2010 LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATE QUESTIONS
- Name: Daniel N. Davidson
- Current job: Attorney (pro bono publicus)
- Residence: How long you’ve lived in the district: 8½ years total.
- Background: What qualifies you for the position? What else have you run for? Have you been in public office before and if so, what position? While this would be my first time serving in public office, I believe that my experience working as a solo law practitioner, a law clerk for the Intermediate Court of Appeals, and for Senator Inouye in Washington, together with my legal education and Wesleyan U. government degree and a desire to change things, make me a highly qualified candidate.
Major issues: What are the biggest issue in your district/state and your proposed solutions? The economy and jobs. We need to elect people who have really seen first-hand the impacts of the state of the economy and the lack of good jobs available out there for qualified persons. I believe smarter tax policy with less favoritism and impact from the interest groups would be a solution to many of the problems we face.
Budget philosophy: What is your budget philosophy? Do you foresee increases in revenue through tax hikes and fees or do you believe in cutting spending? I believe more in cutting spending, which I am confident can be done to a greater degree, partly by a close evaluation of which initiatives and programs are not really working.
Taxes and fees: Do you believe Hawaii’s taxes should be lowered or increased? If you do plan to raise taxes and fees, which specific taxes or fees would you increase? Or would you sign a pledge that says you will not raise taxes? While it may be difficult to lower taxes, I would in fact sign a pledge that says I will not raise taxes. Raising the GET or other taxes would probably only stifle business further and lead to a deeper recession.
Rail: If the city has difficulty raising enough revenue for the rail, would you support state tax support for the rail project? No or only to a very limited degree.
Legalized Gambling: Do you believe gambling should be legalized in Hawaii in any form and if so, in what form? No, I think it would be a poor idea.
Public Education: What are your plans to support the public education system while ensuring accountability and results for our students? Do you support an appointed or elected school board? Funding levels should remain high, but more accountability is necessary. High-level administrators should be subject to more results appraisals. I support an appointed school board, with few citizens having much knowledge or familiarity with the board candidates they are voting on.
Economic Growth: What are your plans to promote long-term economic growth for Hawaii? No tax increases for businesses; more and smarter investment in key economic development areas such as the tourism market.
Crime: What is your solution to making Oahu a safer place to live and visit? The island already is among the safest large cities/counties in the country, particularly in terms of violent crime. Perhaps more education/awareness, along with more enforcement of property crime laws could make it an even safer place.
Second Amendment: Would you support concealed carry or more freedom for law abiding firearms owners, do you feel the current laws should remain in place, or do you believe stricter gun laws should be in place? Hawaii has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and I believe most should remain in place. I would not oppose a concealed carry allowance, however, for law abiding firearms owners.
Homeless: What is your solution to homelessness? More state-run shelters could help, along with better and more comprehensive job search and training programs.
Compact with Micronesia: Micronesians are able to freely move to Hawaii, which they are doing in large numbers to take advantage of the public education system, medical services and other government benefits. But the governor and other public officials say they are taxing Hawaii’s resources and costing the state more than $100 million a year. This is a federal decision, but would you share your view on whether the Compact with Micronesia should remain in place, should there be some parameters put on the Compact or do you have other solutions? I believe perhaps some parameters should be put on the compact, or perhaps some other solutions established at the federal level.
Akaka Bill: What is your position on the Akaka Bill? Do you believe it will unite or divide Hawaii? What is your vision for how the Akaka Bill will change Hawaii? I think some form of federal recognition policy for native Hawaiians is expedient, but together with the state programs and agencies already in place, I would need to further research the matter and the bill.
Jones Act: Opponents of the federal Jones Act say it increases the cost of living in Hawaii through a shipping duopoly while supporters say it is needed to ensure port security and American jobs. While this is a federal decision, would you share your view on whether you support an exemption for Hawaii from the Jones Act or should it remain in place? I believe it should remain in place.
Any additional comments: I am a gifted musician and rock vocalist.
Contact information:
Phone: (808) 295-2521
E-mail: danndavidson@hotmail.com
Mail: 2559 Ipulei Way Honolulu, HI 96816
Campaign Slogan or Theme: Let’s work things out together.