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Response to "Hand-Picked GOP Contender Goes Up Against Tim Bishop." Newsday To the Editor: Last Sunday, August 15, Newsday published an article by Rick Brand entitled, "Hand-Picked GOP Contender Goes Up Against Tim Bishop." While the overtly partisan and fictitious rhetoric from opponents was unsurprising, I thought what Mr. Brand wrote was, for the most part, fair and balanced. However, I must respectfully take exception where I believe he misses the point. My family and I moved to Suffolk County to raise our then newborn son. Since that time I am proud of the roots my family has established in the local community. From my wife Cheryl's work as a pediatrician in Port Jefferson and Shirley, to my membership in the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and our involvement with my two-and-a-half-year-old son Noah's pre-school in St. James, we love our community and value the friendships we have made. I have continued to work very hard, using my business talents and skills, to empower entrepreneurs and create jobs. In my businesses I have created hundreds of new jobs in New York and across the United States. In fact, my current company, CloudBlue, not only creates green jobs but prevents electronic waste from polluting our environment. While encouraged by many across the First Congressional District to run for Congress, my reasons for wanting to pursue office are inherently personal and founded on my concern that the opportunities afforded to my and earlier generations may not be available for our children and grandchildren. I, like many other citizens of the district, did not understand why Mr. Bishop chose to cancel his public meetings with his constituents in a town hall setting to hear their concerns on the economy, unemployment, cap and trade, and a government run takeover of our healthcare system. While I agree that we must make health insurance more accessible and affordable for all American citizens -- government-run health care is not the answer. I was disappointed in our current congressman when he supported Nancy Pelosi and voted in favor of bailouts for Wall Street, and the $787 billion stimulus package that had little to do with stimulus and much to do with political pork and inside deals with our hard-earned tax dollars. We must create an economic environment that encourages small businesses and entrepreneurs to begin hiring new workers. For that to transpire, we must reform the tax code and reduce taxes across the board on families and small business owners to spur investment so that our economy can once again prosper. Right now my first priority is getting around to all seven towns in the First District to listen to the concerns citizens have and earn their support. One thing that is certainly evident is that we desperately need representation in Washington which is capable of applying common sense and business practices to reform the status quo. Washington cannot be transformed from within by career politicians who lack success and experience managing, leading and listening to people. Should the citizens of the First Congressional District elect me as their next Congressman, I will be determined to use my experience to bring private-sector jobs, industry and investment back to the district. Randy Altschuler |
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