2009 Mayoral / City Council Survey

AN ETHIC OF LIFE IN MUNICIPAL PUBLIC POLICY
1. Do municipal governments have a serious responsibility to advance a consistent ethic regarding the respect of human life?  A consistent ethic of life often focuses on major policy issues, including first abortion but also others such as poverty, euthanasia, capital punishment, war, racism, nuclear arms and exploitation.  While these are national issues, municipalities can and should address local policy and social factors.  A consistent ethic of life recognizes that each and every human being is unique and important, that no person is defined by someone else's choices, and that 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.   Do municipal governments have a serious responsibility to implement public policies and facilitate community action that further a consistent respect of all human life?

Yes

PUBLIC LIBRARY PORNOGRAPHY
2. In the US Supreme Court ruling United States v. American Library Association, Inc, 2003, which upheld the use of library internet pornography filters, Chief 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 as printed materials?

Yes

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 including 1. Increased Crime - rape, sexual assault, prostitution and illegal drug sales; 2. Decreased Property Values - both residential and commercial; and 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?

Yes 

ABORTION
Do you believe that it is scientifically accurate and honest to say that human life begins at conception? Yes

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 that the State has a compelling interest in protecting that life? Yes

5. Is taking the life of a pre-born child through abortion ever permissible?  Check all that apply:

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? Yes

Consent?   Yes 
 

PLANNED PARENTHOOD
7. Should your city partner in any way with the nation's biggest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, who received over $350 million dollars in governmental grants and contracts, and aborted nearly 305,000 babies?  Should they be contracted with to make community presentations, provide literature, birth control chemicals or devises, and/or abortion services? No
 

GAMING
8. The proposed casino off I-5 near Ridgefield, plans for which are now faltering, would be one of the largest in the nation.  What is your position on the building of this casino?  Should not be built at this time.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
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? Yes

If so, you may state here where at: Holy Redeemer Parish Vancouver, WA
 

FAITH-BASED AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIPS
10. The White House's Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships 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.  Does the collaboration of government with faith-based charitable works lawfully ensure fair treatment of religious organizations, and is it good for our communities? Yes
 

QUALIFICATIONS
11. Please state your professional experience, community involvement, education and other qualifications for a mayoral or city council position. Active in the airline business community for 35 years prior to retirement. Degree from College of San Mateo, attended San Jose State, Army finance corps, president of United Airlines retirees for Portland/Vancouver area. President of the Marrion neighborhood association. Active in church groups at Holy Redeemer as usher and member of the Knights of Columbus.

12. May LifePac post your returned survey on our website?  Surveys are posted only with your permission. Yes

Please give your campaign web address if you have one.

Website not active yet. Will be in about 2 weeks. It is http://www.nuvoice.com.

Candidate for Mayor, City of Vancouver WA.

Charlie Stemper email stemper4mayor@nuvoice.com.