Betty Sutton

Candidate for 13th Congressional District Democrat www.bettysuttonforcongress.com bettysuttoninfo@gmail.com (330) 835-4262
Employment:
Union-side labor lawyer
Education:
Barberton High School B.A., Kent State University J.D., University of Akron School of Law
Community Involvement:
Labor Employment Relations Association (Formerly Industrial Relations Research Association and Public Sector Labor Relations Association); AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee; Federated Democratic Women; Ohio Community Corrections Advisory Board, Former Member; Child Guidance Advisory Council, Former Member; Magic City Democratic Club, Former Member
Family:
Husband, Doug
Why would you like to be elected?
Too often these days, I have seen families stretched beyond their limits by economic hardship, employers being driven under by unfair trade and economic policies, and young people who see little hope for their future. The arrogance and corruption that is pervasive in the Republican-controlled Congress and state government has resulted in governmental policies that benefit the few at the top at the expense of the many. I am asking for the opportunity to represent the working families of the 13th district because I believe that theirs is a voice that needs to be heard. Congress is in need of members who will stand up against special interests and fight for the rights of ordinary people. My record of service on the Barberton City Council, Summit County Council, Ohio State Legislature, and as an attorney for workers illustrates my ability to be that voice in Congress for the people of this district.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
As a Member of Congress, I would be committed to cleaning up the culture of corruption and insider dealing in Washington, bringing good jobs to Northeastern Ohio, and working to provide access to quality, affordable healthcare to all citizens. Ohio and Washington have been wrought with corruption and cronyism. This must be fixed, or we will continue to see policies enacted for the benefit of special interests and the wealthy, and not for the rest of us. I have always fought for truth, transparency and accountability in government and I will take that fight to Congress. I have never hesitated to stand up against Republicans or even members of my own party to make sure voters know the truth and to clean the cronyism out of government contracts. I bring the experience of having fought for the rights and benefits of Ohio workers and the perspective of having seen firsthand the issues that the people of this district face every day. Right now our government s economic and trade policies force American companies to compete to the bottom in terms of wages and benefits. I want to get our economy moving in the right direction which means looking out for American workers and not rewarding companies that ship jobs overseas. Compared to other states over the last ten years, Ohio ranks 49th in job creation and percentage of people employed. Over the last four years, Ohio has lost nearly 200,000 jobs. We must use incentives to support companies which provide family-sustaining benefits and a living wage here in the US. Regarding healthcare, we have a system in crisis. Our current policies have twisted our priorities away from people and toward profits. The delivery of health-care services must not be made solely on the basis of cost containment or increased profits. Family health care premiums have gone up 45% since President Bush took office, while in the past year, HMO profits are up 86%. I have fought for regular people to ensure they get health care coverage and that they get what paid for. When I was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives I introduced the Patient Protection bill legislation that was aimed at holding insurance companies responsible for denying or unreasonably delaying treatment covered by a patient s policy. I will work to correct the mistakes of this administration and create a prescription drug plan that really works, not one that lines the pockets of pharmaceutical executives.
How do you think Internet technology will impact government services?
I think the greatest contribution the Internet has made to modern society is the increased access to information available to our citizens. Information is the greatest of all equalizers in society and an invaluable tool in preventing corruption and keeping the inner workings of government open to the light of day. Additionally, the Internet enables government at all levels to cut taxpayer costs and operate more efficiently by making services available online (like your local DMV). I think that, in the future, we will continue to see the Internet bring more information to the public and more transparency to government. I also believe that as we continue to work with the innovations of the World Wide Web, government will be able to bring more services to web users that will help cut costs for taxpayers and make local, state and federal agencies operate more efficiently.
What one bit of information do people not normally know about you?
My husband and I have two adopted dogs, Bear and Cody.