Font ResizeBy Lyle Moran
MediaNews
LOWELL -- Tom Weaver does not want to see the federal government shrink by bits and pieces, he wants to see a massive reduction in its size, and in short order.
The Westford Republican says he has pushed for spending reductions because he believes if the federal government continues to spend trillions more than it takes in, the consequences will be devastating for his three grandsons and their peers.
"I understand what makes the country great and it is not a massive federal government," Weaver said. "If we don't control the spending, we will have serious issues like Greece (does), but on a much larger scale."
Weaver is facing off against Carlisle Republican Jon Golnik in the GOP primary on Sept. 6 to battle U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas in the general election.
He has tried to stake his claim in the GOP battle as the candidate who will not be afraid to go to Washington D.C. and argue for drastic spending cuts, such as eliminating the Department of Education and defunding the Environmental Protection Agency by 90 percent.
"One of things that would help is a limited government, not just a smaller government with three less people," Weaver said. "I'm willing to stir the pot."
Weaver believes many of the functions of the federal government could be shifted to the states and local municipalities, and said education is the perfect example because it needs local control.
The small-businessman, who runs a business
He argues that there are too many regulations hindering business growth and many of them should be tossed out.
Weaver also says all of the reduced tax rates passed under President George W. Bush should be extended so businesses have a climate where they can plan ahead.
"The cost of doing business and the uncertainty is the reason there are not more jobs," Weaver said.
The Westford Republican says his own experience as a small-business leader will make it easier for him to help small businesses if he goes to Congress.
Weaver is the founder, owner and vice president of technology for DTW Systems, which he says has put millions of dollars into the economy in recent years.
"I'm a small-businessman and I know what it is like to grow jobs," Weaver said.
Name: Tom Weaver
Age: 60
Address: 5 Vose Hill Road, Westford
Political experience: Ran in the GOP primary for Congress in 2010.
Education: U.S. Naval Academy, 1974; Naval Nuclear Power Program, 1975, certified nuclear engineer; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, master's of science in mechanical engineering.
Top three priorities: Cut spending, repeal "Obamacare" and simplify the tax code.
The person who most shaped your political views: I'm going to go back to George Washington. He could have been king, but he wanted to serve. He served in the military, he quit, but he came back. He believed people could chart their own courses and the government did not need to get involved.
Follow Moran on Twitter @lylemoran
