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1. Would you hire an openly gay or lesbian for your staff?
Hofheinz response:
Yes.
2. Will you have a nondiscrimination policy in your office, and if so, how will it read?
Hofheinz response:
This office does not discriminate against any group on any basis; the sole relevant factor to be considered is the individual's competence to perform tasks within the scope of the position. Competence includes substantive knowledge, analytical skills, communications skills, technical skills, among other task related characteristics.
3. Do you support EDNA [ENDA]? Would you be a co-sponsor?
Hofheinz response:
I support inclusion of sexual orientation in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. I believe sexual orientation is not a valid basis for discrimination regarding any life activity, including employment.
4. Do you support the Hate Crimes Prevention Act that includes sexual orientation? Would you be a co-sponsor?
Hofheinz response:
No. I would not support such an act since these matters are appropriate for state, not federal, action, but would support inclusion of sexual orientation were action appropriate at the federal level. See general principles. I hold this position since crimes against persons are tied to a particular place, and all actors are within the criminal jurisdiction of a state, thus there is a direct relationship between place and problem; federal criminal laws should prohibit only actions involving interstate or international activities.
5. Do you support a woman's right to choose?
Hofheinz response:
Yes. I believe that each person is responsible for making decisions that affect their life. Governmental limitation on the right of an individual to make choices should be as narrowly drawn as possible, while accomplishing the fundamental task of government as framed in my statement of general principles.
6. What is your position on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military, and how would you further your position if elected?
Hofheinz response:
I believe that sexual orientation should not affect military service in any way, and that therefore gays and lesbians should be able to serve openly in the military if they desire to do so. I would support legislation mandating action by the military in accord with this position.
7. What is your position on civil recognition of same-sex partnerships and what benefits would you extend?
Hofheinz response:
I support civil recognition of same-sex partnerships, with the same benefits and obligations as civilly recognized heterosexual partnerships.
8. What is your position on same-sex partners adopting children or acting as foster parents?
Hofheinz response:
I believe sexual orientation is not a valid basis for discrimination regarding any life activity, including parenthood.
9. Do you support increased funding of the HOPWA and Section 8 HIV setaside programs?
Hofheinz response:
Generally, I oppose all block grant programs (see general principles), but would support expansion of these programs pending replacement by direct programs. I would actively support adequate funding to meet the need of all eligible persons.
10. Do you support increased funding of housing assistance under such programs as Section 8 Vouchers and Certificates and Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)?
Hofheinz response:
I believe that an ample supply of livable, reasonably priced housing is a goal of national importance, and appropriate for federal government action, particularly for those within circumstances that impair their ability to be self-supporting. I do not at this time have a firm opinion whether additional subsidies in housing development, refundable tax credits, or direct rental or purchase assistance would have the least undesired consequences while accomplishing the basic goal.
11. Do you support increased funding for research on and treatment of HIV/AIDS?
Hofheinz response:
Yes. I believe that basic and applied health care research and development is a goal of national importance, and appropriate for federal government action. Increased funding for treatment is inextricably intertwined with the severely dysfunctional nature of our national health care system, and we need a basic reformulation of the way in which health care services are provided and compensated. I am currently preparing a comprehensive position statement on health care. In addition, I empathize on a personal level with the hardships caused by the need for long term, extraordinary medical care, since a close friend died from AIDS.
12. Do you support or oppose transferring federal programs to faith based organizations?
Hofheinz response:
Oppose. If a task is within the scope of appropriate joint action through government, it should be implemented directly. See general principles. In addition, I believe that the commingling of faith-based (i.e., religious) and civil action weakens both.
13. What is your position on amnesty when it comes to people being prosecuted for their sexuality in their native land?
Hofheinz response:
(I assume this refers to prosecution in countries other than the U.S.) I believe that human rights must be a keynote of our foreign policy, and that leading by example is essential. Accordingly, I believe we should offer sanctuary to all who are prosecuted in other countries for exercising fundamental freedoms in violation of their human rights. I believe the right to privacy extends to all private consensual acts between adults, and would be within the operation of this principle.
14. What is your position on HIV+ individuals wishing to enter the United States (for education, travel, etc.)?
Hofheinz response:
I believe the right to travel without restriction is a fundamental freedom and human right, to be limited only to accomplish a compelling purpose that cannot be accomplished by other means, and that there is no basis for our limiting that right in this context.
15. What is your position on HIV+ individuals wishing to immigrate to the United States?
Hofheinz response:
This is a much more complex question that the preceding question, due to the interrelated fiscal, health care, and social justice implications of any policy adopted. While in general I am in favor of a policy of open immigration with equal protection of immigrant and non-immigrant, I do not at present know enough to form an opinion.
16. Will you support the National and Texas Democratic Party platform?
Hofheinz response:
Yes, to the extent it is congruent with my positions.
17. Please provide us with any other information that you would like the Dallas County gay and lesbian community to know about you and your positions (500 words or less).
Hofheinz response:
I have attached a copy of my general statement regarding the role and scope of action through government.
I strongly believe in individual liberty and freedom from government interference in personal choices. One of the fundamental differences in viewpoint I believe finding expression in our society today is the conflict between those who want to tell everyone else what to do and how to live their lives, and those who want to live and let live. I hold to the second of these views.
Walter Wm. Hofheinz
Hofheinz for Congress
2401 Turtle Creek Blvd.,
Dallas, Texas 75219
214.363.2400
walter@hofheinz2002.org