Dwaine Curran Democratic Candidate for State Representative Native of Carlisle
Three sons; recently married to Sarai Pearce who has a son and two daughters
Nicholas Co High School 1987
Morehead State University 2009, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Business
Drug Problem:
This is every community’s imminent danger. The laws of Kentucky MUST be toughened to combat this issue:
-Forbid stores from giving cash for returned goods purchased on EBT cards.
-Initiate mandatory drug testing as a stipulation to receive EBT cards.
-Increase our police officer strength. Our district has been cut by 50% in the last 5 years.
-Control pharmaceutical (and all other companies') lobbying influence and hold them accountable when proven negligent.
-Reject out of state prescriptions; require ANY controlled drug entering the state must be registered with the sheriff.
-Subpoena out of state doctors who are not following national prescription guidelines.
-Make Sudafed a prescription only drug.
-We have to come together as communities, support anti-drug groups, and follow through with counseling.
-Standardize counseling procedures and hold liable when fail safes fail.
-Streamline Kentucky’s adoption laws.
Education:
Every school in the state should reciprocate Bath Co Graduation Success Academy. Their school’s dropout rate has practically diminished and more students are receiving diplomas. Our schools need not only to cater to college bound students; we should enhance our vocational capabilities to have the ability to put our children to work. This should include practical jobs such as carpentry, welding, nursing, real estate, insurance, and to also include dancing, music, and theatre as available options.
Economy:
Interesting how these three issues affect each other. Kentucky MUST become more efficient with our tax dollars. Businesses are attracted to states where the tax laws allow them to maximize their profits. Kentucky must change some tough tax codes in order to be more competitive. Kentucky should also share in the cost of marketing our products globally and promote our local businesses. We cannot afford to create a bottle-neck of tax funds in Frankfort and we should be required to be smarter with our tax revenue. The tax dollars that the Transportation Cabinet spent on radio advertisements could have been utilized to meet the needs of the transportation employees. The tax dollars that the Agriculture Department spent on televisions ads during the NCAA tournament could have been spent on research and development for a profitable cash crop for tobacco farmers who didn’t obtain a contract to grow tobacco this year. These and other common sense practices need to be implemented during these tough economic times.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Courier Journal Survey
Why are you the most qualified candidate?
I see the problems facing today's society from a realistic view. I am neither a doctor nor an attorney and have not acquired a clouded glimpse of what it's like to be required to live within one's means. It's not possible to see the world from a six-figure income and determine what's best for the ones earning 20 some thousand dollars per year who bear the burden for the majority.
I have deployed around the world twice for my nation in combat with the US Marines; in 1991 Operation Desert Storm and in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have canvassed door-to-door in the 72nd District and in doing so have met some of the most marvelous people in the world. Men and women who continue to contribute to society by working every day knowing that the responsibility given them to support the majority is unfair. These are situations in which I can relate; these citizens are the backbone of society and it is not necessary to remind me that it is THEIR seat that I desire to occupy.
What are the most crucial issues, and how would you address them?
Along with record highs in unemployment, Kentucky's educational needs, unbalanced budgets, and no tax breaks in sight, I must say that during my campaign, the most crucial issue in EVERY community is drugs. Drugs MUST be dealt with immediately! This ever growing problem is overtaking the masses, without prejudice to age, race, or gender, as a tsunami to unwarned shores.
-Stop EBT card abuse. Stores caught exchanging cash on returns purchased on EBT cards should be forbidden from accepting them.
-EBT card users should be subject to random drug testing just as the majority that pay the taxes supporting them.
-Give our police officers what is needed to combat this problem, i.e. increased numbers.
-Control pharmaceutical companies' lobbying influence and hold them accountable when proven negligent.
-Not honoring out of state prescriptions; any entering the state must be registered with the sheriff.
-Hold out of state doctors liable.
-Make Sudafed a prescription only drug.
How should the legislature solve the problem of declining revenues that have forced cuts in education and other state services?
This is an interesting question to ask during an emergency session, costing per day three times the annual salary of most of my constituents. This is another popular topic on the campaign trail. With exceptions, I support raising the dropout age to 18. Why then is it necessary to shorten the school year by two days to help obtain a balanced budget?
Kentucky must become a more efficient government. I would support doing away with state income tax as we know it and increase sales tax. I would also support a progressive income tax beginning at an income well above the mean income of Kentucky citizens.
This will allow cuts in the Kentucky IRS Department, keep outside money within the borders of Kentucky, and it provides the opportunity for those earning a living tax free by illegal means to pay their share towards running the commonwealth. Exceptions to the increased sales tax shall be granted to seniors who are currently income tax exempt.
Do you favor or oppose reforming the state tax system to raise revenue. Why? And taxes would you increase or cut?
Government revenue from taxes should be looked at as the "Widow's mite." As stated in the previous question I would support an increased sales tax and doing away with income tax up to a level well above the mean income of Kentucky residents. Then a progressive income tax placed on those earning above the set guideline. I would look into taxes levied on services if it were more accepted by my district, but I prefer to steer clear of newly imposed taxes.
This MUST be implemented in conjunction with cuts in spending. Kentucky has to change its reputation of not being an efficiently run state and should adhere to the fact that most homes and business abide by: "If you don't have it, don't spend it!"
Do you support expanding gambling to allow video slot machines at Kentucky's race tracks?
Although it's extremely difficult to see Kentucky's money sift into bordering states through casinos, gambling should only be enacted through an amended Kentucky Constitution voted on by the people. Included in this should be an exception, I would support excluding "deadbeat" parents behind on child support from being able to participate in this privilege. If parents aren't responsible enough to take care of their children, they should not be expected to gamble as mature responsible citizens. Provided the state's constitution is amended.
Would you support legislation that raises Kentucky's dropout age from 16 to 18?
I do with strict guidelines and educational changes. First of all, the success of Bath County's Graduation Success Academy, GSA, should be reciprocated throughout the state. This program has virtually eliminated the dropout issue all together. This program, during its first year lowered the drop out numbers from 30 to only 1! Greater success is expected in the years to come. Vocational schools should be capable of allowing students to become licensed in their field of choice. Not all students are planning to attend college and should not be forced into a curriculum that leans that direction. Vocational school enhancement should include the arts. Many of our students are talented in dance, music, and theater and should be given the opportunity to excel in those areas. By implementing these changes within the school systems, we will be able to monitor the success of our children as they engage in gainful employment being trained by our school system. Discipline problems should lessen.
I see the problems facing today's society from a realistic view. I am neither a doctor nor an attorney and have not acquired a clouded glimpse of what it's like to be required to live within one's means. It's not possible to see the world from a six-figure income and determine what's best for the ones earning 20 some thousand dollars per year who bear the burden for the majority.
I have deployed around the world twice for my nation in combat with the US Marines; in 1991 Operation Desert Storm and in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have canvassed door-to-door in the 72nd District and in doing so have met some of the most marvelous people in the world. Men and women who continue to contribute to society by working every day knowing that the responsibility given them to support the majority is unfair. These are situations in which I can relate; these citizens are the backbone of society and it is not necessary to remind me that it is THEIR seat that I desire to occupy.
What are the most crucial issues, and how would you address them?
Along with record highs in unemployment, Kentucky's educational needs, unbalanced budgets, and no tax breaks in sight, I must say that during my campaign, the most crucial issue in EVERY community is drugs. Drugs MUST be dealt with immediately! This ever growing problem is overtaking the masses, without prejudice to age, race, or gender, as a tsunami to unwarned shores.
-Stop EBT card abuse. Stores caught exchanging cash on returns purchased on EBT cards should be forbidden from accepting them.
-EBT card users should be subject to random drug testing just as the majority that pay the taxes supporting them.
-Give our police officers what is needed to combat this problem, i.e. increased numbers.
-Control pharmaceutical companies' lobbying influence and hold them accountable when proven negligent.
-Not honoring out of state prescriptions; any entering the state must be registered with the sheriff.
-Hold out of state doctors liable.
-Make Sudafed a prescription only drug.
How should the legislature solve the problem of declining revenues that have forced cuts in education and other state services?
This is an interesting question to ask during an emergency session, costing per day three times the annual salary of most of my constituents. This is another popular topic on the campaign trail. With exceptions, I support raising the dropout age to 18. Why then is it necessary to shorten the school year by two days to help obtain a balanced budget?
Kentucky must become a more efficient government. I would support doing away with state income tax as we know it and increase sales tax. I would also support a progressive income tax beginning at an income well above the mean income of Kentucky citizens.
This will allow cuts in the Kentucky IRS Department, keep outside money within the borders of Kentucky, and it provides the opportunity for those earning a living tax free by illegal means to pay their share towards running the commonwealth. Exceptions to the increased sales tax shall be granted to seniors who are currently income tax exempt.
Do you favor or oppose reforming the state tax system to raise revenue. Why? And taxes would you increase or cut?
Government revenue from taxes should be looked at as the "Widow's mite." As stated in the previous question I would support an increased sales tax and doing away with income tax up to a level well above the mean income of Kentucky residents. Then a progressive income tax placed on those earning above the set guideline. I would look into taxes levied on services if it were more accepted by my district, but I prefer to steer clear of newly imposed taxes.
This MUST be implemented in conjunction with cuts in spending. Kentucky has to change its reputation of not being an efficiently run state and should adhere to the fact that most homes and business abide by: "If you don't have it, don't spend it!"
Do you support expanding gambling to allow video slot machines at Kentucky's race tracks?
Although it's extremely difficult to see Kentucky's money sift into bordering states through casinos, gambling should only be enacted through an amended Kentucky Constitution voted on by the people. Included in this should be an exception, I would support excluding "deadbeat" parents behind on child support from being able to participate in this privilege. If parents aren't responsible enough to take care of their children, they should not be expected to gamble as mature responsible citizens. Provided the state's constitution is amended.
Would you support legislation that raises Kentucky's dropout age from 16 to 18?
I do with strict guidelines and educational changes. First of all, the success of Bath County's Graduation Success Academy, GSA, should be reciprocated throughout the state. This program has virtually eliminated the dropout issue all together. This program, during its first year lowered the drop out numbers from 30 to only 1! Greater success is expected in the years to come. Vocational schools should be capable of allowing students to become licensed in their field of choice. Not all students are planning to attend college and should not be forced into a curriculum that leans that direction. Vocational school enhancement should include the arts. Many of our students are talented in dance, music, and theater and should be given the opportunity to excel in those areas. By implementing these changes within the school systems, we will be able to monitor the success of our children as they engage in gainful employment being trained by our school system. Discipline problems should lessen.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
On The Campaign Trail
Although I have been campaigning every minute I can muster, it’s nearly impossible to visit every constituent in Bath, Bourbon, Nicholas, and the portion of Fayette County in the 72nd District. If you do not receive my information card please understand that it was not intentional. If you see me out, as in this picture, please make it a point to let me know your views.
If you have access to the internet, I invite you to become involved in my Facebook forum regarding different topics and ask you to make your opinion noted. There is also information on my website, putkyfirst.com. I feel that it is important, up to the point of being sacred, that EACH PERSON in the 72nd District develops an approachable relationship with their representative. If that is not the case, how can one feel represented?
If you have access to the internet, I invite you to become involved in my Facebook forum regarding different topics and ask you to make your opinion noted. There is also information on my website, putkyfirst.com. I feel that it is important, up to the point of being sacred, that EACH PERSON in the 72nd District develops an approachable relationship with their representative. If that is not the case, how can one feel represented?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
2nd Amendment
While on the campaign trail I have been asked on several occasions my opinion on law abiding citizens owning guns. I would like to make it known that I whole-heartedly support the 2nd Amendment which is the right to keep and bear arms.
I support the Bill of Rights in its entirety, particularly the 10th Amendment which safeguards the rights of states. This amendment was ratified in order to keep the Federal Government out of issues which should be governed on the state level.
Please contact me and voice your opinion. This act in itself solidifies representation.
I support the Bill of Rights in its entirety, particularly the 10th Amendment which safeguards the rights of states. This amendment was ratified in order to keep the Federal Government out of issues which should be governed on the state level.
Please contact me and voice your opinion. This act in itself solidifies representation.
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