Live Thread - Interview with Commissioner and GOP Candidate, Diana Irey (Seeking Jack Murtha's seat)

Irey for Congress ^ | 6/14/06 | FR/Irey for Congress

[Diana Irey]

1. Win the War on Terror.
2. Secure our borders, and address the illegal immigration problem.
3. Reform our cumbersome tax code.

[Admin Moderator]

REMINDER TO EVERYONE: Questions were submitted in advance. Please do not post on this thread until the interview is completed. Thank you.

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Three questions posed together:

Taxes. Pennsylvania is drowning in them! What are your positions on property tax relief, and income tax reform? (Sisku Hanne)

I'd like to know where [Diana] Irey stands on Tax Reform.

Flat Income Tax? Forbes style with huge personal exemptions, or truly flat from the first dollar?

Or does she favor wiping out the entire Income Tax system in favor of the Fair Tax? (Kellis91789)

What do you think about John Linder's Fair Tax proposal (House Bill HR 25, or Senate Bill SR 25)? (eyespysomething)

[Diana Irey]

First let me say there is usually a way to meet the public needs without raising taxes.
I have delivered 7 consecutive balanced budgets to Washington County with no tax increase.
Our current federal tax code has approximately 17 million words. This is not a tax system most citizens can understand. Although not a federal issue, I would like to see the property tax eliminated. I am currently looking at the Fair Tax plan as an alternative.

[Admin Moderator]

Ms. Irey:

I'm from the Detroit area and my father's family is from Republic, PA (Fayette County). I believe that's in Congressman Murtha's district.

According to the Herald Standard Newspaper (Uniontown) E-Mail headlines Fayette County is one of the top five poorest counties in America.

How will you [if elected] change that? Thank you for your response, and good luck. (Springman)

[Diana Irey]

Since I took office in 1996, Washington County's unemployment rate has dropped 18%. I believe some of this success can be attributed to low taxes, a one-stop shop for economic development, available ready sites for businesses to locate and a good transportation system.
These initiatives have provided a climate where economic prosperity can be achieved.
I would apply the same principles for neighboring Fayette County.

[Coop]

I just spoke via phone with Commissioner Irey. They are still having difficulties and have switched to another computer. She sends her sincere apologies, and has agreed to stay online until 9:30 EDT.

[Admin Moderator]

The GOP has been very weak in getting [its] message out in a timely manner, often resulting in the media or the Democrats controlling public perception. What would you do/request that would help this marketing/public relations gap on our side?
(mnehrling)

[Diana Irey]

I think often times Republicans are afraid of stating the facts surrounding an issue. I would simply encourage other Republicans to not be afraid of the fight.

[Admin Moderator]

Okay, here's my question. it is of special relevance to the 12th district, and I was born in Canonsburg, PA (not in the district but in Washington Co., though now living in TN) There have been several mining incidents in the past few years...my preferred solution is more strip mining -- it strikes me as a far safer way to mine coal, and the landscape can be repaired. My father always said that if the mines were closed when gas levels were too high, the mines wouldn't make any money. What [are your thoughts on] mine safety?
(scrabblehack)

[Diana Irey]

My husband is a mining engineer by education. Mining is an importatnt industry in the 12th district. Strip mining is an alternative. Mining safety needs to be a top priority.

[Admin Moderator]

Dear Ms Irey, can you propose any viable solutions to the impending "social security crisis"?
(KTM rider)