Dexter W. Dow

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Do you support "The Speaker Project" from the organization No Labels, a proposal to change several House rules with the intent of encouraging bipartisan cooperation? (Learn more at https://www.nolabels.org/the-speaker-project/)

"I support 'The Speaker Project' from the organization No Labels.

In fact, I'm running on a similar idea/ concept of making all of congress be without a label, the only label/ party affiliation being United States, this forces issues to be the only discussion and party affiliation to be of no relevance, and the speaker of the house would have only the label of US which I envision will eventually be all of us. This will take much more time to implement and will take a fresh crop of younger ideological and determined leaders to fully implement. In the mean-time, while we wait for new younger leadership to step up and run for office as 'United States' or similar to 'No Label'; which is my declared party, and if elected I will highly promote and encourage people join the 'United States' party and we can rid the government of all factions and political affiliations, and unite under the one true party that should matter, the United States."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Do you believe the "Trump tax plan" bill passed in December 2017 helps middle income citizens?

"I do not believe the 'Trump tax plan' bill passed in December 2017 helps middle income citizens."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government amend the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" by giving states a fixed block grant for Medicaid?

"I'd prefer we use incentives to make it easier for employers to offer health insurance, instead of penalizing employers who are likely struggling to make ends meet as it is. If every small business could easily afford to provide health insurance to all of their employees, they would, but this penalizes the wrong group of people."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should Congress create a path to citizenship for illegal/undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children?

"FOR, there should be a pathway to citizenship for illegal/undocumented immigrants, especially children. Roughly 60% of illegal immigrants have been here for more than 10 years, there's over 11 million immigrants, they work, they pay taxes, they're extremely hard workers, most are law abiding, and from a practical stand point there's too many of them to try to kick them out, it would cost a lot of money to remove them. It benefits us more economically to keep them. These are people looking for a better life in the land of opportunity, hoping America will give them a chance. We can't think of them as job takers; but as economic expanders, more people more opportunity to expand and improve our society by inclusion and by greater diversity. Children, should have a pathway to citizenship if nothing else."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government amend the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" by eliminating the "essential health benefits" insurance plans must cover?

"I'd prefer we use incentives to make it easier for employers to offer health insurance, instead of penalizing employers who are likely struggling to make ends meet as it is. If every small business could easily afford to provide health insurance to all of their employees, they would, but this penalizes the wrong group of people."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?

"FOR, theres no reason for being 20 weeks gestation without having decided if you're going to keep the baby or not. With proper healthcare coverage, support and education from services such as planned parenthood, anything past that time frame just isn't acceptable."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government do more to combat climate change by increasing funding for research on climate issues?

"For. Educate and promote the issue to the public regarding the severity of the problem, confront and denounce those that refuse to acknowledge the facts, and coerce and manipulate the public. If climate change isn't as severe a threat to us as agreed upon by countless experts, I would still be in favor of reducing carbon emissions and doing as much as possible to promote a cleaner, safer, and more energy efficient society for this generation and the next."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government continue to fund Planned Parenthood?

"FOR, planned parenthood should continue to be federally funded. Providing reproductive healthcare and education, supporting an array of crucial services that women rely heavily on. Increasing our already astronomical defense spending and eliminating a crucial social program, doesn't make sense to me. Does it make sense to eliminate all social programs and invest all our money and resources into military and defense funding? When you eliminate funding for quality social programs like this one, and dismantle the domestic programs that are pro-social, good for our country, healthy for our people, and builds a strong and caring community of trust and support, what exactly would our military be defending if we don't have the social programs like this one to show that America cares and wants to aide and support our people in need? The primary opposing argument being that the government should not fund an organization that provides abortions; which accounted for 3% of their services."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the government enforce federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized marijuana?

"Against. Absolutely not, I think the federal and state marijuana laws be changed to completely legalize it for both recreational and medicinal purposes. That being said, I think the States are perfectly capable of Governing themselves regarding the issue. Nearly 600,000 Americans are arrested for marijuana possession annually, that's more than one person per minute. We waste valuable time, money, and resources on criminalizing a benign substance that has the potential to create jobs, boosts the economy, and heal suffering state and nationwide. We need to police, monitor, and tax marijuana similarly to what is done with cigarettes and alcohol."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government raise the minimum wage?

"Against, this hurts small businesses and causes them to decrease the number of employees, and results in very little if any change in the money flow. I'd prefer we increase the tax rate of giant corporations and the excessively wealthy, that can afford it, and we disburse resources through other means. Retaining jobs is a plus."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government continue to subsidize the domestic production of coal?

"No, absolutely not. We have already pumped enough fossil fuels out of the earth that can possibly be used without going over the carbon budget (remaining amount of greenhouse gases we can emit if we are going to stay below the warming limits). It's estimated that $20 Billion is spent (subsidized) on the production of fossil fuels every year. It's an irresponsible waste of tax dollars and not to mention a waste of everyones time. Putting public money towards finding some fossil fuels we cannot use doesn't make any sense. It's better if we put government subsidies towards environmentally safe and efficient alternatives."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government do more to combat climate change by providing subsidies for energy efficiency?

"For. Educate and promote the issue to the public regarding the severity of the problem, confront and denounce those that refuse to acknowledge the facts, and coerce and manipulate the public. If climate change isn't as severe a threat to us as agreed upon by countless experts, I would still be in favor of reducing carbon emissions and doing as much as possible to promote a cleaner, safer, and more energy efficient society for this generation and the next."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government continue to subsidize the domestic production of natural gas?

"No, absolutely not. We have already pumped enough fossil fuels out of the earth that can possibly be used without going over the carbon budget (remaining amount of greenhouse gases we can emit if we are going to stay below the warming limits). It's estimated that $20 Billion is spent (subsidized) on the production of fossil fuels every year. It's an irresponsible waste of tax dollars and not to mention a waste of everyones time. Putting public money towards finding some fossil fuels we cannot use doesn't make any sense. It's better if we put government subsidies towards environmentally safe and efficient alternatives."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government increase subsidies for nuclear energy to bring them into line with subsidies for other energy sources with low greenhouse emissions, such as wind and solar?

"Against, it's not safe, cheap, or clean. It has caused major catastrophes, and has enabled more nuclear weapons and the nuclear waste problem has still not been solved. Using public money to subsidize nuclear energy isn't a wise investment."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government continue to subsidize the domestic production of oil?

"No, absolutely not. We have already pumped enough fossil fuels out of the earth that can possibly be used without going over the carbon budget (remaining amount of greenhouse gases we can emit if we are going to stay below the warming limits). It's estimated that $20 Billion is spent (subsidized) on the production of fossil fuels every year. It's an irresponsible waste of tax dollars and not to mention a waste of everyones time. Putting public money towards finding some fossil fuels we cannot use doesn't make any sense. It's better if we put government subsidies towards environmentally safe and efficient alternatives."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government do more to combat climate change by providing subsidies for renewable energy?

"For. Educate and promote the issue to the public regarding the severity of the problem, confront and denounce those that refuse to acknowledge the facts, and coerce and manipulate the public. If climate change isn't as severe a threat to us as agreed upon by countless experts, I would still be in favor of reducing carbon emissions and doing as much as possible to promote a cleaner, safer, and more energy efficient society for this generation and the next."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Do you generally support higher tariffs on imports from countries such as China, where we have a large trade deficit?

"Against, this starts a trade war and increases the cost of certain products and more importantly causes our foreign relations to decline."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Would you vote in favor of impeaching President Donald Trump based on what is known to date?

"Probably, however, I'd like to get a broader perspective of the facts and official evidence, which I will only be privy to if elected. Also, replacing Trump with Pence might not be a better option. It costs a lot of money and extreme political power and effort to impeach a president. Morally, based on his immigration border policies of separating children from their parents which many would argue in terms of international law as torture and inhumane treatment. His alienation of NATO allies, and his admiration and praise for Putin is unnerving, his naive and blind trust in North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is unsettling, his escalating trade wars, his tariffs will hurt American industry, his divisive rhetoric (blaming democrats for republican policy etc.), his constant attacks on free speech and free media, his proven and consistent lies to the American people, his unwillingness to disclose his tax returns, and his use of the presidency for personal financial gains is appalling, all of it is solid grounds for impeachment. However, I think we might be able to tolerate 2 more years of him and hopefully have the most outstanding presidential election with the greatest voter turnout in history. He's going to be fully engaged in campaigning which will hopefully keep him busy for the next two years. But then again he could cause a lot of damage to American reputation over the course of 2 years, but also an impeachment might cause further problems within congress itself and might cause civil unrest, but not impeaching him might cause civil backlash as well. The people need to demand that their representatives in congress implement the peoples will on this. I'm not sure why we can't poll the entire United States on whether we should impeach him or not and then implement based on the will of the people, and make it that simple."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government increase funding for transportation infrastructure, such as road repair and highway expansion?

"I am undecided on this issue."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government limit certain firearm purchases to residents over age twenty-one?

"The federal government should limit certain firearm purchases to residents over age twenty-one."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government reform Social Security by requiring means testing?

"Undecided"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the U.S. build a physical wall between Mexico and the U.S.?

"AGAINST, It's not practical, a waste of money if it's a physical wall, and not to mention the environmental damage it would cause in the short and long term. We have to ask ourselves, 50 years from now are we really going to want a physical wall there? I think a non-physical, technological, invisible wall, would likely be a more cost effective and achievable alternative."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government provide more funding to states to fight opioid addiction?

"The federal government should provide more funding to states to fight opioid addiction."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government provide health care and/or insurance to every citizen?

"I'm strongly in favor of universal healthcare coverage for all citizens. Thousands of people die from lack of healthcare coverage every year. It's a national health, safety, and security threat as far as I'm concerned. If all people are not covered, we put at risk everyone else. Disease can spread quickly, if just one person doesn't go to the hospital because they aren't covered, the disease can spread rapidly to everyone else, potentially endangering all of us. Another concern regarding healthcare is mental healthcare. It only takes one person to go without treatment for their mental illness and you'll have another massacre. Our safety, security, and health are all riding heavily on our healthcare. If other countries can provide this type of care for their citizens, I think we can do at least that, and then some. If we're the wealthiest country in the world we can afford to provide healthcare for everyone."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the U.S. impose additional sanctions on North Korea unless it abandons its nuclear program?

"The U.S. should impose additional sanctions on North Korea unless it abandons its nuclear program."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government privatize some or all of Social Security?

"Undecided"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government reform Social Security by raising the retirement age from today's age of 67?

"Undecided"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government amend the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" by repealing the tax penalty for employers who do not offer health insurance?

"I'd prefer we use incentives to make it easier for employers to offer health insurance, instead of penalizing employers who are likely struggling to make ends meet as it is. If every small business could easily afford to provide health insurance to all of their employees, they would, but this penalizes the wrong group of people."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the U.S. impose additional sanctions on Russia in retaliation for its aggressive action in Syria and the Ukraine?

"I am undecided on this issue."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government allow student loan payments to be reduced based on income?

"For, absolutely, the cost of higher education continues to rise even for public schools, but we can't discourage the pursuit of higher education. We need to put a cap on rising tuition rates as we can then reduce the amount of student loans disbursed yearly. Possibly apply an incentive here in order to get people to finish their degrees and society can benefit from having another college educated individual in the job market."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should the federal government tax carbon emissions?

"For. Educate and promote the issue to the public regarding the severity of the problem, confront and denounce those that refuse to acknowledge the facts, and coerce and manipulate the public. If climate change isn't as severe a threat to us as agreed upon by countless experts, I would still be in favor of reducing carbon emissions and doing as much as possible to promote a cleaner, safer, and more energy efficient society for this generation and the next."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Do you support Pres. Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement?

"I oppose Pres. Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Do you agree with President Trump on withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement?

"Against, because the agreement only works if everyone agrees upon it. Climate change is a global problem, we all inhale the same air and share the planets resources. Trumps quest for energy independence and his focus on reviving the coal industries and expanding outdated sources of energy that would create very few jobs, and negatively impact our planet. In addition to the impact that this has on America's image as progressive industry leading innovators and moral authority. This is not going to "Make America Great Again", it's slowing progress, and sets a bad example for the rest of the World. This makes America look uneducated and unwilling to work in cooperation with other countries."