Congressional Questionnaire: District 2
District 2 Congressional Candidates 2008
(in alphabetical order)
Peter Boyce (Constitution Party of NJ)
Jason M. Grover (Green)
David Kurkowski (Democrat)
Frank A. LoBiondo (Republican)
Constantino Rozzo (Socialist Workers USA)
Gary Stein (Rock the Boat)....................................................Written in long hand at the kitchen table 08/2008....
1. The No Child Left Behind Act is set to be reauthorized in 2009. What kind of reforms, if any, will you
be advocating during the legislative process?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo-
I have had the opportunity to meet with South Jersey teachers, parents and students about how NCLB
could be improved. The following are some of the reforms discussed during these meetings which I plan
to support: (1) the need for flexibility in measuring adequate yearly progress (AYP) for students with
disabilities; (2) the need for revisions of the highly qualified teacher requirements for special education
teachers; and (3) the need for additional coordination between the federal government, state government,
and local school districts. Last year, I was given an opportunity by the House Education and Labor
Committee to present these and other reforms of NCLB. I hope these suggestions will be incorporated
into any final piece of legislation reauthorizing NCLB.
Constantino Rozzo-
I would advocate equal education for all. The poor should have the same education as the wealthy.
Gary Stein-
I apologize I’m not very familiar with this legislation everybody loves to hate, even though Ted
Kennedy’s picture was taken shaking hands with George Bush when it was signed into law.
I’m an alternative candidate if you’re against big government waste and spending. That’s my bailiwick.
If I’m elected I’ll have plenty of time to familiarize myself with this act, when I’m not voting on renaming government post offices. If I understand correctly, it has to do with standardized testing. That’s
good.
2. What is your plan for resolving America’s energy crisis?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo-
I strongly believe we need to develop a wide and diverse consensus plan to meet a national goal of
energy independence. My plan has five components: (1) increasing fuel efficiency standards beyond
their current mandates; (2) significant investment in cleaner energies such as solar, wind and nuclear,
which are sustainable and produce no greenhouse gas emissions; (3) accelerated development of biofuel
ethanol made from wood-waste, grasses and other materials that do not divert food from domestic
supplies; (4) smarter use of existing efficiency options, such as conservation, alternate modes of
transportation and mass transit, while developing more fuel efficient technology such as hydrogen-based
vehicles; and (5) increased exploration and production of domestic oil and natural gas but only in nonenvironmentally-
sensitive locations.
Constantino Rozzo-
As in Europe adapt their alternative energy programs. Alternative energy works, it is safe, and it is
happening now.
Gary Stein-
100% of the candidates should be for pursuing all energy alternatives and for drilling. I’m for winning
this election and showing how we can break the two party gridlock on energy. It’s early September and
the unmistakable signs of gridlock are there.
On my web site you’d see that even when gas was $4 back in July I said I’d be open to new taxes on
gasoline to cut demand as long as it was rebated back in a lower tax somewhere else.
3. Recently the Supreme Court backed Indiana’s law requiring all voters to show photo identification at
the polls. Where do you stand on voter photo ID requirements?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo
I support voter identification requirements to ensure the integrity of the election process and ensure the
voting rights of United States’ citizens are protected and not diluted by voter fraud or votes cast by noncitizens.
Constantino Rozzo-
If necessary where problems occur it may have to happen for the sake of security. Otherwise, it is a
violation of provacy.
Gary Stein-
I’m for it.
4. The US Census Bureau has reported that 47 million Americans are uninsured, almost a 5 percent
increase 2005. What kind of health care reform do you support to combat the growing number of
uninsured Americans?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo-
I strongly believe changes are necessary in the nation’s health care policy and continue to look for
solutions to the health care problems facing Americans, including those living without health insurance.
Towards this goal, I supported the expansion of the Medicare program to include prescription drugs, and
the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to cover additional uninsured
children (despite the Administration’s concerns.) In order to make health insurance more affordable and
accessible, I have also supported medical liability reform and the creation of Association Health plans
(AHPs) which will assist small employers in offering health insurance as a benefit to their workers. In
addition, I support the expansion of Community Health Centers which provide vital care to the
uninsured and underinsured.
Constantino Rozzo-
The only Answer has been Universal Health Care on par with Canada and New Zealand.
Gary Stein-
I’m an Independent Republican for Universal Health Care, but for making it contingent on cutting other programs and reducing other government payroll. Always stressing bi-partisanship, which a vote for me signals.
I’ve talked about the possibility of taking over the big three automakers health care in exchange for them significantly increasing their average corporate fuel economy; CAFÉ. Now we hear the presidential candidates floating financial aid to them to fund the next generation of energy efficient cars. I led, my 2 or 3 fans will tell you.
5. Should the federal government reassesses the existing immigration laws and reform them as warranted
to face 21st century issues? What are your ideas to implement such a reform?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo-
Yes, I strongly believe comprehensive immigration reform is needed. I believe any immigration reform
must include a viable guest worker program in which foreign workers come in sufficient numbers to
supply the needs of Southern New Jersey farmers and other employers and them return to their country
of origin in a verifiable manner. The borders must also be secured, not only against illegal immigrants,
but against terrorist threats. Finally, I am opposed to amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Constantino Rozzo-
Immigration is cause by Human Rights abuses. We and the UN should hold oppressive countries liable
for their Actions.
Gary Stein-
I’d hold out amnesty as an incentive and pressure for Mexico to fight corruption from the bottom up
instead of top down. In the little towns instead of the drug cartels where they’re not winning..Bring a
little economic stability and incentive and make live more sustainable in the home town, so their not
desperate to come here. If China got out of the dumps so can Mexico.
I’m re-answering these questions in early September by the way, because the questionnaire I sent back
from Mexico- yes Mexico, never got delivered to the USA even though I mailed it from a post office.
That tells you all you need to know about Mexico.
For path to citizenship and drivers licenses and insurance now.
6. The majority of the American public believes the US is in a recession. What are the two most
important things that can be done to create jobs and economic growth?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski-
Frank LoBiondo-
Congress took some positive steps earlier in the year to provide tax rebates to individuals and incentives
to small business that have had some impact, but I believe more needs to be done. There are several
steps Congress should take to improve the economy including extending unemployment benefits,
increasing employment retraining grants, as well as enacting measures to lower the price of fuel and
reign in speculation in the energy market.
Finally, Congress should extend tax relief to all Americans. New Jersey families are struggling with the
highest state and local tax burden in the nation. We need to reduce taxes to help these working families
to make ends meet.
Constantino Rozzo-
Creating jobs may require a Publics Works Program that Includes Ecological and Science Jobs.
We can have a paid program that creats jobs on Par with Vista Volunteers and Futurist Careers.
Gary Stein-
Show Wall Street we’re serious about slowing gov’t spending, fixing unfunded liabilities, finding
energy alternatives and drilling for new oil and Wall Street will respond with lower interest rates and
higher stock prices.
7. What should be our short term and long term strategic goals in Iraq and the Middle East?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo-
In the short term, ensuring and strengthening the stability of the Iraqi government and the overall
stability of the Middle East should be our primary goal. In Iraq, the American military presence should
be reduced according to General Petraeus’ recommendations in consultation with the elected leaders of
Iraq. In the long term, our goal for Iraq should be a strong, stable democracy governed by and for the
Iraqi people. For the rest of the Middle East, we should strive for reduced tensions along ethnic and
religious lines to stabilize and democratize the region, including securing Israel’s continued right to
exist. Toward that end, preventing Iran from attaining nuclear weapons with which it can threaten its
neighbors is also key.
Constantino Rozzo-
End the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Eliminate the CIA < Pentagon, and Homeland Security.
Creat a Department of Peace and Diplomacy.
Gary Stein-
Security for Israel and a new Palestinian homeland on the West Bank. Slow but steady troop withdrawal from Iraq as conditions permit. Long term stability in the region to protect our oil supplies, with careful attention to Iran.
8. With the baby boomer generation nearing retirement, the number of people collecting Social Security
is expected to increase to 84 million. There are serious concerns about the stability of the Social Security
fund in the near future. What reforms would you support, if any, to the Social Security system?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo-
I strongly support the Social Security program. I have long believed that Social Security represents a
contract between the federal government and the American people that must be upheld. Nothing is a
higher priority for me than to save and strengthen this program. We must protect Social Security for the
more than 50 million current beneficiaries.
I firmly oppose using Social Security taxes to fund individual retirement accounts, as well as any plan
that would reduce the amount of Social Security for current retirees or those now close to retiring.
However, in order to save and strengthen this important program for all Americans, additional reform
options must be considered.
Constantino Rozzo-
Cutting Military Spending, Corprate Welfare, Pork Barrel Spending. Ending Secret Governments should
give a livable Social Security for all no matter what.
Gary Stein-
Fixing social security and enacting universal health care starts with a crash diet on the rest of government. Maybe there’s a peace dividend when we get out of Iraq because baby we’re not doing that
again without major help from our allies. Cut some defense programs at wars conclusion and put the
money into social security “lock box’
9. Please explain why you do or do not support setting spending limits for political campaigns and
providing public funding for all candidates who agree to take no private contributions.
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo-
Although I would like to see less money spent on political campaigns in general, I am concerned such
limits would limit free speech of citizens and impede important political discussions.
Constantino Rozzo-
All campaigns should be Public and All political parties with a National Committee should have Ballot
Access. With out Hinderance. Equal Air time and exposure for all.
Gary Stein-
Spending limits would inhibit free speech and the ability to spend millions on negative advertising. Are you talking about funding “for all candidates” including me? I think you’re talking about Presidential
candidates. I do support spending limits and public funding for them.
10. How can civil liberties be preserved while giving our government the necessary tools to fight
terrorism?
Peter Boyce- No Response Received
Jason M. Grover- No Response Received
David Kurkowski- No Response Received
Frank LoBiondo-
I strongly believe in the preservation of the civil liberties of innocent American citizens. I believe we
must carefully balance our civil liberties with necessity of the government to access intelligence about
terrorist threats. However, I think we can do both through the proper use of the courts and through
rigorous oversight by Congress.
Constantino Rozzo-
Civil Liberties should be guarenteed. The Military Already has the tools to fight terrorism. e need a Bill
of Democratic Rights to secure Freedom and Democracy.
Gary Stein-
Strong public approval for watchdog groups including the ACLU is a check on abusive government
intrusions. And that’s from a conservative.
