Donna Mears
Democrat | Alaska
Candidate Profile
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Donna Mears
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 21
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MUP, 1996
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, BS/BS, 1994
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (1)
Liz Snyder
OTHER (2)
Bill Wielechowski
Ivy Spohnholz
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (2)
Liz Snyder, Alaska State House Representative
Bill Wielechowski, Alaska State Senator
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
State Democratic Party Organizations (2021)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
This is a private matter, and entirely up to the person seeking an abortion and their healthcare providers.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Choose not to answer
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Choose not to answer
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The State of Alaska should repeal Oil Tax Credits and restore a full statutory Permanent Fund Dividend.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I am mostly looking to smart spending in the capital budget so funds are being spent on projects which bring the community value. Projects need to be designed and constructed to minimize operation and maintenance costs as well as be resilient to adverse affects from climate change.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
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RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
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Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Ideally churches and other organizations should consider the health and safety of their congregations when making decisions on holding services and gatherings.
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.
B
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
There are a number of circumstances, but a lot of it has to do with the specific business or institution. The government, schools, and healthcare providers have a history of various requirements. I also support private businesses requiring vaccinations for their employees. An example is a small Alaskan tourist business requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, which they advertise to tourists that are seeking such public health practices. I do not support mandatory community-wide vaccinations.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
This is a federal issue.
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.
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IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
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Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
This is a federal government issue.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
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VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
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I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
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Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
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I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
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Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in compassion, kindness, and equity.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
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What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Alaska generally has fantastic voter enfranchisement. Adding the ability to permanently choose to receive a mail in ballot rather than re-applying every year would be an improvement. We may find with our current special election utilizing mail-in ballots that we have a higher voter turnout than anticipated,and can consider moving in that direction for all elections. The witness signature requirement should be eliminated, but at the very least needs to be a curable item.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Divisiveness is harmful to our country in many ways.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
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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.
Environmental laws need to be well-balanced to protect human health and the environment, while not being an unreasonable barrier to projects.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
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ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To provide protection, some services, and a fair playing field.
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?
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Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
N/A
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?
As an individual I bring a strong background in infrastructure development to the table which will be fundamental for effectively utilizing federal infrastructure funding and shaping the future of Alaska's economy. I also bring a pragmatic, science-backed perspective on a wide range of topics including construction, public health, education, and local food production.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
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I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
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2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
This is an issue I expect to see addressed at the federal level.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
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