AURORA | Democratic congressional candidate Andrew Romanoff agrees Pentagon sequestration cuts create a national security risk and says he would defend Buckley Air Force Base from base closures as part of future budget cuts.
The debate over budget cuts and base closures was renewed after Congressman Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., submitted a budget proposal this month. The so-called Ryan budget would dramatically cut social programs in favor of increased military spending. Military officials indicated last month that another round of base closures may be necessary to meet current budgetary goals.
“I will do everything in my power to protect (Buckley) because of its military importance and its economic importance,” he said, adding that the base plays a critical role in both the local and national economy. “I think there are plenty of places to cut the budget that don’t hurt national defense or the middle class.”
On April 24, he told about 40 people at a town-hall-style meeting held at Tallyn’s Reach Library that growing the economy by supporting the middle class was the best way to decrease the federal deficit. He said he supported equal pay for women and raising the minimum wage to $10 per hour as two ways to do that. He also suggested allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, reducing or getting rid of programs the Government Accountability Office has deemed redundant, and collecting unpaid taxes as other solutions for reducing the deficit.
Romanoff is challenging incumbent Republican Mike Coffman for the congressional seat, redrawn two years ago to create a competitive district that’s seen as one of the hottest in Congress this year.
Romanoff has taken a firm stand against parts of the Ryan budget, such as cutting funding for student aid and repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Romanoff said the middle class would be strengthened by making higher education, either at four-year institutions or trade schools, accessible to everyone.
“If we’re interested in creating high-wage, high-value jobs, most of those jobs are going to require something more than a high school diploma,” he said.
He got a taste of what many Americans think of Congress these days, which boasts the lowest approval ratings since they’ve been measured.
“We all know that Congress is a snake pit inside a lion’s den. Who will be your role models and mentors so you won’t be eaten alive?” asked one participant.
Romanoff pointed to U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Col., who he called the hardest-working congressional delegate for the state. “He has been a champion for veterans, small business owners, and working families,” Romanoff said.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Romanoff’s position. Romanoff agrees with the Pentagon’s assessment that further sequestration cuts could potentially harm national security.