Name 3 reasons why are you running for SREC. (i.e. including what changes, if any, are needed).
I believe there is a movement right now for the grassroots to have a greater voice thanks to James Dickey and here in Montgomery County due to the hard work & accomplishments of the great team of activists that I work with. I am running for SREC because:
1. I am concerned that we need to have the right representation for the grassroots which we have not had in the recent past for SD4
2. I have a heart of serving, not to highlight myself but to stand strong for conservative values and the constituents in our entire SD4.
3. I feel this is the season and opportunity for us to get a strong grassroots person elected and I am confident that I will represent you well. I have the knowledge, the experience, & ability to effectively serve in this capacity as well as have solid conservative values. Additionally, I feel I’ve gained respect from both the grassroots and the more established members of our party as I believe I am seen as a hard-working person for conservative causes and do not wish to exclude anyone.
Define what the word "Conservative" means to you.
Conservative means to me that your beliefs are based on God’s word. He is the creator and we should value life from conception to natural death as well as being created male and female. God makes no mistakes in what He created and is very merciful when of course we do veer off and get on the wrong course. Marriage is defined in God’s word too- not negotiable, one man & one woman. I am sure this culture deeply grieves God. But quite honestly much of this went on in biblical times too. God also instructed Moses how to delegate the work of managing people and their disputes. We are further instructed to be charitable which is the work of the church & believers, not the government’s responsibility to take care of the poor & needy. We are commanded to tithe to God and also give to Caesar what is required. I feel these tenets of the Bible are the basis for conservatism. This is where my beliefs were cemented. Additionally, the US Constitution is an important document supported by biblical values..
As a Republican, if you had to give up one of the following core principles, which one would you select first and why?
1. pro-life
2. 10% reduction in state, fed, local spending
3. 2nd amendment
4. illegal immigration
5. foreign bases
6. 10th amendment
I really wouldn’t want to give up any! But perhaps Foreign bases could be elvaluated to determine if some were not truly needed. I do support our Military and having a solid world presence. Past that I could go for 5% reduction in spending (#2) rather than 10%.
Should Texas GOP limit their elected officials to 8 years or less from the same office, even though it will force some good candidates to leave an office?
Yes, in my opinion. Elected officials do not “own” their position. They are to serve. There is the argument that this wonderful candidate who has held this position, should be reelected but if we had term limits, it would raise up more good, qualified people who have the possibility of engaging and serving and it would encourage more to be involved. There is nothing to my knowledge that precludes someone from serving again later. When politicians stay in a position for a very long time, they often become lax in the job, get huge government benefits, and forget about those who elected them.
There's a move afoot to reduce the size of the RPT Platform. Do you agree with this? If your answer is yes, how much (%) would you reduce it and what top 3 items would you remove?
No, I do not believe we should reduce the RPT Platform. I am currently serving on the Temporary RPT Platform and have input all of our SD’s resolutions as well as read all that are currently in them. I am very proud of what we stand for. This represents the beliefs of the almost 9,000 delegates who voted for these as we will do again at this next convention.
As an SREC member, would you vote to allow or not allow RINO Republican Elected Officials to apply for office with the Republican Party of Texas, even if some SREC members say it would be a violation of state election law while other SREC members say that a private political party (such as the Republican Party of Texas) has the right of association under the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution? Please explain.
I don’t know if I understand this question fully but I would say anyone can apply to run for a position in the Republican Party of Texas. It is for our representatives (SREC) that we elected to make a sound decision of this person’s support of our Texas Repulican Platform. If this person clearly does not support it, then they should make the decision to not elect. Once a person is elected, if this person is found to be in violation of 3 or more of the RPT Platform planks, then their is just cause for a censure by 2/3 of the SREC body (& county Executive member bodies) Rules 43, 43A, & 44 address agreements that Repoublican office holders must agree to and how to handle those that are in gross violation of our party platform.
Which is more important an issue in each of the 2 questions …
1. Reducing state spending by 5% or a 10th amendment states right resolution against Obamacare? Why?
2. Requiring abortion clinics to follow standard hospital laws or adding legislation to limit gerrymandering in Texas? Why?
These are so unrelated and all important! But I would say the more important issues would be:
1. 10th amendment states right resolution against Obamacare because I believe in states’ rights and they are protected by our US Constituion to prevent gross overreach by the federal government. We want to retain our state rights for Texas because we know what’s best for our state.
2. If abortion cannot be eliminated at this time then I would choose a life to be saved by following proper hospital procedures & nearby admittance to a hospital in an emergency. So even though I feel gerrymandering is agreigious, saving a life is more important. Would like to abolish abortion too and feel we should continue to push legislation to abolish it.
Should barbers and lawyers be licensed? Explain why or why not?
Yes, I believe that lawyers should be licensed as they are dealing with a variety of legal, complex issues that have a great affect on people’s lives for good or bad. I suppose barbers should be licensed as far as higiene habits and safety issues but it should not be very restrictive. I believe some states have gone overboard (think it was Mayland) with regulations of barbers. We don’t need that much government interference and in some cases its probably is an annual “tax” or fee that really is not necessary.
This is a hypothetical question and not indicative of the current state chairman. In the future, if 2 candidates are running for the Texas GOP chair at the SREC meeting, and one is very conservative but tyrannical, and the other is a moderate and very fair ….. which one will you vote for and why?
I would vote for the more moderate & very fair one given this unlikely choice. I would prefer a very conservative & fair chairman but if the conservative is tyrannical then it can become top down which is not acceptable. But if the moderate chairman is very fair then he will fairly allow all voices to be heard whether he personally agrees with them or not.
What are your thoughts regarding term limits in every elected/appointed position?
I believe term limits are good. Elected officials are to serve in the capacity that they were elected for. Without term limits, they can become compaicent, may quit listening to their constituents, and come to believe they “own” the position. They build up quite a financial war chest to the point where money rules and it is hard to get a new, qualified person elected. There is the argument of having to get rid of a great legislator who has term limited out but I don’t know of any rule that prohibits them from running at a later time. I would hate to see the Louie Gohmert’s of this state & country have to leave office but I believe their are a lot more qualified, conservative leaders that could be raised up and serve well. Plus I think this would bring more conservative people into the party by encouraging them to become involved and serve. As far as appointed positions, I think it would be wise to have some sort of term limit too.
If you're an SREC member and the county chair is conservative, but a moderate complains to you or the state chairman that the county chair is cheating or being grossly unfair regarding some matter… to what extent would you support the moderate request for fairness?
I believe in fairness no matter what side of the isle you are on. I think all complaints should be investigated and addressed. If a county chair is cheating, being grossly unfair, or not allowing all people to have a voice then he should be reprimanded probably by the state chair. If it were to continue, then additional measure should be looked into.
Related to the previous question regarding fairness … and the issue of a conservative county chairman (and assuming that there was a pattern of unfairness), would you openly support replacement of the conservative chair over this matter? Even when you would be on the minority side?
Yes, if it was an agregious rejection of RPT’s Platform which elected officials agree to when they take office that should be considered. We need to hold our elected officials accountable, it will result in better leadership for conservative causes.
At an SREC meeting, if a motion was up for petitioning the State of Texas to release RPT from state law, in exchange for the State of Texas not providing tax funds to defray election costs, would you vote for or against? Why?
I would not vote for petitioning our release from state law unless some compelling solutions were offered and a doable plan was in place. I believe state election laws are important because they not only hold us accountable but other political parties too, We all should operate by the same rules. Whether we receive tax dollars from the state, is a factor I’d rather not rely on heavily. It seems there are unfortunately strings attached when we accept government tax dollars. But the State of Texas’s elections laws are there for elections to run smoothly and fairly as far I know. I must say, I’d really like to have closed primaries or at the very least separate elections and locations. I think cross over voting is hurting our chances of getting good candidates elected. I know having closed primaries or sepearate elections would cost the Republican Party more.
Who were your 1st, 2nd and then 3rd choices, in order, for POTUS as of Jan 1st, 2016?
Ted Cruz
Scott Walker
Ben Carson
Over the five years, what SCOTUS most represented your views? Why?
Antonin Scalia because he was a strong conservative, unwavering, and applied the US Constitution appropriately.
To what degree is the SCOTUS the final authority of justice?
A Supreme Court decision is an opinion not the rule of law. States still have states rights.
Do (or have) you belong (dues-paying member) to (a) grassroots group in your senate district/county? If so, which one and for how long? Please list positions held, if any?
Montgomery County Eagle Forum board member- pastoral liason (member for 4 years, board member for 1 year)
Montgomery County Tea Party member- 4 years
What is the direction you have seen the SREC headed in, the involvement of our current SD4 Representatives in this direction and specifically, is this the direction our SD4 wants and what would you do to take the lead its direction?
SREC had a sudden departure with past Chairman. A huge change took place when James Dickey was elected last June to fulfill the remaining term. This was a great and almost unexpected victory for grassroots who previously have not had the majority at the SREC level. I hope that RPT will continue to be led by James Dickey with his reelection. He has added much transparency by posting the votes of each SREC member, allowing pictures, videos, and live streaming of all meetings including committee meetings. I think the Precinct Convention information notices that were passed out during the Primary Election voting were a great move to get more people involved at the Precicnt level. I don’t believe that our two current SREC representatives supported Dickey when he was voted in by the SREC. In my opinion, James Dickey has a good track record and has accomplished much and opened the door to grassroots’ involvement. He supported us in MoCo when we were being denied access to the Advantage program and provided training and access and corrected this denial of access at our county party. I support the work of the grassroots, fighting for conservative causes and would continue to do so.
Since 1980, what has been your involvement with the state and national RepublicanParty in general, and with Republican candidates on the State, Local and Federal level, and which of those candidates would generally be considered conservative?
In 1984, I was a volunteer at the RNC Convention in Dallas. Fast forward after raising my girls, I had more time and God placed it on my heart to get involved in helping conservative candidates win plus I saw the work on a Democratic associate and knew I needed to offset what she was doing! In 2011, it all started when I supported Rick Santorum. I met one girl online who was very knowledgeable and also supporting Santorum. She encouraged me to go the state convention. I went by myself, knew no one except this online friend, had torn my ACL days before, put off surgery, and went with a full leg brace on. You might remember seeing me as I hobbled by in our SD. But this was a life changing experience for me. I’ve done many things since and supported worthy conservative candidates. See more in a question down further as to who I’ve helped and how.
What is your vision with the RPT heading into 2020, what significant challenges do you see it facing, and what are you going to bring to the table in representing all of SD4?
Continued inclusion of grassroots, supporting what the delegates has voted for in the RPT Platform, moving back to strong conservative principles inspite of push from culture and moderates, continued transparency, not shutting out those who are conservative and want to serve. As your SREC Committeewoman, I will be assessible to you, communicative, and keep you informed through all the ways that are available to us today. (Been more specific in other answers)
Whether or not you believe in the maxim that “those who knows the rules, rule”, what has been your training in, expertise or experience in parliamentary procedure, by-law drafting, serving on or assisting boards of directors, intervening in cases against grass roots activists or challenging, applying or enforcing election laws?
As Chair of Nominations for SD4 MoCo, I studied some of the RPT rules in depth as well as read all of them. We implemented the Precinct Caucus method that is listed in Rule 31 and used other supporting rules to back it. The more I read Rule 31 and dissected it, I obtained more knowledge and understanding. I worked very closely with the Rules Committee chair in order to accomplish this transition. I realize now how important rules are to an organization. Additionally, with the team of Precinct chairs I work with, we are introducing a new set of bylaws for 2018-2020 that are based on Travis County and further designed to work best for Montgomery County. We are educating the new Executive Committee as I am writing this. Through the drafting of these bylaws, I have studied additional RPT rules that support what we are doing. I’ve served on various boards over the years. I would like to become more proficient in Parliamentary procedures as I see how important it is.
Special Purpose districts are said to promote community development. What's your opinion of this?
In general, I am against special purpose districts. In 2012, Susan Combs investigated and publically revealed that there were 1675 special purpose districts, many which were invisible to the taxpayer! Special Purpose districts are another tax on the people of Texas. They have gotten way out of hand and many insiders are benefiting from them. Some are formed unethically by one or two voters who have temporarily located to that area to vote and subsequently form a board with those that get kick backs. Texas ranks 3rd in the nation for special purpose districts behind California and Illinois. We know how well those states are being operated. A state board is suppose to be overseeing these but obviously we need enforcement.
What best describes your political ideology most(circle only one).
1. Republican
2. Grassroots
3. Conservative
4. Tea Party
Grassroots (everyone’s definition for Grassroots is different but mine means Grassroots Conservative tea party supporter). I remember someone saying to me last convention, “that RNC Committeewoman says she has reached out to the grassroots all over the state. She has never come to our tea party!” I said, “Everyone’s definition of grassroots is different.” It is a term that is thrown around a lot.
Who's your choice for the Chair of the RPT? Why and why not for the one you didn't choose?
James Dickey for sure! As I’ve already stated, he is supportive of the grassroots and has restored transparency. I am not for Asche. The slam email she began with early on in April was a big turn off. Knowing those that are promoting her and her associations is the biggest clue.
What is your vision with the RPT heading into 2020, what significant challenges do you see it facing, and what are you going to bring to the table in representing all of SD4?
Same question as above.
What candidates have you contributed to financially as well as by working for them? Please be specific as to the work you’ve done. Blockwalking, phone-banking, financially, etc.
I have financially supported Ted Cruz, Ben Sasse, Dave Bratt, Steve Toth, Santorum, Joni Ernst, Bob Bagley, Greg Parker, Tom Cotton, and more. I have also phone called here and all over the US, blockwalked, worked at polling sites, and done much work just from my home or computer for local, state (Abbott), and national candidates. I feel I have supported good conservative candidates.
Do you agree with RPT’s current policy to openly film and live stream all SREC and committee meetings, as well as post each vote by our SREC Executive committee members so that their constituents can be aware of how their elected SREC person has voted or should votes be conducted by secret ballot to prevent retirution from those disagreeing with you?
Yes, I do agree. Elected officials are public servants and their votes should be available to their constituents.
The members of this SREC body will help in determining the direction of the party for the 2 years leading up to the next Presidential election. We want and need the grassroots to be active in our party. What will you do to coalesce the different groups in our district?
Educate, motivate, and communicate! I am big on educating others so they can make informed decisions and also to get involved. The SREC position affects many important facets. They choose who will serve at the next state convention (presidential year) on the various state committees. This can really affect our party future. I would talk with different counties, get feedback, and try to promote good strong conservatives that are well qualified for these positions throughout SD4. I have a feeling I’d be considering people who would be excellent in these positions but have never had the opportunity.
What actions would you take to ensure that all areas of SD4 are aware of the upcoming actions being considered by the SREC? How do you plan on communicating the results of those decisions?
We have had a lack of communication in SD4 and many have been closed out. I will return texts, phone calls, and emails. I will distribute newsletters by email keeping you informed of important SREC actions to be taken and the results of the votes. I plan to further inform you through facebook. I will represent all counties in SD4 and will visit the other county Republican meetings and tea parties when permissible. I believe there are many ways to communicate these days but the main thing is, we will communicate!
Will you represent all of the Republicans in SD4, how will you find out what is on their mind and how will you communicate information back to the whole district.
Yes for sure I will represent all of SD4. See answer above. Also could look into having an online survey that anyone in SD4 could take. That may be a good tool to find out what SD4’s opinion is.
How do you plan to make sure state wide that Republicans run candidates against democrats and not just yield offices to them without a fight?
Help identify and recruit capable people for the Republican Party. Connect with others I know around the state who are like-minded. I have a feeling with the people I know, that this is already being done. We sure do it here in Montgomery county.
As far as non-partisan races, we plan to make a change in MCRP bylaws to allow us to vet and promote a republican candidate when there is clearly one repulican and one from another party. We will also have a provision when there are two republican candidates, that we can work to lessen the influence of the other party candidate if needed. Non-partisan races are where the Democrats are getting a foothold. We have been silenced by MCRP bylaws which have prevented us from getting involved. We are paying the price for example, after having a democrat elected to our township board, we are now unfortunately, going to be having our first LGBT festival this fall in The Woodlands. Check out Texas Democrats website to see what there “LIFT” mission is!
