Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rosses debate in congressional race

Voters in the November general election will face a rather unique situation - the choice between Ross and Ross for the Fourth Congressional District Representative.

Incumbent Mike Ross is working on his fifth year in Congress and is being challenged by Joe Ross.

Both men cite the particular challenges they face because the district is large - some 21,000 square miles. Each say the role of representative means they need to be in contact with those they represent, and both pledge to take that seriously.

Each candidate was asked a series of questions, including the status of their campaign, their opinion of the most important issues facing the district and their personal goals as a Congressional leader. Below are excerpts from the two interviews.

Mike Ross

Ross said the biggest issue in the Fourth Congressional District is infrastructure - specifically, roads.

Once weve invested in roads and infrastructure, economic development will follow, he said.

Ross serves on the House Department of Commerce and Energy and cited that as one of the most important committees in Washington charged with overseeing a large range of issues.

He said the development of biofuels is becoming increasingly important for several reasons, and that his position on the energy committee has given him a good look at places that are effectively utilizing that technology. He said the manufacturing process creates jobs for those who work in the industry and create additional markets for American farmers. Ross cited a trip in which he filled his vehicle with an ethanol-blend fuel.

It felt good, he said. We knew we were putting money in the pockets of American working families. He said those people who were purchasing gas produced in the Middle East that same day were paying about 50 cents per gallon more. And they were indirectly putting money in the pockets of terrorists who want to harm us.

On the domestic front, Ross said the two biggest issues are energy and healthcare. The production of biofuels is one way to ease the energy crunch and an increase of domestic drilling is another, he said. Alternative fuels should also be considered a viable alternative.

These arent Star Wars ideas, Ross said. These arent futuristic ideas. These are economically sensible ideas. They can work today.

On the topic of healthcare, Ross said its time for the federal government to make some concessions. He said federal employees (including members of Congress) have the option to buy into a federal healthcare system. That system is strong and includes many people from across the nation, Ross said.

That system could be opened to other Americans, according to Ross.

Isnt it time we allow self-employed and small businesses to buy into it? he asked.

Ross is on the campaign trail until election time. He said he believes the campaign is going well and is hopeful for another term in Congress. He cited funding for several major projects that hes helped secure.

Ive tried to do a good job, Ross said. I hope (the voters) think Ive done that. Ive sure tried.

Ross said hes attempting to hit all the counties in the district.

Joe Ross

Joe Ross describes himself as a halfway novice when it comes to politics. He said hes worked for and with several government agencies, including his service on the El Dorado City Council. He said he was encouraged by supporters to run for that seat, just as hes been encouraged to run for the Fourth Congressional District seat.

The top issues in the district, according to Ross, include taxes, education and highways.

We have too much tax, Ross said. Government is too big.

Ross pledged that finding ways to cut taxes would be among his priorities, if elected.

The Democrats dont have a good record in that regard, Ross said.

Ross said the cutting taxes not only helps individuals and families, it also provides a boost to local economies and small businesses.

On the topic of education, Ross said the sheer number of people who dont have the education and skills necessary to make a good living is a serious problem, especially for some rural areas.

Thats a real blow to our society, he said.

Ross said highways and an improved interstate program in the district is necessary for the economic development of the area.

Ross said hes meeting his opponent in a debate later this month, and that hes touting his background in government in his quest for supporters.

I just had a notion that I wanted to do something, he said. I decided to run based on my length of experience in government and my length of experience in private business.

Ross said he supports the war in Iraq. He cited his own military background and said its important to fight these battles away from home rather than allowing them to become a battle on American soil.

Finally, Ross cited his support of the current and past presidential administrations.

I support President (George) Bush 100 percent, he said. I supported President (Bill) Clinton.

He said both had made mistakes, but that he had the best interest of the country at heart.