Serving These Communities
Covering the Heart of Hamilton County Since 1983
On Thursday, May 31, Congressman Steve Chabot held one of his Town Meetings in Lockland. Introduced by Mayor Jim Brown, Congressman Chabot explained his Valley roots. His early years were spent in Reading, where his family lived in a trailer behind what was then the “Upper Crust,” across from the old Carrousel motel. He and his brother Ron (a Democrat) moved with their parents to Price Hill.
Mr. Chabot explained that he also holds telephone Town Meetings too. The call says to hang on the line and soon others along with the caller can listen to Mr. Chabot. To ask a question, push the pound key on the phone and you are on line to speak with Congressman Chabot.
The small crowd inside the Recreation Hall in Lockland listened as the Congressman updated everyone on what is going on in Washington, DC. He spoke about the Iraq situation. He did not want to address whether or not we should have sent troops to begin with. He noted that the loss of life was more than was expected and the battle much worse than was to be expected. He feels that it is best to give General David Petraeus a chance with the additional troops. General Petraeus is to report back in September and we will find out then how it is working. The troops are no longer in the Green Zone. They are in the outside areas to make the country safer. Mr. Chabot feels that the biggest mistake was not training the Iraqis to take over. They became dependent upon the United States military. It will be a victory if the country does not become a haven for Al Qaeda or terrorists. He definitely does not want an immediate pull out of troops.
Overall, his impression of the Immigration Bill is that most people are not in favor of it. Mr. Chabot feels that it is important to close the border and seal it before trying to pass the bill. The bill will allow 12 million immigrants to stay if it passes. To not have border control is putting the cart before the horse.
Energy costs are through the roof. The biggest reason according to Congressman Chabot is that America is too dependent upon foreign oil supplies. OPEC controls the pricing by holding back reserves. To help, he would like to see more exploration for oil in Alaska with safe, environmental controls. The caribou love the pipeline. It is warm and it is a gathering place for them to fight the chill with fellow caribou. The last oil refinery was built in 1976. There were 324 refineries in the 1980s, now there are about 148. The country needs to invest more in renewable energy like solar and wind power. Conservation needs to be more emphasized. Congressman Chabot is a supporter of the No Pact Act which would provide leverage with OPEC. He is also in favor of the bill which will allow the Federal Trade Commission to go after groups that price gouge.
As far as the Federal Government’s budget. Mr. Chabot feels that the government takes too much of our money. They, along with state and local governments need to be more careful with spending of our tax money. He is always looking at how to cut spending.
Congressman Chabot took questions from the audience. A gentleman asked about protecting right to vote for African Americans. After asking how to get more information, the gentleman gave the Congressman information about a website related to voter suppression.
Another man asked about the superhighway that was to be built between Mexico, United States and Canada. It was to be mainly for trucks. Mr. Chabot said he is still looking at the details. One issue is that the Mexican trucks are not up to United States standards.
A lady asked about universal healthcare and how to come up with a military solution. Mr. Chabot feels that they are doing what they can to come up with a military solution. They need to be diplomatic about it. As far as universal healthcare, he is not in favor of what they have in Canada or in other countries. He does want to see that all Americans can get health care.
A person wanted to know why Mr. Chabot feels that Al Qaeda will take control of Iraq if we pull out. Mr. Chabot said that Al Qaeda wants world domination. If we pull out immediately, it can only cause chaos.
Fire Chief Bill Welshans asked about benefits for firefighters and police that was
to come out of Homeland Security. “Hometown Heroes” was to benefit employees and
families. Out of 200 complaints, only two positives have been made. Chief Welshans
believes that intent of the program has been missed. He also asked Congressman Chabot
to look into the plans for the I-
A lady thanked Congressman Chabot for the tour they took while in Washington. Then she spoke about training camps that train men in places like Ft. Leonardwood and then go back to their own counties and do atrocious things. Mr. Chabot did not know if this practice was still occurring, but promised to look into it.
The last person to speak was concerned with those who enter the country legally that will be affected by the Immigration Bill. Mr. Chabot said his concern for the bill is that those who are here illegally will be in front of those who do it legally.
After the question and answer session, Mr. Chabot stayed to talk privately with those who wanted some time with him. Others stayed to enjoy the refreshments provided to take time to visit with friends and neighbors before leaving.