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.  I've promoted the RPT Platform on an official basis for years. 

What was your position on the prospects of removing the Alamo cenotaph and your involvment?

The Alamo cenotaph should not be moved.  It's history that must be protected!  I have fought on the frontlines for years to protect the Cenotaph, including testifying before San Antonio officials, headlining rallies at the Cenotaph, and traveling the state as the Republican Party of Texas Historian to explain the importance of protecting this, and other monuments. 

As a new TGLO commissioner, what did/are the first two changes you made/envision making?

1)  Increase access to the 13 million acres of public land to ensure more oil and gas exploration.  Thus leading to more Energy Independence.

2). Ensure we have better procedures and plans in place to help Texas recover quickly from Natural Disasters such as Hurricane Harvey. 

 

What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?

1)  As a nation, we should be Energy Independent and Texas can lead the way.  The Land Commissioners' office will be vital to these efforts. 

2) We have 1.4 million veterans in Texas, yet the culture from the GLO appears to lack appreciation and excellence in service.  As a veteran of the U.S. Army, I want to ensure we have sufficient Veteran Homes, Cemeteries, Home Loan Options, etc.  The Commissioner can impact this greatly. 

3)  I want to ensure places like the Alamo and other monuments throughout Texas are protected.  I want to ensure future generations have a Texas they can love and appreciate as I have for decades!

I do not see any potential conflicts of interest. 

Why have you chosen to run for Texas Land Commissioner rather than Texas Agriculture Commissioner or Texas Comptroller?

I am perfectly aligned to and well suited to oversee the major responsibilities of the GLO.  As a Veteran, Ph.D. Educator, Historian, etc., my skill sets will not only enhance this job but take it to excellence for the people of Texas. 

What differentiates you from your opponents?

I have already been in the trenches with Grassroots Texans fighting to advance and protect the Alamo Cenotaph, our Border, our Veterans, our children's education, etc.  In essence, I have already been doing many aspects of the job from the platforms available to me, therefore, working from within and from the platform of the GLO, Texans will receive experience and excellence.  Also, as the Historian for the Republican Party of Texas, I've had the pleasure to travel our great state and engage patriots throughout, hearing and addressing many concerns.  This too will serve this office and Texans greatly. 

Please describe your experience in land management.

I don't have direct experience with Land Management, but I have personnel management experience. As such, my goal would be to ensure I have the best experts in the needed fields, provide the big picture for end goals, and manage personnel who will manage the land. 

Please discuss the challenges the TGLO faces in dealing with the federal Bureau of Land Management and how you propose to meet those challenges.

There are continued concerns that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will continue attempts at unconstitutional seizures of land, belonging to private citizens in Texas.  We must make sure expert surveyors are present to help protect Texas lands managed by the GLO and assist Texans when needed to protect their properties. We must make sure records are accurate and the GLO is prepared to take a stand against the BLM for any attempted land grabs in Texas. Further, any holds or hindrances Texans have with oil and gas exploration on federal lands in Texas must be intentionally offset by the public lands in Texas.  As commissioner, I will work to ensure such options are available. 

Please list any federal grant monies you would refuse because of federal "strings."

Any grant Federal Grant money that will compromise the authority and ability for the GLO to serve the people of Texas properly will be refused.

What new initiatives should the TGLO undertake to ensure the preservation of Texas' family farms and ranches?

I will continue to support and be an advocate for legislation such as the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program.  I will also fight to protect water rights of farmers and ranchers while helping to lead in the development of better water options for all Texans. 

Describe the proper role of TGLO in dealing with Texas water issues and list at least two specific initiatives you recommend.

Many of the water issues the TGLO deals with pertains to the Coast and ensuring the cleanliness and protection thereof. I will, nevertheless, continue to foster cooperative agreements between the Texas General Land Office, the Texas Water Development Board, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assist with inland water issues. 

In the future, I would like to see: 

1. Transmission pipelines. Through the use of integrated long-distance transmission pipelines, you can convey and reallocate water by moving it from one part of the state to another.
2. Upgrades to existing water treatment plants. Building new water infrastructure to support our growing communities’ water needs is the ideal solution, and I would like to see the GLO involved in securing funding to support such a project. 

Please comment on the TGLO's disaster relief response to the wildfires of 2011 & 2012, and hurricanes Ike(2008) and Harvey (2017)?

In 2011, Texas experienced some of the largest, most destructive fires in its history.  Also, hurricanes Ike and Harvey were unprecedented. The responses to these disasters were slow and Texans are still suffering from the effects of some.  We must continue to ensure the TGLO is prepared to act, not just react in times of disaster. I will make the latter a priority as the next Commissioner of the GLO. 

Please discuss the proper working relationship between the TGLO and FEMA and what changes can be made to improve relief efforts

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) negotiates agreements with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) outlining the programs and funding mechanisms needed to provide disaster relief to Texans.  Everything the GLO does with FEMA will be reviewed and streamlined wherever possible to ensure quick efficient relief for Texans. 

Please give your view of the relationship between the TGLO and the Texas Department of Agriculture and what improvements can be made in the working relationship between the two.

Both agencies work to ensure Texas and Texans prosper with the use of the lands. I would like to see more cooperatives such as infrastructure grants to rural communities and farm and ranch initiatives to help sustain and advance this community.

What should TGLO do to better protect or prepare Texas coastal regions against natural disasters?

We have lots of students by experts to protect our coastal regions.  We must now move diligently to implement the findings. There are no shortages of plans, but implementation is lacking. 

What more can the Texas General Land Office (TGLO) do in support of Texas veterans?

1. Increase the number of Veteran Long-Term Care Homes to meet the future needs of the 1.4 million veterans in Texas.
   • Ensure the best service is provided in the homes (Example: the death rate from Covid-19 highest in Texas Veteran LTC Homes).
   • Ensure the culture of the GLO towards veterans is complimentary not one of complaints. 
2. Likewise, increase the number of Texas State Veteran Cemeteries. 
3. Provide better rates home and home improvement loans to ensure the Veterans Land Board is the preferred choice for veterans. 

Please describe your views on gambling as a funding source for education and other budget items, and whether gambling should be expanded or reduced. Why?

I don't believe in gambling, therefore I cannot expand on my answer beyond this point in reference to resources from gambling. We currently have over $45 billion dollars in our Permanent School Fund (and growing).  If we manage that properly, Texas education will be fine. 

Please describe your philosophy of public land management.

We must treat the management of public land as though it were our own.  It must be cared for and preserved as though being left for future generations to come (which is our reality). 

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

The Word of God lets us know " “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:10.  It is not the responsibility of the government to fund anyone capable of working to provide for themselves, especially someone who may be here illegally.  

What are the key impacts to the TGLO budget were property taxes eliminated and replaced by increased sales and use taxes? Do you favor or oppose such a move?

There will be no immediate key impacts to the TGLO budget if property taxes are eliminated and replaced by increased sales and use taxes as the GLO generates funding from a different source and will be continually sustained. I favor such a move as a consumption tax may free people of the property taxes and allow them to finally own homes of which they have the deeds. 

Please list the top issues where you oppose federal government intrusion into Texans' lives and how you intend to oppose such intrusion.

1. Land Grabs - I will help ensure Texans are educated and equipped to protect their private properties. This is one of my greatest concerns and resolution will take time to obtain. 
2. Limits on Energy Independence - I would like to see increased exploration for oil, gas, and minerals on public lands to offset and exceed limitations the federal government can implement. 

What initiatives should the TGLO undertake to better protect the assets in the PSF from economic downturns?

Both the School Land Board (SLB) and the State Board of Education (SBOE) make investments that benefit the PSF.  However, revenue is also generated through reinvesting in the land.  We must continue to look for ways to reinvest in the land as a more secure and stable way to generate revenue. 

What opportunities can you suggest for improved revenue generation for the Permanent School Fund (PSF)?

We have over 13 million acres of public land.  We must move towards increased land sales and leases for exploration.  Such things can lead to greater funding growth for the PSF. 

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

I have nothing embarrassing about my background. 

List all clients you have represented or lobbied for on behalf of any governmental entity during the past five years.

None.  I've only lobbied our D.C. Legislature and Austin Legislature on behalf of a Gold Star mom, but never for a governmental entity. 

What measures will you strongly promote to the legislature to improve protection of private land owners in border regions from illegal immigration and drug traffic?

I will push for legislation to make it a felony for any illegal immigrant to be found on public land period.  I want to ensure that such measures can lead to a permanent bar from obtaining U.S. citizenship. 

What should be the key factors in a Guest Worker program and what criteria would you require for each factor?

I have stated for years, all employers should be required to use eVerify to help eliminate the use of illegal workers.  Key factors should be as follow:

• Specific time limits for presence of Guest Workers should be clear and consistent.
• All money made should be taxed and any employer paying cash penalized.  
• Any guest workers not returning leaving U.S. timely should be penalized and possibly banned from participation in the future.