Posted on 06/14/2006 4:49:18 PM PDT by Coop
Edited on 06/14/2006 5:10:05 PM PDT by Lead Moderator. [history]
Washington County (PA) Commissioner Diana Irey, running for PA's 12th District Congressional seat against Rep. Jack Murtha, is joining us for a live question and answer session beginning at 8:00 pm EDT on June 14th.
Thread background:
Beginning June 5th questions for Diana Irey were solicited and received from the Free Republic (FR) audience. Late on June 12th 37 questions from 24 posters were compiled and forwarded to two FR moderators and Diana Ireys staff. No questions were removed for being judged as too easy, too difficult, etc. Some grammar corrections were made, and any editorial insertions are noted by brackets.
The two moderators then reviewed the entire list, and selected and prioritized the questions to be asked during our live thread. Ms. Ireys staff was informed that this comprehensive list was merely a starting point for them to prepare detailed responses. Other, subsequently received questions could still be asked, and not all of the comprehensive list will be presented to her during the thread.
As of 5:00pm EDT 8 additional posters submitted another 14 questions for consideration.
Thread rules:
Thank you for your participation!
PLEASE REFRAIN FROM POSTING UNTIL THE INTERVIEW IS COMPLETED. Thank you.
1. Win the War on Terror.
2. Secure our borders, and address the illegal immigration problem.
3. Reform our cumbersome tax code.
Taxes. Pennsylvania is drowning in them! What are your positions on property tax relief, and income tax reform? (Sisku Hanne)
I'd like to know where [Diana] Irey stands on Tax Reform.
Flat Income Tax? Forbes style with huge personal exemptions, or truly flat from the first dollar?
Or does she favor wiping out the entire Income Tax system in favor of the Fair Tax? (Kellis91789)
What do you think about John Linder's Fair Tax proposal (House Bill HR 25, or Senate Bill SR 25)? (eyespysomething)
First let me say there is usually a way to meet the public needs without raising taxes.
I have delivered 7 consecutive balanced budgets to Washington County with no tax increase.
Our current federal tax code has approximately 17 million words. This is not a tax system most citizens can understand. Although not a federal issue, I would like to see the property tax eliminated. I am currently looking at the Fair Tax plan as an alternative.
I'm from the Detroit area and my father's family is from Republic, PA (Fayette County). I believe that's in Congressman Murtha's district.
According to the Herald Standard Newspaper (Uniontown) E-Mail headlines Fayette County is one of the top five poorest counties in America.
How will you [if elected] change that? Thank you for your response, and good luck. (Springman)
Since I took office in 1996, Washington County's unemployment rate has dropped 18%. I believe some of this success can be attributed to low taxes, a one-stop shop for economic development, available ready sites for businesses to locate and a good transportation system.
These initiatives have provided a climate where economic prosperity can be achieved.
I would apply the same principles for neighboring Fayette County.
I just spoke via phone with Commissioner Irey. They are still having difficulties and have switched to another computer. She sends her sincere apologies, and has agreed to stay online until 9:30 EDT.
The GOP has been very weak in getting [its] message out in a timely manner, often resulting in the media or the Democrats controlling public perception. What would you do/request that would help this marketing/public relations gap on our side?
(mnehrling)
I think often times Republicans are afraid of stating the facts surrounding an issue. I would simply encourage other Republicans to not be afraid of the fight.
My husband is a mining engineer by education. Mining is an importatnt industry in the 12th district. Strip mining is an alternative. Mining safety needs to be a top priority.
Dear Ms Irey, can you propose any viable solutions to the impending "social security crisis"?
(KTM rider)
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