Becker, Challengers Talk Economy, Job Growth

At a recent League of Women Voters debate at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, three Republican candidates eyeing the party's nomination for the 4th Congressional District talked about the issues facing America, and what needs to be done to help the nation recover.
    
Current Republican nominee Francis Becker and two challengers, Frank Scaturro and Dan Maloney, often got into heated exchanges with one another, but were still able to answer questions from the debate's mediator and the audience.
    
Scaturro said he supports making the federal tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 permanent, adding that America cannot be competitive without a fair tax code. 
    
"The solution is to reduce tax rates and create a strong, sound dollar," Scaturro said, also adding that the Democrats' health care reform plan will be crippling to the American economy moving forward. "We have to turn back Obama Care … how much is it going to cost for our employers to provide health care?"
    
Maloney, a member of the Tea Party movement, said the answer to stimulating the economy and creating jobs is to lower energy prices, something he says can be done by tapping oil resources off American coastlines.

"It will boost our economy and set us back on the path to growth again," Maloney said. "Just announce that you are stopping all restrictions on offshore drilling."
    
Becker, a Lynbrook resident, referenced his five point plan, in which he states that the federal government must reduce spending, cut taxes for new businesses, extend federal tax cuts, repeal health care tax increases and look to more energy sources in America.
    
"I have the experience," Becker said, explaining that he is a business owner and a veteran lawmaker. "I know what it takes to create jobs."
    
The three will face off in a Republican primary Sept. 14. The winner will be declared the Republican nominee, and will challenge Rep. Carolyn McCarthy for the 4th Congressional District seat in November.