OCCUPATION: Personal injury attorney
RUNNING FOR: 2nd District Congressional Representative
MAUI TIME WEEKLY: Why should people vote for you?
JOSEPH ZUIKER: My life experiences are as rich and broad as any of the candidates. As are my abilities to form opinions and make decisions. I worked in Washington, D.C. I was in the Peace Corps, I’ve traveled extensively. And I’m 64, I’ll be eligible for medicare soon! I’m painfully aware of the homeless problem and I’m different from the others in that I don’t take money from anyone (Zuiker won’t accept political contributions in excess of $200). My main goal is for people to visit my website (www.joezuikerforcongress.com) and actually hear my ideas.
What’s the biggest problem facing your district?
Thinking that it’s different from any other district in the country. We have the same problems. We are not alone. We’re getting old. We need Social Security. We’ve been stuck with a $9 trillion dollar debt. And $3 trillion has been added since the “family values” guys got elected. We need to have money for disasters.
What do you intend to do about this problem?
My whole campaign is about balancing burdens and benefits. First of all, we need to get out of Iraq no later than Jan. 1, 2007. We have to break our addiction to earmarks, which only serve to get congressmen re-elected. We need to get honest about budgeting. Congress needs to stop stealing money from Medicare and Social Security. Stop pork barrel spending. As I like to say, “Don’t bring home the bacon if it’s not on sale.”
What are your feelings on Hawaiian Sovereignty?
I was in favor of the Akaka Bill. I thought at least it would rightfully preserve their [the Hawaiians’] money. I used to visit the Navajo nation in Arizona. A true sovereign nation. And I personally don’t believe there’ll ever be a sovereign nation here. Historically that just doesn’t happen. But my question to Hawaiians is this: Why not register to vote? Take over the government. Get all kinds of people in there. With the government comes the right to spend money. And the door is wide open. Right the injustices in practical ways.
What do you think of the Superferry?
I wonder what it’ll be like in 20 to 30-foot waves! But I support increased transportation. Airline prices have affected family unity. Maybe this’ll be a way to get back to visit Grandma.
George W. Bush?
When he finally leaves, I see major hassles over documents being destroyed. One of our worst presidents ever, in my book.
Land development?
Huge number of people who’s profession depends on it. But we need to be happy with what we’re left with at the end.
Tourism?
Pays the bills. Make tourist travel easier from China, Korea and Thailand.
Pakalolo?
Couldn’t figure out how to inhale, just like Clinton! And at 64, I don’t need it now. I’m trying to wake up my mind, not dull it!
What’s the most difficult thing that ever happened to you?
Going into the Peace Corps, getting dumped four miles from the Haitian border. Or being the first from my family to go to law school.
What’s the last book you read?
I’m reading Bob Woodward’s Plan of Attack now. And I just finished Assassin’s Gate, about how we blundered into Iraq. These people [the current administration] will be the McNamaras of our time, saying, “Oh, I guess we made a mistake.”
What’s your favorite thing about Maui?
I once camped on Haleakala and almost froze to death during a winter storm. I had some great experiences with my mom and dad at the Kaanapali resort. And I’ve represented some brave people on Maui. But I always miss the beaches—I’ve been jogging past all of them, campaigning! MTW
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