Ohio 3rd: Two New Mitakides Interviews

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31730692.post-30809088629611868482008-03-10T20:25:00.002-04:002008-03-10T20:32:18.757-04:002008-03-10T20:32:18.757-04:00Ohio 3rd: Two New Mitakides InterviewsThrilled to see and interview with Jane Mitakides on the great <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/content/oh-03-interview-jane-mitakides">Ohio Daily Blog</a>. I'm jealous but then again unlike me Jeff actually knows how to conduct an interview, so of course the results are better than <a href="http://www.ohdave.net/2008/01/five-questions-with-jane-mitakides.html">mine</a>. An excerpt: <blockquote>YDS: Since you aspire to be a legislator, I have to ask this. Who would you regard as your role model, the person you would look to as an example for how to conduct yourself in that role? JM: That's an interesting question. There are a couple of people who come to mind. Certainly, the late [U.S. Sen.] Paul Wellstone, in his conduct and dedication, I think he was just a living example of a person who understands the difference between politics and public service. His politics were far more liberal than mine, but as a role model, as a person who fought to do the right thing and represent the people of his district, certainly Paul Wellstone. And Daniel Patrick Moynihan is another thoughtful, intelligent person who served our country so well. </blockquote> Go read the whole thing. Another interview with the Greek News posted on the <a href="http://www.jane08.com">Mitakides for Congress</a> site. Reposted below. But first: A little business to conduct. I've created an <a href="http://www.actblue.com/page/ohdave">Act Blue page</a> to support Jane. If you can afford $5 or $500 please drop by and make a contribution. By Vicki J. Yiannias Voters in the 3rd Congressional District of Ohio gave Democrat Jane Mitakides a resounding victory on March 5. Jane won more than 54% of the votes cast in OH-3 Democratic primary, more than the other candidates combined. Jane Mitakides, a successful businesswoman and community activist who was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, has been married for 25 years to John Mitakides, a dentist who has practiced in the Dayton area for over 30 years. “This isn’t just about picking the Democrat,” she said to the media after her victory, “It’s about picking the winner in November. The people of this district want a representative who will listen to their ideas and find solutions to the challenges they face everyday. That’s what I plan to do in this campaign and in Congress.” “With the primary behind us, it’s time to come together and focus on the serious issues facing our families,” said Mitakides, adding, “It’s time to end the era of no-bid contracts and ‘pay-to-play’ politics and put our community first.” Mrs. Mitakides took some questions from The Greek News on the major points in her campaign message of “renewed opportunity and real solutions to challenges including the economy, fair trade, education, and healthcare.” The questions address these issues as well as border control and the Iraq war. The interview began with her opinion on trade policies and the problem of NAFTA in Ohio. TGN: Do you think NAFTA should be renegotiated? JM: Unlike some border states, Ohio has seen no substantial benefit from NAFTA, just jobs lost. We need fair trade, not just free trade policies. In Congress, I will only vote to ratify trade deals that include enforceable environmental and labor standards. While I understand the importance of free trade and reject isolationism, I also know first-hand the challenges faced by American workers and their families, many of which live right here in my district, who have lost their job to unfair trade deals like NAFTA and CAFTA. TGN: What are your specific ideas to change the health insurance program? JM: There are 43 million Americans who do not have health insurance. That is simply unacceptable. Health care costs more in America as well – nearly double the cost of other countries, per capita. Working families are struggling to afford the most basic health insurance while those without any insurance are often crippled by the debt caused by necessary but expensive medical procedures. In Congress, I will support a health care plan that provides for universal coverage and lowers healthcare costs for small businesses and individuals. TGN: What are your specific plans for veterans’ affairs? JM: When America’s brave young men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, we must ensure that America is fulfilling our promise to them when they return home. In Congress, I will work to update the GI Bill of Rights so that it meets the needs of the 21st century to offer expanded education, training, housing benefits. We must also ensure that all of the components of the armed services are guaranteed equal access. This includes the National Guard and Reserve forces who have served this country in combat operations. I will also work tirelessly to ensure that the 1.8 million veterans who are uninsured in this county have access to quality and affordable healthcare. We must also cut the red tape and streamline the system so that our veterans are no longer forgotten in the backlog of claims that exist today. We must not overlook the emotional needs of those returning from war, as well. Of every issue I face, there is none that I feel more passionate about than keeping our promises to our veterans. My family has a long history of military service and I will work tirelessly to help our veterans receive the benefits they have earned in the service of our country. TGN: What is your opinion of the present status of US involvement in the Iraq war; do you support a pullout of troops? If so, at what rate and timetable? JM: Our brave men and women in uniform rid Iraq of a terrible dictator, and now it is the Iraqi people and leaders who must stand up and seize the opportunity they have been given to create a free and functioning Iraq. We must bring these brave young men and women home in a way that is both responsible and safe. We must refocus our efforts from a military offensive to a diplomatic one, working to bring stability to the region while bringing our American heroes home. It is past time for the Iraqis to take responsibility for their country and begin seeking long-term solutions to the divisions within their county. TGN: Since Ohio is a border state, what are your opinions on border security? Is Ohio protecting its border? JM: The Ohio-Canadian border stretches 158 miles through the middle of Lake Erie. I support the Northern Border Initiative, which is a collaborative law enforcement effort lead by the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of Ohio Homeland Security. Created by Governor Strickland, the initiative provides the resources necessary to protect Lake Erie and the citizens of Ohio. While there are relatively few travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada, there is a need to ensure that those who cross any of our borders are doing so legally, to curtail drug trafficking and any possible terrorist activity. That is exactly what this imitative achieves and why I will continue to support it. The Mitakides for Congress Campaign has unveiled a television and radio spot, both of which can be found on the Campaign’s website, www.Jane08.com. The campaign plans to open campaign offices and continue building on an already-strong grassroots organization. ohdavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13301100314546526009noreply@blogger.com2