“Get Ready to Vote: Congressional Candidates 2008”

October 14th 2008: We hosted a very civil debate between the two Congressional candidates, Henry Brown and Linda Ketner. Mr. Brown has held his position since being elected in 2000. Ms. Ketner is running in hopes of ousting Mr. Brown.

Henry Brown is himself a Rotarian, but comments that his responsibilities have regrettably kept him away from some meetings. He commends Rotary for its ideal of service, and says that he feels called to duty by virtue of the same principles. He hopes to continue serving his constituents, and believes he has the experience and knowledge to get the job done. He highlights the need to address our energy policy if he serves another term.

Linda Ketner is formally trained in business and can bring that know-how to Washington. She sees directly to the root of problems, instead of only seeing their symptoms once it is too late. She believes long-term solutions require major foresight instead of short-term panaceas. Speaking to the current economic crisis, she describes how our government removed safeguards in the banking and investment sectors with the termination of legislation and passage of new legislation in and around 1999.

After their introductions, the candidates responded to questions posed by moderator Larry Tarleton, that had been submitted by club members. The candidates had two (2) minutes in which to respond to the questions and one (1) minute in which to rebut.

Ketner was asked about her policy on immigration and dispelled the rumor that she supports amnesty. She regrets that the states are left with the job of cleaning up after the Federal government’s lack of prosecution and prevention of illegal immigration. Both candidates expressed concern over the security threat posed along with illegal immigration. Ketner was also asked about her ability to handle the liberal influence of Nancy Pelosi. She said with no uncertainty that she can handle herself against liberals in Washington and will represent her constituents without giving way to the whims of any faction. Brown was asked why he spends so much on mailings to his constituency and referenced the growth of the area and the need to keep people updated. Brown was also asked about the Republican balanced budget and tax plans and said he supports a balanced budget.

Both candidates discussed which regular publications they read, and naturally the Post and Courier is one of them. The candidates were given two (2) minutes for closing statements, in which they expressed their eagerness to sit in the next Congress. We appreciate the time that Mr. Brown and Mrs. Ketner graciously shared with our club, and wish the best to them both. It was a pleasure to host them and their supporters.

Reported by Jackie Grau, Keyway Committee