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In the Assembly I served in the tradition of Teddy Roosevelt, who's seat I sat in. I'm proud to have had the strongest pro-environment records of any Republican member. My efforts consistently earned me the endorsement of New York's major environmental organizations.
ON THE ECONOMY AND EDUCATION: "Having raised 4 children on Staten Island, my wife and I recognize the financial burden on middle-class family's like ours to meet the high cost of education"
As a New York Legislator, I voted again and again to cut taxes on income, clothing, property and small businesses. As Congressman, I will vote to expand and make permanent the Republican tax cuts so that more of your hard-earned dollars remain in your pocket/pocketbook, to spend as you choose.
 I will continue -as I did in the Assembly- to support tax credits and school vouchers for children, whether they attend public, private or parochial schools which can be used to reduce the cost of tuition, purchase computers and software, after school learning programs, tutors and school supplies.
I will oppose "Obama-nomics" which would cost New Yorkers their jobs, lead to an increase in mortgage foreclosures and ultimately require an increase in property taxes. I will support the economic programs as proposed by Senator John McCain.
ON TRANSPORTATION:
I want to increase the role of the federal government and federal funding to break the gridlock that daily confronts Staten Island and Brooklyn commuters. The traffic affects all of us driving within the Island. Our colonial road network just does not fit the 21st century. My plans include a new Goethals Bridge, more lanes on the expressways, a barrier system on Hylan Boulevard, federal funds more eco-friendly buses, and a rail link to Manhattan. I further propose the creation of safe turn-only lanes to expedite traffic flow. At the Republican Convention in Minnesota I discussed these issues with John Mica, ranking republican member on the committee with jurisdiction on transportation issues.
ON TAXES:
I am proud to sign the Americans For Tax Reform's "No Tax" pledge in our nation's capital. Staten Island and Brooklyn have been plagued with high taxes and in this economic climate we need to cut taxes to incentivize growth. In the Assembly, I had a twenty-four year record of cutting taxes and as Congressman I pledge to never raise taxes on my constituents.
ON HEALTHCARE:
I want healthcare that is accessible, affordable and available to everyone. I do not support the democrats' proposed "European-style" of government rationing of healthcare. I want to preserve the existing hospitals while preventing further hospital closings because we need to open more hospital beds in Staten Island and Brooklyn.
ON FOREIGN POLICY:
Ronald Reagan said we shouldn't be ashamed to promote democracy. I agree. I am the only candidate with a proven record of foreign affairs, having taken assignment on behalf of the International Republican Institute in order to promote democracy in eastern and central European developing countries. The Institute was created by congress and chaired by Senator John McCain, our republican presidential candidate.
I was the chairman of the International Committee of the Council of State Governments, leading state government missions with Governor Mike Huckabee and Governor Miner to Mexico and to Africa.
I opened a trade office in western China on behalf of the 10 northeastern states and led a mission to Poland to promote American businesses. I am also active in the Mid-Atlantic club, an organization that focuses on international understandings.
ON ABORTION:
Robert Straniere is a Pro-Life Republican and has received the Right to Life Committee endorsement: READ MORE
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ON ENERGY AND GAS PRICES: