabilized.
"While the war is unfortunate, it is necessary. You can't turn your back on a war once you're in there."
Wagner would not only like to see change in Washington, he also believes change is needed in the state Republican Party.
"We're the third highest tax state in the country," he said. "How can we be the third highest tax state if we're for smaller, more efficient government?"
The input of constituents is a crucial component of policymaking, Wagner said, and if elected, he plans to hold town hall meetings on a regular basis.
"I want to have politicians understand and get back to what they're supposed to be doing," he said, "and that's representing the people of their districts."
Click here to read the full ThisWeek story
Index of all News Articles
Index of all Multimedia Articles
|
