Zeldin Announces Ten Commitments To Suffolk County

1. Independence - There's only one member of the United States House of Representatives that needs to be right about issues affecting the East End of Long Island 100 percent of the time-the Congressman from the First District. I also recognize Eastern Long Island is not more liberal than the rest of the country.

2. Leadership- Elected officials are paid to lead. So while others are content to take back-seat roles, and blindly follow party edict from party bosses, I will instead focus my energy on following my own moral compass, and showcasing a leadership acumen proudly honed as a United States Army officer. Our Congressman's voting record should reflect accordingly. I will bring Long Island's values to Washington, and leave Washington's questionable principles right there in DC.

3. Economic Responsibility- The cost of living on Long Island is unreasonably high. Long Islanders are among America's most taxed citizens. We face the nation's highest gas prices. When it comes to fixing this, I disagree with my opponent. Where he's content with a wait and see approach, I will be a man of action. Aside from suspending county, state and federal gas taxes, and other important initiatives which will reduce gas prices, we also need to reduce our reliance on foreign oil by drilling for our own domestically, here in America. Our homes have run into a terrible slump. We can use a break. As Congressman, I will recognize my obligation to vote against tax increases. Long Islanders of all ages can be certain that when elected, I will never support frivolous tax increases that fail to deliver to our communities and place an undue burden on our Middle Class.

4. Responsible Governance- Since my campaign began, I've demanded a more transparent, accountable approach to the legislative process, and will immediately attack Congressional pork. For starters, the earmark process screams for reform. I support a moratorium on earmarks until Congress finds a more responsible way to spend taxpayer dollars-a way that doesn't facilitate a process that turns the federal government into an ATM for his loyal donors.

5. Champion our Seniors- I'll spearhead efforts behind a three-part plan to make healthcare more affordable for Long Island's seniors, attacking prescription drug costs and providing common-sense alternatives to excessive medical expenses. Unlike my opponent, I will not support Medicare cuts. We must recognize the contributions of our seniors. They must not be forced out of the very homes and communities they helped build due to high taxes and medical expenses. Undoubtedly, they deserve the right to enjoy all that Long Island has to offer in their retirement, as do all those who continue to make Long Island great.

6. Support Troops- Our troops require the best training, equipment and supplies to execute their mission. As long as the defense of democracy is on the line, the troops can always count on my support. Whether we should have been in Iraq in the first place, the fact is that we are there now, we have troops in harm's way and they deserve our unyielding support.

7. Honor our Veterans- Tens of Thousands of Eastern Long Islanders proudly served our nation in uniform. After returning from the fields of battle, our nation's warriors deserve nothing less than the best health care, for all the wounds of war.

8. Reform Immigration - Border security is a crucial challenge to America in the 21st Century. Because of this, we must enforce the rule of law to ensure we know who's entering our country and their intentions. Our government must condemn this illegal activity and never support tools that foster this behavior-like hiring halls, which my opponent supports. Likewise, fair business practices form the backbone of Long Island's communities-those who violate the law to gain an advantage will face severe fines and sanctions.

9. Protect the Environment- We must preserve our East End's natural beauty and open spaces while preserving our unique heritage. Farming and Fishing on Long Island are threatened due to needless taxes and oppressive regulations. As your Congressman, I'll fight to make sure that our Grown on Long Island food supply will be protected for future generations.

10. Plan for the Future- It all begins with education, and I know education. I moved from the portable classrooms of the William Floyd School District through Albany Law School in record time, becoming New York's youngest lawyer along the way. With resources like Brookhaven National Lab in our backyard, I recognize the importance of throwing the full force of the government behind initiatives to support Long Island's schools. Likewise, common-sense necessities like modern sewage systems should have arrived in Suffolk decades ago. I'll seek the appropriate agency grants to initiate funding for the necessary upgrades to save Long Island's economy and way of life.

-30-

For more information on Lee's campaign please visit us at www.zeldin08.com

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress