On Monday, I wrote regarding Congressman Upton's visit to Cook Nuclear Plant, and yesterday I posted my second "second" moment in the spotlight :o)
Today, I finish my information and perspectives from Congressman Upton's visit.
So first, I will discuss the main purpose of the visit. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) awarded Lake Michigan College (LMC) an $80,000 plus grant to help fund a scholarship program for full time students enrolled in the Energy Production Technology Program. The program was created in partnership with Cook and the Palisades Plant.
So why this grant and why now? Between now and 2010, roughly 36 percent of our workforce is scheduled to retire. The need for employees will grow as nuclear power begins to expand. [Could this be a boon for those of us already in the industry, Hmmm, in 4-5 years, us old-timers might be able to write our own ticket :o)]
Second, what is Congressman Upton's take on the fall election? For this part of my entry, I will only list some one-liners, since these are the opinions of one person, who happens to have an insider view, but has not documented these comments. Also, recall that Fred (as he likes to be called) is the Michigan Chair for McCain's campaign, and is also involved in his national campaign. So take these one-liners as a grain of salt, and consider them for what they are worth :o) Paraphrased observations are provided below and my observations are provided in [ ].
There is a difference in the delivery between McCain and Obama, Obama gives great speeches, McCain does great in the Town Hall format. [Should be interesting to see how the debate format unfolds]
To improve the Michigan economy, like the American economy, we need to take a long term approach. Through research and tax credits, we need to help core industries such as the auto industry. With what is occurring, we cannot afford to raise taxes. [This is where I am not sure which way to vote in November. As a Republican, I despise increased taxes, and believe that we need to have less Federal government. But I also believe that we need to help all those in our country, especially those who are not thriving. I am fiscally conservative, but lean more toward being socially liberal :o(]
Energy Policy: Tough sledding for Nuclear if Obama is elected. Obama is mum on Yucca Mountain and is silent on nuclear power. [This is not a realistic or positive way to deal with global warming]
As for the election itself, Fred's assessment is that it will come down to three states, and whoever wins 2 of the 3 will be the victor. The states are Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This is based on a state by state review, and looking at historical voting and the trend from the primaries.
[Last but not least, how about the VP selection]. Fred had an opportunity to reminisce about the 1988 election. This was when Dan Quayle was named as the VP selection. On the day that Quayle was selected, Fred had been quoted as saying "Quayle - No Way!" Fred's assessment for this election year is that the VP will definitely make a difference. His advice to McCain was to not let the press force a decision, the most important thing was to know who the opponent is, and then to think strategically. [Refer to the comments about key states above]. Fred's personal assessment is that the key contender for VP on Obama's team is Senator Biden, and that there is no way it will be Hillary. As for McCain, he believes the main contender is Tom Ridge, who was involved in Homeland Security, and is also from Pennsylvania [a twofer]. Further Republican assessment is that Romney does not help much, and Crist is a no since Florida should already be in his camp.
Hope you got a tidbit or two from this ramble, but I have to admit that it was great to be there to hear one of our Congressman speak, and to get his views on the election.
Happy Birthday America, what a great country we live in!
1 comment:
Great to hear an opinion from someone on the "inside." Should be an interesting few months coming up!
Beth
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