Kratovil catches flak for cap and trade vote

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Kratovil's Cap and Trade Vote - 2009-08-05 11:36:14

Frank Kratovil's vote on the federal cap and trade bill won't raise our energy costs due to the face that we in Maryland already have a state cap and trade regime in place. As a republican in this state, I chose long ago not to whine but work within the system. Whining is for democrats! Now, all you whiners should get out of the "cash for clunkers" line at the local dealership and put your hard earned money into a solar photovoltaic system. I can't understand how we flock to the dealership like sheep because we are offered a $4500 rebate on a car but when offered a 30% federal tax credit and a state solar grant of up to $5000, there is a collective yawn! Put your money into solar energy and make money off the cap and trade laws. In ten years when your car is a rusting pile of junk with no value, my solar panels will still be cranking out clean renewable energy and putting money in my pocket every day.

I'm laughing all the way to the bank because you whiners, er, taxpayers paid for over half of my solar photovoltaic system, i've reduced my energy costs and, I get to sell my renewable energy credits to the utilities who pass the costs along to you!!!!

Thanks Frank. Now wake up people.

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Martin G. - Baltimore, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Bill will aid farmers - 2009-08-05 10:43:38

I understand that many folks are worried about the costs of this bill, but if you take a hard look at the facts its quite obvious that Kratovil made the right decision for this district. First off, the costs of inaction on climate change are too great to risk. The University of Maryland has shown that global warming will cause increasing droughts and pests, damaging agriculture in the state. Farmers already spend almost $40 million each year on pest control and some may remember the 1998 drought that caused $800 million in crop losses. On the other side of things, the Department of Energy has estimated a carbon cap will only add a dime a day to consumers energy bills. Kratovil has also ensured that our farmers were protected under the final draft of the legislation which included $1 billion in allowances for farmers. Combine this with the increased demand for biofuels and the benefits to Maryland farms are obvious.

Most importantly to everyone in the state, we already have a regional carbon cap in place stricter than the one under national consideration! If the bill gets passed, it can only help put us on better national economic footing. Thanks for your vote Frank!

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Timothy B. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Kratovil's efforts to destroy the 1 - 2009-08-04 20:42:41

Kratovil is no friend to the farmers or anyone else in the 1st District. And he certainly is no conservative. The man was born and raised in Prince George county and every one of his votes reflect that association. He has voted to, literally, bankrupt everyone who is now on the financial edge and is working, along with Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and all the other left-wing radicals to take out the middle class. And I will bet you dollars to doughnuts that he will vote for the total government control of our health care or better known as the eugenics pogram that Hitler embraced.

Wake up folks... there is no sympathy happening here! This Congress is Hades-bent on taking every one of our freedoms we hold dear and make us all servants of the Government. Vote Kratovil out! Just say NO!

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Bill M. - Easton, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Congressman Kratovil's efforts - 2009-08-04 14:20:31

Being the freshman representative from the 1st District is a tough balancing act. Wayne Gilchrest had greater senority, but despite his allegiance, was unsupported by the Republican Party in the last primary. We were lucky to have his service. Congressman Kratovil, as a conservative democrat, is facing the same difficult balancing act. No one can deny his hard work and commitment to consituient outreach. The issues and legislation before the Congress are complex and difficult to explain in two minute exchange. Particularly, when lobbyist and their special interest groups offer audiences shortsighted and often inaccurate sound bites. Cap and trade and health care reform are important. Pollution is damaging the Bay, this lessens it's productivity and costs Marylanders jobs. The cost of health care is often hidden within payroll deductions. It's a tax, which goes up every year faster than wages. If you pay it yourself, or for employees, you know it's been out of hand (pocket) for years and getting worse. I feel for the farmer, his cost of doing business may be affected. This a difficult time for many. Congressman Kratovil is sympathetic. You can see it in his legislative actions to protect the 1st District. He is our representative, holding open-meeting to discuss issues is proactive and pro-constituent. Those forums enable open dialogue, which is important for us all and appreciated.

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harry trampolini - severna park, MD - Karma: Excellent