Krystle James
Democrat | Tennessee
Candidate Profile*
Liberal (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Krystle James
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 78
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, MBA
Cleveland Chiropractic College, Los Angeles, BSc Human Biology
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Cheatham County Democratic Party, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS*
LIBERAL (2)
*Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood; *Change TN
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
TNYD Women's Caucus
OTHER INFORMATION
Krystle James completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022.
QUESTIONNAIRE*
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
The decision to have an abortion is between a woman and her doctor. I do not support legislation regulating abortion.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
The decision to have an abortion is between a woman and her doctor. I do not support legislation regulating abortion.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
Planned Parenthood provides a number of valuable healthcare services including mammograms, sexual education, STI exams/treatment, family planning and birth control. These services support health and reproductive care for the public.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
Planned Parenthood provides a number of valuable healthcare services including mammograms, sexual education, STI exams/treatment, family planning and birth control. These services support health and reproductive care for the public.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Agree
I believe this is a decision best made between the patient and their doctor, especially in cases where the patient is suffering from extreme pain that cannot be adequately managed.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Agree
I believe this is a decision best made between the patient and their doctor, especially in cases where the patient is suffering from extreme pain that cannot be adequately managed.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
Any publicly funded business should be required to provide services to the public regardless of personal beliefs.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
Any publicly funded business should be required to provide services to the public regardless of personal beliefs.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
The government should only have the right to close the building where a service is held if it is deemed unsafe for the public to gather there.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
The government should only have the right to close the building where a service is held if it is deemed unsafe for the public to gather there.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
This question is beyond the scope of the office I am seeking.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
This question is beyond the scope of the office I am seeking.
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.
Choose not to answer
This question is beyond the scope of the office I am seeking.
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.
Choose not to answer
This question is beyond the scope of the office I am seeking.
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. An investment in healthcare for all is an investment in a quality of life for all and gross domestic product (GDP). However, it is important to have healthcare choices.
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. An investment in healthcare for all is an investment in a quality of life for all and gross domestic product (GDP). However, it is important to have healthcare choices.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I support mandated FDA approved vaccinations. However, if the vaccination has only achieved Emergency Approval, I believe there should be an option to decline vaccination for all of the above. Empowering citizens with facts supported by scientific evidence is the best way to encourage the public to make good choices about their own healthcare.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I support mandated FDA approved vaccinations. However, if the vaccination has only achieved Emergency Approval, I believe there should be an option to decline vaccination for all of the above. Empowering citizens with facts supported by scientific evidence is the best way to encourage the public to make good choices about their own healthcare.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Corporations should be accountable for their fair share of taxes. This would offset the tax burden on Tennessean families and increase investment in our communities.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Corporations should be accountable for their fair share of taxes. This would offset the tax burden on Tennessean families and increase investment in our communities.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
There is no blanket answer for this question. The budget must be evaluated every year to determine which programs are yielding successful/negative results and evolve with the needs of our state.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
There is no blanket answer for this question. The budget must be evaluated every year to determine which programs are yielding successful/negative results and evolve with the needs of our state.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
In my opinion, when we invest in a skilled workforce we increase the quality of life for all citizens and help reduce issues such as crime, poverty and homelessness. An educated and skilled workforce also improves gross domestic product (GDP). I fully support Tennessee Promise.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
In my opinion, when we invest in a skilled workforce we increase the quality of life for all citizens and help reduce issues such as crime, poverty and homelessness. An educated and skilled workforce also improves gross domestic product (GDP). I fully support Tennessee Promise.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I support a strong border along with immigration reform and assistance with assimilating legal immigrants into the U.S.
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I support a strong border along with immigration reform and assistance with assimilating legal immigrants into the U.S.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Immigrants who have shown respect for our laws by going through the legal immigration process and/or obtaining a sponsorship, work/education VISA or serve in the U.S. military. As events occur within the world, there should also be consideration for immigrants seeking asylum and/or seeking refuge after a natural disaster with programs to assist with assimilation.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Immigrants who have shown respect for our laws by going through the legal immigration process and/or obtaining a sponsorship, work/education VISA or serve in the U.S. military. As events occur within the world, there should also be consideration for immigrants seeking asylum and/or seeking refuge after a natural disaster with programs to assist with assimilation.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Disagree
Public taxpayer-funded dollars should not be redirected towards private for-profit educational institutions, particularly when the public institutions are not fully funded. Note, this does not prevent families from pursuing alternative educational options.
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Disagree
Public taxpayer-funded dollars should not be redirected towards private for-profit educational institutions, particularly when the public institutions are not fully funded. Note, this does not prevent families from pursuing alternative educational options.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Choose not to answer
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Choose not to answer
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
I do not support redirecting funds, but I do support increasing police budgets to include supportive programs such as mental health and community programs.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
I do not support redirecting funds, but I do support increasing police budgets to include supportive programs such as mental health and community programs.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
1) Reinstate carry permit laws, 2) Raise the age of firearm purchase to 21, 3) Implement Red Flag laws. These actions would greatly reduce the amount of gun violence, gun theft and suicides.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
1) Reinstate carry permit laws, 2) Raise the age of firearm purchase to 21, 3) Implement Red Flag laws. These actions would greatly reduce the amount of gun violence, gun theft and suicides.
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
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The purpose of government is to manage public services, maintain law and order, manage foreign affairs, provide a national defense against foreign and domestic threats. The government should be working in conjunction with private businesses and non profits to help solve problems and create a strong economy. The government's goal should be quality of life for all its citizens.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The purpose of government is to manage public services, maintain law and order, manage foreign affairs, provide a national defense against foreign and domestic threats. The government should be working in conjunction with private businesses and non profits to help solve problems and create a strong economy. The government's goal should be quality of life for all its citizens.
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?
Liberal
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?
Liberal
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://votekrystle.com/media-and-events
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://votekrystle.com/media-and-events
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?
My priorities are: 1) Securing women's rights to abortion and medical privacy, 2) Expanding medicaid, 3) Fully funding public schools, 4) Addressing the growing needs of rural infrastructure while establishing environmentally planned growth, and 5) Responsible gun legislation that secures the 2nd amendment for law abiding citizens while protecting the public.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My priorities are: 1) Securing women's rights to abortion and medical privacy, 2) Expanding medicaid, 3) Fully funding public schools, 4) Addressing the growing needs of rural infrastructure while establishing environmentally planned growth, and 5) Responsible gun legislation that secures the 2nd amendment for law abiding citizens while protecting the public.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Disagree
Establishing humane and equitable laws does not require religious input. If leadership is elected that exhibit these characteristics, it is a reflection of the culture and people who elected them for the position.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Disagree
Establishing humane and equitable laws does not require religious input. If leadership is elected that exhibit these characteristics, it is a reflection of the culture and people who elected them for the position.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Agree
It is important to respect all individuals and treat them equitably under the law. Note, we are talking about human beings and no one should be made to feel like a second class citizen because of their gender identity.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Agree
It is important to respect all individuals and treat them equitably under the law. Note, we are talking about human beings and no one should be made to feel like a second class citizen because of their gender identity.
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 Disagree
Marriage in the U.S. is a business contract between two consenting adults and recognized by government and businesses.
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 Disagree
Marriage in the U.S. is a business contract between two consenting adults and recognized by government and businesses.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Agree
Systemic racism is an issue and the only way to improve is to learn from the past.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Agree
Systemic racism is an issue and the only way to improve is to learn from the past.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe it is important to be mindful of the direction you want to lead your life when allowing external influences into your mental space. I believe love is the ultimate source from which to base my decisions. When we separate ourselves from love, we disconnect from our humanity. Love encompasses transparency, honesty, respect and freedom. Love is faithful and does not falter when tested with adversity. Love has no expectations. Love is patient. Love is selfless. When we choose to live a life based out of love, then we will find ourselves morally tuned and connected with a greater source beyond our physical self.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe it is important to be mindful of the direction you want to lead your life when allowing external influences into your mental space. I believe love is the ultimate source from which to base my decisions. When we separate ourselves from love, we disconnect from our humanity. Love encompasses transparency, honesty, respect and freedom. Love is faithful and does not falter when tested with adversity. Love has no expectations. Love is patient. Love is selfless. When we choose to live a life based out of love, then we will find ourselves morally tuned and connected with a greater source beyond our physical self.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Choose not to answer
Tennessee's 2011 law requiring presentation of a photo ID to vote burdens senior citizens, racial and ethnic minorities, students, people with disabilities and low-income voters. I am open to exploring alternative solutions that both expand voting opportunities while securing the sanctity of voting.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Choose not to answer
Tennessee's 2011 law requiring presentation of a photo ID to vote burdens senior citizens, racial and ethnic minorities, students, people with disabilities and low-income voters. I am open to exploring alternative solutions that both expand voting opportunities while securing the sanctity of voting.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Tennessee needs to expand and encourage citizens to vote by: 1. Having polls located at college institutions, 2. Permitting mail in ballots for voters who request a mail in ballot, 3) Facilitating restitution of voter rights for felons that have satisfactorily paid their debt to society, and 4) Stop voter purging from inactive voting rolls which violates the National Voter Registration Act.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Tennessee needs to expand and encourage citizens to vote by: 1. Having polls located at college institutions, 2. Permitting mail in ballots for voters who request a mail in ballot, 3) Facilitating restitution of voter rights for felons that have satisfactorily paid their debt to society, and 4) Stop voter purging from inactive voting rolls which violates the National Voter Registration Act.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. Racism is a catalyst to civil unrest and violence. Racism encourages crime and creates class warfare.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. Racism is a catalyst to civil unrest and violence. Racism encourages crime and creates class warfare.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
The statement is too broad.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
The statement is too broad.
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. However, this question is skewed in its implications. Shifting a focus towards environmental preservation may end some jobs, but it also creates new jobs. The government should help with economic transitions including training for emerging environmental job sectors.
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. However, this question is skewed in its implications. Shifting a focus towards environmental preservation may end some jobs, but it also creates new jobs. The government should help with economic transitions including training for emerging environmental job sectors.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
Even though there are numerous global environmental crises that demand strong action, the U.S. government (including national, state and local) had not established a transition plan to minimize its economic impact and support its citizens when it closed the Keystone pipeline.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
Even though there are numerous global environmental crises that demand strong action, the U.S. government (including national, state and local) had not established a transition plan to minimize its economic impact and support its citizens when it closed the Keystone pipeline.
