Benjamin Dewell

Guns . I support gun registration, background checks, and the accountability of parents as legal accomplices to gun violence perpetrated by their minor children. Immigration Immigrants are the seed and backbone of our country and should be treated with the respect and dignity of any wishing to become legal citizens, no matter from which direction they arrive. Work visas to support temporary and seasonal work, should allow recipients to come and go as necessary, while still being strictly accountable to our laws in support of our economy. Taxes / Budget Income tax reporting must become much, much simpler for the average low to middle class wage earning American. Immigration America needs strong, effective borders capable of protecting America from an increasingly dangerous world as well as being welcoming to those seeking political and economic asylum. Environment / Energy The only salient question remaining is are we willing to even attempt to prevent further warming – another 2, 3 …5 or more degrees Celsius – further disruption to world economies and livelihoods? The only answer is the concerted transition to non-fossil fuels, renewable energy – solar and wind. Requiring all new construction in California incorporate solar in/on its roofing, along with significant subsidies for retrofits feeding into the net grid avoids unnecessary acquisition and the harmful environmental impacts of exploiting large tracts of land. Abortion / Contraception I am unabashedly and radically conservative on a woman’s right to choose. I believe in the individual’s dominion over their own body, except in situations of public safety. Regrettably, abortions will always be with us, legal or not. The question is whether they will remain safe or not. If they remain legal to the point of viability, they can remain as safe as possible for the mother. This is a women’s health issue, and should not be subject to political whim or the desire to subject others to personal views. Government Reform As a native Californian and 11th generation American, one who has taken the Oath of Office well in excess of 10 times in the last 8 years and fully comprehends the gravity of its meaning, I will abide unreservedly by that oath – to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, not any political party nor moneyed lobbyist. Environment / Energy Global warming is settled science, as much a gravity is. Environment / Energy It is time for this nation and its leaders to take up the baton of renewable energy and get us over the finish line of true, sustainable energy independence.