Cutting Government Spending

“With each passing day, we see the effects of out-of-control spending by Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and liberal national Democrats. The stimulus package exploded the deficit and failed to create jobs. I want to fight for you to make sure spending is kept under control here in Texas. As Wichita Falls mayor, I took office – and have served - during challenging times. Just like the families of District 69, I’ve had to make tough decisions on where to cut the budget. In fact, in the most recent city budget, we scrubbed the budget and cut almost $4 million while absorbing over $2 million in lost revenue because of a difficult economy. As State Representative, I’ll take an aggressive approach to how we can cut unnecessary government programs. As an experienced businessman, I’ll ask the tough questions about just how your tax dollars are being spent. And I’ll push for a stronger constitutional spending limit to keep government in check in Texas.”

Standing by the 10th Amendment

“Our 10th Amendment rights are being trampled by the federal government and the U.S. Congress. I will oppose any legislation that requires Texas to submit to new federal mandates, and I am committed to asserting our 10th Amendment rights. Texans must reject any mandates imposed by Obamacare, and fight extremist attempts by the EPA to shut down energy production in Texas.”

Supporting Small Business

“As a businessman, I’ve felt the burden of government regulation and taxes. I know that small business is the engine of economic growth, and I know what it means to make a payroll and balance a budget. Small businesses are important to Wichita and Archer counties, and as state representative I’ll work to make permanent the exemption from the state business tax for all small businesses and work to reform the tax to make compliance simpler and less costly for all businesses.”

Promoting Jobs and Rebuilding our North Texas Economy

“Our pro-business economic climate has made Texas a shining economic success story to other states. But we must do more to cut the size of Texas government, lower the tax and regulatory burden, and respect local control. Right now, Texas is faring much better than other states who have been hard hit by the recession, but that’s a reason to do more, not sit back. That’s why I am anxious to go to Austin and fight for jobs, growth, and economic development. Our region must create more jobs and opportunity for our residents. My background as a successful businessman, combined with the experience gained from leading Wichita Falls, have prepared me to fight for more economic opportunity. It’s my belief that a robust free enterprise system is the engine of job creation, and the bottom line is that we must let the free market work. That’s why I’ll oppose any legislation which adds new regulation, controls prices, restricts competition, or threatens job creation.”

Ensuring Our Region’s Oil and Gas Interests Are Protected

“I’m from a third-generation oil and gas family. Back in the late 1970’s, I began working in the field as a roustabout on the Four Sixes Ranch, eventually becoming a production assistant. For many years, I personally completed the paperwork required by the Texas Railroad Commission – so I understand how important it is to monitor the burden of regulation. My belief is that just because you can create a new form, or a new regulation, doesn’t mean you should. Oil and gas is critical to the North Texas economy, and as an operator I’ve been through several of the ‘up and down’ cycles of the industry. Because of my personal experience as one who works in the oil patch, I can be an effective voice in Austin, fighting attempts to rollback important tax incentives for oil & gas producers, and opposing dangerous climate change proposals that would kill jobs in Texas."

Fighting Lawsuit Abuse

“As a businessman who has actually created jobs and met a payroll, I know that frivolous lawsuits can harm the Texas economy. It is vitally important for Texas to preserve the lawsuit reform laws passed in recent years Personal injury trial lawyers tried last legislative session to roll back the hard-won lawsuit reforms which have contributed to making Texas’ economy one of the strongest in the nation, and they’re going to try again. As your next State Representative, I’ll stand by the sensible lawsuit limits that have helped Texas doctors and businesses.”

Stopping Illegal Immigration

“Illegal immigration is an affront to those who followed the rules and came to this country legally. Illegal immigrants also ask too much of taxpayers: we just can’t reward illegal immigrants with generous benefits that must be reserved for citizens and legal residents. The federal government has primary responsibility for border protection, but the Texas Legislature must continue to explore creative, cost-effective ways to increase enforcement efforts.”

Protecting the Second Amendment

“As a conservative, and as an NRA Life Member, I pledge to you an unwavering commitment to protect the gun ownership rights of all law-abiding citizens. You can count on me to be a passionate defender of our rights as gun owners."

Protecting the Unborn

“I’m pro-life, and am committed to defending the sanctity of life in Austin. I have been involved in pro-life efforts through supporting right-to-life organizations. We must safeguard important laws concerning parental notification and parental consent which have been implemented during recent legislative sessions. If the federal government attempts to force Texas to provide abortion coverage as part of Obamacare, I will work with other pro-life legislators to refuse the tax dollars to pay for abortions.”

Defending Traditional Marriage

“I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman, and I will stand firm for traditional marriage. As a conservative, I believe that traditional marriage is the cornerstone for strong families and a healthy society. Texas State law defines marriage as an institution between one man and one woman, and as state representative you can count on me to oppose any efforts to undermine or weaken that law.”

Safeguarding Our Property Rights

“Property rights are an essential liberty guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, and those rights should be protected at all costs. Rural Texans love their land, and want to know that their next state representative will defend property rights. As a rural landowner myself, I know that property rights are sacred and should not be infringed.”