Derek Petteys
Republican | Kentucky
Candidate Profile*
Conservative (Conditional)
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Derek Petteys
Party
Republican
Election Year
2023
Election
Primary
Race
Auditor of Public Accounts
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, MBA-Finance, 2023
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, B.S.- Public Admin
Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI, Constitutional Law Program
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
U.S. Representative 6th District, 2022
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (2)
*Freedoms Heritage Forum
*KY Forum PAC
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
WinRed (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
WinRed (2022)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I steadfastly believe that every individual, living and unborn, is created with a purpose and value by Almighty God. Abortion is a gruesome, murderous procedure and should not be allowed under any circumstances.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
This goes without saying. Not so much as one cent to any organization that performs or advocates for abortion.
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?
Tax codes at all levels should be made less burdensome to people of all incomes. To that end, I support a flat tax that eliminates the government picking winners and losers through countless exemptions and questionable deductions. Our government has proven to be irresponsible with our tax dollars for too long. Tax reform, coupled with fiscal restraint, is the key to strengthening our economy.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
From local school districts to large state agencies, we see expenditures that often do not align with the best interest of the public. In difficult economic times, community leaders should ensure that only public safety, critical infrastructure, and quality education are properly funded. Marketing and public relations programs that clearly advance social agendas must be eliminated from the responsibilities of government.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly 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
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
I am a strict Constitutionalist and believe that under the First Amendment, the government must never restrict the free exercise of religion.
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.
C
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I have been a strong advocate for personal medical freedom and have been endorsed by Stand for Health Freedom because of my defense of personal health liberty. Government must never mandate vaccines under any circumstances.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Threats to the U.S. go beyond Islamic terrorism. America is at grave risk for espionage and sabotage by many enemies from around the globe. First and foremost we must properly control our nation's borders. Combinations of structural, technological, and manpower methods must be utilized to prevent illegal entry into our country. We must also restructure the work and student visa programs to allow only those who can be fully vetted.
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 Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Given our nation's economic and safety circumstances I believe we must seriously consider more restrictive immigration, including student and work visas as well as for those who claim refugee status.
EDUCATION
Do you support a constitutional amendment that would allow Kentucky’s educational dollars to follow children to the school of their choice?
Yes
I strongly support this measure which would allow true parental choice for their children's education. A "voucher" program would allow the educational system to prosper in the free market and break the monopoly of public schools.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Our government functions best when decisions are based on moral and ethical biblical principles.
I support adding gender identity and sexual orientation as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
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 Christ follower who is saved by grace. Working and raising a family in a lost and broken world can be frustrating, but I remain steadfast in faith and pray for strength and wisdom regularly.
Parental rights are a fundamental right. Stronger legal protections are needed to ensure that parents are empowered to protect their right to direct their children’s upbringing, education, and healthcare.
Strongly Agree
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
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
I believe that voting must be done in person and during a narrow time period with limited exceptions.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Unquestionably some in society harbor resentment against those of other races. However, I do not agree that racism is systemic and as pervasive as some say. The greatest danger to our nation comes from those who manipulate narratives to divide us by race or socioeconomic factors.
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.
Strongly Agree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
As a Constitutionalist, I believe the role of government is best laid out in the Preamble which specifies that in pursuit of a more perfect union government should establish justice; insure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; promote the general welfare; and secure the God-given liberties of 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 am not a career politician that has decades of statements and voting records on public policy. Instead, I have spent decades working for a living and raising a family in a growingly uncertain world, hoping the elected officials could someday honor their oaths to the people. What we have allowed is what has continued.
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?
The office of State Auditor is not a policy-making position. Rather, it is one of oversight which can hold elected officials and the administrative state accountable for how they manage our tax dollars. I intend to utilize my 27 year career in management and skills in finance and budgeting to closely examine school districts, local governments, and state agencies to ensure their efficient and appropriate operation.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Simply stated, none. Citizens must be allowed to protect themselves, their families, and property from those who seek to steal or do harm.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Do you support the expansion of gambling in Kentucky?
No
The LGBTQ+ agenda’s advocacy for puberty blockers, biological males competing on girls’ sports teams, and allowing biological males into girls’ restrooms, locker rooms, and showers threatens the wellbeing of our children.
Strongly Agree
