2013 Survey Response: A CONSISTENT ETHIC OF LIFE IN PUBLIC POLICY 1.  A consistent ethic of life (see here, here and here) focuses on the major life issues of abortion, euthanasia, persistent poverty, unjust war, capital punishment, the use of nuclear arms, violence, racism and exploitation.  While these are nationally debated issues, there are community manifestations of these that local governments can address.  Will you as a regional government official do all in your power and authority to implement public policies and facilitate community action that further a consistent respect for all human life? YES. ABORTION 2. Even dedicated proponents of abortion acknowledge that life begins at conception.  What do you believe?  Does a unique human life begins at conception?  CONCEPTION. 3. 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 right to life of the unborn child is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment? YES. 4.  Is taking the life of a pre-born child through abortion ever permissible?  Check all that apply: _____ No, it's never permissible __X__ Yes, to save mother's life* _____ Yes, in cases of rape or incest _____ Yes, for physical deformity _____  Yes, for genetic predispositions *If the child’s life cannot be saved, but the mother’s can. _____  Yes, for gender _____  Yes, for race _____   Yes, for economic hardship _____  Yes, to punish spouse _____  Yes, it's always permissible 5. 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.  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).  Read a summary of the results here.  Do you support: Notification? YES Consent? YES      CONTRIBUTIONS OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS 6. "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: City Harvest Church - Vancouver, WA   FAITH-BASED AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIPS 7. 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?  If it works as it is written, then yes.   QUALIFICATIONS 8. Please state your professional experience, community involvement, education and other qualifications for a port commission or other position. “I was born and raised in the Pacific NW, I graduated from Oregon Episcopal School in 1986.  I have owned and operated 3 small businesses throughout my life, and have been a stay at home mom for the past 8 years.  I have been a resident of Clark County for nine years now, and am very grateful to be raising my six children here.  My oldest turned 21 in August of this year and my two youngest entered kindergarten this fall. Beginning in March of 2011, I made the decision to go back to school (and get educated).  I attained my Associates Degree in March of this year – focusing on Paralegal Studies.  I am continuing my education in Business Administration and Project Management – and expect to graduate with my Bachelor’s Degree in December of next year. In Clark County, 51% of our population, 18 and older are women.  We have 10 women (and 33 men) vying for five positions here in District 3. With a total of 25 women and 95 men running for 15 Freeholder positions countywide.  This is a prestigious and severely lopsided pool of candidates.  It is imperative that we elect a Board of Freeholders which reflects our county’s – Clark County’s – demographics.  So that we are able to draft a Home Rule Charter, which is written by the people (reflective of the people), FOR THE PEOPLE of Clark County. Through my “life learning” and education, I find that I yearn to set a precedent for my children: to live by example and show them what a woman (my age - ha! ha!) has yet to – and can accomplish.  I am here, I am proud to be a part of this, and I am stepping up my game! I ask that you vote for me, Winde Bekins Chavez, as I am representative of over half of our residents. I am The Clark County Woman!”   POLICY POSITIONS 9. You may state here any policy positions you have in relation to the office you are seeking: My intention is to enter into this position with an open mind, ready to collaborate with fellow freeholders, county and legal advisors, and input from citizens – for a better Clark County.  To collaborate NOT mandate. Should county commissioners/executive be partisan or non-partisan? Undecided Half of the six charter counties in Washington State have stipulated commissioner/council as partisan elected officials (Clallam, Snohomish, and Pierce) – leaving the remaining three counties stipulating them to be non-partisan elected officials (San Juan, Whatcom, and King).  This issue will need to be studied further (with input from citizens, fellow freeholders, and county and legal advisors) as to the best fit for Clark County. How many commissioners? Based on our county’s population and our growth – increasing the board’s size from three to five is most likely the right thing to do.  All other charter counties in Washington State (except Clallam County) have opted for larger councils.  The size of the council ranges from five in Snohomish County to nine in King County. Commissioners elected by district or at large? Undecided – I am open to input from citizens as to their preference.  What model? Commissioner – executive or other? Undecided – I am looking forward to input from citizen, county and legal advisors, and fellow freeholders. Executive elected or appointed? Four of the six county charters in Washington State (King, Whatcom, Snohomish, and Pierce) established a county executive/council form of governance. In the council-elected executive form, the county executive is elected by the voters and serves as the head of the executive branch of government. The county council is the legislative branch of government, and it enacts ordinances, adopts the budget, and exercises oversight of the administration. Its role is similar to the role of a city council in a mayor-council city. The county executive has the power to veto legislation; however, a veto can be overridden by the council with a two-thirds majority vote or greater. The county executive proposes policies to the council, executes policies adopted by the council, prepares a budget, and has responsibility for general administration of the county. The county executive appoints and may dismiss department heads, generally with the consent of the council. The county executive’s role is similar to the role of a mayor in a mayor-council city. I remain open to input. What do you see as pros and cons of the initiative and referendum process and do you ultimately support it? It would be good for the people to have the power of initiative and referendum.  Probably the most dangerous situation would be to elect good sensible freeholders who create a very good charter that is too easy to change later. In the following years, that charter could be too easily amended by special interests to make terrible changes. No matter how good the initial charter, it must be made difficult to amend (like our US Constitution).  A two-thirds majority of the citizens in a presidential year election should be required to approve changes. Do you have an example of an existing charter that you think we should model ours by (all or part?) I have read all 6 charters that were voted in by the electorate in their perspective counties.  Our task as Freeholders will be to propose a customized form of government for Clark County.  I am eager to weigh all of our options and find the best fit for Clark County. An issue that has been circling lately, is whether or not we should consider swapping our 3 full time commissioners for 5 part time commissioners.  My opinion is this: The responsibilities of a county commissioner could NOT be fulfilled as a part time job. There is no way a commissioner can set policy and plan for our county’s future in less than 60 hours a week. Each commissioner needs to be equally prepared on each subject before voting; which consumes massive amounts of time. Commissioners, as well as other elected officials within Clark County, need to be appropriately compensated for their time (with wages and benefits) – otherwise our county will suffer, due to lack of qualified individuals running for office.   10. May Life PAC 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: www.windebekinschavez.wordpress.com