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Sunday, December 22, 2024 78° Today's Paper


Election

District 16 – Victoria (Vickie) Franks (R)

Full name: Victoria Hill Franks

Name on ballot: Victoria (Vickie) Franks

Age: 51

Political Party: Republican

Running for: State House

District: 16

Email address: vhfranks@gmail.com

Current job: Music minister, King’s Cathedral & Chapels

Place of birth: Lake Providence, La.

Campaign website: www.victoriafranks.com

Job history past 10 years:

King’s Cathedral & Chapels

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome?

Yes, 2014, I did not win

Other civic experience or community service?

I currently serve on the Mayor’s Committee for the Homeless. This year we began a program to get the homeless into housing. We also operate a food pantry, children’s camps, youth camps, retreats and many other community outreach efforts.

Anything else you’d like voters to know about you?

I am a fiscal conservative and advocate smaller, limited government. I support hunters and fishermen. I believe that our first and second amendment rights need to be protected. I also will fight to keep our hospital on the west side.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I have been in nonprofit service for over 25 years helping families and individuals in every walk of life. I believe that what I’ve done in the past on a smaller scale makes me the perfect person to do this same thing on a larger scale.

Gov. Ige says he will once again propose increases to the state gas tax, vehicle weight tax and state registration fees to help pay for state road projects. Do you support his proposal?

No. I do not support raising taxes in any way. There are many other areas where monies could be streamlined to provide the finances needed without raising taxes.

If the Legislature is again asked to extend Oahu’s half-percent excise tax surcharge to finance construction or operation of the rail system, would you support such an extension?

No. The rail has been a blight on the economy of the entire state of Hawaii. This spills over to the neighbor islands as well.

Should the state play a role in cracking down on illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?

These illegal rentals are conducted so that the owners do not pay taxes. If the taxes were paid, then there wouldn’t be a need to raise taxes.

Should the Legislature require that police officers in Hawaii use “body cameras,” and help to fund the use of those cameras?

No. The body cameras can interfere with the officers ability to do their job. There are more pressing needs that need funding.

Dozens of police officers in Hawaii are disciplined each year for committing crimes or violating departmental policies, but little information is released about the officers or their cases. Do you think there needs to be greater public disclosure?

Not unless they are a danger to society. Many of them make poor choices as we all do from time to time.

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