The two candidates for U.S. 4th District Representative on the November 8 ballot are incumbent Thomas Massie and challenger Calvin Sidle. The NKyTribune offered each of them an opportunity to provide basic information about themselves and to make a case for why they should have your vote. Mr. Sidle’s response is provided here. Mr. Massie declined to participate.
Calvin Sidle
I am Calvin Sidle and I am the Democratic nominee for Kentucky’s 4th District to the United States House of Representatives.
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History from the University of Pikeville in 2008. As soon as I graduated I started running for office. I really wanted to express my civic voice and make a difference in my community. My wife and I moved to Northern Kentucky last year and the political bug bit me again.
I believe that I should be the Representative for this district because I believe that the federal government has a role in many of the issues facing us right now and that money needs to be spent to address those issues.
When I look at the problems this district has, from crumbling infrastructure to a heroin epidemic, I see the need for federal intervention because we aren’t the only district with these problems. Problems like climate change and economic stimulus are too big for municipalities or states to be able to effectively handle. We need to spend less time taking ideological stands and more time finding real solutions to real problems.
I will be willing to work across the aisle to write legislation that is bipartisan and solution-based. I will work diligently to bring federal projects to our district to improve the lives of everyone that lives and visits here.
I would like to see meaningful legislation passed that addresses climate change, immigration, and the rising costs of healthcare and education. These are difficult issues with no easy answers left. Compromises must be made to end the gridlock that we see in Washington. I want to go to Congress to be a positive voice for compromise and progress.
I would like to see the federal government reduce its carbon footprint through innovation and investment in green technologies.
I would like to see a path to citizenship for the immigrants that are already here and a revised process to make it easier for people to live the American dream.
I would like to see profit-based decisions taken out of our healthcare and education systems. I don’t think that patients or students are served best when the institutions they turn to for healing and growth are trying to please shareholders.
I will go to Washington to work for working people.
I am a strong supporter of unions.
I know that the work won’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile is.