Contact: Stacy Brenton, Communications Director
515-822-3029 (office)
(Feb. 27,
2008) –
Today, Ed Fallon, Democratic candidate for the
Third Congressional District, hosted a series
of Town Hall Meetings focused on budget and tax
reform in Grundy Center, Vinton and Des Moines.
Fallon presented his
priorities and highlighted the differences
between himself and opponent Leonard
Boswell.
Fallon believes significant budgetary reforms are needed and said, “If you and I managed our personal checkbooks like Congress manages the federal budget, we’d be doing time. The level of federal debt is now unmatched and will soon compromise the solvency of future generations.”
One priority Fallon focused on was earmarks. Earmarks allow members of Congress to direct spending to their pet projects, often as payback to big donors. Proponents defend earmarks as a way to fund worthwhile projects, and some do. Fallon said, “The earmark process is often an abuse of power, position, and taxpayers’ trust. Earmarks sidestep the usual provisions for merit-based evaluation and competitive bidding. “ Last year Congressman Boswell secured $32.3 million in earmarks, and according to David Heath of the Seattle Times, Boswell’s corporate earmark recipients contributed $79,100 to Boswell’s campaign.
Another area Fallon addressed was waste, fraud and abuse. Fallon said one Congressional perk that’s easily abused is the franking privilege, which allows members of Congress to write their constituents – at taxpayer expense – about legislation of interest to voters in the district.
Fallon pointed out, “This month before the cutoff, Congressman Boswell sent out two mass mailings to voters in the district that look more like the campaign ads than constituent communications. One talks about positions he has taken on health care, the other portrays him as a leader on the environment – all printed and mailed at taxpayer expense,” Fallon said.
As a Congressman, Fallon said he will be a strong and consistent advocate for responsible spending, honest budgeting, and fair taxes.