What 2 things about your opponent do the voters need to know?

My opponent is a long time resident of The Woodlands, and is passionate about her ideals.  I have nothing negative to say about Amy.

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 am happy with the Platform of the RPT and wish all elected Republicans would conitnue to push hard for the items on that platform.  Most notably, restrictions on regulations and thoughtful choices on energy.

Define what the word "Conservative" means to you.

Conservatives believe in a smaller more representative and fiscally responsible Federal governent.  For me, working on an affordable annual budget should be tantamount to that effort.

Conservative believe in personal responsibility and the rights of the individual to live as a productive member of our society. 

Are you willing to put in the time necessary to attend CEC meetings, additional committee meetings, training sessions, blockwalking, etc?

Most definitely.  At this point in my life, It is important to give back to my community as I am able.

Do you think the 'Republican' brand should be used by PACs in their names that may deceive voters? Why or why not?"

As a believer in transparancy, there is no question that misleading titles don't belong in any PAC's.  In an ideal world, citizens would study the groups and make decisions to support them based on their track record, but I am experianced enough to know not everyone takes the time to study required.

What best describes your political ideology most(circle only one).   
1.        Republican                     
2.        Grassroots                     
3.        Conservative
4.        Tea Party

Conservative.  I love the Tea Party, but I am concerned that there are often organizatioins that claim to be Tea Party, but are actually Democratic infiltration efforts.  There should be an easy means for voters to ensure the group is legitimate.

How do you believe precinct chairs should be involved in elections? (election judge, clerk, none?)

I feel precinct chairs should do as much as they are capableof and willing to do.  If spread too thin, none of the jobs are done with enough enthusiasm and thoroughness.  I don't see a conflict of interest in having more than one of these positions.

Do you like the Steering Committee style of leadership currently in place or that of just a county chairman?

I am not ecouraged by a single person at the top of any group, if there is not a balance and seperation of powers.  We have seen power corrupt historically, and I like to think a cmoming together of minds is more representative of the constituents.

Do you beieve that the county chair/precinct chairs should actively participate in at least one committee?

I believe it is important to be on committees, however if the precinct chair doesn't have the time or interest necessary to fill the role, he or she should allow someone who does have these characteristics hold those positions.

Should the county GOP chair be involved with fundraising? Why or why not?

The GOP chair should limit fundraising to general monies for the party.  It should not be a position to build funds for one Republican over another.

Should party primaries be "open" or "closed" & why?

Closed.  there has been too much migration of democrat candidates who feel they are unelectable sliding into the Republican Party.  Again, I wish all voters took the time to vet all candidates before voting, but I know the reality is different.

Should the GOP County Chair be selected by the elected County Executive Committee, or in the Open primaries where Democrats can cross over for more moderate candidates?

County Executive Committee should vote to choose the chair.

There's discussion about making major revisions to the RPT Platform. Please describe the nature of any major changes you support.

I agree the flat tax is better than the progressive tax we have currently, but I wifh the platform would adopt (by name) the "fair tax" rather than just an anonymous consumption tax.  I believe we should hold firm on that method of taxation.

What's your position on Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan?

I am disappointed in many actions of the current speaker.  Attacks on indivual members should have never been considered.  Placing democrats and committee chairs is not a responsible choice.

Would you support legislative action to establish a salary framework (possibly related to the Gov. salary) for all taxpayer funded employees with a stipulation that elected officials be required to get voter approval to exceed that framework for their own salaries?

Although I would possibly support such a framework, depending on the specifics of the action, I would like to see a more merit based system in all our governmental agencies.

Do you support or oppose social programs in our schools (like C-Scope, Common Core, CRT, International Baccalaureate, SEL, etc.)? Why or why not?

I am not opposed to a social program per se, but I disagree with almost all if not all of the ones in practice.  It is the place of our public schools to educate first.  Only after they have proven thy can achieve this task, should they take on any kind of social activism; and any potential activity should be as an "opt-in" with parental notification, if not consent.

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

I was arrested for a DWI in college.  I was not convicted, nor did I lose my license.

Although this was the most embarassing thing I ever did, I have used the experience not only in my own life, but as a teaching tool to men and kids I have counseled on the dangers of alcohol.

Do you agree with precinct chairs involvement in republican primaries? Why or why not?

It is the duty of the precinct chair to "recruit precinct chairs and volunteers".  I don't believe in negative politics in the primaries.  

Should the county GOP chair be involved in any other political organizations, including PAC's, while serving a term as the chairman? Why or why not?

No.  I feel it creates an opportunity for conficts of interest.  

At what point should the "right to life" or "personhood" be granted to new human beings (e.g., at conception, sign of heartbeat, 3 months of pregnancy, birth, 5 days old, etc)? What action, if any, will you take to reflect this in law?

As an adopted infant and devout Christian, I believe in life at conception.  I will always support this position in my life and actions.

I believe there should be concessions for danger to life of the mother, but I believe that idea has been increased so that any inconvenience it now enough to terminate a human life; and I can't support that.

I believe the Supreme court made the right decision reversing Roe V Wade, as the federal government should not be involved in the decision, which is "better" left to the states.

I would encourage all women considering abortion to reconsider, and look at possible adoption or other options.

This belief has become a lightning rod, politically.  Certainly, no one should be forced to pay for an abortion who believes in the sanctity of a child's life, so tax dollars should not be used for abortions.  I would not be against funding for education and birth control, even though there are good christians out there that would honorably disagree with me.  Abortion should never be used as "birth control".  

What, if anything, should be done to protect our borders from illegal immigration?

All future considerations rely on the "shutting down" of all illegal traffic into the country.  This may be the most important actio, especially for border states like Texas, Arizona, etc.; although we are now seeing the effects of illegal immigration in all states.

Solutions:

• Build the wall.  It doesn't have to keep everyone out, but slowing people and encouraging them to official points of entry are easily completed.
• Return the "remain in Mexico" policy.  National law states you may only apply for sanctuary in the first country you enter after leaving your own.
• Stop the "release" programs that allow people into the country on a promise they will show up for a court date in the future.
• Deport anyone in the country illegally who commits any crime above a moving violation.
• Give states the power to deport.
• Use National Guard and possibly the military to provide protection at the border.
• Use force on any Cartel members smuggling people or drugs across the border.
• Use sanctions as necessary to have Mexico assist with Cartel activites. 

What does being a conservative mean to you?

All citizens should believe in personal responsibility.  It is our right to life, liberty, and property (I mean pursuit of happiness), but we have a duty to be productive members of society, our communities, and our families.

Hold government accountable for its malfeasance, and our elected leaders must be held to their campaign promises.

List 3 changes that should be made to how elections are conducted in Montgomery County.

1. Stop moving voting locations year to year.  Many voters don't know about changes until too late.
2. Consolidate elections (MUD) so that it encourages voter turnout.
3. Stop allowing democrats to apply "Republican-face" for elections and then govern as progressives.

Do you support current RPT chair Matt Rinaldi in full and if not, what do you disagree with?

I support Matt Rinaldi, even though the question says James Dickey.