Hector Concepcion, Candidate for U.S. Congress, 4th District

Hector Concepcion

Candidate Full Name: Hector Concepcion

Office: U.S. Congress, 4th District

Party: Republican

Email Address: concepcionforuscongress@outlook.com

Web Site: http://www.concepcionforuscongress.com/

Campaign Name: Concepcion for U.S. Congress

Campaign Office Mailing Address: 3101 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago IL 60647

Phone: 773-661-0822

Survey Questions (Character limit of 2,000 per response)

1. Please tell us about yourself, your background and why you believe you are qualified to hold this office.

The 4th Congressional District has been my home since I left Puerto Rico in search for better opportunity. I have seen the changes in the district firsthand, from gentrification to Hispanics being pushed out of their community, to businesses leaving and new businesses failing due to high taxes. I am qualified to hold this office because I am a business savvy leader who also supports small businesses. I have provided the opportunity for small businesses to earn millions of dollars through investments. My previous experience as an investment consultant for Harris Bank and serving as the Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has enabled me to start Elite Investment Group, where I currently serve as the President and CEO.

2. What are your thoughts on President Obama's plan for military action in Iraq and Syria?

I do not support President Obama's "no boots on the ground" strategy. The situation in Syria is continuously escalating and I think it is premature and irresponsible to rule out at any strategy at this time. In addition, the request for funding to train Syrian fighters is unnecessary and possibly ineffective. We have ground forces that are trained to work in tandem with air strikes.

3. Several major retailers recently disclosed they experienced data breaches. What can Congress do to help prevent this?

I agree that consumer information needs to be better protected, and there are certain technological measures that can be implemented to this end. However, enacting these measures run contrary to the government's abilities. Congress can aid major retailers in preventing data breaches by encouraging them to improve their cybersecurity systems and by encouraging consumers to avoid retailers who have weak data systems.

4. Can the budget deficit be controlled only by spending cuts or does the federal government need to raise more revenue? If you favor more revenue, should there be a general tax hike?

I don't believe in cutting spending to programs that provide services to impoverished and elderly Americans. I additionally do not believe in raising taxes because of the negative impact this has on small business owners. The deficit can be controlled by raising the cost of tariffs across the board. Outsourcing has caused Americans to lose millions of jobs, and consequently, other countries have made billions from importing goods and services to these countries. Higher tariffs will level the playing field and minimize our deficit.

5. What are your thoughts on immigration reform?

I disagree with some of my colleagues because I am a Reagan republican and I believe in amnesty. Over 20 years of research shows that the 1986 law raised wages and lifted the economy. First and foremost, one of my main goals is to create jobs so that America can get back on its feet.

That being said, I believe in immigration laws and reforms that address the needs of national security. We must ensure the strength of our borders in order to protect our citizens. It is the right of every American to know when foreign travelers enter our borders and when they leave. This is why regulatory systems like US-VISIT have been implemented at various airports and land border crossings.