Life Issues / Family Ethics Political Action Committee of Southwest Washington

Jerry Oliver
2013
Candidate for
Port of Vancouver and
Clark County Freeholder, Dist. 3, Pos. 5

  Campaign Website  

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, though I am a proponent of capital punishment, which is punishment for a heinous act.  The bible recognizes this and so do I.

 

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? 

YES! 

         If not at conception, when?  ___  3 mths  ___  6 mths  ___ 9 mths  ___  1 yr  ___ 18 yrs? 

 

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 

__x___ Yes, in cases of rape or incest

These are extremely difficult issues and it is my hope that anyone finding themselves in these circumstances would avail themselves of spiritual counseling.  I could not counsel an abortion but I will not deny those who find themselves in these circumstances a remedy. 

_____ Yes, for physical deformity 

_____  Yes, for genetic predispositions   

 _____  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? 

YES.   

If so, you may state here where at:  St. Matthew Anglican Church in Portland. 

 

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?   

The organizations are NOT able to compete on an equal footing and the programs need to be reformed.  However, it would be preferable that they continue rather than be eliminated. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

8. Please state your professional experience, community involvement, education and other qualifications for a port commission or other position.   

I am a 73 year old father and grandfather and husband of 51 years.  I am university educated.  I have spent a lifetime in business both as an employee and business owner.  In my community I have been active in my neighborhood organization; political campaigns; and as an elected official (port commissioner)

 

POLICY POSITIONS

9. You may state here any policy positions you have in relation to the office you are seeking:  

Freeholder status gives one the opportunity to shape the form of county government for the 21st century.  It is important to rely on a strong representative commission, elected by district.  It is equally important to not elect a ‘king’ county administrator who will be able to veto the will of the people through their elected commission.

 

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: