League of Women Voters election survey: Fred Wood, candidate for U.S. House Rep. - District 30

by Staff of of League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters of Dallas sent a questionnaire to every candidate running for public office in Dallas County. The election on November 4th features a number of local races to decide state and national Senate and House of Representatives seats.

The responses of Fred Wood (R), who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives - District 30 seat, appear below. Wood is running against incumbent Eddie Bernice Johnson (D) and Jarrett R. Woods (L).

LWV: Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

Wood: I have an MBA in Management of Information System and International Business. I have been active in the Republican Party since 1995. I have worked hard all of my life and feel that the middle to lower class citizens of this country deserve representation from one of their own.

LWV: What reforms would you propose to the U.S. healthcare system to control costs, improve the quality of care and expand access to healthcare to uninsured Americans?

Wood: There is no doubt that we need to come up with a system to help all Americans but at the moment there is not a clear cut solution to this problem. However once elected I will devote my time in resolving this to benefit every one.

LWV: Do you support a timetable for the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq?

Wood: It is very important to withdrawal with the time is ready. To set a timetable may compromise the efforts as well as put our men and women in greater danger. With that said I believe that we need to set goals to go by so we will know when the time is getting close to start the withdrawal.

LWV: How do you propose to reduce the number of undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S., while also meeting the increased need of American agriculture and small business for workers?

Wood: First step is to overhaul the policies that are in place. Next is to look at the system that approves or denies the entrance of the immigrant. At the first of 2008, CIS was still using a DOS program. Promote EAs then hire more EA’s as contract employees. Increasing the employees that approve/deny the application will decrease the amount of time an applicant has to wait for his/her case being heard.

LWV: The U.S. Highway Trust Fund is expected to go into deficit next year. Congress is reluctant to raise the federal gas tax. How should America pay for its massive infrastructure needs related to roads and bridges?

Wood: Increase taxes on oil companies.

LWV: What source do you think represents the greatest opportunity to achieve energy independence? How can the federal government best advance its development?

Wood: The wind is the first step in achieving energy independence. The best thing that the government can do is promote wind energy and run lines to the bigger cities.

LWV: What other issue do you believe will be most pressing in the next session of Congress, and what is your position on this issue?

Wood: The economy will be one of the biggest issues facing Congress in the next session. To do this Congress needs to find a way to lower gas prices and create jobs. I would start by dealing with the immigration problems.