I am a businessman who has raised my family and lived my whole life in the Ninth Congressional District. I am not a professional politician, and I don’t intend to become one. I don’t use slogans, catch phrases or smoke and mirrors.
I am a candidate for the United States House of Representatives because we need leadership on the issues that our president and the career politicians are not willing to tackle as adults.
My strong support for Israel and my defense of Social Security and Medicare are why I have been endorsed by former mayors Ed Koch and Rudy Giuliani.
The United States faces an array of crises – social issues, education, Obama’s healthcare law, taxes, jobs and the national debt. None of these can be tackled unless Washington is willing to have a realistic conversation about the direction of the country. Politicians must step forward and represent the people who elect them.
As a product of a working class family and as a successful businessman in the media industry who has created jobs, I understand the importance of job creation from multiple perspectives.
The working class and middle class need access to secure jobs that have a living wage. We cannot continue the policy of punishing industries and small businesses that create much needed opportunity and wealth. Small businesses, the backbone of this economy, must not be made to suffer the burdensome regulations that were intended for corporate giants. We need a business environment where new businesses can start up and existing businesses can grow, expand and hire.
Job growth and a return to prosperity are especially important to Brooklyn and Queens residents, as many young families will be unable to maintain a decent standard of living in New York City.
From 2005 to 2009, New York City lost roughly 45,000 people age 25 to 34. It is a sad day when a generation is priced out of the community they love. Families are being forced to leave loved ones here at home to relocate in Baltimore, Lakewood, Passaic, Houston or Boca Raton, whether for job opportunities, affordable housing or both.
As a proud parent of five and grandparent of thirteen, I have had the pleasure of raising my family here in the Ninth Congressional District. It is my duty to ensure that families, especially middle class and working class, can grow and prosper in New York City.
On the subject of families, I will also champion legislation for more choice in education. Vouchers and tuition tax credits for yeshivas and other private schools are essential for parents who want to make religious education more affordable.
It is only in a city like Washington, D.C., that career politicians can send their children to private schools and at the same time discontinue a voucher program for the working poor. I will fight the hypocrisy so that more parents are given the options to pursue the finest education for their children and their families. I understand that the education of the next generation is a high communal priority.
Hypocrisy is to Washington what traffic is to New York City – unproductive and intolerable. It is about time that members of Congress were forced to live like the people they represent. If shared sacrifice is needed in these difficult economic times, members of Congress should not be leading from behind.
One can reasonably ask my opponent where he will be when it is time to challenge the head of his party, President Obama, on the issue of defending our ally Israel.
President Obama’s vision of the Middle East is vastly different from mine. By declaring the 1967 borders as a starting point for negotiations, the president made his intentions very clear. Shockingly, the only true democracy in the Middle East is being thrown under the bus by the president of the United States.
It is deeply troubling to me personally and to many of other citizens to see Israel being treated this way. It is, in fact, a disgrace.
Rest assured that Israel can count on a strong and vocal protector in Bob Turner.
Washington needs more leaders who are willing to buck their party and get the job done. The 9th Congressional District needs a congressman who will stand up for the people he represents. I vow to do both and to never disgrace the people or the place I call home.
That is why I ask for your support on Election Day, September 13.
Bob Turner has enjoyed a long and successful career in the communications industry.