Matt Parker
Independent | Louisiana
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Matt Parker
Party
Independent
Election Year
2019
Election
Primary
Race
State Senator, Dist. 35
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Neville High School, Monroe, LA, HS, 1975
WORK & MILITARY
USAF, E-4 sergeant, 1978-1982
AFFILIATIONS
first assembly of west monroe, security team
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
State Insurance Commissioner, 2015
Race
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
National Republican Senatorial Committee (2010)
State Republican Party Organizations (2019)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I am pro-life! I believe life begins at conception! I believe God creates life and only He has the power and authority to take life. I am against abortion. I do, however, believe in one exception and that would be to save the life of the mother.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Strongly Agree
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
Jobs, of course, will bring down unemployment. Leaders should immediately move to reduce government's power, influence and control over business (and our lives). Next, we should lower taxes that are among the highest and onerous in the nation. We should eliminate overbroad, useless, unnecessary, burdensome regulations that stifle our economy. Specifically, we need also vigorously address our high insurance rates that keep potential business out of the state and run local business away.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
Government, as stated above, should provide a level playing field for business...then get out of the way and let the true entrepreneurial spirit of Americans succeed. Government should not pick winners and losers in business. Less government intrusion will encourage and allow growth in our economy. We should reduce government's influence in our businesses and lives, reduce high taxes and eliminate unnecessary and burdensome regulations that inhibit growth. We must first seek to build a business-friendly climate in Louisiana and then economic growth will come.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
We do not have a healthcare provider problem in this country, we have a healthcare accessibility problem. We should have greater transparency and accountability with all of the insurance companies. We should seek to reduce outrageous rates that keep businesses from offering low-cost insurance to their employees. Insurance companies should be able to offer coverage across state lines thereby encouraging competition. Once insurance costs are reasonable and affordable, employees will be able to purchase coverage. Those who are unemployed, disabled or truly poor could use vouchers provided by State/Federal partnerships to help with healthcare costs. I am against socialized medicine or more government intervention in our heathcare system.
NATIONAL SECURITY
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
EDUCATION
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.
Strongly Agree
The LGBTQ+ political agenda poses a threat to First Amendment freedoms of speech, expression and religious exercise.
Strongly Agree
I support expanding protections in employment and accommodations based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Strongly Disagree
If children are given instruction in sex education in public schools, it should not express a preference for abstinence but should be comprehensive, offering discussions on various types of sexual orientations and behaviors plus all types of contraceptives.
Strongly Disagree
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
I belive our Founders were steeped in the Judeo-Christian teachings of freedom and liberty. Every person has an innate desire to be free. Our forefathers fought and died in the battle against tyranny. This country was founded on the premise of freedom...both spiritual and governmental. I think our limitations in the Constitution are there to restrict absolute power in government and maintain that power with the people.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian! That's the simplest way to state it. I believe God is Sovereign and all-powerful. His heart leads my life in all that I do. I am a Bible-loving Christian and it defines who I am as a person, husband, father, friend, businessman... and political candidate/leader. I love to hear my Pastor preach the unchanging truths of the Bible and attend Bible studies to delve into a deeper understanding of how He wants to lead in my life. I faithfully attend The Assembly in West Monroe.
ABOUT YOU
I voted in these elections:
2012 General Election, 2014 General Election, 2016 General Election, 2018 General Election
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I conduct my life and my political campaign with the message of Conservative Republican beliefs and convictions. All of my campaign materials, speeches, meet-and-greets, etc. all bring that message loud and clear. I do not waver in my belief that Government should provide a level playing field, then get out of the way. My pushcards and advertising explain and accent my conservative beliefs.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
After high school and a stint in the USAF, I came back to North Louisiana with nothing except a dream to achieve! And I was able to achieve because of hard work, following strong business principles, offering a good product for a fair price, building genuine personal relationships (even with folks who didn't like me)... and leaning on the leadership and blessing of a God who is so important in my life. Today, I am a successful businessman with one of the most respected, innovative, financially stable collision repair businesses in Louisiana. I will take my business and personal skills honed over a lifetime and apply them to my leadership role as State Senator. I am a businessman and I deal in getting results, not accepting or enabling failure!
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
mattparkerforlouisiana@gmail.com cell:318-366-1314
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am a man who believes in God and His leadership in my life. I set goals, work hard and achieve what I set out to do. I believe all life is sacred and all people have the right to a good future. I am a successful businessman who will use those business principles to help change the direction of our State. I will be bold in my defense of the helpless and strong in my encouragement of those who seek to accomplish more in life. I think my friends will tell you I am "real" and a man of my word. I gladly accept that challenge to prove them correct.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support the death penalty.
Strongly Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Strongly Disagree
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Gambling should be limited to existing forms and should not be de-regulated or expanded.
Strongly Agree
