Congress: 25th District

Questionnaires were distributed to candidates in March. Answers have been edited to fit the available space.

Democrat James H. (Gil) Gilmartin, Green candidate Charles Wilken, Libertarian Peggy Christensen and Peace and Freedom candidate Nancy Lawrence are unopposed in the June 2 primary. Their answers to Times questionnaires will be published before the November general election, along with those of the winner of the Republican primary.

Tax Cut / Federal Deficit

Q. Do you support, in principle, reducing the federal deficit or spending more on social programs by raising the taxes of upper-income Americans, defined as individuals making about $100,000 and couples earning about $150,000?

Logsdon: Neither at this time. I do not support reducing the federal deficit or spending more on social programs in this period of recession.

Lynch: No.

McKeon: No. I’m against any tax increase. Since World War II, every time the Congress has raised taxes, they have increased spending $1.58 for $1 of increased taxes.

McVarish: To get the economy going, we need to cut mandatory entitlements and discretionary funding now.

Rousselot: I favor reducing the federal deficit by reduced spending and immediately establishing a balanced budget in which expenditures are slightly less than income.

Wyman: Taxing the “rich” feels good, but raises little revenue and always falls on the middle class. The real problem lies in too much spending. We have enough taxes.

Capital Gains

Q. Do you favor President Bush’s proposal for a capital gains tax cut as an economic stimulant?

Logsdon: Yes. As our economy represents a prolonged drought, the President’s proposal represents much-needed rain. The rain brings immediate relief to the valleys and the deserts; the mountain rain turns to snow and is stored, much like the President’s proposal will bring immediate relief to a struggling economy and allow for planned investment opportunities.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: Yes. Historically, when capital gains taxes have been lowered, there has been a jump in the amount of money coming into the federal treasury from capital gains. It encourages economic growth and new job creation.

McVarish: No. The proposal will trigger the alternative minimum tax for those whose gains will exceed their yearly income. Instead of a 15% tax, they will get a 24% surprise. Capital gains tax can be more effective and have more impact on stimulating the economy if the alternative minimum tax is adjusted downward.

Rousselot: Yes. I have always supported this proposal and so voted in 1978 while in the Congress. When the cut in the capital gains tax was implemented in 1978, revenue went up.

Wyman: Capital investment creates all new technologies, 70%-90% of all new jobs and a competitive economy with a hopeful future for our children and grandchildren.

Balanced Budget

Q. Do you support a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget?

Logsdon: No, not at this time, but later when the economy is functioning well I think it should be considered.

Lynch: No. It’s not practical in an emergency.

McKeon: Yes. We need to get our spending under control.

McVarish: Yes. If it includes a safety valve against using taxation to initially balance the budget. It should also include line-item veto and budgeting for a period of two or more fiscal years at a time.

Rousselot: Yes. While in Congress, I voted for same and introduced same.

Wyman: Yes, and I also support a line-item veto since Congress is incapable of cutting spending. Congress handles the federal budget just like it does the house bank--the taxpayer picks up the penalties.

Defense Reductions

Q. With the end of the Cold War, do you favor deep reductions in the $290 - billion annual defense budget? If so, how much could it be safely reduced in one year? Five years?

Logsdon: Yes. It is difficult to pinpoint a finite time-tabled figure. However, as a Russian historian, the threat which created our superior military forces does not now exist. The myth of a rebirth of communism is not as threatening as the emergence of a radical Russian national movement.

Lynch: No. Five years.

McKeon: I support President Bush’s approach on this. Cuts must be gradual and tied to America’s true defense needs in a rapidly changing world. The impact on jobs should be one of the criteria used in making cuts.

McVarish: Yes--a 25% cut over five years with major cuts being made in the $160 billion dollars for salaries and health care of military and $900,000 Pentagon personnel. Closing overseas bases and bringing troops home would save $25 billion.

Rousselot: No. I support proportionate reductions along with all other major categories.

Wyman: World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam proved that a cheap defense is always paid back in blood and treasures far greater than our short-term savings. In addition, defense and aerospace create new technologies, new jobs and a competitive economy.

Defense Savings

Q. What should any defense savings be used for: lower taxes, reduced deficit, spending on domestic programs?

Logsdon: Lowered taxes must be given back to the investor, the American taxpayer.

Lynch: All of the above, but not in equal degrees.

McKeon: The savings should be used to reduce the deficit, provide meaningful retraining and job placement for displaced workers, and rebuild our country’s infrastructure (roads, bridges, schools etc.)

McVarish: Reduction of the deficit.

Rousselot: Reduced deficit and lower taxes.

Wyman: Reducing the deficit, lowering taxes and redirecting some defense spending into our space program.

Welfare Waste

Q. Do you believe a lot of money is being wasted on social welfare programs?

Logsdon: That depends on how one looks at the problem. The perception of many Americans is that social welfare programs are subjected to rampant abuse. That perception can only be changed by government agencies becoming more effective in addressing social welfare needs. Historically, Americans have been willing to stretch their helping hands around the globe; that willful gesture is more evident at home. The American people are not opposed to social welfare, but are against social welfare exploitation and abuse.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: Yes. The current welfare system perpetuates poverty, works against keeping families together and has created a permanent underclass of citizens. The system must be changed to provide only short-term payments and to require heads of households to work and improve job skills if they’re physically able.

McVarish: Yes. Many programs create and breed dependency instead of independence and, for many, it’s a modern-day slavery.

Rousselot: Yes. I support the Work and Family Responsibility Plan proposed by the Republican leadership in Congress. Under the proposal, people on welfare for more than 12 months must go to work or to school to continue receiving benefits.

Wyman: Most social welfare programs have lost sight of their objectives--to help families become self-sufficient and productive members of society. Too much of our welfare dollars go to fraud, poverty pimps, bureaucrats and social workers harassing people struggling to survive. Able-bodied welfare recipients should work and not be penalized for it.

Welfare Benefits

Q. Do you support reducing welfare benefits of parents who do not go to school, attend training or find a job; do not make sure that their children attend school or get basic medical care, or who continue to have more children while on welfare?

Logsdon: Yes.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: Yes. I would favor all but the restriction on having children.

McVarish: Yes. The concept of welfare must be redefined as a short-term program.

Rousselot: Yes.

Wyman: The working poor should live as well as or better than welfare recipients. People who work to get off welfare should not have to hide their income to qualify for a little help when they need it.

Costly Programs

Q. Do you support significantly increased funding for the following programs, all of which are costly and controversial and employ significant numbers of workers who live in yours and surrounding districts? a) The B-2 Stealth bomber, b) The Strategic Defense Initiative (“Star Wars”), c) The Space Station .

Logsdon: Stealth bomber--No. Star Wars--I agree with President Bush and Secretary of State Dick Cheney that funding should continue. Space Station--Significant increased funding for the space station at this time would not be a priority agenda item.

Lynch: Stealth bomber--Yes. Star Wars--Yes. Space Station--Yes.

McKeon: Stealth bomber--Yes. Star Wars--No. Space Station--No.

McVarish: No on all three.

Rousselot: Stealth bomber and Star Wars--yes, but does not have to be significant.

Wyman: Yes on all three. These are important projects that our California congressional delegation needs to fight to keep in California.

Employee Insurance

Q. Do you support requiring businesses either to provide health insurance to employees or contribute to a fund to provide health care for the uninsured?

Logsdon: Not answered.

Lynch: No. I support President Bush’s plan.

McKeon: No. This is a very complex problem, but without doing something about controlling costs, we can’t simply place the burden on business.

McVarish: I do believe that all Americans have a right to accessibility to medical care at a cost that will not bankrupt them. We need a national price-setting of the cost of treatment, insurance, medical litigation and the payment will be made by the employer, employee and taxpayer.

Rousselot: I support the plan called a “managed competition” program advanced by the Jackson Hole Group. It is the best advanced so far.

Wyman: Businesses should not be driven from the marketplace due to excess government regulations. I support health vouchers for the poor, tax deductions and tax credits for the middle class.

Health Care

Q. Do you support a national health-care system in which the government establishes fees, pays all the bills and collects taxes to cover the cost?

Logsdon: No. A comprehensive national health-care system is not in the best interest of the American people. The tax system needed to support such a system would be astronomical.

Lynch: No. This is the “single payer” Canadian system, which is becoming a disaster.

McKeon: No. Government has not impressed me with its ability to efficiently administer programs.

McVarish: Same as above.

Rousselot: No.

Wyman: I support tax incentives that allow individuals to subscribe to a health plan. Socialized health care, like socialized anything, doesn’t work.

Soviet Aid

Q. Should the United States be contributing significantly more non-military aid to the former Soviet Union to help it achieve economic reform and long-term stability?

Logsdon: Congress should fund a commission whose function would be to create a new type of Peace Corps that could employ American workers in underdeveloped countries. The World Bank could be encouraged to make loans against natural assets in the new democratic republics. These funds should be earmarked to finance American construction workers, engineers, aerospace workers and teachers in a program for re-education and reconstruction of our former adversaries.

Lynch: Yes. This is a good investment to prevent the power Balkanization of the former U.S.S.R., but should be done with the idea of proven cost-effectiveness to both sides.

McKeon: I think we should take care of our own country and our own people first.

McVarish: This is the only foreign aid I consider being in the best economic interest of the United States. The commonwealth states offer a vast market potential for future American products while at the same time being a provider to us.

Rousselot: Yes.

Wyman: The U.S. must ensure that nuclear weapons do not fall into the wrong hands. The U.S. can provide the tools of capitalism to the former Soviet Union. No handouts beyond humanitarian relief aid. We should provide training in free market economics.

Saddam Hussein

Q. If Saddam Hussein continues to refuse to obey United Nations orders to dismantle Iraq’s arms-making nuclear capability, should the United States urge the United Nations to take military action with U. S. participation?

Logsdon: Yes.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: Yes. We should have finished this when we were there and we should not let them increase their strength, especially with nuclear capability.

McVarish: No. America’s economy has paid a high cost for years of being the umbrella for our allies. It’s time for them to place their economies and citizens on the front line for world peace.

Rousselot: Yes. It may be necessary for the U.S. to conduct surgical strikes.

Wyman: This needs to be nipped in the bud to prevent a recurrence of the previous threat to the U.S. and its allies. The United States should take actions itself if necessary.

Israeli Loan

Q. Would you have unconditionally supported Israel’s request for $10 billion in loan guarantees to help resettle refugees from the former Soviet Union?

Logsdon: I support loan guarantees for Israel because historically Israel and the United States have been friends. I see loan guarantees as a means of using American influence and conditions established by President Bush are appropriate.

Lynch: No.

McKeon: Yes.

McVarish: No.

Rousselot: With conditions.

Wyman: Yes. I support the loan guarantees as a humanitarian gesture without conditions.

Loan Conditions

Q. If not, did you support the request under the conditions that the Bush Administration sought to impose: that the money would be made available if Israel promised to stop building new settlements on the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip?

Logsdon: The President feels this loan guarantee can be a lever in order to lessen tensions. I would support it.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: Not applicable.

McVarish: No.

Rousselot: Yes.

Wyman: No, the U.S. ought not to interfere in the internal domestic policies of our strongest ally, Israel.

U. S. Citizenship

Q. Do you support a proposed constitutional amendment that would deny U. S. citizenship to U. S.-born children of illegal immigrants?

Logsdon: Yes. In order to receive benefits, a person must be eligible. Citizenship should not be gained through breaking U.S. immigration law.

Lynch: Yes. Under the international “Law of Conflicts” a child usually takes the citizenship of the father unless the mother is granted custody.

McKeon: Yes. We need to gain control of our borders. There are people crossing illegally that become a huge burden on the welfare system.

McVarish: Yes. I find it unacceptable and disgraceful that our government permits and rewards the disrespect shown toward womanhood and motherhood as a commodity to be used in order to obtain benefits of citizenship.

Rousselot: Do not believe necessary.

Wyman: Our public hospitals are filled with babies born to illegal immigrants. It costs too much and is unfair to those spending years to win their citizenship.

Japanese Imports

Q. Should the United States make it harder for Japan to export goods into this country if Japan does not open more of its markets to American goods?

Logsdon: The decision to levy higher tariffs or impose tougher trade restrictions on the Japanese should come from the White House to Congress. The President reflects the will of the people on foreign policy matters. Personally, I believe there should be one set of rules regarding trade with all countries, including Japan.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: Yes. I believe in free trade, but playing field must be level. Competition must be fair.

McVarish: Yes. Our trade negotiators are committed to the concepts of free trade while Japan is committed to expanding her own economy through selling at home and abroad. Her imports are managed to prevent adverse foreign competition.

Rousselot: Should push hard in current negotiations to demand opening up markets for U.S. imports to Japan.

Wyman: Free trade must be free trade. Genuine free trade is beneficial to consumers everywhere.

Industrial Emissions

Q. Should the United States move more rapidly to limit industrial emissions that may be depleting the ozone layer and contributing to global warming even though such steps may hurt some businesses and eliminate some jobs?

Logsdon: Yes. The scientific evidence that attempts to link certain enterprises to ozone depletion must be measured precisely. Scientific evidence must be obtained before requiring expensive pollution control programs that may or may not produce measurable improvements in ozone quality.

Lynch: No. It hasn’t been conclusively proven that industrial emissions are the primary cause of the problem.

McKeon: No. We need to protect our environment, but we also need balance. It doesn’t help the planet if we just move the production to another country.

McVarish: Yes. The ozone is something we can’t manufacture. We don’t have second chances.

Rousselot: I cannot answer a simple yes or no, will submit suggested plan.

Wyman: The United States should move more rapidly to get its economy in order. Economic recovery should definitely take priority over excess environmental regulations. Environmentalism is a growth industry, a jobs-killing machine.

Oil Exploration

Q. Barring a national emergency, would you ever support opening up more of the California coastline to oil exploration? If so, under what circumstances?

Logsdon: This is an issue best addressed by the state of California and not by the federal government.

Lynch: No.

McKeon: No.

McVarish: No.

Rousselot: Do not need to open up coastline as there are already proposed tracts off coast that are being studied for environmental use.

Wyman: Yes, if done responsibly. In fact, environmentally sensitive oil drilling actually spills far less oil than do tankers running up and down the coast.

Public Parkland

Q. Do you support increasing the amount appropriated by Congress to buy public parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains, which is $14 million this year?

Logsdon: No. We must be prudent in these economic times.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: No, not if it means taxes.

McVarish: No.

Rousselot: No answer.

Wyman: No. Too much public funds have already been spent on the (Santa Monica Mountains) Conservancy.

Campaign Contributions

Q. Do you support reducing the amount of contributions that can be made by special-interest groups to congressional campaigns? If so, to what level?

Logsdon: Yes. The limits should be the same for both individuals and special-interest group contributions.

Lynch: No. Congressional campaigns already are limited to $1,000 and $5,000 between individuals and PACs.

McKeon: Yes. Cut PAC contributions to $1,000--the same level as individual contributors.

McVarish: Yes. Why should a PAC or special-interest group have five times more financial influence and accessibility to a candidate than an individual?

Rousselot: I support present law.

Wyman: I support a congressional reform package that mandates that PAC contributions not amount to a greater dollar total than money raised per individual with their own congressional district. There also should be a personal spending cap on the amount of money an individual can spend on his or her own race.

Congressional Perks

Q. If elected, would you decline to accept any of the congressional perks? If yes, please specify which ones.

Logsdon: No. It is not the perks that are the problem. It is the abuse.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: Yes. For starters, the House bank and the operators working in an automatic elevator. I believe I would support a special, nonpartisan prosecutor to investigate congressional perks and make recommendations.

McVarish: Yes. Today’s politician has become so arrogant, self-serving, remote and just forgotten how to live the daily experience of life.

Rousselot: What do you mean “perks?”

Wyman: Yes. The House bank, midnight pay raises, unpaid restaurant bills etc. prove the need for major reforms.

School Vouchers

Q. Do you support giving government vouchers to low- and middle-income parents to allow them to pay their children’s tuition in private or parochial schools?

Logsdon: No. I believe in public education.

Lynch: I am presently studying the initiative and have not yet taken a position.

McKeon: I favor and support the public school system. I am opposed to the current voucher initiative. I believe some form of voucher system has merit. Permitting parents the freedom of choice to select what school their children will go to is something I can support.

McVarish: Yes. The most basic form of parents participation is making the decision of where to send their children to school.

Rousselot: Yes.

Wyman: Yes. It depends on the performance of particular schools. I support vouchers for those parents whose children are trapped in failing schools where 50% of the students drop out or do not matriculate. Those public schools that are succeeding have earned our support.

Death Penalty

Q. Do you support capital punishment for any crimes? If so, what?

Logsdon: Capital punishment is a deterrent and is supported by 79% of the voters of California. I will let the people decide what crimes qualify.

Lynch: Yes. Treason, first-degree murder, felony murder.

McKeon: Yes. The crimes presently covered under law and for habitually violent criminals.

McVarish: Yes.

Rousselot: Yes. Premeditated murder, killing federal, state and local officials.

Wyman: Yes. There is little wrong with the current death penalty laws.

Gun Sales

Q. Do you support any form of limit on the sales of guns to individuals?

Logsdon: Yes. There should be limits such as not selling guns to children under age or to felons.

Lynch: Yes. Conviction for a felony.

McKeon: No, other than those already controlled by federal law.

McVarish: Yes. It’s time to amend the Second Amendment. Let’s license handguns and hunting guns and prohibit all semi and automatic weapons and Teflon bullets.

Rousselot: Only on machine guns (military.)

Wyman: No. Limiting sales of guns to law-abiding citizens has never reduced crime.

Affirmative Action

Q. In general, do you think affirmative action in employment of women and members of minority groups has not gone far enough, or has gone too far, or is about right?

Logsdon: The question presupposes that I support affirmative action at the present time. I do not. I believe affirmative action had a role in transforming our society from one of segregation to integration. It is time to test the dream and hire people according to the content of their character and qualifications, and not the color of their skin or their gender.

Lynch: Gone too far, especially in an economic downturn.

McKeon: It has gone far enough.

McVarish: Affirmative action for gender equality still has a long way to go. Parity and advancement opportunities in business and government are lagging behind.

Rousselot: About right.

Wyman: Affirmative action to insure equality of opportunity is one thing. Racial quotas fuel the fires of ugly racist sentiments.

Abortion Rights

Q. Do you support a woman’s unrestricted right to an abortion within the first three months of pregnancy?

Logsdon: No. I support the option of abortion for women who have been raped, in the case of incest or when the woman’s life is endangered.

Lynch: No.

McKeon: No. I am opposed to abortion on demand, but do recognize that there are limited circumstances where an abortion may be justified. Abortion as a method of birth control is something I cannot accept. However, I am sensitive to the woman who has been impregnated by the rapist or as the result of incest, or whose life or health is threatened.

McVarish: Yes. The right of a woman to choose an abortion is her right and her right only.

Rousselot: No. Only to save the life of the mother or in cases of incest.

Wyman: No. I believe we ought to protect unborn little boys and girls.

Abortion Funding

Q. Do you support federal funding of abortions for women who cannot afford them?

Logsdon: No. I would support funding programs that taught values and thereby served to reduce or eliminate unwanted pregnancies.

Lynch: No.

McKeon: Yes, but only for those abortions that are acceptable in my stated position.

McVarish: Yes.

Rousselot: No.

Wyman: No.

Art Restrictions

Q. Should Congress impose any content restrictions on what it considers obscene or indecent materials in reauthorizing the National Endowment for the Arts?

Logsdon: I support efforts to cut off funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.

Lynch: Yes.

McKeon: Yes. I don’t think an artist’s work should be censored if he’s paying for it, but if it’s paid for by taxpayers, they would have some input.

McVarish: It is no longer the taxpayers’ responsibility. We need to redirect our tax money into other urgent programs and needs.

Rousselot: No answer.

Wyman: Yes. I authored a bill to stop vending-machine distribution of pornographic material accessible without limit to children. The taxpayers ought not to be compelled to pay for morally repulsive filth.

Striking Workers

Q. Do you support a law to forbid businesses to hire permanent replacements for striking workers?

Logsdon: No. With the economy as it is, such an approach would endanger even more an economic recovery.

Lynch: No.

McKeon: No.

McVarish: No.

Rousselot: No.

Wyman: No.

Hill or Thomas?

Q. Who do you think was more likely to have told the truth, Anita Hill or Clarence Thomas?

Logsdon: Ms. Hill did not prove her case. I believed Clarence Thomas.

Lynch: Cannot tell--a close call.

McKeon: I think they both had some problems with the truth.

McVarish: Anita Hill.

Rousselot: Justice Thomas, but both from their point of view.

Wyman: The American people, according to polls, and the Senate Judiciary Committee believe Clarence Thomas more than Anita Hill. Both persons were done a great injustice by the media circus over things that allegedly happened years ago.

Quality of Life

Q. What single change would most improve life in Southern California?

Logsdon: People returning to the basic beliefs that created this wonderful country--love of God, family and country.

Lynch: Improved and practical public transportation.

McKeon: Eliminate crime, provide safe feelings at home, in cars and at the schools.

McVarish: Immigration, the high cost not just in terms of taxpayer funding, but the cost of Balkanization of communities, the overt discrimination in advertising of goods and services in foreign languages.

Rousselot: Stop driving jobs and businesses out of California by unreasonable regulations. Full employment.

Wyman: An improved transportation system, including roads, public transit and rapid modern fixed rail. For example, a bullet train from LAX through the San Fernando into the Antelope Valley.

Public Figure

Q. What public figure do you most admire?

Logsdon: I admired Sen. Hatch’s positive and astute defense of Clarence Thomas during the committee hearings.

Lynch: Roger Sherman, Alexander Hamilton, Ulysses S. Grant.

McKeon: George Washington.

McVarish: Leo Buscaglia, author and lecturer.

Rousselot: Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Thomas Jefferson.

Wyman: President Ronald Reagan. Oliver North. Barry Goldwater.

Literary Influence

Q. What, if any, book have you recently read that influenced your view of public policy?

Logsdon: “Little Giant,” the life and times of Speaker Carl Albert.

Lynch: “Parliament of Whores” by P.J. O’Rourke, “The New Realities” by Peter F. Drucker.

McKeon: “The Death of Ethics in America” by Cal Thomas.

McVarish: “Japanese Power Game” by William Holstein.

Rousselot: “In the Arena” by President Richard Milhouse Nixon.

Wyman: “The Conservative Mind” by Dr. Russel Kirk. “So You Think We Read the Bills?” by H. L. Richardson.

CONTENDERS

Larry Logsdon, 45, of Palmdale, is an American history teacher. He is making his first bid for public office. Logsdon has a master’s degree from Angelo State University in Texas has done graduate work in Soviet studies and Russian at UCLA.

John J. Lynch, 55, of Northridge, is the former Los Angeles County assessor. He served in that office form 1986 to 1990, when he was defeated by political novice Kenneth P. Hahn, who is no relation to the county supervisor.

Howard (Buck) McKeon, 53, of Santa Clarita, is a retail merchant who helps run a family-owned chain of Western clothing stores. He is a former Santa Clarita mayor and council member and William S. Hart Union High School District Board of Trustees member.

Tom McVarish, 50, of Granada Hills, is a cost estimator for the state of California. A Republican, he has never held public office and is making his first try at being elected to a public post.

John H. Rousselot, 64, of Lancaster, is a management consultant. He served as a member of Congress for more than 20 years--from 1961 to 1983. He also was director of public information of the Federal Housing Administration.

Phillip D. Wyman, 47, of Lancaster, currently represents the central California’s 34th Assembly District in Sacramento. He is the Assembly minority whip and was first elected in 1978.