Bentley Foster Hensel

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Bentley Hensel completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hensel's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading-bio-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m a data-driven problem solver and transparency advocate, dedicated to bringing real solutions to Washington. With a background in technology and public service, I’ve seen the urgent need to modernize our government systems for greater efficiency and accessibility. I’m leading by example and instantly reporting all campaign donations.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading-key-message-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Transparency and Accountability: I believe in an open, accountable government. My campaign is pioneering real-time donation disclosure to set a new standard for campaign finance transparency.</li><li>Technological Innovation: Our government systems are outdated. I’m committed to modernizing our infrastructure with the latest technology, making services more effective, secure, and accessible.</li><li>Actionable Solutions Over Rhetoric: Voters deserve representatives who deliver real, data-driven solutions. I’m focused on practical, innovative approaches that benefit everyone.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading1-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m passionate about modernizing government technology, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding our environment. I believe in asking for help and diving deep into complex topics to find practical solutions. Overhauling outdated systems with the latest technology is vital for efficiency and security. Transparency is a personal commitment—real-time disclosure and open data should be the norm. Protecting our environment and combating climate change are crucial for a sustainable future. These principles are essential to building a government that truly serves the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading2-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity, transparency, and accountability are essential. Elected officials must honestly serve the public, ensuring transparent decisions and fair resource allocations. Accountability builds trust and ensures leaders are answerable to the people. A commitment to public service and embracing innovation are also crucial for finding better ways to serve the community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading3-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have a passion for solving problems. When I see a challenge, I immediately focus on finding a solution. I don’t lose motivation, even when facing overwhelming opposition—in fact, it inspires me. Initiatives like automating financial disclosures for House members, advocating for remote work, and reforming the acquisitions process won’t be easy and might make me some enemies, but I’m driven by these challenges and committed to seeing them through. <br/><br/>\r\nTransparency is a core value for me; whether it’s ensuring real-time financial disclosures or holding officials accountable, I’m dedicated to making our systems more open, efficient, and trustworthy. My approach is rooted in the belief that an informed and engaged public is essential for a healthy democracy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading4-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAdvocating for the community, ensuring efficient government operations, and improving everyone’s quality of life are the cornerstones of public service. Understanding constituents’ needs, streamlining processes, and promoting transparency are key to rebuilding trust and enhancing service delivery. Driving policy in technology modernization and environmental protection is also crucial for long-term success.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading5-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job was selling peaches on my family farm when I was about 6. I continued that every summer until high school, when I worked as a bag boy at a country club. These early jobs taught me the value of hard work, customer service, and the importance of negotiating payment upfront—especially after my grandfather gave himself quite the discount and paid me with $2 bills. In high school, I also ran a small DJ business, happily taking Baby Boomers’ money in exchange for fueling their ’80s rock addiction.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading6-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m a massive fan of Tom Clancy’s Ryanverse series. I re-read the series every few years and always buy the new books as they come out. The complex characters and intricate plots have inspired my interest in geopolitics and strategy, and I appreciate how Clancy’s work combines fiction with a deep understanding of real-world issues.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading7-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRecently, I've been listening to \"I Can Do It With a Broken Heart\" on repeat, closely followed by \"Cruel Summer.\" Honestly, I'm just counting down the days until Dr. Taylor Alison Swift finally blesses us with \"Reputation (Taylor’s Version).\" <br/><br/>\r\nIf you want to see my listening history and what I am currently listening to, you can check it out at https://henselforcongress.com/music\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading8-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’ve struggled with ADHD my entire life, but in my late 20s, I learned how to turn it into a strength. Instead of letting it hold me back, I’ve figured out how to harness my focus and energy to improve my life and work.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading9-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWorking across party lines to find common ground and develop solutions that serve the public is essential. While maintaining core principles, compromise leads to sustainable, widely accepted policies. It also shows a willingness to listen and adapt, which is crucial in a diverse democracy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading10-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m interested in committees that align with my platform and help make it a reality, such as Technology Modernization, Government Reform, and Environmental Protection.<br/><br/>\r\nSpecifically, the Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation subcommittee under Homeland Security, and the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security subcommittee under Energy and Commerce are key areas where I can drive impactful change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-252514-2024-08-30\" id=\"heading11-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-252514-2024-08-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-252514-2024-08-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-252514-2024-08-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFinancial transparency shouldn't depend on when or if an elected official decides to report. I propose an app that elected officials must connect to all their financial accounts, automatically reporting the required information to the House Ethics Committee in real-time. This system would expose insider trading and corruption as soon as it happens. <br/><br/>\r\nAdditionally, we must overhaul the financial disclosure system to make public data easily accessible, removing the barriers that currently hide essential information. Transparency builds trust and prevents corruption, ensuring leaders are accountable and act in everyone's best interest.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nBentley Hensel completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hensel's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I’m a data-driven problem solver and transparency advocate, dedicated to bringing real solutions to Washington. With a background in technology and public service, I’ve seen the urgent need to modernize our government systems for greater efficiency and accessibility. I’m leading by example and instantly reporting all campaign donations. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Transparency and Accountability: I believe in an open, accountable government. My campaign is pioneering real-time donation disclosure to set a new standard for campaign finance transparency. Technological Innovation: Our government systems are outdated. I’m committed to modernizing our infrastructure with the latest technology, making services more effective, secure, and accessible. Actionable Solutions Over Rhetoric: Voters deserve representatives who deliver real, data-driven solutions. I’m focused on practical, innovative approaches that benefit everyone. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about modernizing government technology, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding our environment. I believe in asking for help and diving deep into complex topics to find practical solutions. Overhauling outdated systems with the latest technology is vital for efficiency and security. Transparency is a personal commitment—real-time disclosure and open data should be the norm. Protecting our environment and combating climate change are crucial for a sustainable future. These principles are essential to building a government that truly serves the people. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, transparency, and accountability are essential. Elected officials must honestly serve the public, ensuring transparent decisions and fair resource allocations. Accountability builds trust and ensures leaders are answerable to the people. A commitment to public service and embracing innovation are also crucial for finding better ways to serve the community. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I have a passion for solving problems. When I see a challenge, I immediately focus on finding a solution. I don’t lose motivation, even when facing overwhelming opposition—in fact, it inspires me. Initiatives like automating financial disclosures for House members, advocating for remote work, and reforming the acquisitions process won’t be easy and might make me some enemies, but I’m driven by these challenges and committed to seeing them through. Transparency is a core value for me; whether it’s ensuring real-time financial disclosures or holding officials accountable, I’m dedicated to making our systems more open, efficient, and trustworthy. My approach is rooted in the belief that an informed and engaged public is essential for a healthy democracy. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Advocating for the community, ensuring efficient government operations, and improving everyone’s quality of life are the cornerstones of public service. Understanding constituents’ needs, streamlining processes, and promoting transparency are key to rebuilding trust and enhancing service delivery. Driving policy in technology modernization and environmental protection is also crucial for long-term success. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was selling peaches on my family farm when I was about 6. I continued that every summer until high school, when I worked as a bag boy at a country club. These early jobs taught me the value of hard work, customer service, and the importance of negotiating payment upfront—especially after my grandfather gave himself quite the discount and paid me with $2 bills. In high school, I also ran a small DJ business, happily taking Baby Boomers’ money in exchange for fueling their ’80s rock addiction. What is your favorite book? Why? I’m a massive fan of Tom Clancy’s Ryanverse series. I re-read the series every few years and always buy the new books as they come out. The complex characters and intricate plots have inspired my interest in geopolitics and strategy, and I appreciate how Clancy’s work combines fiction with a deep understanding of real-world issues. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Recently, I've been listening to \"I Can Do It With a Broken Heart\" on repeat, closely followed by \"Cruel Summer.\" Honestly, I'm just counting down the days until Dr. Taylor Alison Swift finally blesses us with \"Reputation (Taylor’s Version).\" If you want to see my listening history and what I am currently listening to, you can check it out at https://henselforcongress.com/music What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I’ve struggled with ADHD my entire life, but in my late 20s, I learned how to turn it into a strength. Instead of letting it hold me back, I’ve figured out how to harness my focus and energy to improve my life and work. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Working across party lines to find common ground and develop solutions that serve the public is essential. While maintaining core principles, compromise leads to sustainable, widely accepted policies. It also shows a willingness to listen and adapt, which is crucial in a diverse democracy. What committees interest you? I’m interested in committees that align with my platform and help make it a reality, such as Technology Modernization, Government Reform, and Environmental Protection. Specifically, the Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation subcommittee under Homeland Security, and the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security subcommittee under Energy and Commerce are key areas where I can drive impactful change. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Financial transparency shouldn't depend on when or if an elected official decides to report. I propose an app that elected officials must connect to all their financial accounts, automatically reporting the required information to the House Ethics Committee in real-time. This system would expose insider trading and corruption as soon as it happens. Additionally, we must overhaul the financial disclosure system to make public data easily accessible, removing the barriers that currently hide essential information. Transparency builds trust and prevents corruption, ensuring leaders are accountable and act in everyone's best interest.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Hensel's campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Fixing Education: A Total Overhaul of America's Future</b>\n</p><p>American education is broken, jeopardizing our future. To fix it, we must transform the system to ensure every American child has a fair shot at success.\n</p><p><b>Immigration Reform: A 21st Century Solution for a Stronger America</b>\n</p><p>Immigration is vital to America’s success, but our current system is outdated and inefficient. It’s time for a reform that ensures transparency, efficiency, and justice, allowing us to fully harness the benefits of immigration for a stronger, more united nation.\n</p><p><b>Income Inequality</b>\nIncome inequality in the United States has reached fundamentally destabilizing economic and social levels. We tried trickle-down economics, but the only trickle most workers saw was a drying up of their financial security.\n</p><p><b>Digital Privacy</b>\n</p><p>Data breaches, sadly, have become far too common. Here is how we can fix it.\n</p><p><b>Campaign Finance Transparency</b>\n</p><p>Transparency in political financing is crucial for a healthy democracy. It ensures that elected officials are accountable to their constituents and that electoral processes remain fair and transparent. Recognizing the potential of technology to enhance this transparency, I support real-time disclosure of campaign finance contributions and expenditures. The Need for\n</p><p><b>Digital Gaming Rights</b>\n</p><p>How to fix the video game industry's DRM issue\n</p><p><sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Bentley Hensel's campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Hensel's campaign website stated the following:\n“ Fixing Education: A Total Overhaul of America's Future American education is broken, jeopardizing our future. To fix it, we must transform the system to ensure every American child has a fair shot at success. Immigration Reform: A 21st Century Solution for a Stronger America Immigration is vital to America’s success, but our current system is outdated and inefficient. It’s time for a reform that ensures transparency, efficiency, and justice, allowing us to fully harness the benefits of immigration for a stronger, more united nation. Income Inequality Income inequality in the United States has reached fundamentally destabilizing economic and social levels. We tried trickle-down economics, but the only trickle most workers saw was a drying up of their financial security. Digital Privacy Data breaches, sadly, have become far too common. Here is how we can fix it. Campaign Finance Transparency Transparency in political financing is crucial for a healthy democracy. It ensures that elected officials are accountable to their constituents and that electoral processes remain fair and transparent. Recognizing the potential of technology to enhance this transparency, I support real-time disclosure of campaign finance contributions and expenditures. The Need for Digital Gaming Rights How to fix the video game industry's DRM issue [2] ” —Bentley Hensel's campaign website (2024) [3]"}]