Issues & Ideas

My campaign for City Council in 2014 was an eye opening experience. Many questions were asked of me about my position on items and topics that I was not expecting to be asked, or even prepared to answer. These were questions that I hadn't considered to be relevant to the campaign, because they were what I considered to be State and National level issues. Questions about abortion, marijuana, and same-sex marriage, to name a few.

While many of these issues are, in fact, State and National level issues, they do have local implications.  In no particular order, many of my political and moral ideals, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• I consider myself to be a Pragmatist.  I believe in doing what is right for all people, and not only a particular group.
• I do believe in the Constitution of the United States, and believe it to be a living document.  I have taken an oath - multiple times - to support and defend said Constitution.
• I do believe that every individual has the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
• I do not believe that any individual has the right to impose their belief or moral compass onto another but that every individual has the right to live by their moral compass and express those morals when appropriate.
• I believe in freedom of speech.
• I believe in the freedom of religion.  I do not believe anyone has the right to impose their religion on another.
• I believe in upholding the laws of the land.  I also believe that laws can be, and sometimes should be changed, through the proper methods.
• I am generally a fiscal conservative.
• I am generally a social conservative, but I can have moderate leanings.
• I do believe it is the responsibility of the Government to provide education and employment opportunities for its citizens, and opportunities for business growth within its communities.
• I do not believe it is the responsibility of the Government to be a continual Welfare State for its citizens.
• I don't believe in Big Government, or a "Nanny State".
• I do believe it is a person's responsibility to look after themselves and their community.
• I support law enforcement and law enforcement officers.  I support Neighborhood Watch programs.
• I do not agree with same sex marriage, but I fully respect any marriage performed within the law.
• I do not agree that abortion should be allowed, except in very rare circumstances.
• I support the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and believe every citizen has a right to defend themselves and an obligation to defend others when necessary.
• I believe that a "well armed Militia" includes the Federal, State and local citizenry. I do not believe that "militia" means an organized military.
• I believe that every active duty military member has the right - and duty - to be armed at all times, in all places.
• I do believe that medical marijuana has a place.  I believe it should be prescribed by a doctor, and dispensed by a pharmacist.
• I agree with and encourage immigration.  I do not agree with illegal immigration.