State Sens. Kirk Schuring (R-Jackson Township) and John Boccieri (D-Alliance) appeared both separately and together on WHBC-AM's Points to Ponder with Ron Ponder to address issues concerning the 16th Congressional District on Wednesday morning.

The two are vying to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Navarre) in the 16th District seat.

Both candidates said that the country is facing some difficult times and reiterated their commitment to the people of the district in discussing their reasons for running for Congress.

Boccieri bemoaned the loss of jobs in the United States over the last several years and said, "We have got to find a way to put America first, we can strengthen the middle-class and fight for the things that are important."

Boccieri said that he liked Schuring, but "his political philosophy would not be what America needs to put Americans first right now."

Schuring said that people feel neglected and ignored and are frustrated about the loss of jobs and the ability to compete in a global marketplace.

"What they're looking for are people who will offer fresh ideas and then work with others to get things done," Schuring said. "There's too much partisan bickering going on in Washington these days."

Schuring pointed to Boccieri's comments on his "political philosophy" and said that he thinks it's time to get out of the "dogma of political philosophy" and instead have an "American philosophy."

Boccieri said that where he and Schuring disagree is that he wants to "be rewarding middle-class families" and "strengthening the middle-class of this country."

"[Schuring's] policies and the policies he advocates for on his Web site are all about helping corporate America," Boccieri said. "And we need to empower small businesses and middle-class families in this country because they are the ones who are hurting."

Schuring pointed to plans on his Web site promoting patient-driven health care, and saving and creating jobs.

"I have a longstanding reputation here in this district of being objective when it comes to political philosophies," Schuring said.

TAXES

On the U.S. tax system, Schuring said that he believes the system could be more fair and simpler. He called himself a longstanding advocate for tax reform, saying that under that concept what would be done is to "spread the base" and "lower the rate" and "make sure everybody's pays their fair share."

He said he didn't advocate an all-out flat tax, but said the tax system should be flattened.

Boccieri said that it was clear that middle-class tax cuts needs to be levied for the families "that are struggling every day."

"I've advocated for a $1,000 tax credit, tax subsidies so that folks can pay for their kids to go to college, could have a better access and affordability to take care of a loved one who may be sick or ill - middle-class tax relief to make our country stronger."

Boccieri accused Schuring of voting to raise taxes on middle-class families when they buy a vehicle or gasoline.

Schuring said he was glad Boccieri brought up his votes for Ohio's operating budget. He said that with tight budgets a legislator votes on it as a package.

"And some of those past budgets where there were revenue enhancements - I would have done it differently if I could have, but I had to take it as a package," Schuring said, noting that the packages included funding for education and the Department of Development.

Boccieri said that revenue enhancements are tax increases, and said he preferred Gov. Ted Strickland's budget to those of former Gov. Bob Taft, saying that Strickland has reigned in spending and made cuts where necessary.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Schuring took a question from a caller as to his stance on privatizing Social Security.

Schuring said he thinks the U.S. should be cautious about such an endeavor.

"I do not subscribe to the privatization that has been advocated by our President," Schuring said. "I think that Social Security is a very important issue, given the fact that people are living longer."

Schuring noted estimates that by 2018 more money may be leaving Social Security than coming in. He said that the system needs to be made solvent, and criticized government for raiding the Social Security fund.

Boccieri said he does not support privatizing Social Security, and called it a complete contradiction between him and his opponent. Boccieri said that Schuring has said everything should be on the table with regard to Social Security, "and that includes privatizing it."

"We need to make sure that the trust fund is not raided, number one," Boccieri said. "Number two, we don't need to send it to the private sector because we see what Wall St. has done to our pensions right now, and we just cannot allow that to happen."

Boccieri said Social Security was solvent out to 2049.

Schuring said that Social Security was a great example of where Republicans and Democrats need to come together.

HEALTH CARE

Boccieri noted the 2 million uninsured Ohioans in saying that government needs to make sure that American has an affordable health care system that uses government subsidies to allow employers and employees to transition easily. He said that the plan needs to make sure everyone is covered to avoid extra expenses stemming from emergency room visits by the uninsured.

Schuring said that the current system is broken.

"We need a system that offers the highest quality health care at an affordable cost, and it should be accessible to all," Schuring said. "There should not be anybody in this country without health care, and I have a program, a plan, that will do that."

Schuring said his plan was patient-driven, where patients can pick the physician of their choice and focuses on preventative care "and everything that you should be able to do under the free market."