Chicago Tribune Editorial board questionnaire responses
The Chicago Tribune editorial board asked all candidates on the Feb. 2, 2010 primary ballot to fill out a questionnaire on their views and qualifications. Joe Walsh provided the following answers. You can read the full questionnaire here
Q. In an essay of no more than 500 words, please explain your qualifications and goals for this office.
A. I have spent my life immersed in public policy issues and service, principally as an advocate for various public policy causes. I have spoken about and written on any number of free market solutions to problems with our public schools, urban poverty, unemployment, and entitlement reform. I’ve run for Public Office twice and have taught American Government and American History at the Community College level. What the Eighth District needs at present is an advocate for the issues they are concerned about – mainly putting a check on this run away public spending, finding common sense solutions to our health care situation that won’t create more government control over our health care, and creating a small business friendly climate so that jobs can be created. I’ve spent most of my adult life educating people on policy reforms that limit the role of government and foster a vibrant private sector – the very type of reforms called for now in the face of this massive increase in government spending and debt. My initial goal for office is to be part of a new class of Congressmen and women who will put a spotlight on this reckless growth of government path we’re on and work hard to try and stop it and begin to reverse it. Once I’ve helped bring attention to this path we’re on and worked to slow it down and stop it, I would like to begin to lead an effort in Congress to find private sector, market based reforms to taxation, health care, education, and the entitlement programs. I intend to serve no more than 6 years (3 terms) in Congress and be a model for a new kind of representative – a representative much more envisioned by our founders — attentive to his constituents, home often, serving for a short time, advocate for limited government, and then return back home and pave the way for another neighbor to serve.
