03/25/08

PREAMBLE

Mason County Republicans believe the US Constitution is the bedrock of our freedoms. The role of government is to preserve, protect, and uphold the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as they are written. We must preserve and defend our free and peaceful society. The best government is one that governs least, and the most effective government is that which is closest to the people. The strength of our nation is individual initiative and private business, which must be freed of costly and unnecessary regulations. We believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for implementing the principles contained within this platform.

• We support President Bush in the war on terrorism.

• We must secure our borders against illegal aliens and enforce current immigration laws.

• We believe national defense requires that we become energy self-sufficient.

• We respect both private property rights and the environment, recognizing that these issues must be balanced with economic needs.

• The one size fits all Growth Management Act needs to be reformed in its application to rural counties.

• We believe eminent domain is for government usage only and not for private interest.  When eminent domain is used, give fair market value for property being taken. If the property is surplused, original owner has first right of refusal at the original price.

• We support tax code simplification and a return to I-601 spending limits.

• We support tax reduction and reforms to stimulate a healthy business economy for everyone.

• We believe that regional transportation plans shall be developed and submitted to the public for voter approval.

• Each child is an individual entitled to the highest educational level he/she is capable of achieving.

• Through vouchers we support parental choice of public, private, charter and/or home schooling.

• Tort reform must be enacted to control activist judges, stop runaway jury awards, and eliminate frivolous lawsuits.

• The loser pays court costs and attorney fees.

• We believe the traditional family, the marriage of one man to one woman, constitutes the best vehicle for raising children and the best deterrent against poverty, crime, and anti-social behavior.

• We encourage the use of Health Savings Accounts to increased individual control over medical decisions and costs. 

• We value the sanctity of life at all stages.

• We believe that Social Security should be reformed to allow workers to invest part of their earnings in other retirement packages.

• We support statewide election reform including requiring photo identification at the polls, vigorous enforcement of election laws, and all counties having elected auditors.

• Mason County Republicans are in favor of policies which promote small businesses and natural resources including shellfish farming.