Tom Brower

Party: Democratic

Age: 44

Job: Full-time legislator, State House of Representatives.

Born in Honolulu. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Waikiki

Contact: 398-5653, tom.brower@gmail.com

Web site: TomBrower.com

Job history past 10 years:
91–97 KSSK Broadcaster. 98–03 Ronald McDonald House Development Director. 03–04 City Council Senior Aide Ann Kobayashi. 04–06 Hon. Salary Commission Exec. Secretary. Since 06, State Representative.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
I ran for office in 1998 and 2000 for the Waikiki House district. I was not elected.

Other civic experience or community service:
I also worked as: Volunteer grant writer for Hawaii non-profits; Former President, Waikiki Residents Association; Former 8-year Waikiki Neighborhood Board member.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
My parents are my role models. My mom was a school teacher; my dad, a police officer. Like them, I want to work hard and serve my home. I appreciate what we have been blessed with.

1) Why are you running for office?
I care about the changes happening in my community. I grew up in our district. My work in public, private and nonprofits gave me a meaningful understanding of how to respond to our home's needs. As a legislator, I always worked cooperatively with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to find the best solutions for our issues.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
My budget priorities are: Increasing access to quality healthcare, especially for the elderly and children; increasing the availability of affordable housing so that local residents are not displaced by commercialization; and fixing our schools and paying our teachers well so that our public school education system can produce great leaders who will use their talents to benefit Hawaii.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
We need to continue using more wind, wave and solar energy, with added tax incentives to encourage more residents and businesses to make the switch from fossil fuels. These solutions are sensible and take advantage of our abundant resources. They provide an inexpensive, sustainable, cleaner-burning alternative.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
To instill in students a sense of pride, we must provide them with well-kept classrooms and more qualified, well-paid teachers. Ultimately, the deciding factor of students' success is their appreciation of the value of their education and the great opportunities it brings. If we invest in our students, they will return as great leaders to invest in us.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
We should examine a public-private partnership to better respond to our hospitals' problems and ensure that urban and rural areas continue to be served. We can utilize the private sector's capital and management expertise; the public sector can supply the quality oversight and the skilled workforce.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
The high cost of living. I will continue to oppose major tax and fee increases and support tax credits to help Hawaii's residents during these difficult times. I successfully lobbied fellow legislators against a conveyance tax increase on condominium sales. I also supported the Governor's initiative to establish a refundable low-income food/excise tax credit.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Increasing the availability of affordable housing and protecting our green spaces from commercialization. As more property goes to luxury condo's, retail shops and chain stores, less goes to our residents for homes and leisure. Open spaces have an important social mission to assimilate a culturally diverse city by giving residents a place to unite with friends and visitors.