Fern Smith
Republican | Minnesota
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Fern Smith
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 52A
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Crown College, St. Bonafacious, MA, 2011
North Central University, Minneapolis, BS, 1994
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Assembly of God, Ordained Minister - 2012, The House Church
Prayer Team Lead, The House Church, Connect Group Leader, Intercessory Prayer Team
SD52, Member, Volunteer, Candidate
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
None
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Minnesota Gun Owners PAC
OTHER (1)
UFCW Local 1189
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
SD 52 Republicans; Minnesota Gun Owners
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Douglas D. Willetts (2021)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
If the life of mother is in danger
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
I don't have an answer for this question at this. I would need to assess this on a deeper level than mu current level of understanding.No
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I don't have a definitive answer at this time.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
We have a constitution that gives us freedom to practice our religion of choice. Faith and beliefs are part of a persons life, not a piece of clothing you can take off and put on. It is an extension of who we are and also is part of our freedom of speech. If you require individuals to provide services that violate their faith or moral code you are taking away their freedoms that are God given and also protected by our constitution. It would be wrong!
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
I believe that government should not close churches especially in times of turmoil. They are essential for encouragement, spiritual growth and support for individuals and families.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
I believe it would be the second choice of some insurance funded by the government with private healthcare options. This is not set in stone and it definitely depends on what is funded by taxpayers. I don't believe there should be any taxpayer funding of elective abortions for any reason.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
None. I believe this should be up to the individual.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
First of all stop negotiating with them when they clearly have no intention of keeping any agreements. Stop doing business with them and have a strong military.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Disagree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those legitimately seeking asylum and those who are truly wanting to live here because they like our country. I don't believe we should have any people crashing our borders and entering illegally. If they want to live here they should have to come legally and abide by the laws to become citizens.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Strongly Agree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a follower of Christ and live my life to serve others and show them how much they are loved and that Christ died for them. I believe in the Word of God and that every word of it is true and inspired by God. I try to live according to biblical principles and live out a personal relationship with Jesus.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I see no reason you should not have to show proof of who you are to vote. We have to show ID for many other things. Why not to vote? This is one of the most important rights we have as American citizens. It should be required.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
I would like to see the implementation of voter ID to vote everywhere in Minnesota. No provisional votes are to be counted until they are verified eligible.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I don't believe it is threat to domestic security. Racism does exist but and some things may occur because of it but I don't believe it is the basis for dividing people. This country has learned from past mistakes and we are still growing and learning. Continuing to make racism a threat by teaching CRT in our schools which to me is creating more discrimination. It is all wrong and giving our children the wrong impression of our country and each other.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
A
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To serve the people
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I haven't been in any interviews or media reports.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
no
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I am a very concerned about the welfare of every person and I want to work to make life better for everyone. To do that I believe we need to fight to keep our fundamental rights, freedom speech, freedom of religion and have common sense government. Less of the government telling us what we can't do and imposing practices that do not benefit the common, every day person. I am an advocate for the sanctity life at every level from pre-born infant to the elderly. I want to make sure parents are not stripped of their parental rights and allowed the freedom to raise their children according to their values. I am committed to save the children from ideology that causes irreparable harm and mutilation of their bodies at early ages. Children need guidance by parents to make medical decisions. This is not the government's job. I'm not a politician. It was not on my bucket list to run for political office but I have always wanted to help people. I see people in need because of policies put in place by the current governing class and I want to see change. That is my priority to see change happen in the governing authorities to help all people in our state and country.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
If is is truly consistent yes, but they should be held accountable for any wrongdoing not supported by departmental policy.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe the restrictions we already have are sufficient. They need to be enforced.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
