The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Saturday morning’s “Donuts with Doheny” at St. Augustine’s Parish Center attracted about 30 local residents including most if not all of the top local Republican leaders. Doheny is making his second attempt to take the 23^rd New York District seat away from Democrat Bill Owens. In 2010 he lost by only 1,950 votes.  In most elections the Republican candidate wins Conservative Party endorsement; however, in 2010 Douglas Hoffman was nominated by the Conservatives and garnered 6.1% of the vote. Assemblywoman Janet Duprey was present Saturday morning. She emphasized that Republicans and Conservatives must be unified this year and said that she is looking forward to working with a Congressman from the western part of the Congressional District.

Matt Doheny spoke and answered questions for about one hour. The audience made several comments and asked questions about layoffs by local companies, keeping educated youth in this region and attracting industry. Doheny cited his business experience and the necessity of cutting taxes and regulations at all levels of government. He said expanding cell phone and broadband coverage throughout the district is absolutely necessary. Expanding cultural offerings and targeting our industrial marketing to companies that can realistically locate here are also very important.  Noting our region’s many assets he said military installations and nuclear power plants are among the industries that might locate here. He would support granting foreign students legal immigration status if when they graduate from a local college and pledge to work in this region. When this reporter asked for his position on the global warming issue, he responded, “Is that an issue?” Doheny said there has been conflicting scientific opinion on global warming and he doesn’t believe its existence has been proven. He doesn’t want concerns about global warming to stop economic development and said carbon pollution has to be addressed in countries like China, Venezuela and Mexico before being addressed in the United States. He did not bring up social issues such as abortion or gay marriage and neither did the audience.

These are the most significant points Doheny made during his presentation:

• Congress and President Obama are going in the wrong direction.
• Congress needs more business leaders because they understand the economy.
• Congressman Bill Owens favors a European style welfare state.
• He knows how to grow the economy, which will lead to more jobs.
• Cutting government regulation is absolutely essential.
• Congressman Owens voted against free trade, which he believes is vital to economic prosperity.
• The number of state and local regulations must be reduced. Doheny said Congressman Owens voted agains the REINS Act which would have required that Congress approve any regulation having an impact of over $100 million.
• The 35% federal corporate tax rate must be reduced. Corporate tax rates are 25% in most of the world.
• The $15 trillion federal deficit must be reduced or eliminated. He opposes President Obama’s proposed $1.3 trillion budget deficit for next year.
• Income tax laws should be simpler, flatter and fairer.
• He would repeal all “death” or inheritance taxes.
• Government should not dictate to religious institutions. He opposes the Obama Administration’s attempt to force religious institutions to offer free contraceptive coverage when they provide insurance to their employees.
• He would vote to repeal Obamacare. Aligning the interests of doctors, patients and insurance companies could decrease health costs. Pricing transparency should be encouraged and the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines should be permitted.
• He opposes President Obama’s proposed Defense Department cutbacks of 150,000 troops and $1 trillion in spending. He said he doesn’t want the U.S. to be the world’s policeman, but he wants the world to be terrified of the United States.
• Under the heading “energy security,” Doheny objects to “hidden taxes” such as the $.675 per gallon state/federal gasoline taxes in this state. He called for more domestic oil drilling and refinery construction. He wants to immediately begin construction of the Keystone pipeline from Canada to Texas.
• The Federal Reserve Board’s monetary policies have resulted in reducing the value of the U.S. Dollar, and dramatically higher oil prices. Oil is traded in U.S. dollars.