HEALTH:
  "When I ask my patients if they are better off today than they were 10 years ago in terms of health care service and choices, they all say, no. It is very clear that there is still more emphasis on managing costs than improving quality. I will continue to work to reverse this trend."

EDUCATION:
"We must continue innovations that will improve our schools, and we must continue to expect more from our school administrators, teachers, students and parents. We are making headway but there is still a lot of work to be done."

THE ELDERLY:
"Our senior citizens deserve better! Whether it is in health care, or keeping them from being taxed out of their homes, we owe a debt to the elderly. I understand elder issues, and I will continue to be out in front on legislation protecting senior citizens."

CRIME:
"While there has been a decrease in violent crimes in our community, we must still work harder, not only to punish those who do wrong, but to provide economic opportunities and education for at-risk children and teens to keep them from a life of crime."