2007 Survey Response

AN ETHIC OF LIFE IN PUBLIC POLICY
1. From a "consistent ethic of life" perspective, in what ways can city government advance respect for human life?  A consistent ethic of life principle is fairly simple and includes major issues such as abortion, poverty, euthanasia, capital punishment, war, racism, nuclear arms and exploitation, many of which can be addressed in some measure at the local level.  Each and every human being is unique and important.  No person is defined by someone else's choices, and no one exists solely as a means to someone else's happiness.  The choices we make, as individuals and as a society, must be weighed in light of their impact on human life and dignity.  What are some of the more important ways in which city government promotes respect for human life, especially the unborn, infirm, children, the poor, homeless, and refugee?

As Mayor, I have the ability to affect the respect for human life both directly and indirectly. The city makes decisions every day that affects the daily lives of residents living in our community.  As a community leader, I must weigh how my decisions affect the entire community and not just one segment. Our city does its best to promote the health and welfare of the entire community. Each year, the city takes on projects to help improve the lives of those that are less fortunate.  For example, the city has contracted with the Children's Home Society to assist local families and children that need special assistance. The city has also been successful in obtaining grant funding for capital investments in lower income neighborhoods, such as sidewalks or ADA ramps. The city provides several other programs that require community partnerships such as the Senior Center, Parks & Recreation, and Library. By providing these services, residents can safely walk within their neighborhoods, gain access to books and education materials, participate in community events/recreation activities, and feel like they are a part of the community.

As Mayor and as a private citizen, I have also offered assistance in helping various non-profits. I helped out at harvest dinners, trying to find facilities for operations, donating money, and so forth. I do this not to promote myself, but rather to help those in need.

PUBLIC LIBRARY PORNOGRAPHY
2. The US Supreme Court in United States v. American Library Association, Inc, 2003, upheld the use of library internet pornography filters.  Justice Rehnquist stated for the plurality that "to fulfill their traditional missions, public libraries must have broad discretion to decide what material to provide to their patrons.  Although they seek to provide a wide array of information, their goal has never been to provide 'universal coverage,'" and "most libraries already exclude pornography from their print collections because they deem it inappropriate for inclusion."   Will you as a city council person appoint, recommend or request (depending on your level of authority) only library board candidates who oppose the inclusion of pornography in public libraries, whether by internet or print materials?

The Camas Public Library has an Internet policy that complies with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) as ruled upon by the U.S. Supreme Court.  This policy, developed over a number of years by the library's Board of Trustees, is one that meets the requirements of the law by using a technology-based filter to block all graphic pornography to any computer user under the age of 17.  But, the policy goes further by making viewing pornography on a library computer by anyone a violation of the policy.  The library staff monitors all computer users and does not tolerate violations of the policy.

The policy is one that balances the requirements of CIPA with a cost-effective solution that protects children and others from pornography, but ensures citizens freedom of access to information.

Note, child pornography is illegal everywhere and it is blocked by the library's filter for all users, all the time.  The city does not allow any illegal activities on any city-owned computer in any department.

I will not create any "litmus test" for library trustee appointments, but will ensure that all appointees are thoughtful, responsible members of the community that will create library policies that do not unduly burden users, city staff, or the city budget, but are representative of the community’s values.  These policies should guarantee that the Camas Library continues to be the best in the state. 

REGULATION OF SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
3. The U.S. Supreme Court in Young v. American Mini Theaters, Inc., (1976) and Renton v. Playtime Theater, Inc., (1986), concluded that municipalities have "substantial governmental interests" in protecting and preserving the quality of life for its community against the adverse secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses while allowing for "reasonable alternative avenues of communication."  Land Use Studies from cities around the United States were cited in both U.S. Supreme Court cases documenting the harmful secondary effects caused: 1. Increased Crime - rape, sexual assault, prostitution and illegal drug sales 2. Decreased Property Values - both residential and commercial 3. Urban Blight - people and businesses fleeing the community.  Will you diligently seek and maintain zoning ordinances, licensing procedures, permit requirements and operational regulations which serve to minimize the adverse secondary effects of Sexually Oriented Businesses? 

The city of Camas has a fairly stringent stance on sexually oriented businesses. I will do what is within my authority to minimize the location and operation of these business types. It is important to note that any changes would require city council consent, as they are the legislative body;  hence the policy makers on this subject. I believe the current council, as well as my self, would not seek any major adverse changes unless required by law.

ABORTION
4. The 14th Amendment states "nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade, 1973, stated that "if this suggestion of personhood is established, the appellant's case, of course, collapses, for the fetus' right to life would then be guaranteed specifically by the [14th] Amendment."  The Court regrettably concluded though that "we need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer."   Do you believe that life begins at conception and is present throughout pregnancy, and that, therefore, the State has a compelling interest in protecting that life from and after conception?

I am personally opposed to abortion and would never use my office to promote abortion. However, I know that I have to be realistic and that I have very little to do with people's personal choices in life. I can't impose my will on others, but I can try to get them to consider something other than abortion and assist in creating/maintaining access to other options. I really believe, whether abortion has to do with saving the mothers life or the complete opposite of the spectrum, having input and support from family and friends is important to deal with the lasting effects (physical or mental) of any decision."

5. Is taking the life of a pre-born child though abortion ever permissible?

See answer to question 4.

6. Do you support parental notification and/or consent before a minor (under 18 years of age) could have an abortion? A judicial bypass of parents would be allowed when necessary.

Notification? Absolutely, after all, they are minors and by that fact still the responsibility of the parents. As a parent, I would want to know.

Consent?     Absolutely. Again, I think the decision is best left to the family, as they will be the ones dealing with the result (directly or indirectly) of whatever decision that is made. 

PLANNED PARENTHOOD
7. Should your city partner in any way with the nation's biggest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, who received over $305 million dollars in governmental grants and contracts last year, and aborted nearly 265,000 babies?  Should they be contracted with to make community presentations, provide literature, birth control chemicals or devises, and/or abortion services?

I do not believe city should get involved with this type of service. 

COWLITZ CASINO
8. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is seeking a 152 acre site near La Center for their initial reservation and a super-sized Las Vegas style casino. At over 134 thousand sq. ft. of gaming floor, it would be the 14th largest in the nation, and the largest on the west coast.  The social costs of casino gambling are well documented and include increased gambling addiction, crime, and bankruptcies. The video slot machines, which in Washington are allowed only in tribal casinos, are known to be especially addictive and are referred to by some as “the crack cocaine of gambling.” Crime rates tend to begin rising 3 or 4 years after a casino begins doing business in a county.  What is your position on the building of the Cowlitz casino? 

This is a north Clark County issue. The cities of La Center, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Yacolt, and Woodland will be impacted most; and therefore, I will defer to those city leaders in this matter. 

RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
9. "Religious communities are the largest and best-organized civil institutions in the world, claiming the allegiance of billions across race, class, and national divides. These communities have particular cultural understandings, infrastructures, and resources to get help where it is needed most" (World Conference of Religions for Peace).  Southwest Washington has a broad range of religious communities that contribute substantially to the welfare of families, children, seniors, the homeless, sick, and refugees.  They are a highly valued part of our community which respects and defends human life at every stage.  Are you an active member in a church, synagogue, temple, mosque or other religious assembly?

If so, you may state here where at: My family and I attend St. Thomas Aquinas, where my wife and I were married, our two children have been baptized, and our daughter completed first communion.

FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
10. The federal Faith-Based and Community Initiative ensures that religious and other community organizations are able to compete on an equal footing for participation in Federal programs without impairing the character of such organizations and without diminishing the religious freedom of those served.  Do you agree that this initiative, in keeping with the First Amendment free exercise clause, lawfully ensures fairer treatment of faith based charitable work and is it good for our community?

Yes based upon my limited knowledge of the initiative.

QUALIFICATIONS
11. Please state your professional experience, community involvement, education and other qualifications for a mayor / city council position.

Before being elected ad Mayor in 2003, Paul served on the Camas City Council for over six years, serving as mayor pro tem for the year 2002. As a council member, Paul successfully worked with the community on a number of significant topics, such as the North Dwyer Creek Industrial Master Plan, Citywide Comprehensive Plan Update, Design Review Guidelines for Commercial and Multi-family Development, Downtown Vision, Shoreline Management Program, and Youth Council. 

Paul holds a BA in economics from Western Washington University and is a Nationally Certified City Planner. He has been an economic development consultant for over 17 years, advising communities throughout the Pacific Northwest on growth issues, economic revitalization, quality of life, fiscal planning, job recruitment and retention, and capital facilities planning. Major projects include creating an economic model for The Nature Conservancy in Skagit County Washington, long-range facilities planning for school districts throughout the Northwest, and land use and financial planning of Portland’s Pearl District. Currently, Paul has recently developed an economic and financial model for the State Washington on Brownfield redevelopment and will be working with state agencies on implementation.

 12. May LifePac post your returned survey on our website?  Yes.

Surveys are posted only with your permission.

Please give your campaign web address if you have one. www.friendsofpauldennis.com

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Endorsed Pro Abortion Commissioner Candidate Steve Stuart in 2006

From Steve Stuart's Website:

2006 Steve Stuart Endorsement List

Clark County Mayors

Camas Mayor Paul Dennis

Retrieved 7/19/07 from http://www.stuartforclarkcounty.com/endorsements#mayors

Also see 2006 and 2005 LifePac info regarding abortion promoting Progressive Majority's endorsement and massive campaign contributions to Steve Stuart.