Texans for Fiscal Responsibility 2016 Local Candidate Questionnaire

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1 Texans for Fiscal Responsibility INTRODUCTION Texans for Fiscal Responsibility will make endorsements at the local level during the 2016 election cycle. We do not always endorse a candidate in every race where one is sought. To be considered for an endorsement, candidates must apply for an interview by submitting a completed questionnaire. Interviews are not guaranteed. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, March 9 th, Please see the signature page for instructions. Our endorsement of a candidate is based on our belief that the candidate will adhere to the best practices and highest principles of limited government and stewardship of the taxpayers resources. Our endorsement of any particular candidate does not represent a criticism of any other candidate in the race. Men and women of goodwill can and often will disagree on the solutions to the issues facing Texas; that debate is healthy and necessary in a constitutional republic. Political races are important because they affect and influence public policy. We pursue policy outcomes that are practical in the context of protecting taxpayers, stewarding the people s resources, limiting the size of government, promoting individual liberty, encouraging freedom in the marketplace, and meeting public needs with greater efficiency and accountability. We welcome your comments, questions and thoughts on these and other issues. Additional pages are welcome and may be attached to the document. Topics covered in the questionnaire: Ø Spending Ø Taxation Ø Public Education Ø Transparency Ø Local Taxes & Bond Indebtedness Ø Government Reform Please note: Some questions may not apply depending on the office you seek. Page 1 of 10

2 The following questions are required of all candidates. Please keep your answers concise. If you run out of space, please attach additional sheets to the end of the questionnaire. Is there a circumstance in which you would raise taxes or fees? Explain. Should local government entities be allowed to exercise eminent domain power for private projects, such as commercial or economic redevelopment? Why or why not? Texas is 2 nd in the nation in per-capita local debt. What should local government entities do to ease this burden on taxpayers? When is it appropriate for local government entities to take on more debt?

3 What reform to the property tax system is most needed? When surplus revenue is expected, should it be added to the budget, deposited in a reserve fund, or returned to taxpayers? When would be an appropriate time for local government entities to hold tax ratifications or bond proposition elections? What limitations on raising taxes should local government entities place on themselves before they are required to obtain local voter approval? When does local control begin to infringe upon citizens liberties? Page 3 of 10

4 Whose interests do public officials have a fiduciary obligation to represent? Local government entities should tax business and industrial personal property in addition to levying taxes on commercial real estate. I believe any notices required by state law, including tax increases/ratifications or public meetings, should be posted on the respective entity s website and made easily accessible. Local government entities should be required to seek local voter approval to raise taxes beyond the state-defined limit, as is currently required of school districts. Municipal and school board elections should allow for ballot declarations of party/independent affiliation. Page 4 of 10

5 All local political subdivisions calling a bond election should disclose in the proposition language on the ballot, the total cost of the bond (including principal and projected interest expense) and any impact on local taxes resulting from passage of the bond. Local government entities should be allowed to use non-traditional debt instruments to finance projects: instruments that delay or accrue principal or interest payments over time and do not have fixed interest obligations and amortization schedules. Local government entities should be prohibited from increasing spending from one budgetary cycle to the next beyond the rate of population growth and inflation without voter approval. Local government entities should not use public funds to pay dues or fees to third party organizations that lobby members of the Texas Legislature. Local elections for public office should be held on the state uniform election date in November of even-numbered years. Cities, counties, and school districts should post their financial statements, budgets, detailed check registers and credit card statements online for public viewing. _ Page 5 of 10

6 The following questions apply to all candidates except those running for school board: I believe the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, vehicle bridges, and other projects that will reduce roadway congestion should be the top priority of all available transportation funds. I believe that local governments in Texas should expand government-run passenger rail service. I oppose all local ordinances imposing nanny-state regulations, such as bans on plastic/paper bags, smoking in private businesses, cell phone use while driving, cooking with trans fats, or limits on salty or sugary foods and drinks. I oppose the use of tax dollars to subsidize the construction and operations of private sports venues. I believe red light cameras rob citizens of their right to due process of law, and oppose contracting with a private red light camera operator for any percentage of revenue collected from related citations issued. Page 6 of 10

7 I believe local government entities should use public resources to aid public-employee unions in the collection of their members dues. _ I believe government entities should use public funds to aid publicemployee unions by sharing non-union-member information with unions. _ Public-employee pensions should be based on a defined contribution rather than a defined benefit model. _ When is it appropriate for local government entities to use incentive programs that give certain businesses preferential tax treatment over existing taxpayers? In what instance is it appropriate for cities to issue certificates of obligation, debt instruments that do not require voter approval? Page 7 of 10

8 Are local governments capable of coordinating transportation projects between themselves and the state, without the interference of regional governments? The following questions apply only to those candidates running for school board: What can be done to expand education freedom for students and parents in Texas? What is the appropriate ratio of non-teachers to teachers in the public education system? In what circumstances is it appropriate for school districts to ask voters to approve new school bonds over and above existing levels? Page 8 of 10

9 What are appropriate uses of school bond funds? What is one significant way that local school districts can reform themselves to increase educational achievement? Should charter schools be expanded, curtailed, or frozen at existing levels? Why? Are there any mandates you would like to see the state ease or eliminate altogether? What can school districts do to ensure more of existing funds are spent on educational purposes, rather than administration and overhead? Page 9 of 10

10 Please sign the completed questionnaire and return all pages as quickly as possible to be considered for endorsement. Please Print Full Name: Phone: Campaign Address: Campaign Website (if applicable): Office Sought (Position & Place #): Entity: Voting History (circle all that apply): GOP Primary: DEM Primary: General: Signature of Candidate Date Note: the deadline for submission is Wednesday, March 9 th, 2016 The completed questionnaire may be sent to us by: Fax: (512) endorsement@empowertexans.com (Please send as one file. PDF files preferred.) Page 10 of 10