Jim Oberweis focused on the high cost of energy and the economy during a town hall discussion Wednesday.

The discussion, which was held at the DeKalb Park District, 1403 Sycamore Road, is the ninth so far in the Republican candidate’s campaign to become congressman for the 14th Congressional District. Three more discussions are scheduled.

Oberweis’ policies for helping the economy included keeping American spending low and lowering the cost of energy.

“High price of energy has a big impact on family budgets,” Oberweis said.

American’s dependence on oil gives $700 billion to other countries and regimes, he said, also adding that a large portion of that money goes to our enemies in the Middle East.

“We don’t have the proper policies in place to increase domestic production,” Oberweis said. “The policies we created 20 years ago are no longer effective today.”

Oberweis also spoke about making policies to improve innovation in order to get alternatives to oil. He listed solar, wind and hydrogen as options.

Oberweis mentioned farmers in Dixon who talked about how high fuel prices were affecting every aspect of their business. The cost of ferlitizer, equipment and transferring goods is on the rise for farmers, Oberweis said.

“[Gas prices] make it difficult for them to plan for future,” he said.

Oberweis also advocated off-shore drilling. He talked about how Democrats blocked the legislation and then adjourned for vacation.

“It’s time for Congress to seize the opportunity,” Oberweis said.

Oberweis’ solution to the high cost of energy involved creating more energy in America and using less of it.

He said the only factor blocking America from using its resources in the ocean and Alaska is the federal government.

Oberweis said America should also expand the incentive for purchasing hybrid cars with tax benefits.

He also said businesses can partner with the government to encourage their employees to use public transit.

John Westburg, a 29-year Kingston resident, talked about the empty factories in Rockford and how America has lost three million manufacturing jobs. He asked Oberweis how he might bring back more jobs.

Oberweis said he thinks it’s critical that the the right structure is created so that companies will want to invest their time, energy and resources to create new jobs and opportunity.

“Unfortunately, we’re going the other way,” Oberweis said, also adding he has experience in creating jobs from his own business.

Loras Schuster, a six-year DeKalb resident, brought up the issue of tax credits on hybrid cars. He said it was a negative way of encouraging people to use alternative fuels. Why not impose a $20,000 penalty on cars that don’t get 24 miles per gallon, he asked.

Oberweis responded that the current tax credit for hybrid cars is hard to understand and that it should be simplified.

“High prices of gas are on top of people’s minds. It’s my belief that better government policy could help solve this problem,” he said.