Politics & Government

Virtual Town Hall: 52nd Congressional District – John K. Stahl

Stahl: "If you restore the manufacturing base in this country, you will create the 'step ladder' economy that is needed to get the economy and jobs growing."

Patch sent questionnaires to local candidates in the California primary in the guise of constituents of various different ages, professions and backgrounds.

The 52nd Congressional District includes La Jolla, Poway and Coronado, among other San Diego County communities. The highest profile candidates in the race are incumbent Republican Brian Bilbray and Democrats Scott Peters, a Port commissioner and former San Diego City Council president, and Lori Saldana, a former state Assemblywoman.

Stahl is a Republican and a retired business executive. The primary election is Tuesday.

Find out what's happening in Coronadowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: I’m a 37-year-old public school teacher, and every year I fear losing my job. Why should I vote for you?

John K. Stahl: If we move to a merit based system for teachers, there is no reason to be in fear.  We will pay our good teachers well and weed out the weak performers as we do in any other field of work.  I went to public schools all my life and will work to support good solutions using common sense and business practices.

Find out what's happening in Coronadowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: I’m 26 and camped for weeks at Occupy San Diego, protesting a tax system that gives the rich huge breaks. Why should I vote for you?

Stahl: The answer is a simplification of the tax code and the closing of preferential tax loopholes. It costs the American economy $400 billion a year to comply with the current 80,000 pages of IRS code.  We need to give investors the incentive to put money to work, but not loopholes that give an unfair advantage.  If some group bought and paid for the votes in Congress that passed a bill that gave campaign contributors unfair access, that is where I draw the line.

Patch: I’m 68 and can’t believe how Obama is moving this country toward a Socialist state.  Why should I vote for you?

Stahl:  Because I am a common sense Conservative, who believes in the Constitution, Common Sense and Judeo-Christian principles to solved our problems.  If you restore the manufacturing base in this country, you will create the “step ladder” economy that is needed to get the economy and jobs growing.

Patch: I’m 45 and have been out of work for 14 months. I’m well-educated, but employers won’t even let me in the door.  Why should I vote for you?

Stahl: The solution is private sector job creation.  We need to review necessary regulation and tax policy to encourage people to risk capital and create businesses.  California just announced that the state budget is in the hole $16 billion, when only in January is was 9 billion in deficit. If you run jobs out of the state, this is what you get.

Patch: I’m 18 and getting into the state university system is harder than ever—and more expensive.  Why should I vote for you?

Stahl:  College is more expensive because of the bloated overhead, administration and demands of the public sector unions for continual increasing pay and benefits.  We all want our educators to be paid fairly, but you have to use common sense and fairness on this subject.  Please see the documentary Waiting for Superman for a clear explanation.

Patch: I’m 81, and my grandchildren are joining the Navy. I fear another needless war will take them away. Why should I vote for you?

Stahl: As a Naval Aviator, I understand the price you pay for sending young Americans into harm’s way.  Of the four viable candidates in this race, I am the only one who has worn a uniform for their country. When we do go to war, the mission should be clear, the end game defined and the support of the American public in place.

Patch: I’m 35 and see nothing happening in Sacramento or Washington to solve my problems. All I see are the extreme wings of both parties blaming each other and getting nothing done. Why should I vote for you?

Stahl: I am not supported by either major party and not beholding to the party establishment who hold their members to an extreme agenda.  I am supported by non-establishment Republicans, have the endorsement of the National Women Veterans, the American Independent Party and was vetted and endorsed by iCaucus.  This group iCaucus does the vetting for several Conservative groups here in San Diego.  I do not take PAC money, so likewise not beholding to the industrial and special interest groups who buy an agenda.  I will work for the taxpayers and citizens of this district and represent you well in Washington.


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