Frank Perez
Republican | Michigan
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Frank Perez
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 36
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Candidate did not provide
WORK & MILITARY
United States Army, E-4, 8
AFFILIATIONS
St. Joseph County Sheriff Department, Volunteer Translator - Past, Sturgis Public Safety Department
Volunteer Translator - Past, Mentor for the Big Brother & Big Sister program, Volunteer - Past
MSU Extension, Board Member - Past, Centro De Ayuda
Former President & Board Member, Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, Former Board Member
Hispanic American Council, Former President & Board Member, Sturgis Youth Soccer Organization
Vice President & Board Member 2006-Present, Trinity Lutheran Church, Member, 2009-Present
Sturgis Area Community Foundation, Board Member, 2022-Present
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Appointed City Commissioner – City of Sturgis, April 2022 – November 2022
Elected Commissioner – City of Sturgis, November 2022 to November 2023
Mayor – City of Sturgis, November 2023 to Present
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I maintain the believe that elective abortions should not be permitted.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Agree
While I do not support abortion, it is legal in the State of Michigan. Yes, implementing essential safety standards for chemical abortion drugs, such as requiring an in-person consultation with a medical doctor, and mandating reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes, is crucial to protect patient safety. These measures ensure that individuals considering or undergoing chemical abortions receive comprehensive medical oversight and support.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
No they should not.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Agree
Yes I do.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
I agree.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I advocate for establishing a baseline minimum wage that is periodically adjusted to align with inflation rates. This approach ensures that the minimum wage maintains its purchasing power over time and adequately supports workers and & basic needs.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
No.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Government intervention to close churches should not occur under any circumstances. Our nation's founding principles uphold the fundamental rights of religious freedom and the liberty to practice one's faith, serving as the cornerstone of our society.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
I oppose the requirement for individuals and businesses to provide services that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs.
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) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
At no point should the government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Yes.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, the United States' relationship with Israel is important for several reasons, including its potential to facilitate positive relations with neighboring Arab states. By maintaining a strong alliance with Israel, the United States can play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, which benefits both regional and global interests.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The United States must prioritize securing not only its southern border but also all borders, including those with Canada. As a border state, Michigan faces challenges stemming from illegal immigration, with rising crime rates involving undocumented immigrants. It is imperative to address these issues promptly to safeguard the safety and well-being of our nation. While advocates for open borders may express frustration with the legal immigration process, ensuring border security is essential.
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Strongly Agree
Yes.
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Absolutely. I agree 100%.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
Absolutely.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
ABSOLUTELY 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.
Strongly Agree
Marriage should be left to the church - it is not a government issue.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a devout Lutheran, committed husband, dedicated and nurturing father, veteran, and proactive community leader. My core beliefs revolve around kindness, the importance of loving one's neighbor, and extending help whenever possible without expectation of reciprocity. I prioritize doing what is morally right for altruistic reasons, striving to make positive contributions to my family, community, and society as a whole.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I maintain that individuals should be required to present photo identification when voting. Requiring photo identification helps ensure the integrity of the voting process and protects against potential fraud, thereby safeguarding the democratic principles upon which our electoral system is founded.
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
Absolutely not.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Significant progress has been made in advancing racial equality over the years, evidenced by the implementation of discrimination laws designed to safeguard individuals from racial discrimination.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Disagree
No.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
They should not be allowed - no exceptions.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
C) stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Hydraulics.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The overarching purpose of government is to establish and uphold order and stability within society, thereby fostering an environment wherein individuals can pursue safety, productivity, and overall well-being.
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?
Conservative
I approach a diverse array of issues, including economic, social, foreign policy, and religious liberty, with a pragmatic understanding of scarcity and resource allocation. While acknowledging the limitations imposed by finite resources, I strive for balanced and equitable solutions that promote societal well-being and prosperity across these multifaceted domains.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
No, we must maintain law and order. Police need more money - crime is on the rise. Three Rivers, MI for example, they hired a mental health professional and in 2022 crime rates fell by 21% compared to 2021.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Addressing the mental health crisis and enforcing existing laws are paramount to protecting public safety, rather than implementing further restrictions on gun ownership. Punishing law-abiding citizens through such restrictions is unjust, as criminals will continue to circumvent laws to obtain firearms. Therefore, efforts should be directed toward comprehensive mental health reforms and rigorous enforcement of existing firearm regulations.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
I advocate for allowing teachers to carry guns at school provided they receive thorough training in firearm handling and crisis response. This measure is considered in response to ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of our children. Additionally, addressing mental health concerns and enhancing the capability of guidance counselors to identify and address potential threats is imperative in creating a safer educational environment.
