17th DISTRICT Rep.-elect takes calls on radio

The congressman-elect said he plans to start raising money soon.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Congressman-elect Tim Ryan blasted the pharmaceutical industry, bemoaned corporate control of Washington, and stressed the need for economic development in his district in his first extended interview since the November election.
Ryan, who will be sworn in next month to represent the newly drawn 17th Congressional District, fielded callers' questions Friday morning on 570 AM WKBN radio. The show, hosted by Dan Rivers, was broadcast from North Perk Coffee House downtown in front of a crowd of supporters.
Ryan complained of corporate control of Washington through campaign contributions.
"You have to pay to play," Ryan said, and adding that President Bush is tied more to corporations than any other president.
But he also said he plans to start raising money shortly after taking office.
Health care costs
The former state senator shared the concerns of callers lamenting the cost of health care and prescription drugs.
"These pharmaceutical companies aren't the ones who want to see the problem solved," he said.
In response to one caller's support on a cap on monetary damages for pain and suffering in medical malpractice lawsuits, he said several area doctors have said they plan to retire early or move their practices to other states because of the rising liability insurance rates in Ohio.
The doctors have said that some other states have tort reform laws or other controls limiting punitive damages and awards for pain and suffering.
Favors different approach
Ryan agreed that the problem of doctors leaving should be addressed, but doesn't believe a cap is the right approach.
"There are doctors out there who are negligent," he said.
The congressman-elect referred to a man who went to the hospital because he had to have one of his legs amputated. A doctor amputated the wrong leg.
Limiting awards other than economic damages doesn't cover everyone who may be affected by malpractice.
"If you're a stay-at-home mom, you don't get any wages," Ryan said. "There are no economic damages because you don't work for money."
He believes medical malpractice insurance should be like car insurance.
"If I get into an accident, it doesn't make your insurance go up," Ryan said.
Economic development
Ryan also stressed the need for economic development in the area and plans to have a member of his staff assigned to economic development. That person will work with the Grow Mahoning Valley and Youngstown 2010 groups as well helping small businesses with available grants.