Hoekstra: War on terror goes beyond Iraq

Matt Whetstone | Cadillac News Rep. Pete Hoekstra speaks with the owners of Benson Dairy April 12 at the Cadillac Wexford Public Library. Hoekstra talks about several issues, ranging from the war in Iraq to the state economy.

CADILLAC — From the economy to energy prices to the war in Iraq, national leaders have plenty on their plates.

During a recent visit to Cadillac, Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, had a chance to speak about pressing issues in Michigan and the United States.

Q: What is your take on the national and state economy?

A: The national economy is strong and with a rate a 4.4 percent, some areas have trouble finding enough workers. Things are frustrating in Michigan where the rate hovers between 6.5 and 7 percent.

During a recent visit to Northern Michigan University, word came that companies in Virginia are recruiting students to come work there after graduation.

Meanwhile, leaders in Lansing can’t make a decision and that leaves companies very uncertain if they should invest in Michigan. The lack of a tax structure also is problematic because potential new companies in Michigan have no idea what they might expect to pay.

Another concern is the recently signed trade agreement with South Korea. The main concern is that it opens up the South Korean truck market, which could be devastating if the Big 3 lose market share.

Q: Will states see a greater return on gas taxes?

A: Right now, states are reimbursed 92.5 cents on the dollar for gas tax dollars. It’s a big improvement from a few years ago when the level was below 90 cents.

The government will not vote on a new highway bill for two years, meaning that 92.5 cent reimbursement will remain firm for a while.

The expectation is that it will reach 95 cents when the plan is reauthorized.

As for a proposed gas tax that would add 3 cents per year for three years, the money is used to provide infrastructure to move goods and provide service. What comes first, infrastructure or jobs?

Still, Michigan residents are hesitant to pay another tax.

Q: Why are gas prices so high?

A: There is generally a spike in the spring when gas companies go from winter to summer formulations. Also, tighter supplies caused by international turbulence cause prices to spike.

If the U.S. can reduce dependence on foreign oil and utilize alternative energy sources, prices will become more predictable.

Q: Can the U.S. pull out of Iraq and what would be considered a victory?

A: Al-Qaeda is a global threat that goes beyond Iraq. If the U.S. and other countries don’t engage terrorists, it can give them a moral victory and eventually lead to more attacks on U.S. soil.

The U.S. should work with Iraq, Afghanistan, Algeria and other countries to defeat terrorists. For those that say leave Iraq, if you can’t engage them there, where can you engage them?

Creating stable governments in countries that are hotbeds for terrorist activities can ensure al-Qaeda doesn’t have a safe haven.

Q: Is foreign oil dependence a threat to national security?

A: Yes, when foreign dictators with control over oil decide to disrupt oil and gas prices, it can have a huge impact on the U.S. economy.

The country has to focus on alternative energy sources so if a country decides to put economic pressure on the U.S., the nation will be somewhat sheltered

mwhetstone@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)