"Bailout is Just Too Much"

I would have voted no on the bailout, but I do see the value in both sides of this historic vote. I don't want taxpayers to bear the burden of government mistakes within our banking and finance systems. On the other hand, I am opposed to using these huge sums of taxpayer dollars to support a free market economy. I think we need to take more time to react and balance both of these concerns at this point. I will continue to monitor developments but won't support any legislation that is not in the best interest of the taxpayers.

My opponent Congressman Patrick Murphy voted in favor of the bailout bill rejected by the House, stating that “Politicans voting against this bill today caused the biggest point drop the Dow has ever recorded.” According to the Wall Street Journal and CNN Money, however, there were many factors that brought the stock market to this point.

Congressman Murphy’s vote would have saddled taxpayers with a $700 billion dollar bailout of mistakes made by our government. Perhaps this is no surprise, since Murphy has a history of spending taxpayer dollars. The citizens watchdog group CCAGW rates Murphy's fiscal policies as 15 out of 100.

Just last week, in the midst of this fiscal crisis, Murphy voted yes on a $60 billion dollar spending bill that contained nearly $7 billion dollars worth of earmarks.

Today's price tag for taxpayers?
Murphy: $760,000,000,000
Manion: $0

I'm calling for legislators to return to the drawing board and look at other options like infusing private capital, reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and changing the mark to market accounting.

Pinwheels for Energy

“Sometimes the solution is right in front of you,” says Congressman Murphy in his newest campaign ad, referring to the energy crisis. Amidst sunny images of parks, solar energy panels and wind turbines, Murphy and a young friend play with a colorful pinwheel.

I agree, Congressman Murphy. One of the solutions to the energy crisis is right in front of us, and you have repeatedly voted against it. Increasing our domestic oil supply will bridge the transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources, and a pinwheel isn’t going to get us to work or heat our homes.

Not only does Congressman Murphy’s new ad neglect to mention that he has repeatedly voted against one of the best solutions to the energy crisis, but both of his campaign ads feature the Gamesa Corporation, located in Fairless Hills, PA. A manufacturer of wind turbines, the corporation has brought jobs to our area…unfortunately, they have also brought environmental emissions infractions and allegations of unfair labor practices.

In August, Gamesa was fined $639,161 for exceeding emissions levels and inadequate record keeping by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Just this week, three former Gamesa employees filed a lawsuit against the company for wrongful termination. The former employees allege that younger workers, brought in from out of the country, replaced them.

“I’m all for alternative energy and I think harnessing the wind is one of the keys to moving America off its dependence on foreign oil,” Manion said. “However, the hope for the future is that these other sources of power will be better for our environment. Touting a company that’s harming our environment in the process and is under suspicion for unfair labor practices isn’t something I’d be proud of.”

Green isn’t always clean, Congressman Murphy.

The No New Energy Bill

“Pelosi’s No, No, No, Energy Bill”
Murphy votes with Pelosi on energy, abandoning the more comprehensive bill he co-sponsored on July 31st

This is the no new energy bill. I'm refering to the offshore energy bill that was passed Tuesday evening. The American people deserve better from their leaders than rushed legislation that fails to include input from both parties. Our own Congressman co-sponsored a comprehensive energy bill just before his vacation, but abandoned it last night in favor of this hoax of a bill.

This new bill appears to open up limited areas to offshore drilling, but it does so without allowing states to share in the revenue. This provision significantly reduces the chance that states will exercise the option to drill.

“… This bill most certainly won't see the light of day in the Senate,” said Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, a state familiar with oil revenue sharing. The more comprehensive Peterson-Abercrombie energy bill, named for the two Congressmen who drafted it, allows for revenue sharing and several other energy options. Congressman Murphy co-sponsored this bill on July 31st. A look at the two bills is below.

I don't know why Murphy would abandon the better solution that he co-sponsored just a few weeks ago or how he can say this is ‘the energy package he has been calling for all along.' I’m sure the voters of district 8 will see this vote for what it is – a pathetic attempt to cover up that this Congress hasn’t been able to find energy solutions and get the job done.

The Peterson-Abercrombie bill repeals the offshore ban and allows drilling beyond 25 miles, with states having complete authority from 25 to 50 miles off their coastline.
The Pelosi bill permanently bans drilling within 50 miles, where nearly 90% of known oil reserves exist.

The Peterson-Abercrombie bill strikes the ban on gas and oil production in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.
The Pelosi bill maintains the ban on drilling in the oil-rich Eastern Gulf.

The Peterson-Abercrombie bill includes revenue sharing for the producing states and for investments into renewable sources of energy and the low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP)
The Pelosi bill denies revenue sharing to the states.

The Peterson-Abercrombie bill permits the development of oil shale in the Western states.
The Pelosi bill permanently prohibits oil shale leasing unless a state enacts a law to authorize it.

The Peterson-Abercrombie bill repeals the ban on federal agencies purchasing alternative or synthetic fuels such as oil shale, tar sands, and clean coal-to-liquid technology.
The Pelosi bill maintains this federal prohibition.

The Peterson-Abercrombie bill includes tax extensions and tax deductions for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation.
The Pelosi bill combines renewable energy tax incentives with tax increases on the domestic production of gasoline, home heating oil, and natural gas.

In addition; Under Pelosi’s bill, anti-production states like New Jersey would have to pass specific legislation approving of new exploration before pro-production states like Virginia could petition the federal government for the right to ask for it. All exploratory activities in federal waters along the Atlantic outer continental shelf would be cancelled in one fell swoop if states like New Jersey (adjacent to VA), South Carolina (adjacent to NC and GA), or Florida (adjacent to GA and AL) decide to black-ball it – irrespective of whether the rest of the eastern seaboard might be in favor.

A quick overview of Tom

Here is a quick overview of my beliefs:

I will be a citizen legislator.
I have 30 years of experience in the Marines, retiring as a Colonel, and I also have 18 years of experience in the corporate world.
I am not in this to become a career politician, with two careers already under my belt.
I was inspired by the sacrifice of my son Travis in Iraq to run for Congress.

I believe solving the energy crisis needs to be our top priority right now.
I want all options to the energy crisis to be on the table.
I have a three-fold plan to deal with the energy crisis:
Develop alternative energy sources.
Conserve the energy we have.
Expand domestic oil exploration and drill domestically.

I want an America where taxes are low.
I support making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent.
I support eliminating the death tax and the marriage penalty.

I believe that spending is out of control in Washington.
I support a moratorium on earmarks in order to prioritize our spending.
I will carefully review government programs to see where spending can be cut.

I support a health care system that gives patients more control, not less.
I believe health care should be portable for patients between jobs.
I support health care spending accounts and tax credits for health insurance.

I am opposed to a setting a timetable for withdrawal of troops in Iraq.
I believe we should follow the lead of our military officials on the ground in Iraq, who know best when the region is secure.

I support the physical and virtual border fence to protect our border.
I see the need for an employment verification system to ensure the citizenship of workers.
I support increasing the H1-B visa cap, within the specifications of the law.

I value the environment, and will encourage environmentally friendly business initiatives.

I will work “across the aisle” to find solutions to our problems that better us all.

Alarm Bells - the importance of education today

There is so much talk in this election process, and much of the talk surrounds our future. Our energy future, our economic future, the future of healthcare and Social Security. With all this talk, one might think that at some point the discussion would come around to focus on the actual future; our children, and the education of these children. Is anyone else alarmed at how little focus there is on education during this election?

It may seem to be a stale phrase to say that our children are our future. It will not be today's work force, however, that will work in the green buildings, with the alternative energy sources, in the increasingly global economy. It will be tomorrow's work force.

Nationally, 30% of our students are not even graduating high school. What are we doing to ensure that today's students are ready for tomorrow's work force? The mandated standardized testing required by President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, while a start, is not the answer. From my discussions with local educators, I've come to understand that a standardized test is not even the best measure of academic progress. From my experience in the business world, I know that American workers are prized the world over for their creativity and ingenuity. Continued success in the global economy depends on our educational system’s continued ability to produce the world’s most valued workers. Specifically, our schools should produce workers who are adept at twenty-first century skills.

In the twenty-first century, we find ourselves with vast amounts of information at our fingertips. Rather than simply regurgitating information, today's students need to become masters at analyzing and understanding information. In addition to that, business leaders want employees who can collaborate, work with technology, problem-solve and communicate. How can we improve our educational system to supply our workforce with employees that have these twenty-first century skills?

Many American businesses struggle with the dilemma of outsourcing jobs to other countries to reduce costs. Even with tax credits to keep jobs in the U.S., some jobs may leave the U.S. to follow the cheapest labor path. What can we do to retain the best jobs? We can reform our educational system to ensure it is producing the type of employees the workforce needs. With the right skills, employees can adapt to changes in the workplace, rather than falling prey to a changing economy. Our goal should be no employee left behind.

It has been many years since I took a standardized multiple-choice test, or asked it of one of my employees. Yet, every day in my workplace we collaborate, work with technology, problem-solve and communicate. Some schools here in Bucks County are already providing the relevant instruction that results in these twenty-first century skills. Student progress is already being measured with authentic, real world assessments. Schools should be accountable for their results, and we should build on the examples of our best schools. Instead of penalizing the struggling schools, let’s assist the schools to invest in staff development and training with proven, successful models. Most importantly, educators on the front line in classrooms should be an integral part of the educational reform process.

The new school year has begun, and I think it is time to ring the bell. The alarm bell. Why isn't anyone talking about supporting or changing our educational system? Was it not a shortsighted energy policy that led us to the current energy crisis? Let's not allow the same narrow vision to restrain the thinking and reform in our educational system. Such a vision will stifle the potential of our children, who are simply the most precious natural resource, and the foundation of tomorrow's energy.


Tom Manion
Candidate for the US House of Representatives, PA District 8

The Energy Crisis

American ingenuity put a man on the moon and our hard work sparked the industrial revolution. American creativity transformed the world during the information age.

Today, the uniquely American spirit of entrepreneurship can find solutions to our energy demands. Innovative technologies need research and development support and non-oil options like solar, wind and nuclear power require more work.

Meeting our energy demands is within our reach as a nation. Washington must do its part by creating incentives to ignite that enthusiasm and encourage our scientists, engineers and business leaders to find the best alternative energy solutions and bring those technologies to bear as soon as possible.

I have proposed an energy plan with three important action steps. The steps in my plan include increasing alternative energy sources, developing incentives for conservation, and expanding oil exploration. Each step is an important part of the energy plan. On July 23rd, House Republicans sent a similar plan, “The American Energy Act,” for a vote, and unfortunately, the legislation was blocked by Mr. Murphy and other House Democrats.

Let’s begin by discussing alternative energy sources, which are one step in my plan. Common sense tells us that we can shift the American economy off its near-complete dependence on oil by developing alternative energy sources. I will support legislation to provide incentives for the development of other sources of energy. Technological innovations in the areas of nuclear, solar, coal, geothermal and hydrogen energy sources will receive incentives under my plan.

Americans use more energy than any other nation. As we work to find these additional sources of energy, we must also take action to conserve energy. Energy conservation is the second step in my plan. I support tax credits to businesses and families who promote energy conservation and efficiency in all sectors of the American economy.

While we seek these new energy sources and conserve our precious energy, Congress must assist the process by expanding exploration opportunities in oil-rich domestic regions. I will sponsor legislation for exploration of domestic natural gas and oil production in areas currently denied by Congress. Domestic drilling will decrease our dependence on oil from foreign countries, that, to be frank, don’t like us very much.

It is important, however, that exploration occur with new, environmentally friendly technologies to protect our natural resources for future generations. These technologies, such as horizontal drilling wells, leave a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional wells.

According to a CNN research center poll, 73% of Americans now favor domestic drilling. Yet, in spite of the strong support for domestic drilling by taxpayers, Mr. Murphy and the Democratic leadership of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed have repeatedly voted to block proposals on drilling from coming up for a vote. They may not understand the burden our taxpayers are under, but I do.

Domestic drilling will also send a signal to the many speculators both here and abroad that a greater supply of oil and natural gas will be on the way. This will help stabilize the price of fuel in the short-term and allow for price reductions long-term.

Expanding oil exploration opportunities must go hand-in hand with increasing long-term oil-refining capacity. I will sponsor legislation to create fast-track approval for expansion of existing refineries. Construction of new refineries with environmentally friendly technologies will also be a priority.

The solution to our energy demands is not simple. By using the latest technologies, and never sacrificing our strict environmental standards, America can produce more of our energy right here at home -- while still protecting our open spaces and our clean air and water for generations to come.

American-made energy reduces our dependency on the dictatorships of the Middle East and other foreign sources of energy. Instead of spending billions of dollars on oil in nations that oppose our way of life, we could be spending it here at home on domestic oil and American jobs.

My plan lays the foundation for a future with clean, affordable energy. My plan helps all Pennsylvanians by initiating jobs in new industries that will replace those our state has lost. My plan will encourage economic growth – as businesses and investors plan responsibly for the future. Most importantly, my plan will provide more options and lower costs to consumers.

By putting Americans to work on the issue of alternative energy, we can protect our environment and meet the energy needs of our country. Other countries look to America as a source of creativity. Pooling our collective spirit, we are clearly a people who can solve our energy demands now and into the future.


Sincerely,
Tom Manion
Candidate for US Congress, PA District 8

Introduction to Tom Manion

I come to the race for Congress not as a career politician, but as a regular citizen called to public service in extraordinary times. I grew up in the Philadelphia area and am one of ten children. My father was a salesman and my mother raised the family. Together, they worked very hard to provide for our family. My parents believed in service, though back then they called it “helping others.” They believed in the promise and opportunity of America. These are beliefs that are deeply instilled in me.
I graduated from our public schools and then worked my way through college, graduating from Widener University. I then went on to serve our country in the Marines. I served 11 years of active duty as a Marine, and another 19 years in the Marine Reserves, retiring at the end of 2007 as a Colonel. While serving our country, I also furthered my education, earning a Masters Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
After ending my active service, I began consulting for Fortune 500 companies and then, in 1990, began a second career as a business executive at Johnson and Johnson. We moved to Bucks County at this time as well.
I've been married to my wife Janet for nearly 30 years. Our daughter Ryan and her husband Dave live in Doylestown with my granddaughter, Maggie Rose. Our son Travis was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and gave his life in Iraq last year. He made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of public service. And in doing so, Travis reminded me that my service to our country - and my fellow citizens - is not over.
I'm running for Congress as an outsider - an ordinary citizen - committed to changing our government so it once again works for us.

Times Herald Election Blog Central

This blog is part of The Times Herald's effort to get more information to the voters of Montgomery County.