Richard "Richie" Sanderson II
Republican | Louisiana
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Richard "Richie" Sanderson II
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
Public Service Commission, Dist. 1
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
AB Rummel HS, Metairie LA, HS, 1993
Tulane University, New Orleans LA, Assoc, 1997
WORK & MILITARY
Better Business Bureau, Board of Directors, 2011-20
Better Business Bureau, H/R Chairman, 2018-20
AFFILIATIONS
Chateau Estates Civic Association, Area Director, St Pious Men's Club
active member, St Pious Benefactors Association, active member
Masonic Lodge #376, active member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Orleans Levee Board, 2011-13
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Republican National Committee (2019)
WinRed (2019)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Edwin W. Edwards (2014)
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?
Only under very special circumstances where the life of the mother is endangered and/or if violent crime was involved. I believe in the sanctity of life and remain firmly Pro-Life.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly 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.
Agree
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
I think lower energy rates will have a direct impact on keeping more Louisiana citizens employed. I also believe that attractive industrial energy rates is an effective component of attracting new business to our state.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
One aspect of government contributing to the private sector economy is played by the LA Public Service Commission. The LPSC is tasked with finding a fair balance between industry profits and public rates. Unfortunately, while fuel costs dropped these past few years, the Chairman of the LPSC has championed that he worked to achieve a "rate freeze" (Skrmetta campaign materials, 2020). that seems to ignore the windfall profits he allowed utility companies to keep rather than push for adjusted lower rates - rates where utilities still make a fair profit rather than an increased profit. I see the LPSC as playing an important role in regulating utility rates and thereby directing impacting the economic health of the state.
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 ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
This is not a role that the LA Public Utilities Commission can play. I do agree that affordable healthcare is important. I do not have the expertise to determine the best path for that outcome. I will defer to healthcare experts. By contrast, I believe that the LPSC can contribute to public health by ensuring our utility companies are observing our safety regulations and laws. They should also remain mindful of public health as new technologies (read 5G) are considered for deployment in LA.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
IMMIGRATION
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
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.
Neutral
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 think that mankind is philosophically feuding race (with one another) by nature. Survival instinct creates friction and feuds among packs and groups. That causes separation by our very nature. The founding fathers seemed to acknowledge this basic instinct toward feuds. instead, they developed a document that encourages all parties to work to the greater good and achieve prosperity in harmony rather than in constant competition with one another.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a practicing Catholic living a Christian life. All three of my children are baptized. I am active and very involved with my local church. I have received numerous awards and accommodations for my service to the church. there is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for my life and the blessings in my life. I acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior and seek to live each day in accordance to his example and his direction in scripture.
ABOUT YOU
I voted in these elections:
2012 Primary, 2012 General Election, 2014 Primary, 2014 General Election, 2016 Primary, 2016 General Election, 2018 Primary, 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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I am not aware that my vies have ever been published in a public forum. This survey is perhaps the first time my views are being publicized.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I am uniquely qualified to serve as a commissioner. I have owned and successfully operated a regulated business for more than two decades. I understand the law in utilities. I understand the economics in utilities. I understand what needs to be done to better anticipate future changes in technology and areas like cybersecurity. I can help to lead LA into a better, more proactive infrastructure for our public utilities.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
richie@sanderson.farm or (833) 999-vote (8683)
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
Yes, that I am very well qualified to do the actual job of a public utilities commissioner. I have operated a successful regulated business for more than two decades. I understand how to do my homework on new technology and emerging market changes that make regulatory decisions difficult. I do my homework and can work to educate the other commissioners on finding the right balance between industry and the public. I am not a career politician- I am a successful business leader who is now willing to lead in public service. Louisiana deserves a better, more honest and more capable commissioner in the District 1 seat of the LPSC. I am ready to serve.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support the death penalty.
Strongly Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
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
