Phils Non-Negotiables
When raising my two daughters, I laid out certain expectations of conduct which I described to them as non-negotiable standards in their lives. I believe that these boundaries and standards created a safe and secure home from which my daughters were able to thrive and develop healthy, respectful and responsible lives.
In the same way, l have laid out the conduct and standards by which I will govern myself as a United States Congressman. I believe that my non-negotiable standards will allow my office as a public servant to function, in a manner which will restore the faith of the people in their elected official.
No Earmarks: Earmarking has contributed to our 12 trillion dollar debt. Even though earmarking has a long history in Congress, I oppose earmarks of any kind. Projects need to be funded through Congress’ normal appropriations process or through grant money where funding for projects is decided on merits, not the influence of a member of Congress or lobbyists.
No Special Interests: Special interest groups do not represent the people. I want to represent the interests of the constituents of the 42nd district and the needs of the people. Special interests represent small minorities.
No Missed votes: I will show up for work! I will not miss votes. Votes represent the voice of the people. There is no excuse for a congressman consistently missing votes.
No Bailouts: Samuel Adams wrote that we will experience economic prosperity through four basic freedoms: The freedom to try, the freedom to buy, the freedom to sell and the freedom to fail. We cannot sacrifice our economic stability with bailouts. Bailouts don’t work!
No Government Employee Union Money: Unions don’t play fair. Unions don’t represent the interests or the freedoms that have made America a great country.
No tax increases: Taxes have kept Americans from being able to save more and invest more. Our tax system is beating us down instead of keeping us free to do more with our earnings.
Phil's Core Values
Belief in God: God is the center of my life and I believe that the Holy Scriptures are the guiding force of moral law as expressed by the Judeo-Christian faith.
Inalienable Rights: We are “One Nation Under God” and our “Rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness come directly from our Creator and cannot be granted or taken away by men
Traditional Values: The family unit is the basic building block of society. The family is sacred. “It is in the love of one’s family only that heartfelt happiness is known. By a law of our nature, we cannot be happy without the endearing connections of a family.” Thomas Jefferson.
Sanctity of Life: I believe in the Sanctity of Life, that the preborn child is a human being, deserving the full protection of the law.
Self Government: We must return to the beliefs and standards of morality which our Founding Fathers placed into the Constitution. Self Government begins with governing one’s self first, then family, community, state and lastly nation.
Right to Bear Arms: “Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth.” George Washington
Decentralize Government: Our Constitution says "We, the People, allow the government the following privileges and rights." Ronald Reagan. The intent of our Founding Fathers was to limit (Federal) government. A constitutional government will protect the blessings of liberty.
Lower Taxes: The Federal tax system is abusive to the American Dream, discouraging growth and investment.
Free Enterprise: “Free enterprise has done more to reduce poverty than all the government programs dreamed up by Democrats.” Ronald Reagan. The free market is the most efficient and the least costly system to deliver the highest goods and services at the lowest price to the consumer. We must eliminate the intrusive government intervention in the marketplace.
Freedom of Speech: It is not un-American to disagree with authority or to speak one’s opinion. “In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude; every man will speak as the thinks, or more properly without thinking.” George Washington
