Eighth Congressional District Candidate Forum at George Mason ... >
May 5, 2014 - Satish Korpe.

Opening Statement
Hello.  I'm Satish Korpe.  I'm running for Congress because I think it's time to bring the power back to the people.  I'm not a career politician; I'm an entrepreneur and I'm used to getting things done.  In business we can't shut the doors because we do not agree.  I want to take this same pragmatic approach to Washington to get Congress moving.

Let me tell you my story.  I was born in India into a progressive, politically active family.  I left behind a comfortable life and moved to the U.S. in pursuit of independence and higher education.  I earned my Master's degree in engineering from George Washington University.  I started from scratch and built my own business.  I'm a job creator.  I would like to see more young people out there to start a new business and create jobs.  I have lived in Fairfax County for 25 years with my wife Sheel. 

For the last eight years I have been a member of the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board, where I was elected chair in Richmond.  I prioritized worker safety.  I have participated governors trade delegations promoting the exportation of goods and services to other countries, and I prioritize the trade with other countries.  I have also served on three advisory committees of the Fairfax County School Board, where I learned about how this education process is moving in our neighborhood.  I have worked in the Democratic Party as a fundraiser, grassroots worker, knocking countless doors to get our Democratic leaders elected.  I'm proud to be part of turning Virginia from red to blue.

Let's talk about education.  Student loan debt in this country is about $1 trillion.  It is higher than the total national credit card debt.  It is totally unacceptable.  We need to find out ways to reduce the cost of education. Education should not lead to life-long debt, but instead to life-long independence.  I will work to increase access to high quality, affordable and job-oriented education for all.  Let's find common solutions to benefit the students, the teachers and the institutions.  I'm an engineer, and I'm concerned about our aging roads and bridges.  Just last week we had a building collapse in Washington.  Investing in transportation, energy and environmental infrastructure is important for public safety and is important for job creation.

For all this to happen we need full participation in the electoral process.  The government by the people is most effective [Moderator: Thank you Mr. Korpe] participation of all the people.  Thank you.
next >