AK governor candidates’ views on key social issues ( Catholic Anchor. Org, October 29, 2014 )

AK governor candidates’ views on key social issues ( Catholic Anchor. Org, October 29, 2014 )

In an effort to inform Alaskans about candidates and their positions on issues important to Catholic voters, the Catholic Anchor solicited responses to a questionnaire from the four candidates running for Alaska Governor: incumbent Republican candidate Gov. Sean Parnell, non-affiliated candidate Bill Walker, Alaska Constitutional Party candidate J.R. Meyers and Libertarian candidate Carolyn Clift.

All candidates responded except for Clift, whose positions could not be ascertained from either her website or her public statements on the issues listed below.

Some answers were edited for length. These responses are provided for informational purposes only; the Catholic Anchor does not endorse candidates for political office.

Would you support legislation to prohibit state funding of non-governmental organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, that perform   abortions?

SEAN PARNELL: Yes.

BILL WALKER: Should the legislature pass an abortion-funding bill, I will fully review its legality and impact to Alaskans, consult with my key advisors, including my attorney general and lieutenant governor, before making a decision on passage or veto.

J.R. MEYERS: Absolutely yes, no doubt about it!

Would you support Alaska’s 1998 Constitutional amendment that defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman?

SEAN PARNELL: Yes, and as a legislator, I supported the 1998 amendment defining marriage.

BILL WALKER: My faith based belief is that marriage is the union of a man and a woman. I will take an oath to uphold the laws of the land. Alaska’s federal district court has declared our gay marriage ban unconstitutional and the governor has appealed. I will review all major litigation and decide based on likelihood of success and dwindling resources which cases are to be pursued or dismissed.

J.R. MEYERS: Yes, it is the law of the land.

Would you support allowing faith-based organizations to partner with state government, through grants and contracts, to provide needed services while maintaining their religious   identity and freedom to hire personnel who reflect their religious beliefs?

SEAN PARNELL: Yes.

BILL WALKER: Yes, to the extent permitted by law.

J.R. MEYERS: Yes.

Would you support parental notification laws that require abortion providers to notify parents of a minor child before performing an abortion on the minor?

SEAN PARNELL: Yes, and I have a record of doing so as a legislator.

BILL WALKER: I supported passage of this law in 2010 and was a major financial contributor to the cause. It is currently before the courts and as governor I will be bound to uphold the law.

J.R. MEYERS: Yes.

Would you oppose legislation that would make sexual orientation and gender identity or expression protected classes equivalent to other protected classes (e.g., race, religion, sex, etc.)?

SEAN PARNELL: Yes. Our Constitution already lists protected classes.

BILL WALKER: Expanding protected classes should be a rare exercise as many classes seek inclusion. The laws are trending overwhelming in granting protection and rights this class seeks. While socially conservative, I believe everyone should be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.

J.R. MEYERS: Yes.

Would you support legislation that would allow parents to designate an approved percentage of the state’s per-pupil funding for each school-age child to go toward his or her education at a   public, private or religious school of the parent’s choosing?

SEAN PARNELL: Yes. This is the only way to ensure Alaska’s lower and lower-to-middle income families have choices for a better education.

BILL WALKER: Right now our public schools are underfunded. We must fund education that is available to all students before we can look to public funds to private education.

J.R. MEYERS: Yes, I supported SJR 9, during the last legislative session. The funding should follow the student.

Would you support efforts to increase funding for Denali KidCare insurance for low-income women with children?

SEAN PARNELL: Not if it means expanding public funding for abortions.

WALKER: Yes. This will foster healthier Alaskan families and help diminish the rate of critical illness and death among our children and the unborn.

J.R. MEYERS: I believe our resources need to be proactively targeted towards disease prevention.

Do you support or oppose Ballot Measure 2 which would allow for the recreational use of marijuana in Alaska?

SEAN PARNELL: Oppose. We should not legalize marijuana.

BILL WALKER: Oppose

J.R. MEYERS: I oppose it.

Would you support or oppose Ballot Measure 3 that would increase the state minimum wage in Alaska to $8.75 in 2015 and again to $9.75 per hour in 2016 with an adjustment each subsequent year to take into account inflation.

SEAN PARNELL: Yes. I support the minimum wage moving from $7.75 per hour to $8.75 per hour in the first year, and from $8.75 to $9.75 per hour in the second year.

BILL WALKER: Support.

J.R. MEYERS: I oppose it.

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