John Blumer-Buell

Party: Independent

Age: 62

Job: Presently homemaker and gardener.

Born in Missouri. In Hawaii since 1974, arrived from United States

Lives: Hana

Contact: 808-248-8972, JBB@JBB4senate.com

Web site: www.JBB4senate.com

Job history past 10 years:
1998-2001: Lisa and Kris Kristofferson. Property management and personal services. 2001-present: Homemaker and Gardener.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Yes. In 2006, I ran for Mayor of Maui County against eight other candidates. I did not advance beyond the primary election. It was gratifying to win the primary in East-Maui.

Other civic experience or community service:
Maui General Plan Advisory Committee. Founding Board Member of the East-Maui Taro Festival, Kipahulu 'Ohana, Na Mamo O Mu'olea and Hui Laulima O Hana. Committee for More Equitable Taxation.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
I will honestly support the "Oath of Office" and pledge to execute the duty to protect and defend the "Constitution" and the rights of "We the People" to be free, with "Liberty and Justice" for all.

1) Why are you running for office?
I have been involved in various community organizations and activities for decades, including the formation of the Council of Community Associations in the 1980's. My efforts have always been about the value of our communities and our sense of place. Running for office is an evolution of community service. I hope to empower the special communities of the 6th District.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
All of my budget priorities would insure that basic human needs are met. That includes medical services, food, water, transportation, sanitation, infrastructure repairs, energy, fire protection, police services, education and entitlements. I propose consideration of a "subsistence budget" based upon less tax revenues from the federal, state and county.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Hawai'i already has nearly unlimited sources of indigenous power including solar, wind and wave energy. The state legislature needs to encourage a "Hawai'i Indigenous Power Sources Master Plan" through progressive legislation and education. Legislation should include conservation measures, tax credits and economic incentives for research and development.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Restructuring. We need to downsize the Department of Education administrative bureaucracy, elect local school boards, insure a workable ratio of teachers to students, structure smaller class sizes, better compensate highly qualified teachers, improve opportunities for teacher training, increase the number of teachers aides and control infrastructure costs.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
The projected $62 million dollar deficit for the Hawai'i Health Services Corporation hospitals for the current fiscal year should be of great concern to every citizen in the state. Governor Lingle and the Hawaii State Legislature need to work cooperatively through a special session of the legislature to publicly discuss and resolve this important problem. Enough "politics as usual."

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Degradation and destruction of our natural environment. The health of our economy is directly tied to the health of our environment. I would increase the budget for the Department of Land and Natural Resources for protection and restoration of our natural resources. Stream flow, estuary, ocean, watershed and lo'i restoration are all important to consider as parts of our quality of life.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
My proposed "Hawai'i Indigenous Power Sources Master Plan" as discussed in question number three. Energy consumption impacts nearly every part of our economy and daily lives. Our state is currently dependent upon imported fossil fuels from thousands of miles away for energy and food. Hawai'i can and will have independent and sustainable production of energy and food in the future.