Joseph Oddo
House of Representatives
11th District, November 2, 2004
Qualifications:
Mr. Oddo, a member of Centreville Community Church, has extensively studied politics since he obtained a Public Policy degree from Penn State in 1984. Joe Oddo is running as an Independent Green because while he agrees with some of each political party’s issues, taken apart there is very little difference to the two-party, big media controlled agenda that exists in Congress.
Limited Government:
There was a time when Mr. Oddo agreed with some Republican principles such as keeping government out of our lives.But with the USA PATRIOT Act in full force, the intrusions increase. Some intrusion into our businesses and private lives can be reduced by eliminating the IRS. He supports the FairTax because our failed tax code must be corrected. It represents taxation without comprehension. Compliance alone costs our economy over $250 billion annually. Even tax accountants support it, and are more than ready to participate in the productive work of financial planning.
On Campaign Reform:
Mr. Oddo does not buy into the premise that corporations and the rich should finance and sponsor candidates. He does not want to be in anyone's pocket, and is compelled to introduce legislation that will benefit the interests of all of our diverse community, not just the affluent special interests.
The Republican opponent Oddo ran against in 2002 was a lobbyist. He has raised only 4% of his total "over $100 contributions" from within our District. His donor list included 33 business, special interest and PAC's that had given him over $38,000. Plus there were 49 individuals that had donated over $20,000 - NONE FROM OUR DISTRICT. So to whom is this Republican beholden to? Not to the resident voters, but to his lobbyist friends. This is the pattern that emerges from the money influencing modern day politics.
The voice of our citizens and the best interests of our environment are routinely ignored when crafting a legislative agenda. Special interests rule...
This practice must be stopped!
There are many other issues that need addressed rationally and without the influence of special interests. Unfortunately modern government is supported by big corporations and favorable legislation is routinely drafted that supports corporate skirting of the rules.
On the Blood for Oil War:
The current administration is clearly aligned with the oil companies who are enjoying record profits. Of course, we cannot oppose profits, since that is what American capitalism thrives on, but they should not be achieved at the expense of our fragile global environment. And going after oil-rich countries like Iraq to serve our corporate barons is a blatant misuse of power and will backfire on us. We are already perceived as Imperialists. Unless this administration knew that dangerous weapons they sold Iraq during the 80's still posed a threat, there was no other reason for Bush to pursue a regime change, that is why we need regime change here at home – because the Members of Congress will not stand up to them.
On Education:
The Democrats have been in control of the nations urban areas for 60 years. Isn't it time we realized their methods of education have failed; their pouring money at all the social ills, has failed; that the liberal media controls the discourse and distorts the real record of the dysfunction of our two party system. We need to adopt school choice, allow more liberal rules on home-schooling and ensure that those in the economically depressed regions of the country get equal funding.
On fixing $5 trillion deficit:
Every federal government contract, and should be reviewed to eliminate unnecessary programs and duplication from overlapping positions. Making the tough decisions to cut the $1.5 billion in my first session will start by choosing logical, progressive programs over the traditional pork-barrel politics that rule Capitol Hill.
On term limits:
Mr. Oddo believes in term limits and is committed to only serving 10 years. Legislators including Tom Davis signed the 1994 Contract with America promising term limits, yet the longer he stays, the less interested he becomes in drafting legislation that directly benefit citizens’ best interest. That would be counter-productive to satisfying his wealth of PAC contributors.
On public participation:
We want your voice - the voice of the citizens - to be heard. We seek and greatly appreciate any input from you. With the Internet, we should never be out of touch. You are choosing an elected representative to endorse your views, so please tell us how you want the work in Washington to be conducted.
What you can do:
Our stand on many of the issues may be uncomfortable to the mainstream political party members. But an alternative voice is necessary now more than ever. Send anything from $10 to $100 to $2,000 (federal limit) to our campaign and pass the word. We need you and five of your friends to cast a vote in this special election.
Send this link to five friends in the district and tell them of the unique opportunity to actually have your voice heard. Our family and staff appreciate your assistance.
Click here to participate in the legislative survey to determine YOUR issues in the 2005 session of Congress!
1. Budget Deficit. Slash the budget deficit by reviewing every employee position for merge opportunities or automation by 2007. Plus, every state government contract should expire by 2009, unless deemed necessary and renewed - no automatic renewals.
2. FairTax to Replace Income Tax. Repeal the 16th Amendment; eliminate the IRS; and institute a national consumption tax that will be revenue nuetral and provide a tax break for every low income citizen and household with a tax rabate..
3. Light Rail Now! Endorse public transportation projects that offer alternatives to the fossil-fuel dependency that currently drives us via cars and buses. Cost-effective light rail can be acheived between Tysons Corner and Springfield and other corriders nationwide.
4. Safer Driving Conditions. Allow more citizen input to making the roads safer and reducing aggressive drivers. The speed limit in the "fast" lanes on our highways should be 10 mph faster, which would force slower traffic to a much safer position.
5. Term Limits. Limit terms to 8 in the House, 12 in the Senate.
6.. Reach out to Independents to increase voter participation. The small number of qualified voters that bother to cast a ballot plays into the hands of the elite ruling class minority - a class of wealthy who will do anything to protect their way of living at the expense of the poor, the uninsured and the middle class.
9. Urban Planning. Development determined by the highest campaign contributor is what created the traffic and school shortage we have in Northern Virginia now. We need logical urban planning that builds schools in new high density housing areas, and builds building clusters linked by mass transit.
For additional commentary and analysis of this Independent campaign for the United States House of Representatives. click here.
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Mail to: Vote Oddo
PO BOX 3077
FAIRFAX VA 22038-3077