McCarthy: Honoring a young Kern County soldier who gave his life for our freedom

 Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) gives us his view from Capitol Hill. In his words:

 "We had a somber beginning to our week as we learned about the loss of Army Sgt. Brian J. Pedro of Rosamond.  Sgt. Pedro sacrificed his life defending our freedom while serving our country in Afghanistan with
the 2nd Engineer Battalion.  From a grateful community, words cannot adequately express the sadness that we feel and our condolences go out to his family during their time of grieving.

  "Friday, national unemployment numbers were released and unfortunately there was not much change.  For 14 months in a row, our nation’s unemployment rate has remained above 9.5% and for the last 17 months
it has remained above 9%.  This news was coupled with this week’s Congressional Budget Office report that found the federal government had increased spending by 9% in 2010.  Our top priorities right now
need to be:  job creation and reducing government spending.  These are the same priorities that are outlined in the Pledge to America.  First we need to create jobs and end economic uncertainty.
  Congress can
start this now by extending tax relief for all Americans, which is
currently set to expire on January 1, 2011.  If not, all taxpayers and
businesses will feel the effects of a $3.8 trillion tax hike.  Second,
cutting unsustainable government spending must be a priority too, as
Washington spends $7 million every minute of every hour of every day.
Our cumulative national debt is now over $13 trillion, equaling
$42,000 for every American.  Paying down our debt and putting the
government back on a path towards a balanced budget must be a priority
in this Congress and the next.

  On Tuesday, I filled in for Ralph Bailey on his radio show on KNZR. Tony Horton, developer of the P90X workout program that many of us in Congress use to try and keep in shape called in to share his work out
tips.   I also interviewed one of the most talented sculptors in the country who is also from Kern County.  Born in Taft and attended Foothill High School, Benjamin Victor updated us on his work
finalizing the last statue of three that will be a part of the Taft Oil Monument set to be unveiled next week during Oildorado Days in Taft.  We also spoke with Bob Leikam, the owner of Taft’s Domino’s
Pizza, who is working to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most medium pepperoni pizzas sold in 24 hours.  Finishing up the show, we talked with Laura Skinner, who is organizing the Schilhabel
Strong 5k Run & 1 mile Walk on October 16th to raise medical funds for Independence High School’s Tyler Schilhabel.  To be a part of this event, please visit: schilhabelstrong.blogspot.com.

Congratulations to local Pastor and Chaplain Gregory Horn on his promotion on Thursday at the Pentagon to Rear Admiral, Deputy Chief of Naval Chaplains (Reserve Matters).  Horn served as Pastor at
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield.

  "And on Saturday, the tents at CSUB will be filled as we welcome back the Bakersfield Business Conference!