Strongly Agree

Strongly Agree

Strongly Agree

Two scenarios are often debated. Rape, and ectopic pregnancy or other medical emergency. Rape is a horrible and violent crime. There can be two victims: The woman who was raped, and the child. Rape is horrible enough, but to follow it with murder of an innocent is unconscionable and barbaric. Abortion does not undo the rape, nor does it erase the psychological trauma. It only serves to end the life of one victim while the perpetrator often escapes the law. Ectopic pregnancy, although rare (1%-2%), are a serious risk for the mother. There are no proven ectopic transplant procedures, nor can doctors predict which women will suffer serious or fatal medical complications. There is little ectopic transplant research. Other medical events, such as physical trauma and some types of cancer, result in a woman's decision to obtain an abortion. It should not be a choice between mother and the child. Both lives are equal. This is why I support funding in all these areas.

Strongly Agree

Neutral

Strongly Agree

Yes

In its original form, separation of church and state meant that the government was prevented from creating or showing a preference for a specific religion. I has its origins in a letter from Thomas Jefferson in 1802, but as opposed to popular belief, the Constitution does not say this The First Amendment states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." It was never intended to prevent activities such as school prayer, government employees or officials expressing religious beliefs, praying in public or building Christmas displays on public property. It literally states that the free exercise of religion shall no be prohibited. I agree with the country's founders.

Strongly Agree

Disagree

As a former cancer patient and father of two sons with extensive health problems, this is an important issue for me. To begin with, I would ignore lobbyists and the consultants who work on behalf of special interests. One does not have to look farther than Washington to understand there is little incentive by politicians to provide adequate, affordable and accessible healthcare when so many make so much money inside the current system. The so-called experts, think tanks and consultants are good at re-arranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic, but so far have failed to fix a broken system. I have always advocated for simple changes such a wider variety of policies with varied levels of coverage, allowing insurance to be sold across state lines, mandated coverage for pre-existing conditions, catastrophic underwriting, and more tax incentives to reward employers for providing full health insurance coverage to employees and retirees.

Disagree

Strongly Agree

Eliminate useless services. Defer education to local authorities. Anything requiring statewide, uniform policies should be determined by consensus of local school districts and parents. There are hundreds of special interest groups that receive millions of dollars each year. All state records should be accessible to the public on line, eliminating the need for staff to process information requests. Eliminate specialty courts which cost taxpayers dearly and treat litigants unfairly.

Strongly Agree

Strongly Agree

Anyone who follows the law, comes here legally, does not have a criminal record and are willing to work at a job if they are physically able to do so.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

Yes

The idea that restrictions on gun ownership for anyone other than convicted felons or a very narrow slice of the mentally ill is both false and without evidence. Keep in mind that the Second Amendment is the only constitutional amendment that the Founders specifically made unrestricted. The phrase, "shall not be infringed", means exactly what it says. The problem is not legal gun owners. This is why gun laws have failed in Washington, Chicago and other cities.

Strongly Disagree

Neutral

Strongly Disagree

1. Changes in laws that currently permit the abuse of women and children within the current Children Services and domestic courts. Due process and protection of domestic abuse victims is of the highest priority. 2. Concrete steps to make health care understandable, simpler and affordable. 3. Incentives to improve education, create higher paying jobs and financial security.

Despite attempts by those who profit from racism, ans promote identity politics, racism is no longer a factor when it comes to domestic security. This does not mean that there is not a small minority of racists in this country, but it does mean that by and large, most people despise racism and bigotry, and our laws and our social changes reflect this. I personally resent those who stir the pot and accuse good people of racism. I grew up among people from many ethnic backgrounds. We had much in common such as being poor, working blue collar jobs, and being parents and raising families. I had no direct experience with racism beyond the story of when the KKK burned a cross in my grandfather's yard many years ago. I would like to go on record that I not only abhor racism, but I find those who trade in identity politics repugnant.

Strongly Disagree

Conservative

The sliding scale from very conservative to very liberal is filled with nuances and misinterpretations. I believe in the the Constitution as it was written, with the words defined as they were at the time it was drafted. Consequently, I believe in the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, which includes the First and Second Amendments, the two that get the most attention. I believe in smaller, less intrusive government. A government that does fewer things well versus one that does many things poorly. I believe in individual rights above state rights, and state rights before federal. I support a balanced budget and term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court. I support a strong military and secure border. These are reasons why I describe myself as conservative. Not that long ago, my parents, both Democrats, believed in the same things. They were not described as conservative or liberal, but simply as Americans. Labels can be misleading.

Aside from my university education, as an architect, business owner, college instructor, father, mentor, community volunteer and business leader, I have had a wide variety of experience in many areas that relate to the residents in my district. Having grown up in Appalachia, I appreciate the unique obstacles the poor and those on the lower end of the economic spectrum face, which differ from higher income individuals and families, or those with much more business experience. I was fortunate to find mentors who gave me opportunities to work, acquire knowledge and skills. I discovered that the most successful people were the most willing to share their knowledge and give individuals like myself opportunities if I was willing to work hard. These experiences, and resulting empathy, uniquely qualify me to represent constituents from all walks of life and hold the office for which I seek.

I have never been accused or convicted of a felony, sexual misconduct or any crime whatsoever.

Regading QuestI am running because I truly believe we need a state representative who will represent everyone in the district and be accessible. I have spoken to thousands of people over the past several years who are tired of the political bickering, frustrated at having no voice and have problems that need solved. I come from a background with no privilege, no money and few opportunities, yet I found a way to succeed. Much is written about why it is harder for others like me to get ahead. Some true. Some not. However, as State Representative, I promise I will clear the path for every individual to succeed if they want to do their part. I never forgot where I came form and never will. I don't need this job, but I do believe this job needs me. all I ask is for the opportunity to prove I will do what I say. I ask you for your vote regardless of your political affiliation, and in return, I will perform my duties without regard for mine, but with regard for you as my friend and neighb

Strongly Agree

Neutral

I grew up Catholic and have twelve years of Catholic education. We sent both our children to local Catholic schools for the religious foundation. I have also had the opportunity to visit other churches, synagogues and mosques over the years as a guest. This has given me a broader understanding of other faiths. Most importantly, I respect the faith of others, as well as those individuals who choose to remain agnostic or are atheist. All I ask in return is mutual respect. The choices are many, and each individual has a right to their own spiritual beliefs.