Matt asked the exit question about is it too early to be thinking about 2012...Let me have Mr. Becker answer that:
Why announce so soon?
In today's world, political campaigns are becoming more expensive and perpetual. We are nearing the end of 2008 and the filing deadline for the Primary election is January 2012. That's not all that far away.
Why not wait until 2011 to launch your candidacy?
It will be too late. I need the next few years to raise money, create name ID, and educate myself on the issues and problems that face our government.
These are both excellent points. One of the problems with new candidates is that they don't realize they need time to build an organization and name recognition.
So, Mr. Becker, why not run for something like State Rep?
I haven't ruled that out. The national census will occur during 2010. All of Ohio's congressional, state house, and state senate political borders will be redrawn during 2011. I currently live in the 14th Senate District. Senator Tom Niehaus cannot run for re-election due to term limits. I could be redrawn into a different district that is not up for election in 2012. Therefore, I may choose to run for a different office. Additionally, depending on the political landscape and my fundraising war-chest at the time, it may make sense to wait until 2014.
Again, excellent strategic thinking....
So, Mr. Becker, what are some of your stands on the issues?
What's your position on abortion?
I'm pro-life and no issue is closer to my heart. Dr. John (Jack) Willke and Family First PAC have endorsed me in the past.
What about guns?
I'm a Life Member of the NRA and a concealed carry permit holder. In previous elections, I've been endorsed by Ohio Gun PAC and Ohioans for Concealed Carry.
How should Marriage be defined?
Marriage can only be between one man and one woman.
What's your occupational or professional background?
About eight years in manufacturing, three years in managed healthcare, one year of consulting and adult education, and 11 years in banking and finance.
What is your Education?
I earned my MBA with an emphasis in Taxation at Xavier University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Northern Kentucky University.
Any other credentials?
I am a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and a Licensed School District Treasurer.
What is your philosophy on government?
State government can't be all things to all people. The state must create the economic environment for people and business to achieve success. We need to provide for basic services such as public safety, infrastructure, and education. We need to encourage and enable charitable organizations to do more so that government can do less. This proposal is meant to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of social programs that many rely on.
What about taxes?
All taxes are destructive and some are a necessary evil. In my judgment, the income tax has the greatest repressive impact on Ohio's economy. The tax code can be restructured to encourage virtue rather than punishing success. Let's start by abolishing the Ohio marriage penalty. Allow income tax credits for charitable organizations that operate in Ohio. For example, on the federal level, (501c3) donations are tax deductible (Schedule A). I want those same donations that are specific to Ohio to be allowed as a tax credit against state income taxes. And why not give unwed mothers a tax credit incentive to place unwanted infants up for adoption? That would discourage abortion, reduce the number of single parent homes, and be a blessing to many parents seeking to adopt. That would be a win-win for everybody involved.
What about healthcare?
Allow income tax credits for qualifying healthcare expenses.
What would you do about education funding?
As a licensed school district treasurer, I have specialized knowledge of many of the problems and concerns faced by the public schools. Local schools spend far too much time, money, and resources fighting for the renewal of expiring tax levies and promoting new levies just to cover their inflation expenses. This is ridiculous and needs to be changed. More of their funding should come from the state and less from local sources. As a home school dad (My wife does all the work.), I also understand the motivations for opposing local school levies. The state should pay 100 percent of the cost of state mandates. The local communities can choose to fund any additional programs or activities.
What about charter schools?
Competition is good. Both charter and district schools should be held to high standards.
What's in it for the parents of private school children?
Allow (with no additional strings attached) tuition and curriculum expense tax credits for parents with children in non-public schools to offset, some or all, of those expenses. This would apply to private, parochial, and home school parents.
How does it make sense to allow new tax credits and increase public school funding?
The credits and new spending would be phased in. As the income tax becomes less burdensome, Ohio will become a more attractive state for more businesses and workers. New economic activity will create jobs, increase property values, and create new revenues without increasing other tax rates.
What's in it for the elderly?
Fewer and smaller school levies will reduce their property tax burden. Also, it is likely that their charitable donation credits and healthcare expense credits will reduce or eliminate their income tax burden.
Are you pro-business?
Yes and Cincinnati philanthropist and financier, Carl Lindner, has endorsed me in the past. I am very strongly pro-business and want Ohio to be more welcoming to business. Repressive regulations and bloated bureaucracies that encourage businesses to leave Ohio or not come here at all must be changed. This helps workers by creating jobs. It's a win-win. Furthermore, my wife (retired teacher) and I are both former union members. Labor cannot succeed unless an environment is created for business to thrive.
What about energy?
There has been much talk about conservation and alternative sources of energy. This is good but not nearly enough. Ohio has oil and natural gas reserves. The state must encourage the production of our natural resources. Increasing production creates jobs and reduces energy costs as supplies increase. Additionally, this increase in economic activity and royalties will increase revenues for the state. New revenues allow for a reduction of the tax burden for residents and businesses. This is a win-win for government, business, labor, consumers, and taxpayers.
What spending cuts would you make?
As I said earlier, government can't be all things to all people. Anything that is not related to the primary purpose of state government will be closely examined. Ohio is bloated with hundreds of cabinet agencies, regulatory boards, and commissions. There is a lot of opportunity for streamlining and consolidating.
Becker has some good points.
Another thing to like about Becker. He ticks off all the right people. I hear Bennett is not his biggest fan. I hear that Joe Uecker is ticked that Becker is thinking about running for Senate because Uecker is term limited and thinks that the 14th Senate Seat is his for the taking simply because he needs work. If this is indeed Uecker's thinking, then we don't need him. We need bold, conservative leadership, in the mold of a Danny Bubp or a John Becker. We need to cast out the John Husted manhugging, go along to get along, me-too philosophy.
I urge people to really give Becker a look over when the time comes. He also has some interesting ideas on fundraising:
How do you intend to raise money?
People can donate money and have it COST THEM NOTHING. A tax credit is available against Ohio Income Taxes for $50 for individuals and $100 for joint returns. Unlike the more common deduction from taxable income, the Ohio political contributions credit is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit off the bottom line of your taxes. Candidates for State Senate and a few other offices are eligible to accept tax credit dollars. That is how every taxpayer in Ohio can send me $50 or $100 and have it COST THEM NOTHING because they will get the full amount back when they file their tax returns. The credit is on line 55 for 2008 and described on page 26 in the IT 1040 booklet. Ohio taxpayers have two choices: They can give the money to an eligible candidate, or give the money to the state government.
What if a tax professional prepares my tax return?
Like with charitable donations, simply provide them with the canceled check or inform them of the donation and keep the canceled check or receipt with your copy of your tax return.
That's awesome! If I write you a check for $100 before the end of this year, will I get the credit early next year when I file my 2008 tax return?
Yes. For a joint return, $100 is the maximum that is eligible for the credit. Write the check now and you will get the full amount back as soon as you file. Please send it to:
Friends of Becker, 925 Locust Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45245-1313
What if I've already given $100 to a qualifying candidate? Can I give another $100 to you and claim a $200 credit on my state income taxes?
No. You can give to more than one candidate, but the maximum for the credit is $100 per joint return; not per candidate. However, if you have given, say $25, to a qualifying candidate, you can send me $75 and get the $100 credit on a joint return.
What if I think you're a great guy and I want to give more?
The maximum is $10,670 per person (older than 6-years-old), per campaign cycle. Please include the name of your employer for required reporting purposes.
Creative and resourceful. And, he is committed to all three planks in the conservative/republican bench. I think he deserves some serious consideration, if not for the 14th, then for other state office as well.....He would truly be an asset to conservatives, and a bane to those mushmouths who simply have an R next to their name but don't walk the walk.
