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The National Journal called Boehlert the Green Hornet for his efforts to make government care about the environment, sometimes contrary to the G.O.P. agenda. But the battleground in this race may be the economy. The 23rd District lost 1,400 jobs when Griffiss Air Force Base was scaled back in 1993, and Boehlert is pushing to make the Rome Laboratory a National Law Enforcement Technology Center.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "My primary focus has been--and will continue to be--the economic prosperity of our region. No other issue even comes close."
BRUCE HAPANOWICZ (D) District 23
BORN: July 9, 1941, Utica EDUCATION: College of the Holy Cross, 1958-60; Utica College, 1960-68 FAMILY: Divorced; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Meat-market owner POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 36 West Monroe Street, Little Falls 13365. Tel.: 315-823-0102
Sounding alarms for Rome, Utica and Oneonta, Hapanowicz could unseat seven-term incumbent Sherwood Boehlert if he manages to tap into resentment over what he says is a continuing local economic crisis. Hapanowicz's priorities are stimulating the economy and creating jobs. He would set up enterprise zones for small businesses and attract them with tax breaks, a reduction of the burden of federal regulations and lower interest on loans. He supports a tax deduction of up to $10,000 for college tuition and vocational training, especially for poorer families.
THE ISSUES
Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave yes (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "I don't know about you, but I am tired of seeing businesses around the region voting with their feet."
JOHN MCHUGH (R) District 24 (North Country--Plattsburgh; Watertown; Oswego)
BORN: Sept. 29, 1948, Watertown EDUCATION: Syracuse U, B.A., 1970; State U of New York, Albany, M.P.A., 1977 FAMILY: Wife, Katharine RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: City official; legislative aide; insurance broker POLITICAL CAREER: New York Senate, 1985-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 6161, Watertown 13601. Tel.: 315-782-3150
In New York's vast North Country, federal programs are often a necessity, and McHugh has fought to retain some, like the Milk Marketing Board, which controls milk prices, and the Essential Air Service program, a subsidy that provides a vital air link for many rural communities. Still, he was named "most frugal" New York Congressman by the National Taxpayers Union, and has returned 30% of his staff salary for the past three years to reduce the national debt.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "Americans are being asked to accept lower levels of spending at every level of government...and Congress should lead by example."
DONALD RAVENSCROFT (D) District 24