For use by Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

2016 State Level Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why are you seeking the endorsement from Stonewall Democrats of Dallas?
Fighting for equal rights has been a priority for the entirety of my public service career.
2. What are your plans to support or participate in a coordinated campaign in the
general election in Dallas County?
I have to make the nomination first. I plan to raise money to fund as much field work as possible
throughout the state of Texas. That includes the Dallas Coordinated, as it is a fine example of
good work built upon year after year. One of the reasons I decided it was worth my effort was to
help support the entire Democratic ticket.
3. Will you use the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas endorsement in or on:
a) your website YES
b) your campaign literature and mailers YES
c) your social media assets (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) YES
d) your campaign advertisements YES
4. When elected, how will you recruit, retain, and create a friendly environment for
LGBT and LGBT-friendly staff?
I have a long record of hiring LGBT staff, and there has never been a shortage of talented
candidates. Currently, my field director is an officer of Tarrant Stonewalls.
5. Would you be willing to appoint a liaison to meet with the LGBT community on a
ongoing basis? If not, why?
YES
6. Will you be willing to lead or support efforts to develop a LGBT Taskforce, similar to
the structure and mission the Dallas City Council developed?
YES
7. How would you lead or support state legislation and/or constitutional amendments
pertaining to:
a) LGBT Couples adopting? YES
b) LGBT Couples providing foster care? YES
c) Supporting the repeal of the sodomy law that was ruled
unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court? YES
d) Supporting safe schools for LGBT students? YES
e) Supporting the repeal of the Texas Marriage/Civil Union Amendment
YES

8. How would you address the recent trend of state government adding medically
unnecessary procedures to the course of treatments pertaining to women's health (e.g.
the requirement to have a witnessed sonogram prior to the legal termination of a
pregnancy)?
There is no purview of the railroad commission on this important matter -- however as a
statewide elected member of the executive branch, you can count on me to use the bully pulpit
to stand for womens health issues.
9. What would you do to support and assist people with mental illness who must rely
on the public system for care in or out of incarceration?
N/A to Railroad Commission - use the bully pulpit of holding statewide executive office to move
progressive issues. I have a record of consistently supporting mental health parity throughout my
public service career.
10.
How would you lead or support efforts to provide better funding for health
care and better health care options for all Texas residents?
I would use the nature of holding statewide office to voice support of these issues.
11.

Would you support an ACA Medicaid expansion in Texas? YES

12.
How would you lead or support the efforts to teach comprehensive sexual
education in Texas?
I would encourage my former colleagues to support these issues in the house and senate.
13.
How would you lead or support legislation to comparable to a proposed
federal Equality Act providing employment and residence non-discrimination protections
for LGBT citizens by the Texas State Legislature?
N/A to Railroad Commission - use the bully pulpit of holding statewide executive office to move
progressive issues.
14.
What specific ideas do you have and/or what current legislation would you
support to improve our state economy and address the wealth disparity in Texas?
N/A to Railroad Commission - use the bully pulpit of holding statewide executive office to move
progressive issues.
15.
How would you handle a situation in which you or an employee under you felt
the need to not fulfill all your lawful work duties due to deeply held religious beliefs?
In the example of an elected County Clerk refusing to do their job to issue marriage licenses to
ALL of those couples entitled under the law: they need to quit their job.
16.
How would you lead or support legislation restoring public education funding
in Texas that was dramatically cut after the 2008 recession?
N/A to Railroad Commission - use the bully pulpit of holding statewide executive office to move
progressive issues. I support restoring the funding.

17.
How would you lead or support legislation restoring previous funding for HIV
prevention in Texas?
N/A to Railroad Commission - use the bully pulpit of holding statewide executive office to move
progressive issues. I fully support restoring the funding.

I, _______________________________, am seeking an endorsement from the Stonewall Democrats of

Dallas for the 2016 elections.

Signed___________________________________

Date__________________________