A: We are at a point in history where a lot of different groups are seeing their personal rights violated. People from different sexual orientations, all different ethnicities, they're all fighting some aspect of the system. Everyone is feeling government infringement of their rights in some way. It's definitely a time to challenge that in politics.
Q: Same-sex marriage appears to be heading toward legalization in most states.
A: I believe that government has no place in marriage, period. It is a contract between two people. The government should only get involved when there is a dispute, fraud, or coercion.
Q: If elected, how will you ensure that the LGBTQ community will gain equal rights?
A: I would oppose legislation that infringes on rights and I would support legislation that recognizes those rights. I believe that those rights are already provided; we're all created with inalienable rights.
A: Here in Minnesota, Enbridge wanted to lay an oil line. I testified yesterday at a hearing about whether the public utilities commission would examine alternate routes and systems for their application for the permit. I spoke about how part of their plan would cross indigenous lands provided in the 1855 treaty. I supported the land rights, and spoke about having the route exclude indigenous territories and other land where there are land use rights. Government should not use eminent domain for private companies' benefit. Businesses have a right to do business, but they should take the risk and responsibilities for how their business functions, the impact on the environment and the people around them. They should legally acquire the land in voluntary exchanges. If they are using public lands they should contract with the government.
A: Not only would I support the legalization of marijuana, I would support any legislation that would decriminalize it. People who are in prison for marijuana would be released and have their records expunged. Obviously if they harmed somebody in a drug crime they would still need to pay for that, but the marijuana offenses would not hold.
Q: Do you have any lasting concerns about the regulatory and safety of marijuana?
A: Some people are calling for it to be legalized and regulated so it can be taxed. I have concerns about the FDA being involved in pharmaceuticals, if people are harmed you never see any reparations or repairs. Legalization would create jobs and boost the economy. I'm not in favor of excessive regulation of any business; let people vote with their dollars.
A: I do support school choice. Common Core was pushed through by unelected bodies and businesses, not in the legislation in accordance with our constitution. Not only was it unconstitutional, but it was underhanded. It was not led by parents and educators, I don't know anyone who doesn't think that parents and educators working together know better how their children learn. Educators who see these kids everyday should have a say in how they teach, not be given a curriculum and told that's how they're going to teach. I've been around the state and seen the private schools, they are flexible and have a variety of models, while including the curriculum that those educators developed directly. I have actually toured public, charter, and private schools--finding that private schools are more flexible in how they teach using a variety of different models to fit the class.
A: Safety and cleanup of any spills should be their responsibility, that should apply to oil or fracking or any business. There should be no risk taken by the people; [and public] land rights should not be up for grabs for a private company's benefit.
Q: Do you support an increase in alternative forms of energy, including green energy such as solar and wind?
A: Yes. I don't know how much the public is aware how much the government has limited alternative energy through legislation, and given tax breaks for oil or car production for gas guzzlers. In the early 2000s SUVs were given tax breaks and fuel efficient cars were penalized. That's discrimination and a misuse of power. We should utilize any and all forms of energy and let business conduct business, as long as they are responsible for impact and any potential problems.
A: No, I do not support an increase in the minimum wage. That is a temporary solution to a long term problem. Government and crony capitalism manipulation of the market have done more harm than good. The free market should be a voluntary interaction between businesses and consumers, something is exchanged for something they need. Items, goods, services, could be money, bitcoins; there is so much room for choice in a consumer driven market. Look at utilities, they have a near monopoly and they can dictate price instead of a voluntary model where everybody has a say.
I advocate for independent charity and small business and recognize that government's only role within business and charity is to mediate and dispense justice in the event that a crime of fraud, force, or coercion occurs.
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The above quotations are from 2014 Minnesota Senate debates.
Click here for other excerpts from 2014 Minnesota Senate debates. Click here for other excerpts by Heather Johnson. Click here for a profile of Heather Johnson.
Heather Johnson on other issues: |
Abortion
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