This is a Republican primary race.  Do you promise, if elected, to abide by the RPT platform? And if not, please enumerate what problems you have.

Yes

In your opinion did Dade Phelan carry forward the conservative agenda?

No

How does the governor justify allowing the legislature to ignore the mutilation of our children? or Would you allow the legislature to continue to ignore the forced mutilation of children? What age would you consider a child mature enough to make an informed decision regarding such irreversible and life altering decisions? What can the governor do to prevent one parent from forcing such decisions on a child irregarless of the other parent's objection? Would you make this a number 1 priority in a specail session prior to 2023?

As Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas I was a vocal advocate for the legislative priority to end child gender modification surgery in Texas. This is one of the reasons why I decided to run for Governor. As Governor this will be a priority listed during the State of the State address in 2023. We define children as those 18 years old and below. We will get this passed, and I will not be bought off by special interests such as the case with our current Governor.

Please describe your plan for balancing the Texas budget. What budget items need to be cut and what taxes and fees need to be increased?

The Sunset Commission recommendations for the last 15-20 years will be reviewed to assess which recommended programs and agencies have not been eliminated, and why? There is a high probability that the majority of them should be terminated. Chapter 313 should be eliminated, Texas Enterprise Fund, and so many other tax funded corporate welfare programs will be terminated. All funds/entities that utilize taxpayer funds without the permission of taxpayers will be terminated. There will be no fees levied or increased with consent of the governed, via referendum. Under a West Administration, Texas will return to zero based budgeting, as opposed to the baseline budgeting system that has resulted in state government spending growth. Each office and organization will need to provide detailed proposals as to the funds they need with measurables. No office or organization/entity will receive funds if said organization violates the rights of Texas citizens to freely live their lives. 

What is the best "mix" of taxing methods for state and local government? Why is that "mix" the best and how do we get there?

The best "mix" is that which best affords the Texas taxpayer to keep more of their resources...and forces the state government to operate effectively and efficiently. The goal is to reduce the spending and debt in Texas while ensuring our spending priorities are focused on the constitutional duties and responsibilities of the Texas state government and nothing more. 

What is your view regarding reducing or eliminating property taxes in favor of increased sales taxes and increased user fees?

We will use budget savings to reduce the state responsibility for property taxes, elminating Chapter 313 and several other wasteful funds. We will also concurrently begin the transition from the current Marxist property tax system to a consumption based system of taxation in Texas. This is a priority for the 2023 legislative session. Once passed and signed, it will go before the people to vote upon as a constitutional amendment later in the November 2023 amendment election. 

Do you support a full forensic election audit in Texas? Why or why not?

Yes

Please list the top issues where you oppose federal government intrusion(unconstitutional mandates, shutdowns, etc.) into Texans' lives and how you intend to oppose such overreach.

It is important that we reestablish state sovereignty, the 10th amendment. The federal government is supreme over the States as long as they are taking actions which are "pursuant thereof" to our Constitution. We live in a constitutional Republic, not a monarchy. I do not believe in edicts, orders, mandates, and decrees, those are means by which you rule, not govern. I will not violate the Texas State constitution, nor will I expand executive powers. And I will hold the federal government to the same standard. We will honor, and defend, the rights and liberties of Texans. That means safeguarding medical and educational freedom. It also means protecting our borders and ensuring safety and security for Texans. The most essential quality in Texas is liberty, and no elected official has the enumerated power to decide who or what is essential.

How should public education be funded and why? What will you do to make this happen?

Public education is one of the responsibilities of the Texas state government. However, I am a firm supporter of educational freedom where Parents have the right of choice as to the best means of education for their child. I believe that the funding should follow the child, not the system. We must restructure our funding systems in Texas, first no more Chapter 313 ISD subsidizing renewable energy in Texas. We will not fund ISDs that seek to indoctrinate, not educate, our children.  I will scrutinize any federal and third party funding to our Texas education system. We do not want to have any influences that are antithetical to our Texas principles and values.

What are your positions on Common Core, CRT (Critical Race Theory), SEL(Social Emotional Learning) and IB  (International Baccalaureate), and how will you approach issues involving these during your term?

I am firmly against Common Core, cultural marxism (CRT), and SEL! I taught the High School IB program after I retired from the US Army for a year. I know what this program is supposed to be, if it is not here in Texas, then we will eliminate it. I will also be firing the current Texas Education Agency director, Mike Morath, and replace him with an actual educator.

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election? Arrests/Convictions? Bankruptcys?

No

Describle what further action the governor can do to secure the border? Are the actions taken to date effective? Are they legitimate efforts that are having a positive effect?

The Governor of Texas has the duty, as per Article 4, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution, to repel invasions, that is not happening. As well, the US Constitution in Article I, Section 10, Clause 3 gives the State an enumerated power to take action if "actually invaded" when there is an "imminent danger" and without "any admit of delay". So, the issue of constitutional authority is mute. Our actions to this date have proven ineffective, we are a leading state for drug, human, and sex trafficking in America. We need to establish a Border Security Zone and define task and purpose to our Texas Military Department to secure our border. Our constitutional law enforcement officers, Sheriffs, must be empowered to deputize and deport illegal immigrants. The cartels must be designated as transnational narco-criminal terrorists organizations and we freeze and seize their assets. These NGOs that are enabling illegal immigration must have their operating licenses in Texas revoked. And we must tax the remittances of illegal immigrants being wired back to other countries at a 10% rate, no more Texas taxpayer funded benefits.

Please explain why you do or do not support the government providing benefits to non-citizens.

I do not. And the reason is simple, the government is elected by citizens.

Please fully describe what methods of funding roads in Texas you will support and oppose, and give your reasoning. Please discuss all revenue sources, tax diversions, tolls, and debt.

Transportation is another major responsibility for the state government. It is imperative that we rein in the overspending and ensure projects and completed on time, or else the contractor pays through liqudated damages. I believe that we must have a combination of state roads that are government funded and ascertain where it is effective to utilize toll roads, with the approval of the constituents(only). As well, we must ensure the federal government is appropriately funding infrastructure projects in Texas especially when it comes to major, vital, avenues such as I-35.

How would you rate the 87th Session and subsequent Special Sessions measured against the GOP conventions legislative priorities? What items would you have vetoed and what are the items for which YOU would have called a Special Session?

On a scale of 1-5 the 87th legislative session was a 1, a failure, yes we achieved constitutional carry and the Texas Heartbeat Law. The majority of the Republican Party of Texas legislative priorities were not achieved. The number one priority was election integrity, and it took several special sessions to finally bring that to fruition...then we found out that voter fraud was reduced to a misdemeanor, not a felony. Executive overreach was never addressed, nor was ending taxpayer funded lobbying, school choice, ending child gender modification procedures, protection of our historical monuments and markers. As well, we granted (15) Committee chair positions to Democrats in the Texas State House. I would have continued to call special sessions until all the RPT legislative priorities were achieved, and with each special session, the per diem for legislators would be reduced by 10%. I would have vetoed the insidious $175 of property tax relief bill, it was condescending and offensive to Texas taxpayers.

What federal grant monies will you REJECT even though it will cost Texans extra money? Why?

Any federal grant monies that come with mandates and qualifiers would be rejected. However, it is time that Texas starts looking at holding back on the percentage of remittances we send to the federal government. I think Texans would understand protecting our sovereignty.

What measures can Texas take to ensure the preservation of traditional family values and what is your commitment to fight for those measures?

It just takes the courage to stand for Texas traditional family values and not fear the cultural and ideological angst of the progressive socialist left. I think no one could accuse me of lacking courage.

What are the top 3 positions appointed by the Governor and what criteria will you use to select individuals for those positions?

Based upon what we have seen recently, here are the critical positions -- Texas Medical, Nursing, and Pharmacy Board, Texas Education Agency, Texas Child and Family Protective Services, Texas Department of Public Safety. Critieria? Simple, those who maintain a constitutional conservative philosophy of governance and recognize that the individual is supreme and sovereign over the institution of government.

Would you be willing to deputize and train Texas militias to reinforce the border?

Yes, and my objective would be to work with our Sheriffs, especially border Sheriffs, and also revise the duties, roles, and responsibilities of the Texas State Guard.

Has there been an issue on which you have made a 180 degree turn and why?

No

Please define your position on abortion restrictions and fully explain why.

I believe in the sanctity of life and that it begins at conception. I support the ideals of our Declaration of Independence that our very first inalienable right that is endowed by our Creator is life, unborn and born. I do not use the reference "abortion" , "reproductive rights", or "pro-choice" because those are the lexicon of the left to desensitize the issue. We are talking about murdering unborn babies in the womb, to date since Roe V Wade over 60M, a shameful genocide. I want to see Planned Parenthood clinics shut down in Texas, the organization was founded by a white supremacist and racist. I support the "Sanctuary City for Life" movement here in Texas, and I marched with life supporters in Lubbock for their March for Life in January 2021. I addressed the 40 Days for Life Gala in Bryan Texas. I have supported numerous life pregnancy centers all across Texas, Involved for Life, Woman 2 Woman, and the Life Center.  We must defeat the industry of murdering unborn babies in the womb here in Texas. I fully support the Texas Heartbeat Law and called out the US Supreme Court in a press release for hearing oral arguments on the law, especially since Roe V Wade is not a law, nor is it a constitutional right.

I believe that in the cases of a woman's body being criminally violated, she must go to God and her Family to make the right decision...which is based in Deuteronomy 30:19. As the Dad to two daughters, I do not believe it is anyone, not the government's decision, to decide what happens with my daughters if their body is criminally violated. In addition, if the state legislature brought a bill to my desk that banned all abortion with no exceptions I would respect the votes of the lawmakers and sign the bill.