Congressional District 33 GOP Primary
Candidates: Patrick Gillespie, Robert MacGlaflin
What is the single most common issue voters have raised with you during your campaign, and how do you plan to tackle it?
Robert MacGlaflin: The flow of illegal immigrants, fentanyl & sex trafficking on our southern border. Require the Secretary of Homeland Security to resume construction on the border wall system immediately. Direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to deploy practical and effective technology to support CBP and Border Patrol operations. Require the CBP Commissioner to hire and train additional CBP officers and agents to maintain an active-duty presence at all U.S. ports of entry. Require increasing the number of officers for tunnel detection and remediation, agricultural specialists, K-9 units, and supporting officers.
How would you characterize the federal government’s — both the Trump administration and the Biden administration, as well as Congress — response to the pandemic?
MacGlaflin: The federal government has made a number in missteps handling the current pandemic. Closing schools, mandating how we live and what we have to put on our face, handing out money, and hurting business has cost us dearly.
Do believe that everyone has fair and equitable access to the right to vote? Explain.
MacGlaflin: Yes mostly. What is not fair about some local elections is that people that are not US citizens are permitted to vote. In federal elections having to be a US citizen, be registering to vote, and show ID are good very basic requirements. Mass mail in voting is not a good practice. We have absentee voting for those who need it. We have early voting and people have, plenty of time to do some quick research to check your district and the location of your polling place.
How are you different from your opponent (or opponents) in this race?
MacGlaflin: In this primary portion of the race, I have one opponent. While I used to feel we could have gone back to the gold standard. With over 30 trillion in debt, we have gone too far. While it is important for us to learn from the past, we cannot live in it. I have worked my way up in the private sector and have also run my own business.
Name one part of your platform that, if it was a bill, you feel would or should get bipartisan support?
MacGlaflin: Improving the learning and training opportunities for kids and adults. The traditional education path from high school to college is not for everyone. Having 4-year programs in a trade or areas like computer programming starting in high school should be a standard option. Businesses that set up training programs for adults in different/lower-paying fields and upon completion employee the individual should get favorable tax treatment to help offset the cost of the program.
