Life Issues / Family Ethics Political Action Committee of Southwest Washington

Bruce Samuelson
2013
Candidate for
Clark County Freeholder, Dist. 3, Pos. 3

 

  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? This position does not implement public policies but as it pertains to community action, 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?  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? While I understand the varying arguments to this, I believe in the need to protect our citizens, born and unborn, within the bounds of the law. As it pertains to the position of Freeholder, I am not sure it is relevant at this level.


4.
Is taking the life of a pre-born child through abortion ever permissible? Check all that apply: I cannot speak for everyone as I do not believe it is anymore my right to do so then it is for others to speak for me. Accordingly, I am not in a position to check any of the boxes.

_____ No, it's never permissible

_____ Yes, to save mother's life

_____ Yes, in cases of rape or incest

_____ 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?

If so, you may state here where at: No

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? I think that anytime a public/private collaboration that benefits all citizens can come to fruition, it is a great thing. There are some concerns that need to be shared amongst all such partnerships, in order to ensure they are within the bounds of the law.

QUALIFICATIONS
8. Please state your professional experience, community involvement, education and other qualifications for a port commission or other position.  I have worked in several positions over the years and currently am a small business owner, wherein planning for the future is tantamount to success. As a non-partisan freeholder and I am not beholden to any one person or group, but rather to all of the people of Clark County, I am the best candidate to represent the views and desires of our residents for the purpose of drafting a new charter for the management direction of Clark County, because I will take all suggestions to the committee for research and/or a vote.

POLICY POSITIONS
9. You may state here any policy positions you have in relation to the office you are seeking: Since this is not a policy making position, there is no relativity.


10. May Life PAC post your returned survey on our website?  Yes you may. Surveys are posted only with your permission. 
Please give your campaign web address if you have one: www.bruceforfreeholder.com (under construction).