Kirkman Seeks Democratic Congressional Seat By Scott Nicholson Democratic hopeful Roger Kirkman recently stopped in Boone to talk about his candidacy for Democratic hopeful Roger Kirkman the Fifth District congressional seat. In a recent interview, Kirkman said he has specific ideas focused on what he calls the district’s most pressing issue, “jobs, jobs, jobs.” Kirkman has a diverse business background and currently works in public information at Winston-Salem State University and owns an electronic media business. He became interested in politics when he developed a long-term goal to make congressional districts smaller and put them “back in the hands of the people.” Kirkman said districts have gotten so large that representatives lose touch with their constituents. He also believes the large districts prevent diversity in representation. He then began looking at ways that his background could help the job market and local economy. Kirkman has a degree from the London Business School with a background in population and geography planning. He worked in a number of corporations, including a health maintenance organization, but it was when he started his own business that he realized what sole proprietors faced. He said as a sole business owner, he gets no tax break or credit for paying for his own private health insurance. This gives an advantage to corporations and partnerships that are able to deduct health insurance costs. “I talk to people who can’t afford health insurance,” he said. “I didn’t have insurance for seven years. I was just hoping I wouldn’t get sick or have a wreck.” Kirkman said a freshman congressman usually has trouble accomplishing much, but he believes a tax credit for sole proprietors who buy their own insurance would serve as a business stimulus. He said the business owners would have a choice in private health insurance providers while getting the tax credit, which he called “an American way to solve the problem.” Kirkman also has ideas for allied industries working regionally. He compared economic development efforts to acorns. “You can’t transplant an oak, but you can transplant an acorn,” he said. “If you plant enough acorns, you have a forest.” “Out sourcing of jobs is a big problem,” he said. He wants economic development groups to work together by not only supplying a factory but supporting industries and jobs as well. One of his ideas is to link the wine-making industry of Yadkin Valley with cheese made from goats raised in the mountains. He said that’s the type of association that can work in different areas. He also has a plan for a light rail system in the Triad. He describes himself as an advocate of alternative transportation and supports seeking ways to burn coal more efficiently so the energy source can be utilized with less pollution. He supports a woman’s right to choose an abortion and said he will not support any marriage law, saying that’s not the role of federal government. Kirkman is in favor of at least some control of firearms, but said allowances need to be made for gun collectors who are restricted in weapons purchases even for models that are rarely if ever fired. Kirkman also favors tort reform, but said there are existing laws on the books to reign in frivolous lawsuits. He said broad applications of barratry and malicious lawsuit statutes would identify those who habitually file numerous lawsuits and could stop or limit those people’s ability to sue. Kirkman opposes NAFTA but believes it should be given more time to work. Kirkman believes the Bush administration has mishandled the Iraq war and favors effective United Nations participation and the economic involvement of other countries. He also wants to keep private health care funds in the non-profit realm and “keep public health care honest.” “If you send me to Congress, I won’t be doctrinaire or ideological,” he said. “I don’t have biases.” Kirkman, a Winston-Salem resident, said he has worked with many of the large industries in the mountain regions but recognizes small businesses are the key to an economic turnaround. He cited Charleston Forge as an example of a small, home-grown business that is now supplying jobs. “We’re all in this together and jobs are the problem,” he said. He criticized the Bush tax plan that gave tax breaks to the wealthiest. He said people in the bottom 40 percent of income levels owned two-tenths of a percent of the country’s net worth and pay four percent of the taxes. “Trickle-down doesn’t work,” he said. He said he believed in the traditional Democratic version of tax policy. “Put the jam jar down on the lower shelf where the little guys can get it,” he said. One of his ideas is to connect an allowance in federal home and veterans’ loans to enable them to buy domestic furniture. He believes this will get the furniture industry back on its feet and add jobs. Regarding business regulation, Kirkman said, “Getting out of their way is a mistake. We need to help them and support them.” He said Internet-based businesses are key to the mountain economy, and said the intellectual and natural resources are more valuable than a simple focus on tourism. Kirkman is facing Jim Harrell and Andrew Winfrey in the July 20 primary for the Fifth District nomination.