Candidate Profiles: Texas Senator, District 1

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AP/AP

U.S.-Israeli citizen Ilan Grapel talks during a press conference in Jerusalem, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011. Grapel, arrested in Egypt as a suspected spy flew to freedom in Israel on Thursday after more than four months in jail, under a prisoner swap deal that has eased friction between the two countries. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

David Simpson, candidate

Biographical

Spouse and children: My wife of 30 years, Susan, and I have seven children (five now are independent) and three grandsons.

Age: 54

Years a Northeast Texas resident: 26

Political Party: Republican

Highlight top three degrees and/or educational achievements:

  • Bachelor of Arts in philosophy with minor in history from Vanderbilt University, 1983
  • Trinity Ministerial Academy, 1988
  • Highland Park High School, 1979

List current job/employer and top three occupational achievements:

  • President and CEO of Avinger Timber LLC, which owns and manages timberlands in several counties in Northeast Texas
  • Founder and owner of Simpson Publishing Co.
  • Manager of Mill Operations (19982000) and executive vice president-Paperboard (2000) of Republic Group Inc. (formerly NYSE: RGC)

Highlight top three examples of your civic or community service:

  • Served as state representative for House District 7 for five years, representing Gregg and Upshur counties (2013-current) and Gregg and northern Smith counties (2011-12)
  • Coached soccer teams in Longview (2001-03)
  • Served as mayor of the City of Avinger and served as volunteer fire fighter (1993-98)

Highlight top three examples of your political experience:

  • I challenged the TSA's inappropriate groping of travelers
  • Fought for integrity in the appropriations process-especially for VFDs
  • Opposed unconstitutional legislation, so that some have called me "the conscience of the Texas House" and independently ranked me as one of the 10 most conservative representatives for all three sessions.

Political

Why did you run for office?

To increase individual liberty and limit government to punishing wrongdoers who harm their neighbor, enforcing contracts and getting government out of the way; to protect the resources and economic future of East Texas and to shine a light on the governmental process and hold it accountable to the people.

What are your top three goals, if elected?

  • To defend our East Texas water and property rights
  • Support efforts to stop illegal immigration by prohibiting sanctuary city policies, instituting a catch-and-keep (policy for) violent criminal aliens
  • Stopping government handouts of education, health care or any kind of licenses. I oppose the overreach of government at all levels.

What are the three greatest issues facing the county?

  • Integrity is the most important issue facing government at all levels. Leadership that is unwilling to abide by our constitutions is equally bad regardless of whether the tyranny is liberal, moderate or conservative. If we were more committed to upholding our constitutions, which limit government to its proper role, then government would not be so much in the way.
  • The second greatest issue is our economic future, which depends on conserving and controlling our water, protecting property rights and ensuring a free market.
  • The third is increasing the freedom of and providing for public schools and community colleges.

What proposals do you suggest to address these?

Increase the transparency of government operations and accountability for evading the intent of open government statutes.

Require consent of the region where a water project is planned with state funds. Disclose potential geological hazards for proposed reservoir and dam sites prior to the permitting process. Limit condemnation authority and reform eminent domain law specifically requiring consideration of the value to the taker.

Eliminate or reduce crony capitalism and corporate welfare in the state budget and instead provide for equitable and suitable funding of public schools and community colleges.

The Issues

Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?

I would support a tax increase as a replacement for completely repealing another tax. For example, an increase in a consumption tax would be acceptable if we were to eliminate property taxes.

Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a bond issue or refinancing of an existing bond issue?

Bond issues are appropriate to fund projects that have a life expectancy longer than the term of the bond. They may be appropriate for infrastructure projects. Refinancing of an existing bond is appropriate when doing so will decrease the repayment owed by the citizens.

Do you have a plan to develop new jobs with existing industry and recruit new businesses to improve the regional economy?

To develop new jobs and recruit businesses, we must ensure low taxes, appropriate infrastructure, and a system to provide a well-educated workforce. East Texas has the natural resources businesses need. We need to invest in our high schools and community colleges to work with businesses for job-ready workers.

Should a regional approach be used to attract industry?

The state should invest in infrastructure and provide a level playing field across the state-quit picking winners and losers. When we offer low taxes, minimal regulations, and good educational opportunities, businesses will come to East Texas.

What are your thoughts about the proposed Marvin Nichols reservoir?

The reservoir would deprive property owners of their rights and transfer them to a Metroplex that wastes water and won't use its own resources and property. I oppose it. I support a free market. Controlling and conserving our land and water is essential to our own economic development.

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