Three of the four candidates for Ohio's 6th Congressional District met at a public forum last night to discuss topics pertinent to next week's election.
Incumbent Democrat Charlie Wilson and challengers Republican Bill Johnson and Libertarian Martin Elsass spoke in front of a packed house at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., yesterday in preparation for the Nov. 2 election. Constitution party challenger Richard Cadle was not present.
While the candidates voiced their opinion about topics such as health care and energy efficiency, the plurality of the dialogue focused on government involvement in business.
All three candidates had differing opinions toward government involvement in business, but all agreed more jobs need to be brought to Southeastern Ohio.
Wilson stressed the need to create jobs in the U.S. as opposed to outsourcing.
I believe we need to start investing in small business ... and
more than anything stop outsourcing the jobs from America Wilson said. We need to have American pride and American products that are made here in America.
Johnson, on the other hand, said he thinks a lack of government involvement is the key.
Why are people struggling? (Because of) the absence of jobs
Johnson said. We've got to get the federal government off the backs of business ... I absolutely agree that Americans are looking for a hand up rather than a handout.
Elsass said he thinks government involvement, in general, should be reserved for problems such as protecting American borders and trade routes.
I do pretty much disapprove of all forms of regulation
Elsass said. It just gets in the way. I'm opposed to pretty much any regulation you could think of.
Toward the end of the forum, Wilson and Johnson both took shots at each other regarding the oppositions' past actions while veering away from answering questions posed anonymously by the audience.
In his closing statement, Elsass stressed his feelings toward Wilson's and Johnson's negative campaigning throughout this election season and voiced his opinion about how the election should turn out.
I don't know if any of you are tired of (Wilson's and Johnson's) attack ads
he said. I know I am. I will say that I can agree with both of them
neither one of them should be elected.
1
News
Pat Holmes
