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.
I have read the entire Republican Platform and have no objections to the Platform. I rely on the Platform as the guiding political principals in how I represent my contituents and fellow Republicans as a Precinct Chair and member of the County Executive Committee.
What best describes your political ideology most(circle only one).
1. Republican
2. Grassroots
3. Conservative
4. Tea Party
I am a Texas Conservative. The smaller the government the better, the less intrusive the better, the more fiscally responsible the better. The people do not need government to 'run our lives" we are more than capable to take care of ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.
There's discussion about making major revisions to the RPT Platform. Please describe the nature of any major changes you support.
One of the most important issues in today's society is the rights of Parents to raise their children without govenment interference. This includes medical and educational decisions. Government's responsibility is to protect the rights of its citizens not to determine what those rights are. Our Rights are given by God not man. I would like to see the Republican Party reflect these princiaples more strongly and make protecting our families and especially our children from medical and educational tyranny a top priority.
I would also like to see the Party take a more forceful position on protecting our border, making sure that Republican principals and priorities are promoted by stopping the appointment of democrats to legislative committees, and by holding elected officials to a much higher standard of ethics and conduct than is presently exemplified.
Should the county GOP chair be involved with fundraising? Why or why not?
Most assuredly Yes! The county chair is the "face of the Republican Party" and as such it is his duty to promote the party's principles and brand to the community. Fundraising is an integral part of the party's activities as the money raised is needed to get republican voters to the polls to elect republican candidates. The events and activiites of the fundraising committee help bring awareness of the party to the community and should therefore be actively promoted and supported by the County Chair and all CEC members.
Do you like the Steering Committee style of leadership currently in place or that of just a county chairman?
I do not support dictatorial style leadership in any form. No one person knows what is best for everyone else. The County Party is comprised of Precinct chairs elected by those in the precinct. The county chair is presently elected in a county-wide election. So all members represent the county's Republican voters. The county chairman's duty is to lead the meeting, oversee the work of the chairs, promote the Party, and support Republican candidates and elected officials. It is not to dictate or make unilateral decisions. Otherwise, we would not need precinct chairs.
So, yes, I support the Steering Committee and its role in the leadership of the party.
Do you think the 'Republican' brand should be used by PACs in their names that may deceive voters? Why or why not?"
No! The Republican name belongs to all Republican voters and should not be used to deceive voters into believing that any one small/local "group" of people represent the Republican Party and its voters en masse. I have seen a local group of people that use the name Republican in their PAC's name for the purpose of misleading voters into believing they represent the Republican Party. This is unethical, fraudulent, and deceptive on the part of this PAC. They produce a voter guide then ask potential voters if they want a "republican guide". That is dishonest at the very least and gives an advantage of one Republican candidate over another in primary races. It is the policy of the REPUBLICAN PARTY not to endorse any candidate in a primary race, so the misuse of the name and the brand does a great disservice to the Party and damages its credibility in the eyes of the public.
Do you beieve that the county chair/precinct chairs should actively participate in at least one committee?
Yes, I even tried to get this into the By-laws. The key words in the question are"actively participate". In order for the CEC to be effective at promoting republican candidates, getting local citizens to become active in local politics, and to be responsible and knowledgable voters requires a great deal of work. Every elected precinct chair has a duty to participate and that takes time and effort. There are a variety of opportunities to help or lead committees to make the work of the party more effective. The office of precinct chair is not just a title, it requires one to invest both time and resources to get the job done.
Are you willing to put in the time necessary to attend CEC meetings, additional committee meetings, training sessions, blockwalking, etc?
Yes I am. As a precinct chair for the past 2 years I have attended every called CEC meeting. As the fundraising committee chair, I have attended scores of meetings, and spent many hours planning and executing events. I have attended training sessions, blockwalked for myself and other candidates, and I serve as an election clerk and judge. I enjoy the challenge and being part of something I belive is vital to maintaining our republic and our freedoms. I may have limited resources, but time is something I can and do give.
How do you believe precinct chairs should be involved in elections? (election judge, clerk, none?)
Voting is of utmost importance. Not only is it my duty as a citizen and a partiot, but it is a privilege to be guarded and protected. Serving as an election official is one way to help ensure the integrity and meaning of every individual's vote. This is one way precinct chairs can participate in the electoral process.
It takes time, and can be exhausting, but it is worth every minute. I believe that every chair should help out at every opportunity. It may not be possible to serve during every election, but precinct chairs should be willing to set the example and encourage their constituents to work at the polls in some capcity.
What's your position on Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan?
I remember hearing about Speaker Phelan when he was running for the position of Speaker. I was under the impression that he was touted as being a good choice as a conservative republican and would be an excellent choice over the former Speaker. However, over the course of the session, I learned that Mr. Phelan appointed democrats over republicans to chair various committees, some of which held a lot of power and influence. Then, the Speaker failed to fulfil the Republican Legislative priorities as determined by the state's republican voters through precinct, Senatorial, and state conventions.
So, I was disappointed in Mr. Phelan not only as the Speaker of the House but as a republican congressman. He failed in his duty to push the legislative agenda. He also did not follow through on holding the democrats that walked out of the House and the State to purposely hold up specific legislation responsible. He should have immediately removed them as chairs and members of all committees and not allowed them to return to the House as if they had done nothing to interfere with the business of TEXAS!
