Name 3 reasons why are you running for SREC. (i.e. including what changes, if any, are needed).
I am running for SREC because all of Senate District 4 needs to be impartially represented. When governance and represenation is concentrated in 1 or 2 to parts of the district, the voices of the consituents become lost. Senate District 4 has a multitude of groups and people that all want to bring about limited government, protection of all life from the time of conception forward and that believe the Founding Documents of both our nation and State should be followed as the authors intended. These voices and beliefs should be represented on our State Party Executive Committee and I intend to do so.
Communication from our current Committee members have been virtually non-existant to those outside of their circle. This is old-school, backroom politics and should no longer be tolerated. I promise to open lines of communication not just with my county party, but the parties of all counties encompassed within SD 4.
If elected, I intend on adhering to the core principals of the Republican Platform that are established by the delegates at the Convention. The principals and the planks are the foundation upon which our Party succeeds. The Party must hold our Republican elected officials to those values. If we fail to do so, then we as a party, fail you the delegates and the consituents that we represent. The first level of accountabilty is at the county party level. If 2/3's of the precinct chairs in that county determine that an elected official is not upholding the Party platform and vote to censure. It is up to the SREC to vote whether the party, as a body, concurs with the county censure.
Define what the word "Conservative" means to you.
The word "Conservative" is a system of values and beliefs that includes but is not limited to:
- Fiscal responsibility, spending less than what you bring in.
- Reduced local, state and federal tax burdens and regulation.
- Believes that life begins at conception and the innocent should be protected until a natural death.
- It is up to the justice system to dispense punishment to those that have been found guily of a crime.
- The founding documents are to be adhered to as the authors intended.
- Marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman as God ordained.
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 would select Foreign bases. The founding fathers never meant for us to the be the peacekeeping force for the world.
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?
This question is a bit ambiguious. Is it referencing SREC, Party Chair, County Chair and Precinct Chairs or is referencing any Republican that is elected to office. My answer woud be no, however, my reasonings differ depending on what the meaning of the question is.
- SREC - SREC members already have term limits.
- State Party Chair - If the party is growing and succeeding, then the term limits could inhibit the progress being made. If the party is not growing and succeeding then it is up to the convention delegation to make the change.
- County Chair - The county chair is again subject to election by the voting member of the public.
- Precinct Chairs - There is enough difficulty in obtaining interested parties in being elected and/or appointed for the position. Why would we want to remove those that are fulfilling the duties?
- Elected Republican Official - The official serves at the will of his constituents. If the elected official is not performing his duties in a manner that represents the platform and planks, we have the ability to pull funding and backing through Rule 44.
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?
I do not support a move to reduce the size of the RPT platform. The platform is long, however, those planks are in it as they are important to a percentage of the body and they are voted on by the body. This could be accomplished by self regulation. If people want to reduce the size of the platform, it should not be done arbitrarily. They need to become involved in the platform committee and reduce it from there.
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.
It is not our job as the SREC to determine who can file and run for office. That is a matter of state election law. If a candidate has paid a fee and or gathered the required signatures in the timeframe required by the Secretary of State, we are required to abide by the law. On another note regarding this matter, SREC Bylaws state in Article IX, Section 3 that, "No Party funds or resources shall be used, either directly or indirectly, to influence intraparty contests." Resources of the party would be expended in reviewing and denying the application.
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?
I woud choose to Reduce state spending by 5% and to require abortion clinics to follow standard hospital laws. I will address my reasons for each below.
Reducing state spending by 5% brings immediate relief to the taxpayers of Texas. Texas operates on a zero basis budget in that they can only spend funds that they have. Reducing state spending by 5% would lessen the taxes paid by us yet still requires the state to maintain the zero basis budget. It is not asked but I will respond as to why I did not choose the resolution. This was essentially already challenged and the Supreme Court (wrongly in my opinion) determined that it was not a states rights issue, but regulated by the Commerce Clause. Issuing the resolution might make us feel good, but it actually provides no benefit to the residents of Texas.
While I would prefer that there be no abortions, that is not currently the law of the land. Therefore, in the interest of protecting life as much as we can, I would require abortion clinics to follow standard hospital laws. Abortion is a medical procedure where things can and do go wrong. Abortion providers need to be held accountable and should be required to provide the same type of care as a hospital where other medical procedures and surgeries take place. Again, I will state my reasoning behind not choosing to limit gerrymandering. Both parties are guilty of this manipulation of the voting districts. The group not in power willl always disagree with how the boundaries are drawn and a court challenge will be filed regardless of state legislation to limit it. Legistlators have more pressing and beneficial to the public matters to consider.
Should barbers and lawyers be licensed? Explain why or why not?
The SREC has no control over the licensing and regulating of industry. That is ultimately up to our legislators and state.
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?
The United States was founded on the premises of freedom and fighting tyranny. Tyranny is tyranny regardless of whether or not that they support their view. If those are the only 2 distinctions between the candidates, I would vote for the moderate candidate as they would promote a more open dialog and act in accordance with the rules of the platform.
What are your thoughts regarding term limits in every elected/appointed position?
I am unable to determine if this question is addressing state officials or federal term limits as it states, "in every elected/appointed position". Federal term limits would require a consititutional amendment to be ratified or the convention of states to be called, both of which requires 2/3's of the states to vote for it. If this is in regards to state official term limits, a discussion regarding how many terms and or years of service would be appropriate. Several elected positions already have term limits. If Texas were to establish term limits regarding both Federal and State elected positions, this would greatly harm the residents of Texas. As much as we all don't like it, there is a system of seniority at the Federal level. You must have some level of seniority in order to obtain effective positions in the decision making committees. If Texas establishes term limits without the protection of the consititional amendment, you have effectively removed Texas from relevancy.
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 would support the request if there was documented proof of misconduct by the chair, just as I would if the situation were reversed. Just because someone holds an opposite viewpoint or stance, does not mean that they do not deserve equal and impartial treatment.
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?
I would support the removal of the chair for the same reasons as above. In order to the Party to grow and elect good candidates, we must show equal treatment among differing viewpoints.
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 vote against the motion. This may relieve the Party from the state specific regulations, however, we would still be subject to the Federal regulations. Party members express the opinion that fundraising is difficult and we are not raising enough money to be competitive in elections. Why would we want to assume the financial responsibility for running running any election in which there is a Republican running? Our monies can be put to better use by helping Republican Candidates become elected. We would essentially be paying for exercising our legal right to vote. The website, http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/election-costs.aspx, was used to obtain facts for this question.
Who were your 1st, 2nd and then 3rd choices, in order, for POTUS as of Jan 1st, 2016?
Ted Cruz
Ben Carson
Donald Trump
Over the five years, what SCOTUS most represented your views? Why?
Prior to his death, Justice Scalia most represented my views and Justice Thomas most represents my views on the current Supreme Court. Both men were/are strong Constitutionalists in their rulings. They do not promote activism from the bench but adhere to the "Rule of Law" mindset. Scalia did not believe in the practice of passing "moral legislation"(1). Justice Thomas and Justice Scalia joined dissents multiple times through their time on the bench. Both men are and were fully committed to constitutional interpretation known as originalism(2).
(1) https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/02/13/466696382/5-opinions-from-justice-antonin-scalia-that-are-worth-a-read (2) https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/01/us/politics/supreme-court-clarence-thomas.html
To what degree is the SCOTUS the final authority of justice?
Article Three of the Consitition created the judical branch of the government and sets forth the establishment of the Supreme Court. If we are to hold that the Founding documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Consititution, are the documents by which we should be governed, then there is no question that the Supreme Court is the final authority of Justice. We cannot base our opinion as to SCOTUS being the final authority of justice based on their decisions that we do not agree on, re: Roe v Wade, Lawrence v. Texas, Obergerfell v Hodges but agree with others, such as, Reynold v. Sims (one vote, one person), Burwell v. Hobby Lobby,
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?
I was a member of Kingwood Area Republican Women in 2017. I am currently a member of Lake Houston Pachyderm Club and Texas Tea Party Republican Women. I have not held positions in any organization.
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?
The current SD4 representatives did not do represent the views of what I believe to be the majority of SD4. The continually sided with the establishment. We need grass root, conservative representatives on the SREC in order to assist Chairman Dickey in his vision for the party.
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?
I was 8 years old in 1980, but remember hearing Ronald Reagan. I registered as Republican when I turned 18 and have consistently voted for the Republican candidates. Since moving to Texas and becoming involved politically, I have supported Judicial, school board and legislative candidates. I have supported Brandon Creighton, Laryssa Korduba, Lincoln Goodwin, Mark Herman and Dan Crenshaw to name a few.
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?
This body will responsible for building coalitions and increasing engagement of both Republican and Independent voters in the run-up to the next Presidential election. We cannot accept another loss of good conservative candidates in our major metropolitan areas as we did last time. We must unify and find common ground on which we can work with all groups that support conservative values. SREC and the RPT must provide funding, training and personell (volunteers or paid) to elect good, conservative candidates to office. The in-fighting that has been rampant in the race for Chairman must not be permitted to continue. Just as we expected Republicans to coalesce behind our nominee for President, we must do the same regarding the Chairman that is elected. I am willing to listen to all opinions from the consitutents of SD4 and will travel to bring the decisions of the SREC to all of the county parties.
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?
I worked on a campaign in which the candidate, the county party and the state party were sued by his oppenent stating that he was ineligible to be on the ballot. The candidate, county and state party received a favorable ruling from the court in Austin advising that due diligence was taken and the candidate was eligible to be on the ballot. The opponent then filed a second suit in Harris County with the same objection. The court ruled that the candidate was in fact not eligible. The candidate then filed an appeal and his name appeared on the ballot as a final ruling had not been entered into the records.
Special Purpose districts are said to promote community development. What's your opinion of this?
I believe Special Purpose districts are way for a municpality or county to get around revenue caps in relation to taxation. The cost, in general, outweighs the benefit provided.
What best describes your political ideology most(circle only one).
1. Republican
2. Grassroots
3. Conservative
4. Tea Party
We are the Republican Party. The grassroots, conservative and tea party all bring different strengths and weaknesses to the table. However, we must all work together for the good of the Party and the state.
Who's your choice for the Chair of the RPT? Why and why not for the one you didn't choose?
I support James Dickey for Chair. Chairman Dickey has re-energized the grassroots of the party. For so long, the opinons and work of those groups were marginalized and not recognized for the work that they have done in federal, state and local elections. Chairman Dickey has empowered them to make a difference. He allows the volunteers to work to their strengths. A paid staffer has assigned responsibilities, those may or may not fall within their strongest areas and if they do not, they are just doing the job. Volunteers log countless hours block walking, phone banking, organizing according to their strength. Chairman Dickey gives the power to the people and the delegates. He does not hand down edicts.
Cindy Asche wants a return to the old ways of doing things. Edicts are passed down and expected to be obeyed or there will be consequences. She wants to bring back the business as usual way of doing things. Negative campaigning and mud-slinging are not what the voting popluation wants.as evidenced by the election of President Trump and the primary victory of Dan Crenshaw over establishment candidate Kevin Roberts.
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?
This is a duplicate of a prior question.
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 worked for Kathaleen Wall, Brandon Creighton, Laryssa Korduba, Dan Crenshaw, Robert Sitton, Charles Cunningham and Angela Conrad. I have contributed financially to multiple candiates listed above and to other judicial candidates. I have worked outside polling places, written posts refuting accusations leveled at candidates and speaking one on one with member of the voting public.
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?
I agree with the RPT's policy of openly filming and live streaming the SREC and committee meetings. The SREC is no different than any other legislative body and the member should be held accountable by their constituents on their voting record. Secret ballots allow the backroom deals and tit for tat that so many of us are tired of. All matters should be of public record.
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?
This body will responsible for building coalitions and increasing engagement of both Republican and Independent voters in the run-up to the next Presidential election. We cannot accept another loss of good conservative candidates in our major metropolitan areas as we did last time. We must unify and find common ground on which we can work with all groups that support conservative values. SREC and the RPT must provide funding, training and personell (volunteers or paid) to elect good, conservative candidates to office. The in-fighting that has been rampant in the race for Chairman must not be permitted to continue. Just as we expected Republicans to coalesce behind our nominee for President, we must do the same regarding the Chairman that is elected. I am willing to listen to all opinions from the consitutents of SD4 and will travel to bring the decisions of the SREC to all of the county parties.
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?
I would establish a newletter to be sent to delegates and precinct chairs advising them of issues coming up for consideration by the SREC along with requesting their input regarding those issues. A public Facebook page would be available for those who did not provide contact information. I would provide reports at the executive meetings of the county parties and communicate with leader and members of grassroots, conservative, tea party and Republican organizations.
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.
I would establish a newletter to be sent to delegates and precinct chairs advising them of issues coming up for consideration by the SREC along with requesting their input regarding those issues. A public Facebook page would be available for those who did not provide contact information. I would provide reports at the executive meetings of the county parties and communicate with leader and members of grassroots, conservative, tea party and Republican organizations.
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?
It is up to each SREC member to work on their district with the county chairs and other organizations to recruit quality conservative candidates. Information is key and making sure that all potential candidates are aware of the resources available to them both at county and state level. Texas is a large area to cover and it it best attacked one bite at a time. Each county and SD district has it own challenges, what works in one might not work in others but by working together, we can bring about conservative change.
