Archive for June, 2008
Our current energy crisis is the result of a failed energy policy for the past 3 decades. Prices have risen by roughly 75 percent during Nancy Pelosi’s Speakership. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $4.07 and increasing daily.
There is no instant fix, but we must develop a comprehensive energy policy that is pro production, pro incentive and pro nuclear. Energy is a security issue as well as an economic issue. We must become independent from foreign dictators.
Pro Production: Increase production through increased exploration and investment in finding new oil fields. There are an estimated 75 billion barrels of oil in areas of the U.S., including offshore reserves and oil shale fields, where drilling is prohibited. Open new oil fields in areas where resources have already been identified; as Anwar, western North and South Dakota and eastern Montana and off the coast of Florida. Change federal law to give all states with offshore oil and gas, including Florida, the same share of federal royalties Wyoming gets for land-based resources (48%). Use closed military facilities as location for construction of oil refineries.
Pro Incentive: Use national tax policy and incentives to unleash the creative genius of America to find new solutions to the energy problem. Promote innovation in developing new technologies to promote conservation, the use of coal, (our most abundant energy source), and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and bio-fuel. Make the solar power and wind power tax credits permanent to create a large scale industry dedicated to domestically produced renewable fuel. Use technology and innovation to develop new methods of energy conservation. Develop a tax credit for refitting existing coal plants. Use tax policy to promote the development of cars and trucks that get over a100 miles to the galleon.
Pro nuclear: I have lived less than 10 miles from the St. Lucie Nuclear power plant for almost 30 years. We must invest in 21st century nuclear technology, just as France has done. Since 48 % of our national energy being consumed is used in homes and other buildings, we can reduce our need for foreign fuel significantly through the use of nuclear power.
I have signed Newt Gingrich’s Drill Now petition and would challenge Mr. Mahoney to sign Congressman Lynn Westmoreland’s petition to begin drilling now.
Congressman Westmoreland’s petition can be located here.
June 23rd, 2008
Last night Representative Gayle Harrell’s experience and conservative principles shined as she won the Palms West Republican Club debate and defended her status as frontrunner and the clear choice for conservatives in August.
“Rep. Gayle Harrell emerged as a leader in last night’s debate. Gayle demonstrated her depth of knowledge on the issues, ability to articulate a positive message, and readiness to serve us on day one. I am proud to be among her strong supporters and there is no doubt that she can take the fight to Tim Mahoney in November,” said Maureen Whelihan, MD, the Secretary of the Palms West Republican Club.
Representative Harrell discussed her detailed plans to lower gas prices, reduce taxes, secure our borders and reform our health care system.
“One clear difference is on health care. Gayle has consistently supported patients and doctors in the state of Florida which is evident in her voting record and plans to take that knowledge to Washington to tackle what is one of our nation’s top domestic issues,” continued Dr. Whelihan, who is also the President-Elect of the Palm Beach County Medical Society.
June 20th, 2008
Gayle Harrell, who is a candidate for Congress, received the highest marks of any area legislator for her strong support of Florida businesses.
“Gayle has and will continue to be a voice for all business, which is important in today’s economy. I think she’s the one that will help get us back on track and get our economy creating good jobs again,” stated Whit Ward, President of Charlotte based Bonded Builders Home Warranty.
“I’ve known Gayle for a long time, I’ve seen her work on behalf of the business community, and I’m not at all surprised about this recognition of her efforts,” agreed Mike Brown, the Immediate Past President of the Central Northeast Market of National City Bank.
Harrell voted to help businesses in Florida 92% of the time. And, in times like these businesses need all the help they can get, especially in Florida where small businesses make up the lions share of our state economy.
“It has been a pleasure working with businesses across Florida big and small. You can rest assure that when I take my seat in Congress, I’ll continue to build on my strong record of defending working families, lowering taxes, and deleting useless and burdensome regulations. We can build a stronger more vibrant economy but we can’t count on the government to do it for us,” Harrell announced.
Campaign Manager Anthony Bonna said the recent news was further evidence of Gayle Harrell’s position as the only proven conservative seeking to oust liberal, anti-business Tim Mahoney.
“Voting records don’t lie and when it comes to strengthening our economy, protecting families, defending the second amendment, or reforming health care, Gayle Harrell is a consistent and proven conservative,” Bonna said.
Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) this week released its annual Voting Records Report, a detailed analysis of member votes on issues and legislation impacting Florida’s economic climate, businesses and employers as compared to the 2008 AIF Session Priorities. AIF has been tracking legislative voting records on business issues longer than any other group in the state.
June 12th, 2008
