Energy
Energy self-sufficiency is a necessary goal for the United States if we are going to maintain our way of life and sustain our economy. The only way to do this is through a balanced approach that includes increased drilling for domestic oil sources, continued investment into alternative energy sources, energy conservation and in the short term, the lowering of all gas taxes. 
 
Part of energy independence is being “independent” of foreign and hostile sources of oil. Oil will be needed for the foreseeable future and alternative energy and conservation, while helpful, won’t replace the need for oil. The only way that we can replace “foreign and hostile” oil is to open up our own resources for drilling today! The President and Congress have both failed the American people by not doing this sooner; the time to act is now. 
 
It is absolutely disgraceful that foreign nations are maneuvering to drill off our shores within the very limits that US oil companies are prohibited from drilling.  Does anyone really believe those foreign companies will be as protective of our shorelines as US companies would be?
 
Our country is blessed with huge reserves of oil shale which can be mined economically
to recover oil in the current market.   We should remove those artificial restrictions imposed by Congress that prevent the use of that resource as well.
 
Conservation can reduce our energy needs, and government should help.   Such efforts that could help include: greater tax credits for home and business insulation that will reduce heating and cooling loads; programs to encourage replacing incandescent bulbs with more energy-saving alternatives; federal assistance to local communities to synchronize traffic signals to move traffic more efficiently and perhaps incentives to encourage use of smaller cars that get greater mileage.
 
The development of alternative energy sources is critical if we are to become independent of “foreign and hostile” oil and to eventually move away from fossil fuels. Here in Central New York, we have institutions of higher education that are on the forefront of major alternative energy breakthroughs. Composting of non-food crops could be an important alternative energy source that also does not affect the price of food.
 
Solar energy and wind generated power can play important roles as renewable energy sources.   They need to be encouraged more strongly.
 
While energy independence should be the long-term goal, it is not realistic, in the current economic environment, to deal with these skyrocketing gasoline prices. Real people need real relief and not an occasional economic stimulus check.   We are paying almost $.80 per gallon in taxes from all levels—federal, state and local. If we as citizens need to tighten our belts, government should do the same. Dale Sweetland proposes we eliminate or reduce all gasoline taxes to provide ongoing relief to all motorists.
Economy
Dale Sweetland is fiercely pro-business and believes that the economy improves every time someone takes a risk and starts a business. New business owners hire and employ people, and those new hires make purchases that grow the economy.  
 
As a former owner of a small agribusiness operation, Dale knows all too well the negative impact government can have on business. Dale’s plan to help create jobs is to cut back wasteful government spending and lower the barriers of doing business. We need people in Congress who will fight to decrease government spending and allow business to compete in this global economy. This means reigning in pork-barrel spending, examining government programs to ensure they are efficient and lowering taxes.
 
In farming, Dale saw the negative impact that government can have on business. Overregulation and nonsensical bureaucracy are choking small businesses throughout the country. Now with the increased cost of doing business caused by the skyrocketing gas prices, it is harder than ever to stay in business.
 
As Congressman, Dale Sweetland will work to:
 
-         Cut taxes and lower wasteful government spending.  
-         Scale back the bureaucratic mess resulting from overregulation on the economy.
 
Healthcare
It is important that everyone have access to affordable quality healthcare. One of the ways to make health care affordable is to reduce abuse and waste.
 
As Chairman of the Onondaga County Legislature, Dale Sweetland oversaw the implementation of Medicaid fraud investigation in the county. This program helped to reign in the abuse of Medicaid by providers and saved Onondaga County thousands of dollars. Programs like these should be expanded on the national level to Medicaid and Medicare to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent wisely.
 
Overregulation has had a serious impact on the medical field.   Many doctors and other health professionals opt out of the Medicaid and Medicare programs because the paperwork is so onerous and the payment is so slow.   This results in many people having difficulty obtaining medical care.   Fixing that problem will open more choices for our citizens.
Education
Education is essential in order to compete in the global economy. As a country, we need to take a serious look at how we are preparing children to compete in those markets. Graduating from high school and having access to higher education is vital for future generations.
 
As Congressman, Dale Sweetland will work to provide opportunities for all people who choose to pursue higher education. 
 
Dale will fight for better investment of primary education dollars that work towards lowering the drop-out rate nationally. A child without at least a high school diploma is at serious risk of never getting a decent job and becomes more susceptible to crime.
 
For high school graduates who choose not to pursue higher education, Dale believes stronger vocational education programs are needed.   The Country needs skilled workers in areas that do not require college.
Environment
Being pro-business is not being anti-environment.   As a former farmer, Dale knows the important relationship of man to nature.   Protecting the environment and utilizing our natural resources responsibly are not mutually exclusive.
 
As a member of the Onondaga County Legislature, Dale Sweetland was part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup, an effort that included an  investment of nearly $500 million in federal, state, county and private money. This money was spent to begin the revitalization of a local natural resource that will now be here for future generations to enjoy.
 
It is vital that we protect our natural resources and act as stewards to the environment. Throughout his years in public service, Dale has always sought to protect our resources and ensure that where usage takes place, it is done responsibly. 
Protecting America
Providing a strong national defense is one of the primary responsibilities of the federal government.   And in today’s dangerous and hostile world, that responsibility is even more important.    As Sept. 11 showed us, we can be attacked not just by other nations, but by a band of militants who don’t abide by any of the conventions that govern the actions of nations.
 
Conventional forces will become less important in future years while unconventional forces and intelligence will play greater roles.   We need to encourage our brightest young men and women to get involved.
Second Amendment Rights

Dale recognizes that hunting has always been a vital part of American culture. According to the National Rifle Association, 85% of American adults believe that hunting has a legitimate place in society. In addition, 42% of American adults consider themselves avid or occasional hunters, up 7% from ten years ago. As a farmer, Dale often allowed neighbors and friends to use his property for hunting. Like most hunters, Dale also recognizes that conservation programs are an important aspect of the debate and he supports legislation that funds conservation efforts.

Dale opposes unnecessary and burdensome regulation on gun vendors and gun shows. Pending legislation in Congress would require gun show promoters and vendors to collect a superflous amount of information on gun show attendees and gun buyers, which creats an undue burden on these individuals, in addition to the potential invasion of privacy issues. Dale opposes legislation that would infringe the rights of Americans to legally purchase and own guns in violation of the Second Amendment.

A Pro-Life Candidate

Dale is Pro-Life. Dale has always been in favor of defending each and every human life.  He supports measures to protect living human embryos from being used for medical research.  In addition, Dale opposes the use of federal funding for abortions.  This includes opposing any US tax dollars to fund foreign population control programs.  Dale also supports legal prohibition on human cloning. Lastly, Dale supports parental notification on abortion for minors.  Dale often exclaims, "It is ridiculous that a school nurse can't give a child a Tylenol without parental consent, but a child can have an abortion without her parents ever knowing!"