REGULATION OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA
Recreational marijuana was legalized in Washington State in 2012 by Initiative 502.  The drug though is considered dangerous by many, including the FDA, the AMA, and The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  The White House Office of National Drug Policy opposes the legalization of the drug for public health reasons.  Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana (CALM) states "The normalization, expanded use, and increased availability of marijuana in our communities are detrimental to our youth, to public health, and to the safety of our society."  The Alaska Association of Police Chief describe some of the negative aspects of legalizing the drug here.   For additional dangers see here, here and here.  What is your position on the legal production, processing and sale of recreational marijuana in Washington State?

_____ Support

_____ Oppose

_____  No Opinion

__X___  Other:

While I oppose recreational marijuana, I recognize it’s medicinal use for certain ailments. Therefore, I would support it for medicinal use. I also recognize that a black market will thrive in the absence of legal production, so I understand the desire to curb the black market.

COVID-19 SHUTDOWNS
Using a pro life standard of protecting life and minimizing harm, do you believe the sustained shutdown ordered by Washington Governor Inslee achieved that goal?

_____ Yes, Covid deaths were reduced with lower infection rates.  The negative impacts on society (suicides, delayed medical treatment deaths, job loss and family stress, no school) are of less significance.

__X___ No, the negative impacts on society (suicides, delayed medical treatment deaths, job loss and family stress, no school) were of greater significance than additional Covid deaths, due to shorter or no shutdowns.  

It was a travesty that the State shut down churches, small businesses, weddings, funerals, and family gatherings, but allowed other entities to operate. It caused massive hardships on people unnecessarily.

_____ Not Sure

_____ Other Opinion:

CONTRIBUTIONS OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
"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:

Myself and my 6 kids who are still at home attend and are active at Woodland Christian Church for the past 7 or 8 years. All of my married kids (6), or kids away from home (1), attend and are active in solid churches.
 

FAITH-BASED AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIPS
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.  Is the  collaboration of government with faith-based charitable works good for our communities?

I believe that they can be good, but they also can be misused. So the programs need active oversight to make sure they meet the stated goals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMMENTS
What office (district and position) are you running for?   County Charter Review Commission District 4; Position 3.

Please state your qualifications for office such as professional, educational, family and community accomplishments.  You may also add any further comments regarding the relationship of your candidacy to respect life issues.

 I am running for the Charter Review Commission to ensure Clark County's foundational document effectively serves its residents, promotes transparency, and protects taxpayer interests. My diverse leadership experiences, including serving as President of the Proebstel Neighborhood Association, President of the Technology Educators of Oregon Association, Vice-President of the Neighborhood Association Council of Clark County, and President of Fern Prairie Grange, have equipped me with strong collaborative and consensus-building skills essential for working with people of all persuasions and diverse perspectives – a critical skill for the Charter Review Commission.

Beyond that, as the author of a top-selling College textbook series, I possess a proven ability to meticulously research complex information, analyze lengthy documents, and craft clear, coherent content. This technical writing expertise is directly applicable to the precise language and structure demanded by charter review. I particularly enjoy delving into bylaws and the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to identify contradictions, ambiguities, or areas for improvement, a direct passion that aligns perfectly with the Commission's mandate.

Do you have a campaign website?  What is the address?   Kirk.VanGelder.us