Feb. 05--The Star-Telegram sent a Voters Guide questionnaire to all the candidates appearing on the
Tarrant County
ballot in contested primary races this year. Here's a look at what the congressional candidates who responded had to say.
U.S. House
District 6
Republicans
Joe Barton (incumbent)
Age: 66
Occupation and/or main source of income: US Representative
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Ennis, TX.
I have lived in the 6th District for most of my adult life.
Campaign (public) phone number: 972-875-8688
Your campaign (public) email address: bartonforcongress@gmail.com
Web site: Joebarton.com
Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Science (Engineering) -- Texas A&M University 1972; Master of Science (Industrial Administration) -- Purdue University 1973
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I currently serve as the Chairman Emeritus on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. I continue to lead the fight against ObamaCare, work toward a balanced budget, advance a rational energy policy that lowers costs for consumers and promote legislation that will protect the private information of online consumers. In the last month, I led the fight to end the ban on crude oil exports. This was signed into law in December and American crude already set sail from
Texas
!
Offices you have sought and/or held before: No answer
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I'm a strong conservative voice for
Texas
in
Congress. I have a proven record of achievement and responsible representation for the district. I've been a leader on free market based health care reform and energy policy. As Chairman and now senior member of the
Energy and Commerce Committee, I turned my conservative ideals into legislation. This past year, I worked on numerous pieces of legislation including reauthorization of our national defense. I was the lead Member on repealing the ban on crude oil exports, which was signed into law. My commitment to hands-on, face to face constituent service is unquestioned.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. We have to deal with the growing threat from extreme terrorist groups like ISIS and destroy them. The recent barbaric acts by these radicals stand as stark reminders the fight against terrorism continues. We also must repeal Obamacare, I am a leader in the fight at the Energy and Commerce committee to end this disastrous law and piece by piece we are getting that done. Our current rate of spending is simply unsustainable and leaving this growing burden for our children and grandchildren is irresponsible. Balancing the budget is an attainable goal and I will work to get it done.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. My work is not done. The decisions made in Congress over the next few years will have a profound effect on the future of the country. I think I have the conservative credentials and the leadership ability to make sure the views of the people in the 6th District are properly represented in
Washington
.
Washington
ebbs and flows with trendy political gimmicks and fixes, I am a constant defender of conservative ideals and values, and if reelected will continue this fight.
Collin Baker
Age: 33
Occupation and/or main source of income: Service Director
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Arlington, TX
3 years
Campaign (public) phone number: (214) 677-6036
Your campaign (public) email address: collinbaker2016@gmail.com
Web site: www.collinbaker2016.com
Offices you have sought and/or held before: I have not held our sought any other office
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. My career has been built upon the fact that, utilizing the current team a service department has, the leadership I offer takes these businesses from under-performing to out performing what was thought to be possible. My job is to fix these businesses and I do it well. With your help, I can do the same in
Washington
.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. 1. Congresspeople are in office for too long. Congressional term limits must be put in place immediately. 2. The VA hospital is terrible. I propose a restructure based on current private models in order to offer a higher level of service. 3. The Second Amendment is under attack. I will fight to expand gun rights and turn the tide of
Washington's
actions against them
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am not a politician, nor do I intend on becoming one. We need private citizens to serve in legislative capacities for a short time in order to combat the career politicians that only seem to be out to line their own pockets. If we continue to elect these career politicians, we will continue to see the same thing out of
Washington
. Please help me break the cycle.
Steven Fowler
Occupation and/or main source of income: Military Officer (Major), Air National Guard
City of residence and how long you've lived there: For the past 12 years, I have served as an officer in the military. My family and I moved where the Air Force sent us. We have never been able to decide where we wanted to live, until now. After recently leaving active-duty, we decided to make Arlington our home. We are excited about settling down and establishing roots here.
Campaign (public) phone number: 682-207-8399
Your campaign (public) email address: info@stevenfowler.org
Web site: www.stevenfowler.org
Education background, including all degrees: Texas A&M University, B.S., Economics (2002); University of Texas-Austin, MBA, General Management (2014); Harvard University, Masters in Public Administration (2016).
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: NRA Instructor, Texas Concealed Handgun Instructor, taught/certified over 1000 students; Vice-President, Company Grade Officer's Council (US Air Force); Led a team of 30 people in the Combined Federal Campaign encompassing over 5,000 people. Raised over $176,000 for charity. Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Offices you have sought and/or held before: None
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. To fix our problems, we need to elect bold, no nonsense leaders that are willing to fight. For 12 years, I served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. I flew the most lethal bomber aircraft in the world, the B-1B. I flew 73 combat missions and 891 hours over
Afghanistan
, trusted to make life and death decisions on behalf of
the United States
. I have a history of proven leadership and service to our nation. The skills I've learned by leading combat missions, combined with my education, give me a unique ability to get things done in
Congress.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. 1) Reduce the debt, grow the economy: Joe Barton is ineffective. He voted for the $1T Omnibus, the $15B auto bailout, and for Obama's Cash for Clunkers program. I am 100% conservative, and will vote that way. 2) Illegal immigration: In 2014, Rep. Barton proposed a bill that would grant amnesty to illegal immigrants. I will close the border, stop sanctuary cities, and never reward people that broke the law coming here. 3) Term Limits: Career politicians are destroying our country. I will fight to bring term limits to Congress and I vow to only stay 8 years in office.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I was a senior at Texas A&M when the attacks of 9/11 happened. I never intended on joining the military after college, I wanted to go into business. But our nation needed people to step up and fight, so I did. Once again, our nation is in serious trouble and needs people to step up and fight. I never intended on running for Congress, but our nation is headed down the wrong path, so I will step up and lead. I have fought for our freedom overseas, now please send me to fight for our eroding freedoms in
Washington
.
For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act to get the state involved in the push for a constitutional convention as Gov. Greg Abbott is urging? Absolutely. For far too long, the federal government has trampled on state rights and the rule of law. The U.S. Congress has shown its inability to tackle the large problems our nation faces and they are unlikely to enact more restrictions on themselves. A constitutional convention would put states back in the driver's seat and stop the massive federal government overreach. I agree with his amendments but would add one more to his list, and that is term limits for Congress. The American people have overwhelmingly shown support for term limits and it's time to let our voices be heard.
Democrats
Don Jaquess
Age: 69
Occupation and/or main source of income: Retired
City of residence and how long you've lived there: Arlington
Campaign (public) phone number: 817-578-9292
Your campaign (public) email address: dbjaquess@sbcglobal.net
Web site: donjaquess.com
Education background, including all degrees: No degrees, but I got 138 hours of college after
Vietnam
. I went to five major universities -- all at night.
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I was a
Vietnam
vet. I am now a lifetime member of the DAV and a member of the
American Legion. I was a member of the Lions club from '70 to '74. I was on the Democratic Cause committee for the South Fillmore District in IL in 1971. I coached bowling for King
Louis West from '78 to '82 and worked for the
Special Olympics from '79 to '81. I was on the board of director for the
American Bowling Congress from '78 to '82. I was one of six to represent them in the National Conference in '82. I have been a delegate to the
Texas Democratic Party convention since 2008.
Offices you have sought and/or held before: Ran for the 6th Congressional District in 2012
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I know what's wrong with the infrastructure of this country because I worked all over it. I saw them go from good structure buildings to trash. ... Our roads are crumbling. ... We have to figure out how to work with veterans. ... I've already been through all this. I know what the government does. I know how to help the veterans and how to rebuild crumbling infrastructure. It's all about teamwork. I'll bring a team of people who can help with me.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. We have 42 percent of the people who are underemployed or unemployed. We've got to help them. We need to convert our coal burners that are killing all our air ... and convert them over to gas. It's about rebuilding our infrastructure. We've got to do that.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I was born and raised in
Texas
, raised in
West Texas on a cotton farm for the first 13 years. I moved here and went to school. ... I get along with people of all faiths, colors and religions. everyone should be treated equal. We are all equal.
Jeffrey Lee Roseman
Age: 60
Occupation and/or main source of income: Limo Driver
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Fort Worth
, have just moved here. Lived in
Arlington
for three(3) months during 2015.
Campaign (public) phone number: 804.334.9594
Your campaign (public) email address: Pending, Facebook also.
Web site: Pending
Education background, including all degrees: B S Civil Engineering, UNC-Charlotte, Spring 1978
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I have volunteered in a number of areas: 1) Master Gardener Certification, 1994 -- volunteered at Botanical Gardens, parks, churches and on Habitat Homes, 2) worked on Habitat Homes, unskilled carpentry, 3) worked at Children's Farm at Maymont Park in
Richmond
, and 4) worked on Highway and river cleanup projects. There have been others but those are the primary ones. I began studies to certify as
Guardian Ad Litem (sp.?) but was transferred from that area.
Offices you have sought and/or held before: None.
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I would bring a different perspective -- limited to three(3) terms, little if any reliance on large or corporate donors, and new ideas. Having contacted both state and local chapters of the Libertarian Party, I am interested in bringing those who do not believe the "free" market to be infallible into more cooperation with Democrats. Goldwater Republicans, even
Reagan
Republicans(based on his actions, not words) hardly exist. The
Republicans are moving, as always, steadily toward Fascism. The Southern Democrats were the Fascists in the 1850's.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. 1) Backlash from an angry and disillusioned, largely white male constituency, most notably seen during healthcare debate, and reaching an earlier crescendo in Timothy McVeigh, 2) Immigration -- I would propose we have a window in which all immigrants register themselves and their locations; to be followed by pathway to citizenship, and 3) Decriminalization of drug possession, along with down scaling the prison system and militarization of police.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. While I have read, blogged and written editorials over a number of years, running for office will be a new challenge for me. I will do my best for those who support me, but I have suffered losses in my life -- even recently -- which would far exceed losing this. It is my desire to serve the people of
Texas
in an honest, ethical and forthright manner, to concentrate most of staff on working here with constituents rather than raising funds for re-election. For Arlington, in particular, I have some proposals regarding transportation alternatives, adapting parking lots for solar power and/or trees, linking neighborhoods, new parks and making it possible for children and adults to go across the city by foot or bicycle without sharing space with autos.
Ruby Faye Woolridge
Occupation and or main source of income: Retired Educator/part time field organizer
City of residence and how long you've lived there: I have lived in
Arlington, TX
for 32 years.
Campaign (public) phone number: (817) 779-2107
Your campaign (public) email address: rubywoolridgeforcongress@gmail.com
Website: rubywoolridgeforcongress on Facebook
Education background, including all degrees: B.A. Education-Northeastern State College; M.Ed. Guidance Counseling/Admin. Northeastern University, Master's in Diaconal Ministry- Perkins School of Theology SMU-Dallas, TX
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: President Norwood Neighborhood Association, Board of Directors Arlington Parks and Recreation, Outreach Coordinator Tarrant County Democratic Party, Tarrant County Election Judge, 2181 Precinct Chairwoman Tarrant County, The Potter's House Hospital & Bereavement Ministry, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Arlington Chapter NAACP, Member of Retired Texas Teachers Association and Arlington Retired Teachers Association. 2008, 2014 Delegate to District and State Democratic Conventions, State VIP Guest to 2008 Democratic Convention in
Denver, Colorado
. Member of Arlington Independent Schools Partner and Insider Committees. I was elected Secretary/Treasurer 2006-2014 of North Texas Higher Education Authority Board of Directors, Arlington Human Service Planners Board of Directors, Ft. Worth Star Trailblazer,
Arlington Chamber of Commerce,
Women's Policy Forum, Leadership Arlington, UTA Women Oral History Program Honoree,
Co-founder of the ACE Foundation, District 10 State Democratic Executive Committee member and former President of
Arlington Area Democratic Club.
Offices you have sought and or/held before: Arlington School Board,
Tarrant County
District Clerk, State Representative District 94, State Democratic Executive Committee and Precinct Chair 2181.
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I am the most credible and qualified candidate in this congressional race. My leadership and commitment to service has been demonstrated in many areas of the district for many years. I have started a non-profit education foundation, founded a neighborhood organization and been appointed to school and city boards /committees. In a district as diverse as Congressional District 6, residents need a representative who will serve ALL of them-rural and urban: rich and poor; all races and ethnic groups; and those who care about healthcare, the environment, education and transportation.
In 100 words or less, please explain the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them: We must bring back good paying jobs to District 6. Our communities are stronger when incomes are higher. My solution is to collaborate with the chamber of commerce, mayors, UTA Urban Affairs and Business Schools and economic development departments to devise a strategy that will bring businesses to district 6. Our second critical need is to develop a comprehensive immigration plan. I will work to enforce laws or replace them with a plan than is beneficial to our district. I will work to improve the Affordable Care Act and reduce cost of insurance.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you.
I believe that my experience and background qualifies me to deliver the Democratic message in the fall general election. I am running for this office because it is time for those people who have given up on politics and gone silent to have their voices heard. It is time to provide quality education for all children regardless of where they live. It is time for us to close the economic gap between hard working families and the wealthiest Americans. It is time for us to show we value our military veterans, senior citizens and immigrants. Let's stand up for our belief in the greatness that is America.
District 12
Republican
Kay Granger (incumbent) No response
Democrat
Bill Bradshaw
Age: 31
Occupation and/or main source of income: Machinist
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Fort Worth
. About 22 years, family moved here when I was 7.
Campaign (public) phone number: None
Your campaign (public) email address: BradshawForCongress@gmail.com
Web site: www.billbradshaw.org (will be up by Jan 31)
Education background, including all degrees: 2 years of college, dropped out to help family business.
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: None
Offices you have sought and/or held before: None
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I know what it's like to make a starvation wage, to lose your job to
China
, to not be able to attend college without going into massive debt, to work hard and be rewarded with an economic recession and layoffs, and to watch friends and coworkers struggle to raise families in a rigged economy. I haven't been corrupted by our political system and I refuse to be bought, refuse corporate donations, billionaires, and super PACs. I'm following in the footsteps of
Elizabeth Warren and
Bernie Sanders, fighting for a government that works for all Americans, not just a few at the top.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Wealth inequality: make corporations and the top 1% pay their fair share of taxes, end tax havens and tax loopholes, and end corporate welfare. End the "free trade" export of millions of good paying American jobs to
China
and
Mexico
.
$15/hour minimum "living" wage by 2020. Universal, tuition-free, pre-K and public college education. Universal, single-payer, healthcare. End the failed war on drugs and legalize/tax/regulate instead. Break up the "too big to fail banks" and reinstate Glass-Steagall... These aren't new or radical ideas. Many other countries are doing this and America is falling behind because our politicians are bought.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am a working class man who is sick and tired of the problems in our country going unaddressed. A vast majority of Americans agree on progressive solutions to the problems we face: they support increasing the minimum wage to a living wage, a single-payer healthcare system, ending free trade deals that export jobs to
Mexico
and
China
, investing in our future by providing tuition free public college... the list goes on. And yet, where is the change we keep asking for?
Congress has sold our democracy to corporations and billionaires and it's time we voted out the corruption and reclaim our democracy.
For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act to get the state involved in the push for a constitutional convention as Gov. Greg Abbott is urging? Governor Abbott proposes 9 constitutional amendments... but we only need one: an amendment that says, "Money is not free speech and Corporations are not people." 71% of Americans agree with a medicare-for-all healthcare system, and yet we've been talking about it for almost 40 years. As long as hundreds of millions of dollars pour into our political system from the healthcare industry we'll never see any real change. The same is true for every single issue Americans face today. At the root of our problems is political corruption.
District 24
Republican
Kenny E. Marchant (incumbent)
Age: 64
Occupation and/or main source of income: Member of Congress
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Coppell, TX
, 50+ years in district
Campaign (public) phone number: (972) 242-7211
Your campaign (public) email address: marchantcampaign@gmail.com
Web site: www.kennymarchant.com
Education background, including all degrees: BA and Honorary Doctorate from Southern Nazarene University
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: --Received "Champion of Healthcare Innovation" Award from the Healthcare Leadership Council --Accepted the American Conservative Union's "ACU Conservative" award in recognition of his work to promote limited government and preserve conservative value --Recognized for "commitment to America's core principles" by the American Conservative Union (ACU) --Recognized for earning the "Guardian of Seniors' Rights Award" for his strong commitment to seniors by The 60 Plus Association- Received the American Conservative Union's ACU Conservative Award --Recognized with the Guardian of Small Business Award by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) --Received the Thomas Jefferson Award by the International Foodservice Distributors Association-No date --Received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the
U.S.
Chamber of Commerce-No date --Awarded today with a perfect score (A+) by
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) Named to NumbersUSA's "Top Ten Members of
Congress" for his record in fighting illegal immigration --Ranked as the third most conservative member of the
House of Representatives by the
National Journal in 2014 --
Paul Harris Fellow by
Rotary International --Offices you have sought and/or held before: Texas State Representative,
Texas Legislature, 1987-2004, Mayor of
Carrollton
, 1984-1987, City Councilmember,
City of Carrollton
, 1980 -- 1984
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As a resident of the 24th Congressional District for more than 50 years, I understand the concerns of the residents in the district. I work hard each day to make sure that all people who live in the 24th District are represented and have an effective voice in Congress. I have a strong record of fighting for my constituents -- from helping veterans obtain medals they never received for their service to our country, to fighting against excessive federal regulations that harm our economy and small business owners. Voters in the 24th Congressional District deserve a responsible, experienced representative in
Washington, DC
.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. I am running for Congress because I believe that government should be limited and accountable to the American people. I have a consistent record of fighting for lower taxes and the elimination of wasteful government spending. My priorities are to: balance the federal budget; secure our borders and oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants; and strengthen our national security.
Democrat
Jan McDowell
Age: 62
Occupation and/or main source of income: CPA
City of residence and how long you've lived there: I've lived in
Carrollton
since 1979.
Campaign (public) phone number: 972-741-3635
Your campaign (public) email address: Jan@JanMcDowell.com
Web site: www.JanMcDowell.com
Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations from Texas Tech -- with high honors. Business and Accounting courses at UTD. 1971 honor graduate of Richardson High School.
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Current Treasurer of the Denton County Democratic Party. Former precinct chair, PTA Treasurer and Girl Scout Leader.
Offices you have sought and/or held before: None
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I bring a background of varied experiences to this race. As a CPA, I have the understanding to study and analyze the financial issues that are so important to the responsible conduct of our government. Atypically, though, my degree was not in accounting, but rather in journalism/public relations. I am therefore a somewhat rare breed that can both "do numbers" and also communicate effectively. I think that I have an ability to explain issues and possible solutions in ways that make them understandable. I am always eager to listen to new ideas, and to read and learn more about issues.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Extreme income inequality is keeping America and its people from realizing their full potential. We can begin to address this by improving our schools and by adopting even-handed tax laws that don't favor the wealthy. Climate change is a potential game-changer that must be addressed now. A whole-hearted commitment to renewable energy would be a great place to start. Voting rights are critical to the continuation of our democracy. Registration and voting should be made easier in any way possible. And campaign financing and gerrymandering should not be allowed to pre-determine the outcome of elections.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. For me, "All Together We're Better!" is my world view. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The world is better when each person is able to reach his or her potential. I will work hard to represent the people of District 24. I will not arrive in
Washington
with my mind made up on every issue that might come up, but will rather start by listening. Now that I have three young grandchildren, I'm more determined than ever to work to make this world a better place, for them and for all of us.
District 25
Republican
Roger Williams (incumbent) No response
Democrat
Kathi Thomas
Age: 63
Occupation and/or main source of income: Special Event Designer & Planner
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Austin
, 33 years in
Austin
, the last 16 of those years at our current home in
Hays County
.
Your campaign (public) email address: Kathi@KathiforCongress.com
Web site: KathiforCongress.com (not yet active, campaign will kick off March 5, and it will be active by then, and hopefully before)
Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Music from University of Texas at Austin; Attended Sam Houston State University,
Huntsville
, for 2 years, then transferred to UT; Graduated high school from
Kirby High School,
Woodville TX
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); Pan American Round Table (PART); Dripping Springs Middle School PTA (past); Dripping Springs High School PTSA (current), was the PTA Reflections Council Chair for 2015-16;
Hays County
Democrats, Precinct Chair from 2007-2015;
Central Presbyterian Church, active member; volunteer coordinator for CPC Thursday Noonday Concert; head wedding director, and dinner coordinator for All Church Committee Nights
Offices you have sought and/or held before: 2006, ran for Texas State Senate against (then) Sen. Jeff Wentworth; Hays County Precinct 443 Chair, 2007-2015 (resigned to run for office)
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As a teacher, I can explain things in different ways, until people understand. As an event planner, I dig deep for details, examining every angle, so that there are no surprises. Working with diverse people who sometimes don't like each other, I am able to help them find common ground to work together for that goal, no matter what they think otherwise. I've served on the Session of our church, and that experience helped to find a way forward that helped the most people, often when funds were tight. As very small business owner, I understand how regulations impact.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. 1. Campaign Finance Reform: Big money is a cancer on our democracy. The uber-rich finance politicians get their laws passed to detriment of middle & lower income folks. The source of every dollar spent in any kind of political "speech" should be revealed. No more anonymous Super PACs. 2. Immigration: Bring common sense to laws. Stop flow of money to drug cartels. Businesses can have legally registered workers, who can maintain ties to home countries because they can visit and know they can come back to jobs. 3. Economy: Give folks the chance to move up with laws that don't favor top 1%. Capital Gains taxed as regular income once it exceeds $50,000 (encourage middle class investment.) Estate taxes modified- $10.4 million exemption/individuals OR couples. More affordable colleges.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I'm running because I'm tired of people standing up in public saying "I'm a Christian" and then working to do all types of hateful things that are not espoused by Christ. I'm often not a very good Christian, but I want others to know that all people of faith aren't mean bigots. My faith will lead me, but I'll never try to force other people to believe as I do, that's what ISIS and the Taliban do, and what some in the US are trying to do, too, and we don't need to do it here.
For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act to get the state involved in the push for a constitutional convention as Gov. Greg Abbott is urging? Absolutely not. We fought a war in the 1860's about "State's rights." As used then, and often now, "State's Rights" are code for "we want to discriminate however we want without the government telling us we can't."
District 26
Republicans
Michael C. Burgess (incumbent) Declined to fill out the questionnaire
Joel A. Krause
Age: 58
Occupation: President/Owner Webb Electronics
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Highland Village, TX
, 8 Years, in district more than 22 years
Campaign (public) phone number: 214 789-0740
Your campaign (public) email address: krauseforhouse@gmail.com
Web site: krauseforhouse@gmailc.om
Education background, including all degrees: BS from Iowa State University in engineering
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Member of Chamber of Commerce; I have been a small business owner for 28 years. Volunteer at daughters school
Offices you have sought and/or held before: Candidate for US House of Representatives Republican Primary 2014. I am not a career politician. I ran for the Ames City Council in the late 70s.
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. 1. Owner/Manager of a business for 30 years. 2. Award wining salesman and negotiator. 3. Personality to fix problems, personality will not quit and the experience to be successful. 4. I have traveled the world including all 50 states, 6 continents, have office in
China
. Visited and studied several historic sites including WWI and WWII battle fields, Normandy, concentration camps in
Germany
etc. 5. Have history in working and supporting the republican party. 6. Have not collect obligations from special interests like the incumbent who is in top 5 of 535 of collecting healthcare/healthcare insurance money.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. 1. Curbing the influence of lobbyist and donors in
Washington
. A. Campaign Reform. B. Education of voters. C. Representing common voters vs. special interests. 2. Decreasing the nation debt. A. Reducing the influence of lobbyist in
Washington
. B. Entitlement reform. C. Reduce the cost of health care. 3. Protection of US Citizens. A. Stop the flight of refugees to the
USA
. B. Secure our borders. C. Military controlled free internet for US Citizens and monitoring social media. D. Destroy
ISIS via nonconventional warfare.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I have only ran one marathon in my life and that was the original route from
Marathon
to
Athens
. Pheidippides, the original runner delivered the news of Victory and approaching Persian ships and died. Like Pheidippides, I will continue to run, to fight for the common US Citizen. Special interest in
Washington
is our single biggest problem in Washing and is the single biggest problem I have in this election. The incumbent who will have 14 years in office has a million dollars in special interest money. I will keep running and keep fighting to represent US Citizens.
For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act to get the state involved in the push for a constitutional convention as Gov. Greg Abbott is urging? Only if I strongly believe we could make conservative changes to the constitution. We need to be careful what we wish for. After the general election we will have more of an measure if this is a good idea. What we can do now is defend the constitution that we have. Unlike the incumbent or other members in Congress I would defend the existing constitution.
Micah Beebe
Age: 31
Occupation and/or main source of income: I am a Realtor with Century 21 Mike Bowman
City of residence and how long you've lived there: My wife and I have lived in
Texas
for nearly 6 years, and my wife grew up here. We currently reside in
Argyle
.
Campaign (public) phone number: No answer
Your campaign (public) email address: beebeforoffice@gmail.com
Web site: www.beebeforcongress.com
Education background, including all degrees: B.S. in Psychology and some graduate level work.
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I am a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Texas Association of Realtors, and the Metrotex Association of Realtors. I have served on various mission trips around the world over the years including; serving in a children's home with abused and neglected children in
Brazil
, teaching English to students in
the Philippines
, backpacking through the remote mountains of
Southeast Asia
to reach an isolated people group, and various construction projects in multiple cities in
Mexico
.
Offices you have sought and/or held before: I have not previously held or sought public office.
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I am the most qualified candidate in this race for one, because of my experience as a Realtor. I understand what it takes to grow a business and follow a budget. I also understand the art of negotiation. These are things our country and the Republican party desperately need. We don't make good deals, Congress doesn't know how to stop spending, and our currently leaders have no idea how to make our economy grow. Second, I have spent my life serving others and putting others first, this is a crucial skill for a public servant.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. I would start with immigration, which encompasses border security, national security, Syrian refugees, and illegal immigration. The second biggest problem is our debt, third would be tax reform. So many of the issues we face are intimately intertwined. The first thing we need to do on immigration is secure the border by building a wall. This must happen first. Then we need to have a strong E-verify system to stop giving our jobs to illegals. When we reform the tax code and corporate tax code our economy will thrive, and stop this insane spending.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I want voters to know that I am first and foremast a man of faith. My relationship with Christ informs my worldview. I'm not just another politician. When I say I care about growing our economy, reforming our tax code, protecting religious liberties, standing up for veterans, improving our utterly embarrassing mental health services in
North Texas
, securing our border, protecting second amendment rights; I'm not just blowing hot air. I'm a man of my word and I do what I say I will do. America needs leadership and I've spent my life leading. Send me where I'm needed most,
Washington
.
Democrat
Eric Mauck
Age: 39
Occupation and/or main source of income: Retail Store Manager / Comedian
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Fort Worth
1 Year
Campaign (public) phone number: 940-268-4445
Your campaign (public) email address: mauck2016@gmail.com
Web site: www.mauck2016.com
Education background, including all degrees: Grad HS
Denison, TX
1994, Attended
Kent Christian College in
Dover, DE
94-96 (No Degree)
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: No answer
Offices you have sought and/or held before: None
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I've been a Pastor, Radio Host, Stand-Up Comedian, Regional Manager and currently manage a Verizon Wireless retail store. I'm an average guy seeking office. I'm not a politician. I am passionate about the fact that we need outsiders in
Washington
representing the people.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Economy. We need tax reform. We need to lower taxes on individuals and corporations. I have a plan for tax reform. Education. I have a plan to help reform our broken education system. National Security. We have to do everything we can to keep our country safe. I would add a 4th: Healthcare. Obamacare was a start but we need both sides to work together to fix our broken healthcare system. Obamacare needs some adjustments. The cost of healthcare is out of control.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I'm a comedian and retail store manager. I'm not a politician. I've personally lost 80 pounds through diet and exercise. I still have more weight to lose but I feel so much better. I love to hear stories about weight loss. Send me a note about your weight loss goals or successes. Also, I want to hear from you about what you believe Congress can do to help you. mauck2016@gmail.com @mauck2016 for Twitter
District 33
Democrats
Marc Veasey (incumbent)
Age: 45
Occupation and/or main source of income: Member of Congress
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Fort Worth
, 45 years
Campaign (public) phone number: 817-446-8222
Your campaign (public) email address: Campaign@marcveasey.com
Web site: www.marcveasey.com
Education background, including all degrees: Texas Wesleyan University, Bachelors in Mass Communications
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: As the lead plaintiff in Veasey v. Abbott, I challenged the state of
Texas
in a lawsuit proving that
Texas'
voter photo ID requirements discriminate against minority voters. I am proud that the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit agrees, and has taken the first steps towards ensuring that all Texans have unfettered access to the ballot box.
Offices you have sought and/or held before: Texas House of Representatives House District 95 2005-2012
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. Voters should choose me to represent the 33rd Congressional District because I have a record of fighting for all
Texas
families- one which has stood the test of time. Whether it was as a staffer for former Congressman
Martin Frost, as a Representative in the
Texas House of Representatives or as a Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives, I have never quit fighting for the constituents of
North Texas
. In addition, as a longtime resident of DFW I have a deep and unique understanding of the actual needs of my constituents.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The 33rd congressional district was the highest uninsured district in the country. We are fighting this problem by providing assistance to enroll and educate constituents on healthcare related issues wherever possible. Additionally, I often hear of concerns around jobs and the economy. I believe that some of these issues can be alleviated by increasing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education initiatives, which in turn will better prepare our workforce for the future.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I believe enacting and enforcing legislation is a key element of affecting change. My position on the Armed Services committee allows me an opportunity to protect and promote jobs in
North Texas
- home to dozens of defense companies and related industries. In addition, Space, Science, and Technology allows me a chance to exercise the same role for the many tech companies in DFW, reinforcing my goal to provide young people with training and education in STEM fields to better prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.
Carlos Quintanilla
Age: 58
Occupation: I am a Activist and business owner, former President of Accion America and owner of Plaza Broadway, a 100,000 sq ft indoor mall in
Garland Texas
.
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Dallas
How to contact: I can be reached through my email at info@quintanilla.com or my facebook carlosquintanilla.90 or my webpagequintanilla2016.com/es/tv to make a small contribution. Contributions from oil companies, pay loan companies and special interest not accepted.
I ran for this very same position in 2012. I understand the needs of the community very well. I have been in the forefront on issues that are most important to our community.
I have been a social partner with the African American community on many issues that affect our communities in similar ways and I have been a effective catalyst for change in the Latino community.
Unlike my opponent I do not need to go to a tortilla factory to learn how to make tortillas to know the plight of small businesses. I do not need to ride on Dart to hear citizens complaints and concerns, being proactive in the community I hear those concerns every day.
I have been in the trenches fighting on issues that include Senior Citizen abuse, addressing the disappointing educational dropout rates, the dismal number of college graduates. I have fought Slumlord abuse. I organized over 127 homeowners whose homes were severely damaged due to the 635 Construction Project, leading to the filing of a 20 million dollar lawsuit. I led the initiative to bring Breakfast in the Classroom to
Dallas
schools. I led the fight to save Children addicted to Cheese Heroin. I was the face of Activism against the anti Immigration ordinance in
Farmers Branch
.
I have been a jobs creator developing several indoor malls throughout the metroplex creating hundreds of business and jobs.
It would take my opponent a lifetime to be in my shoes on effective Activism, a level of Activism that has transformed the plight of Immigrants in particular and the Latino community which constitutes 67% of the 33rd Congressional District, in general.
With that same commitment I will be a strong and effective voice for all residents of the 33rd Congressional District.
I am a Cancer survivor, I know how to fight and have the great desire to live to see a community where our Children are graduating from high school in greater numbers, going on to college and being meanfully employed. I want action oriented political representation, not one that is decided by payloan companies, by oil interest, lobbyist and corporate interest that receive from our communities but reinvest very little in its future.
I will not vote with Republican leadership when it is adverse to our community. My campaign is a grass roots campaign effort, free of special interest funds and contributions, our campaign is one that is concerned with the well being of the many residents who reside in the poorest Congressional District in
Texas
, my opponent cannot say the same.
We must address the fact that our district has a 13% unemployment rate. A alarming number of criminal repeat offenders, who have no hope, no future, we must help them help themselves by giving them jobs training and a second chance.
We must provide access capital to small business to continue to grow our local economies.
We need corporate America to give back to a community that spends billions of dollars, yet gets nothing back in return.
We must take care of our Senior Citizens, especially Latino Senior Citizens who have been abandoned and ignored.
We have a very long road to travel and much work to do, I am ready to travel that road to
Washington DC
and get to work.
Republicans
Bruce Chadwick
Age: 57
Occupation and/or main source of income: Full time Conservative Republican candidate for U.S. Congressional District 33 --
Dallas/Fort Worth
, former entertainer (illusionist), keynote speaker, minister, writer and political activist.
City of residence and how long you've lived there:
Fort Worth
since 1982
Campaign (public) phone number: 817-927-0581
Your campaign (public) email address: chadwickforcongress@yahoo.com
Website: www.ChadwickForCongress.com
Education background, including all degrees: BA and MS degrees from Baylor University and a Master of Divinity degree from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Eagle Scout, past Scoutmaster, and Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow -- Boy Scouts of America, Melvin Jones recipient of Lions International, Past-President and current Historian of the Texas Association of Magicians, currently the Territorial Vice-President for north
Texas
of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians, namesake of the "
Bruce Chadwick SAM Assembly 138"
Fort Worth
(
Society of American Magicians), Order of Merlin -- Shield member of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians, Associate of the Inner Magic Circle (AIMC) -- The Magic Circle,
London, England
Offices you have sought and/or held before: First time to run for federal office.
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I know and understand the needs and culture of Congressional District 33. As an entertainer for almost 50 years, I have been in hundreds of businesses and homes in the area. Also living in south
Fort Worth
since 1982, I know what it is like to struggle as a small-business owner. As a bi-vocational minister, I am an experienced public speaker, know how to listen to my audience, react to their needs, and communicate clearly. I am also a writer, humanitarian, and have been actively involved as a political activist since my early days as a student at Baylor.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Our campaign platform covers three points: Create Jobs, Fix Immigration, and Protect Family. With an approximate 10.3 percent unemployment rate, 58% high school graduation rate, and a $36K per year average median income for a family of four, jobs and vocational skills in our area are desperately needed. Federal dollars must be spent to bolster the area's economy, provide educational reform, and help people move out of minimum wage jobs. We need immigration reform to motivate illegal aliens to start and complete the naturalization process. We need a Congress that will protect religious liberty and promote traditional family values.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. We arrived at the Boy Scout campground late Friday night. As Scoutmaster I told our troop to eat dinner before we left. We made camp and one of my young scouts said, "Mr. Chadwick, are we going to eat tonight?" There was no school that Friday and the boy explained that he hadn't eaten since lunch at school the day before. With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, we made an unplanned dinner that night. My heart aches when we live in the land of plenty, and yet so many go without the daily necessities of simple life.
For candidates for local offices, in 100 words or less, should local governments allow gun shows on public property they control? If not, are any new regulations warranted? We the people are the government. If the majority within a local government believes gun shows are acceptable on the public property they control, then yes, such shows should be allowed. The only regulations that are warranted are the regulations that the people approve. I am a staunch believer in the Second Amendment rights of all US citizens. I believe the more guns a society has, the less crime its citizens will have. The safest place to be in the event of a civil calamity is at an NRA meeting. See "Ban Gun Noise!" on the Platform page of www.ChadwickForCongress.com.
For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act to get the state involved in the push for a constitutional convention as Gov. Greg Abbott is urging? US citizens know that the federal government has far exceeded its power as compared to what our founding fathers and our federalist papers intended. Our federal government has morphed into a hideous oversized creature that overspends and over regulates its citizens. I fully understand how
Texas
wants to take back from the federal government the power it should have. I am a proponent of a bill authorizing
Texas
to join other states calling for a
Convention of States. However I also believe that
Washington
should also move on its end to rescind its tyranny and power over its own citizens.
M. Mark Mitchell
Age: 60
Occupation and/or main source of income: Physician and attorney services remain my main sources of income. However, my construction company builds an average of one home per year and my investigation and security business is small but active.
City of residence and how long you've lived there: I have lived in
Dallas/Fort Worth
my entire life. I chose to live in this area while in medical school in 1978 and again in 1996.
Campaign (public) phone number: 817-457-4777
Your campaign (public) email address: monte.mitchell@charter.net
Web site: www.mmarkmitchell.com
Education background, including all degrees: My public school education began at Lily B. Clayton Elementary, McLean Middle School and Paschal High School in
Fort Worth
. I went to
University of Texas at Austin and subsequently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biology from
University of Texas at Arlington. I received a Master's degree in
Biology and Public Health from
North Texas State University. I graduated in 4 years with my medical degree from NTSU TCOM. I completed a rotating internship at
Dallas Fort Worth Medical Center and began a surgical residency at
Phoenix General Hospital. I went to
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and graduated after serving as Managing Editor of the Law Review. I then enrolled at
Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology and received my Master's of Theological Studies degree after 3 years. I studied and graduated as a Health Policy Fellow from
Ohio University Heritage and
New York Institute of Technology 2013-2014.
Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Current highlights include husband of Hannah, father of 2 month old son, member of Emmanuel Church, member of missionary team to
Uganda
with
Emmanuel Church, business owner of
Sentinel, LLC and Mark1Homes and member of the
Lincoln Council of TCGOP. Past highlights include previously serving as a Republican candidate for state representative, precinct chairman, delegate to senatorial and state conventions and more.
Offices you have sought and/or held before: I ran for state representative against incumbent Bill Carter for House District 91 in 1998 and 2000 and got 40 percent and 46 percent of the vote, respectively. I also ran for state representative against Nicole Collier in House District 95 for an open seat in 2012.
In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. My knowledge, skill, philosophy and integrity make me the best-qualified candidate. A public servant should possess fiduciary responsibility. As a physician, I have the knowledge and experience in the medical field to take action on healthcare issues. As an attorney, I have the knowledge and legal expertise on the economic issues facing the next session. As a contractor and small business owner, I realize that the economy needs a kick start and a jobs program. I know how/when to create jobs and how to build business. Government should be of the people, by the people and for the people.
In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The three most critical problems are healthcare, the economy and immigration. We need an extreme overhaul/repeal of the ACA. We deserve an insurance reform bill that corrects healthcare access and cost. My economic plan promotes small business by decreasing taxes on small and moderate businesses and thus creating jobs. More jobs and more business means more money in our economy and a net stimulus package. I completely support immigrants and the concept of legal immigration, but oppose illegals. Illegals pose a threat to our nation, safety and economy. The burden to our economy is staggering staking jobs from American citizens.
In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am not a politician, and because I am not part of the system, I can see what is wrong and fix it. My campaign is self-funded. The reason for my decision to self-fund is that I do not want contributions from lobbyists and self interest groups to influence my decisions regarding the issues. I am a Christian, husband, father and a pro-life supporter. I am a constitutional conservative and believe that our founding fathers got it right the first time. I bring knowledge, experience, skill, fiduciary responsibility and integrity with me to solve the issues that face the next session.
For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act to get the state involved in the push for a constitutional convention as Gov. Greg Abbott is urging? I believe that the founding fathers got it right the first time. Abbott unveiled nine proposed amendments to the US Constitution intended to bolster state's rights while reining in the powers of Congress and the federal government. While I agree with Abbott's assessment and proposals, I'm not sure that a drastic step like a Constitutional Convention is the answer. I fear that once convened, a Constitutional Convention, without the brilliant minds of our founding fathers and ruled by the current administration, can make things worse. without the virtue and wisdom of
Washington
,
Adams
and
Jefferson
, I do not trust
Congress.
Anna Tinsley: 817-390-7610, @annatinsley
___
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