Lance: A Stronger Economy Comes From More Jobs

For residents in attendance at Rep. Leonard Lance's, R-7, town hall meeting at the municipal complex in Bridgewater Wednesday, the biggest concern facing the country right now is the lack of jobs.

And for Lance, he said he believes that the important measure in fixing the economy is to energize the entrepreneurial spirit of the work force, while avoiding raising taxes.

"We want to strengthen the middle class with more jobs created," he said. "It is punishing to everyone, and the severest downturn since the Great Depression."

"But the way to create a stronger American economy is to have more people working, not raising taxes," he added. "We have to have a manufacture base in America."

Click here for Lance's opening statements at his town hall.

Lance said the country has to make sure that through tax policies and educational wherewithall, they are competitive among other countries.

But some residents took offense to Lance's talk of uncertainty about the American economy and the job situation. Branchburg resident Bob Flisser said he preferred to know what the Congressman would do to change the situation as a whole.

"I do believe there is uncertainty," Lance said. "I think many small business employers are holding back at the moment. We should strengthen the middle class."

Another resident questioned the issue of the nation's $16 trillion debt, asking when the government will realize that it is spending far too much money with "the country going down the tubes."

Lance said it is all about job creation.

"I hope to be part of the solution where the private sector can create more jobs," he said.

"That is the number one issue," he added in response to a question about what exactly he would do to provide more jobs. "There are so many who want to work who can't find jobs, and the unemployment rates are unacceptable. We have to work together to improve the economy."

And another resident emphasized that job creation is done by those who take risks, and those who choose to open or expand their businesses. But, she said, they won't do that in a circumstance where the economy is so uncertain, as risk takers will not take that leap.

Aside from the job issues, Lance emphasized his concerns about the state of Social Security and Medicare, citing that circumstances have changed since the programs were first enacted.

For Social Security, Lance said, when the program was created in 1935, the age expectancy was lower than it is today. And for many older citizens, the retirement age is set at 65, and 66 for his generation, he said.

"It is not unrealistic that people in their 20s may have to wait a year or two to retire," he said. "We can give them the increase as long as we give them a generation's notice."

As for Obamacare, one resident questioned what Lance would replace it with after he said he had always opposed the approved new healthcare plans.

Lance said he was a cosponsor of legislation that would include medical malpractice insurance reform, while also including the encouragement of purchasing of policies across state lines and allowing young people to stay on their parents' insurance plans until they are 26 years old.

And in response to questions about energy, and bringing renewable sources to America while allowing the equipment to be created and developed here, Lance said he would support several kinds of alternative energy.

"Our strategy should include drilling responsibly in the Gulf of Mexico, natural gas and clean coal," he said. "I also favor the building of the Keystone pipeline."

Lance said it is not just a matter of economics, but of national security to ensure that the country is not relying heavily on getting its oil and energy from dangerous locales, including the Middle East.

In addition, Lance emphasized his support of Republican candidate Mitt Romney for president.

"I believe he will pursue policies to move the country forward, and he will move the economy forward," Lance said.

Lance said he was proud to be able to hold his town hall meeting in Bridgewater.

"It is an honor to serve in Congress," he said. "I try to serve in a way to address all people. I have an obligation to represent the people whom I serve."