CAMPAIGN ‘94: ISSUES AND ANSWERS

Three candidates are running in the Nov. 8 election to represent the 39th Congressional District. They are Democrat R.O. Davis of Buena Park, Libertarian Jack Dean of Fullerton and Republican Ed Royce, the incumbent, of Fullerton. Here’s where they stand on four issues.

Health Care:

Davis: “We must demand the security of health care insurance for every citizen; health care insurance that cannot be lost when we need it most. The president has put forth reasonable principles as guidelines. . . . Every citizen will benefit. Those that will pay slightly more will no longer need to fear being canceled or priced out of their insurance policy. A small increase in premiums is a prudent investment, providing true security.”

Dean: Opposes Clinton health reform plan. “The only health care reforms that are likely to have a significant impact are those that draw on the strengths of the free market. The Libertarian Party has developed a comprehensive proposal for health care reform that would reduce health care costs while extending access to health care for all.” The five-point plan includes establishing tax-exempt medical savings accounts similar to individual retirement accounts; making all health-care expenditures 100% tax deductible; deregulating the health care industry; replacing the Food and Drug Administration with “voluntary certification” by a private organization, and privatizing Medicare and Medicaid.

Royce: Opposes Clinton health reform plan but favors tort reform to reduce medical malpractice insurance premiums and hold down diagnostic costs. He also favors tax deductible medical savings accounts. “I support measures to guarantee that individuals with a pre-existing condition who have to change carriers would be charged no more for their new plan than the normal premium rate charged to all new customers, and to ensure everyone that their coverage cannot be denied in the future, even if they change jobs or move. Regulatory barriers should be eliminated so that small businesses can purchase health insurance through pools or tax-exempt trusts--increasing their bargaining power and dramatically reducing the cost of premiums.”

Education and Health Care Benefits for Illegal Immigrants:

Davis: “People illegally in this country should be deported. When a state or other jurisdiction refuses to participate with the federal government in located illegal aliens, the . . . jurisdiction assumes the financial responsibility for them. Every person residing in our country must receive humane treatment, which includes medical care and education.”

Dean: “The Libertarian Party platform calls for ending tax subsidies for all citizens, legal or ‘illegal’.”

Royce: “Taxpayers can no longer be asked to bear the financial burden of supporting illegal immigrants. With the exception of emergency room care, I support a prohibition on tax dollars going to benefit those who are in this country illegally.”

Crime:

Davis: “Child molesters, rapists, and psychopaths must never be allowed to re-enter society after their first conviction. The court needs the power to order wealthy felons to pay the cost incurred for their prosecution and confinement as part of their restitution in order to lower taxes.”

Dean: “The government is failing to protect us from violent criminals, while squandering its resources on drug prohibition and other victimless offenses. The government pushes victims aside in the criminal justice system, and threatens to create new victims by disarming law-abiding Americans. Meanwhile, government welfare, education, tax and regulatory policies create a breeding ground for new criminals.”

Royce: Supported anti-crime bill approved by the House earlier this year that is now pending before a House-Senate conference committee. “I am working for tougher laws across the board, more police protection and more prison construction. Protecting people from crime is government’s most important responsibility. It has to do a better job.”

El Toro Marine Corps Air Station:

Davis: “Converting the El Toro air base into an international airport will create a hub for Orange and San Diego counties. Building rapid light rail will tie the area together. This will create good jobs, while enhancing our quality of life and cleaning the air we breathe.”

Dean: “I believe the land should be put to its highest and best use, i.e., if a large corporation or a consortium of investors wishes to purchase the property for (a commercial airport) I have no objection. However, considering the size of the federal deficit, I do not believe the federal government can afford to give this property away.”

Royce: “Converting El Toro to commercial use is a vital step in bringing new businesses and job opportunities to Orange County, especially as our local job base becomes more and more dependent on trade. It also makes sense from a long-range planning viewpoint, since our existing airport already operates at near capacity.”

Source: Individual candidates