
Ashley Meredith
Libertarian | Iowa
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Ashley Meredith
Party
Libertarian
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 84
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta Iowa, Associate Degree Nursing, 2006
Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids Iowa, RN to BSN gen ed requirements, 2008-2009
Walden University, Minneapolis, MSN: Nursing Education, 2014
WORK & MILITARY
Ultimate Nursing Services, LPN/RN, 2006-2007
Mercy Medical Center, Registered Nurse, 2007-2008
Care Pro Health Services, Private Duty RN, 2010 to 2011
CarePro Health Services, RN Case Manager, 2011 to 2013
ABCM- Guttenberg Care Center, RN, 2014-2017
Recover Health, RN Case Manager, 2014-2015
Above and Beyond Hospice, Hospice RN Case Manager, 2015-2016
Pinicon Place, RN, 2017
Pure Romance, Advanced Consultant, 2017-2019
BankHeadz, Co-owner, Office Manager, 2017-2022
AFFILIATIONS
Iowa Libertarian Party of Benton County, Secretary, Child Abuse Prevention Program Advisory Committee
Committee Member, Institute for Economics and Peace, IEP Ambassador for Peace
National Liberty Alliance, County Committee of Safety Representative, HACAP
Policy Council Representative for Olivet Head Start, Policy Council Secretary, Policy Council Health Services Advisory Committee, Northeast Iowa Food Pantry, Community Volunteer
Heart Math Institute, Global Coherence Emissary
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
High School Student Body President, 1999-2000
Middle School Student Body Vice President, 1998-1999
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
OTHER INFORMATION
Ashley Meredith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I do not believe it is right for elected officials to make this decision for any woman, let alone all women. It is not within their scope of practice to make healthcare decisions; They are politicians, not medical professionals. I think that the 6 weeks gestation cut off is unrealistic; however I do not believe that late stage abortions should be legal.
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
This is not a decision that should be entered into lightly. An in-person consultation should be required to receive this prescription. Data should be collected, so we can: 1) we have information about the populations utilizing this option, and this can help us identify ways to further reduce its usage, 2) monitor the medication's efficacy, adverse reactions, etc., 3) monitor and regulate the medical professionals that prescribe these types of medications, with the goal of reducing its use.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
The long-term costs of unplanned pregnancy, both individually and societally, will be far greater if organizations such as Planned Parenthood are not properly funded to help cover the cost of birth control options. And until we are able to properly address the societal factors and concerns that lead someone to choose abortion, funding options should be available for Planned Parenthood to provide those services.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Agree
As a health care provider with direct experience in hospice, I realize there may be some cases where this option would be desirable, over a slow, painful death. I don't know that it is something I would choose for myself, but I would not deny it to someone that did want that for themselves as the symptoms of their terminal illness became unbearable.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise allows people to start and run businesses with minimal government interference. This encourages innovation and competition, which helps everyone by lowering prices and improving products. Private property means individuals own and control their resources, leading to better care and more efficient use. Together, these ideas create a strong economy where everyone has the chance to succeed and benefit from their efforts.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
Wages should be set by the market, not the government. However, it's concerning that pay for upper management has soared, wages for lower positions have stayed flat. This shows the need for fair practices and better opportunities for all workers.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
Public funds should be invested based on financial returns, not ESG criteria. Mixing politics with investing contributes to the potential for corruption, can lead to less effective use and less value for taxpayer dollars. Keep investment decisions focused on clear, financial goals to ensure the best results for everyone.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Freedom of religion is a core right, and churches should be able to operate freely without government interference. Any attempt to close them would be a violation of this fundamental freedom and could lead to abuses of power.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Everyone should have the freedom to act according to their conscience. Forcing individuals or businesses to provide services that go against their beliefs is a violation of their rights and could potentially lead to unfair situations and violence. Respecting personal beliefs is essential for a free society.
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.
I support option B. Government-funded healthcare insurance should be available for those who need it, but private healthcare options should also exist. This way, everyone has access to care, and people can choose what works best for them.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
People should have the freedom to make their own health choices. While it's important to promote public health, everyone should decide for themselves. If the vaccines do what they are supposed to, then it shouldn't matter if others get it or not.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
The Chinese Communist Party does pose threats in military, cyber security, and intellectual property areas. They also impact global economics. It's important for the U.S. to stay aware and protect its interests, but solutions should focus on diplomacy and fair competition, not just confrontation.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, the U.S. relationship with Israel is important. It helps with regional stability, supports democratic values, and promotes strategic partnerships. Cooperation can enhance security and economic ties, benefiting both nations. However, this relationship should focus on mutual interests and respect, not just political or economic gains.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Yes, securing the southern border is important for national security and safety. It helps control illegal immigration and ensures that those entering the country do so legally. However, solutions should balance security with respecting individual rights and finding fair, effective ways to manage border issues. The way things are currently being handled is both heartbreaking and an embarrassment.
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.
Agree
The Department of Education often uses a one-size-fits-all approach, while private schools can offer more tailored programs that adapt to student needs. Basic standards for learning are important, but allowing flexibility for older students can improve short- and long-term outcomes and foster innovation. Supporting private school vouchers can enhance education by encouraging competition and helping families choose the best fit, while ensuring all children have equal access to quality education.
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Children are vulnerable and need proper care to ensure their safety and well-being. They also need guidance to explore and understand their own issues. Protecting children must be balanced with respecting individual rights and encouraging open, honest discussions. It may be hard to shield our young people from such controversial topics completely, but these concepts should not be promoted by introducing them to young impressionable minds in our schools.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children because they know their kids best, and it is important that these decisions prioritize the child's safety and are responsive to their individual best interests. Parents are responsible for their well-being and should seek guidance from healthcare, education, and child development professionals. Communities should offer support to struggling parents, not judgement and condemnation.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Public money should be spent on essential services like education and healthcare for everyone. Gender transition services are personal choices and should be funded privately. This approach respects individual rights while keeping taxpayer money focused on core needs.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
I believe marriage is a personal and legal matter. While some view it as a sacred union between one man and one woman, others see it differently. The government should respect diverse views and not impose a single definition. Everyone should have the freedom to define and enter into marriages according to their beliefs and values.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Spirituality is a personal relationship with a higher power. Everyone has the right to their own beliefs, without pushing them on others. Religion involves a community practicing shared beliefs, but like any group with authority, it can be prone to corruption and misuse. So I question the motives of anyone that is dismissive of other perspectives and claims to be the sole source of truth. I strongly believe in and try to live by the principles found in studying the twelve universal laws, and above all else: “with harm to none, do as you will.” I believe that knowledge is meant to be shared to empower others. And I refuse to believe that humanity is beyond hope.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Did not answer
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Did not answer
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Did not answer
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Did not answer
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.
Did not answer
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.
Did not answer
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Did not answer
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
Did not answer
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
Did not answer
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Did not answer
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?
Did not answer
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Did not answer
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Did not answer
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Did not answer
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