Candidate Question 1

We sent the following question to each candidate who is on the ballot for the upcoming State Legislature and County Commission elections for districts covering West Boca Raton. So far the following candidates have agreed to participate: Geoff Sommers, Melanie Peterson, Steve Perman, James Ryan O’Hara, Paul Tocker and Rick Neuhoff.
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Dear candidates:
Below is Question 1 for our West Boca News campaign coverage for the 2012 election. We will publish your answer in full, unedited. We recommend 100-250 words, but feel free to write as much or as little as you like. Please respond by June 22nd. We will post your answer shortly after we receive it. If we receive no answer by the 22nd we will publish that you did not respond, but will revise to include a late answer whenever it comes.
For state candidates (State House and State Senate), Kevin Rader, James Ryan O’Hara, Geoff Sommers, Melanie Peterson, Steve Perman and Joseph Abruzzo:
Q: According to the Florida state budget, the State of Florida spends approximately $70 Billion a year.
Do you think the state government should spend more, less, or is this about the right amount?
If more, where would you spend more and where would you get the money from?
If less, what spending would you cut?
For county commission candidates (Mary Lou Berger, Steven Meyer, Rick Neuhoff, Paul Tocker):
Q: According to the county budget summary, Palm Beach County spends approximately $3.3 Billion a year (not including internal and interdepartmental charges, and interfund transfers).
Do you think the county should spend more, less, or is this about the right amount?
If more, where would you spend more and where would you get the money from?
If less, what spending would you cut?