Torren Danowski
Libertarian | Pennsylvania
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Torren Danowski
Party
Libertarian
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 194
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, BS Mathematical Decision Sciences, 2011
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Don't Tread on Philly, Founder and CEO, Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Overall, I want abortions reduced to near zero in any cases that aren't 100% necessary. I have reservations about whether a group of elected human beings can set and enforce standards to accomplish that goal in a fair and just manner. As an elected official, I'd want to start the fight to reduce abortions by fighting to remove public funding from the practice.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Overall, I want abortions reduced to near zero in any cases that aren't 100% necessary. I have reservations about whether a group of elected human beings can set and enforce standards to accomplish that goal in a fair and just manner. As an elected official, I'd want to start the fight to reduce abortions by fighting to remove public funding from the practice.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
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 am anti-taxation. If there must be taxation, it should be done proportionally and not progressively. The tax code should be simplified to require no loopholes or exemptions. Laymen should be able to understand it.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
I am anti-taxation. If there must be taxation, it should be done proportionally and not progressively. The tax code should be simplified to require no loopholes or exemptions. Laymen should be able to understand it.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would reduce all of it. We'd start by eliminating all spending on war that isn't essential to defense. Appropriations to special interests must be eliminated as well. All bureaucracy up to and including public education must be audited and any excess spending removed.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would reduce all of it. We'd start by eliminating all spending on war that isn't essential to defense. Appropriations to special interests must be eliminated as well. All bureaucracy up to and including public education must be audited and any excess spending removed.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
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.
Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Never. The government should not be allowed in private business, church or otherwise.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Never. The government should not be allowed in private business, church or otherwise.
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.
Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
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.
Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Never.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Never.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
The US should start by getting out of foreign affairs nearly entirely. Islamic terrorism doesn't exist because they "hate our freedom". It exists because we meddle in the sovereign affairs of Islamic states in the middle east. This does not justify terrorism but it highlights that much of the issues stem from our own doing.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
The US should start by getting out of foreign affairs nearly entirely. Islamic terrorism doesn't exist because they "hate our freedom". It exists because we meddle in the sovereign affairs of Islamic states in the middle east. This does not justify terrorism but it highlights that much of the issues stem from our own doing.
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.
Disagree
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.
Disagree
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I think anyone should be allowed to immigrate to the US so long as they follow our standards and procedures, whatever those agreed upon procedures and standards may be.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I think anyone should be allowed to immigrate to the US so long as they follow our standards and procedures, whatever those agreed upon procedures and standards may be.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Educational funding should follow the student, not the system.
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Educational funding should follow the student, not the system.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Neutral
I don't think people should be discriminated against in the general public space because of any identity. However, I question the government's ability to justly protect it. I also value free associated. People have the freedom to associate with others or not.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Neutral
I don't think people should be discriminated against in the general public space because of any identity. However, I question the government's ability to justly protect it. I also value free associated. People have the freedom to associate with others or not.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Neutral
While I agree on the traditional definition of marriage, I do not believe government should be involved in the institution of marriage, traditional or otherwise.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Neutral
While I agree on the traditional definition of marriage, I do not believe government should be involved in the institution of marriage, traditional or otherwise.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
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 consider myself quite spiritual and would hold myself to the Christian tradition. I hold rather traditional beliefs and values but am strongly against government enforcement of values by force. I do not believe government can dictate morality. Morality is best promoted by cultural means.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I consider myself quite spiritual and would hold myself to the Christian tradition. I hold rather traditional beliefs and values but am strongly against government enforcement of values by force. I do not believe government can dictate morality. Morality is best promoted by cultural means.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Voting should be done in person unless completely impossible and done by paper ballot, hand counted like in many other countries. Verification methods such as ID should be used to ensure the individual is a citizen eligible to vote.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Voting should be done in person unless completely impossible and done by paper ballot, hand counted like in many other countries. Verification methods such as ID should be used to ensure the individual is a citizen eligible to vote.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is an issue that will unfortunately never be eradicated. It will always have the potential to cause major problems. However, I do not believe it is one of the largest issues in our society nor do I believe it's truly a threat to domestic security. Any issue that is labeled as a threat to security should be met with skepticism until undoubtedly proven.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is an issue that will unfortunately never be eradicated. It will always have the potential to cause major problems. However, I do not believe it is one of the largest issues in our society nor do I believe it's truly a threat to domestic security. Any issue that is labeled as a threat to security should be met with skepticism until undoubtedly proven.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Choose not to answer
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Choose not to answer
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.
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. I believe in human ingenuity and innovation. The free market can innovate to solve environmental issues we face. Government should not be involved.
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.
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. I believe in human ingenuity and innovation. The free market can innovate to solve environmental issues we face. Government should not be involved.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
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?
The purpose of government should be to protect natural human rights such as the right to life, liberty, property, and self-ownership.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The purpose of government should be to protect natural human rights such as the right to life, liberty, property, and self-ownership.
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?
Choose not to answer
I don't think any of these describe me. As some who at the core believes in self-ownership and sacredness of natural rights, this causes me to fit the classical definition of liberal on some topics and conservative on others. I'm rarely if ever moderate on any individual issue.
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?
Choose not to answer
I don't think any of these describe me. As some who at the core believes in self-ownership and sacredness of natural rights, this causes me to fit the classical definition of liberal on some topics and conservative on others. I'm rarely if ever moderate on any individual issue.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
You can find me sharing my views on the Don't Tread on Podcast on Youtube, Spotify, Apple, and other podcast sources.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
You can find me sharing my views on the Don't Tread on Podcast on Youtube, Spotify, Apple, and other podcast sources.
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.
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 have three main priorities. 1)"Defend the Guard" legislation that will prohibit our state national guards from being deployed overseas in foreign affairs without an explicit declaration of war from Congress. 2)I support "Universal Access to Education". This is simply another term for school choice. Any funding should follow students rather than systems. 3)I want to see psychedelic medicines decriminalized for the purpose of mental health therapy as an alternative to pharmaceuticals that have proven to have limited efficacy and many drawbacks.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I have three main priorities. 1)"Defend the Guard" legislation that will prohibit our state national guards from being deployed overseas in foreign affairs without an explicit declaration of war from Congress. 2)I support "Universal Access to Education". This is simply another term for school choice. Any funding should follow students rather than systems. 3)I want to see psychedelic medicines decriminalized for the purpose of mental health therapy as an alternative to pharmaceuticals that have proven to have limited efficacy and many drawbacks.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Disagree
I disagree with the concept of qualified immunity because departmental policy should never sit outside the law. If something is illegal for the civilian, it should also be illegal for the officer.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Disagree
I disagree with the concept of qualified immunity because departmental policy should never sit outside the law. If something is illegal for the civilian, it should also be illegal for the officer.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Neutral
Both law enforcement and mental health need to be appropriately promoted. I do not think we have a good answer as to whether or not this means adding or taking away funding from either.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Neutral
Both law enforcement and mental health need to be appropriately promoted. I do not think we have a good answer as to whether or not this means adding or taking away funding from either.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The 2nd amendment says the right to firearms shall not be infringed. Restrictions are infringements. The PA constitution is just as clear. The right to arms shall not be questioned.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The 2nd amendment says the right to firearms shall not be infringed. Restrictions are infringements. The PA constitution is just as clear. The right to arms shall not be questioned.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
