THE NATURE OF PRO-LIFE ISSUES
Direct threats to human life include first of all abortion, which now takes over a million US children annually; embryonic stem cell harvesting; euthanasia; and cloning.  Additional threats to human life include poverty, capital punishment, racism, war, nuclear arms proliferation and exploitation.  Every person's life must be respected.  One's personhood or worth must not be determined by another's arbitrary choice.  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 you acknowledge both the breadth of pro life issues, and the primacy of some of those issues, namely abortion, embryonic stem cell harvesting, euthanasia, and cloning? Yes.

ABORTION
Do you believe that a unique human life begins at conception? YES.

Even more than that, I believe children are a gift from God. That belief is why we had 12 children and now have 14 grandchildren.
 

If not, when?   ___ 3 mths    ___ 6 mths

___ At Birth    ___ 1 yr   ___18 yrs?

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

__X___ No, it's never permissible

_____ Yes, to save mother's life If it is truly required to save a mothers life, then yes. I am afraid this is used as an excuse when it is often not true.

_____ Yes, in cases of rape or incest

_____ Yes, for physical deformity

_____  Yes, for gender

_____  Yes, for race

_____  Yes, to punish spouse

_____ Yes, it's always permissible

CONSTITUTION
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 the State has a compelling interest in protecting human life beginning at conception?

YES, I believe that the attitude that we adopt for life at conception is an attitude we carry toward all life. We must protect the most vulnerable and dependent and teach others too as well.

We must also carry on this protection of life to protecting adult men women and children from those who would physically assault or harm them. Criminals who use violence must be removed from our mists. Laws must be enforced. Loving our neighbor must include protecting them from criminals.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN ABORTION
Peer reviewed studies have shown that parental involvement laws reduce the occurrence of risky sex in teens, and 37 states currently have some form of them.  Either the teen refrains from engaging in sex or is more careful before having sex.  These laws help teen mothers and fathers get the support and guidance they need from parents in this important decision.  Not having them risks parental estrangement or alienation from the child when in the greatest need and denies the dignity of the family.  Minors already must have parental approval for even the most minor types of medical procedures or medications and should also for the complex procedure of abortion.   Without parental involvement, a minor impregnated by an adult often times is pressured into having an abortion so as to conceal the fact that the adult is guilty of statutory rape.  A 2013 poll commissioned by Human Life WA, found Washington State voters are widely supportive of laws requiring "parental involvement" in abortion decisions for girls under the age of 18 (62-29% with just under 10% undecided).  Will you promote/support parental involvement laws (with judicial override) for minors when seeking an abortion?

I support all efforts to educate people about the truthful, long lasting impacts of abortion. Parents specifically are the ones with the best interests of a child in their hearts and best suited to guide children to make wise decisions in all areas of life. I will oppose anyone who comes between a parent and their child.

PUBLIC LIBRARY PORNOGRAPHY
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."  In addition to pornography, lately libraries have been used for promote Drag Queen Story Hours, where gender confused adults read stories of the same to children, facilitating gender confusion in them.  Will you appoint and confirm only library board candidates who oppose the inclusion of pornography in public libraries, and who oppose the use of libraries for Drag Queen Story Hours?

Yes. FVRL board assignments should commit to protecting people from exposure to pornography and indecent behavior.

REGULATION OF SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
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 support municipalities that 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. Anything I can do

PLANNED PARENTHOOD
The nation's biggest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, in the 2021-22 fiscal year received $670 million in tax payer funding and aborted 374,155 babies.  Should Planned Parenthood be contracted with to make community presentations, provide literature, birth control chemicals or devices, and/or abortion services? I would question and push back on any contracts with such an organization.

 

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

__x___  Oppose I am not sure what can be done about this at the county level.

_____  No Opinion

_____  Other:

RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
"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?

The bible is the foundation of our Republic. Though our founding Fathers wisely prohibited a state church, religious communities were expected to be the backbone of local society. They were the ones that originally founded many hospitals and welfare efforts out of their desire to love their neighbor. Those efforts should be celebrated and encouraged. They are the most effective and cost-effective means to address social problems and it is impossible to calculate the cost of the love that they provide to others. America is the most giving nation on earth because of their religious beliefs. “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”

Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
The Federal 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.  Do you agree that the federal Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, in keeping with the First Amendment free exercise clause, lawfully ensures fair treatment of faith based charitable work and is it good for our community? Discrimination against religious people or organizations should not be tolerated.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMMENTS
What office (district and position) are you running for?

I am running for Clark County Council District 5.  

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

I was elected by the people as a Charter Freeholder and helped craft the County Charter. I served for two years in the County Council office serving Tom Mielke and Davide Madore as a policy analyst. I currently serve as an elected Charter Review Commissioner elected by district 5 as well.

I believe people want an elected official that represents their core values and is not driven by political ambition. That is why I am transparent about what my core values are and what I stand for as a candidate. I understand what can be done at the county level and believe I am equipped to do this job.

Do you have a campaign website?  What is the address?

Electpetersilliman.com
peter@petersilliman.com
360-772-2258

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