Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Strongly Agree

I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.

Agree

Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.

Strongly Agree

Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.

Agree

It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.

Disagree

It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.

Disagree

Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.

Agree

More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.

Strongly Disagree

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

Strongly Agree

Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.

Strongly Agree

Any teaching to children on sex education in public schools must include all contraceptive methods, and should not show preference to abstinence.

Disagree

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Neutral

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.

Strongly Agree

Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.

Strongly Disagree

The state constitution should limit the growth of spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation.

Agree

Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

Agree

People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."

Disagree

I support sanctuary cities.

Disagree

I support the death penalty.

Disagree

Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.

Disagree

The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.

Strongly Agree

Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.

Agree

Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.

Agree

I voted in these primaries and general elections:

2010 General Election, 2010 Republican Primary, 2012 General Election, 2014 General Election, 2014 Republican Primary, 2016 General Election, 2016 Republican Primary

Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

I am pro-life, and I am always going to defend and protect those who, for whatever reason, can’t defend themselves. I am a person of strong faith. In all matters, that is what guides me and my decisions.

What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?

I believe they built our laws and government as a balanced system in response to human nature and the tendency observed and proven throughout time, for human beings to demonstrate deep reserves of both good and bad behavior toward their fellow man. By organizing the government around these checks and balances, then not one branch would have absolute power and control. This builds trust if one branch were to push out of bounds, the others would counterbalance and the system could right itself.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I am so blessed to know God, my personal savior. I started going to church with my grandparents, and singing in church before the age of six. I believe I would not have pursued music lessons and an early career in music, if it weren't for my church. I have the fondest memories of all the people in the church who were an influence on my life and the person I am today. As I get older, everyday, I am learning to lean on his teachings and daily prayer for strength and guidance. It is very personal for me. The two highest, guiding principles for me are to love God and love your neighbor. Today, I have found a church family that is loving and supportive, forgiving, and one that rejoices in the little things in life that are so important. We encourage each other in our faith and lift each other up with prayer. God is always there for me, and I am so blessed to have a personal relationship with him to ground me, guide ne and elevate my spirit.

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?

Conservative

Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.

I am a good steward of my financial life and my personal reputation of living up to my values is always consistent.

What is the best way to bring down unemployment?

The best way to bring down unemployment, is to react quickly to the changes in the marketplace and the demands of consumers. Then a workforce is well trained for future jobs, and employers, companies and small businesses don't have undue restrictions placed on their operations. They can adjust to market forces. The balance between supply and demand, in today's world, should be nimble and responsive. The government could support this type of business-friendly climate by offering support when needed, specific and targeted to the job creators' needs, but also stay out of the day-to-day workings of the business world. I believe excessive regulations, well-intended policies and outdated oversights mean our business community is slow to react or constrained by forces they have no control over. I think government should be a partner to business, and look for ways to provide support as needed. The flow should be up to legislators for specific requests, not top down to job creators.

How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?

The question of quality, affordable health care is top of the list for helping people in our country, because if you don't have your health then nothing else matters. You can't work and provide for your family, and you can't enjoy the beautiful quality of life that God blesses each of us with. My experience with the health care system comes from my professional life working in an FQHC Health Center and from my personal life, when my husband was battling cancer. From my personal experience, I am concerned about insurance companies excluding coverage for pre-existing conditions. I am also concerned about the rising cost of prescription drugs, and the discrepancies, for the same drug, in pricing for American consumers and those outside the US. I believe integrated health care that includes mental health treatment is also something to focus on. Treating a patient's mind, body and spirit together would help with outcomes and lower costs.

What role should government play in boosting the economy?

I don't think the government should play too active a role in boosting the economy. I think market forces are usually more responsive and timely, to keep the economy running on track. I do understand there are times when strategic government investment, such as the proposed infrastructure plan or investment in defense, helps to stimulate economic activity through development, efficiencies and growing capacity. Consumer confidence is at a recent high level, and I believe that is about the belief that our country is on the right track to rebuild and add jobs in new industries using new technology. Southern Ohio is strong and we are coming back.

What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?

Growing up, my family instilled values in me - work hard, be fair, tell the truth, help others and save for the future. These values guide every decision I make. My professional career has always been about communication and resource development. My husband of 26 years, Larry, is a music composer and we own a media and music publishing company selling original music to TV, advertising and film companies. I am a creative-minded person and a lifelong learner. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a master’s degree in 2010. And, with those skills I have worked as a grant writer, substitute teacher in high schools and an adjunct professor at Shawnee State University. For the past seven years, I have also worked in the community to connect others to resources like health care, addiction treatment and youth drug prevention programs. As your state representative, I promise to bring people together to work on good jobs and a better quality of life for our people.

E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:

gina@collinsworthforohio.com (740) 858-4383

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

There are many great people working in our community to make it better. We face an addiction problem that is hitting our communities very hard, but we will not be defined by this issue. There are communities all across America who are fighting back, just like we are. Volunteers and teams of like-minded citizens are coming together and finding ways to help others and improve our quality of life. Our people are our greatest strength. They are resourceful and strong, and we understand government can't fix everything for us. I am proud to be from Southern Ohio, and I love everything about our people and our beautiful places. I know when we work together, we can overcome any obstacle.