League of Women Voters election survey: Karen Wiegman, candidate for Texas State Rep. - District 106

by Staff of League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters of Dallas sent a questionnaire to every candidate running for public office in Dallas County. The election on November 4th features a number of local races to decide state and national Senate and House of Representatives seats.

The responses of Karen Wiegman (R), who is running for the Texas House of Representatives - District 106 seat, appear below. Wiegman is running against Gene Freeman (L) and incumbent Kirk England (D).

LWV: Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

Wiegman: Because of my passion for education, I volunteered and substitute taught when my four children were in school. As a school board trustee, I gained the experience as a public servant that has prepared me to serve in Austin. I am also a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians.

LWV: The Texas Legislature in 2007 overhauled business taxes to provide property tax relief for homeowners, but many small business owners in Texas now claim that their property tax decrease was far less than their business tax increase. What measures should be taken to maintain adequate state tax revenues without unduly burdening individual taxpayers or small business?

Wiegman: Lowering the rate will not be sufficient in providing adequate relief to homeowners. The Select Committee on Property Taxes must overhaul the property tax system, which is the root of the problem. We can use the current budget surplus to provide economic incentives for small businesses. The gross margins tax is regressive and counterproductive to economic growth in Texas. When we punish businesses that create jobs, we cripple our ability to increase revenue.

LWV: Texas deregulated electricity rates with the promise that competition between suppliers would lower consumers’ electric rates, yet rates in Texas remain well above the national average. What measures should be taken to ensure electric power reliability and affordability in Texas?

Wiegman: Many Texas power plants that run on natural gas have incurred rising rates because of skyrocketing natural gas prices nationwide. The legislature has already passed laws to diversify our energy portfolio and has created incentives to reduce consumption, keeping rates down. Texas has the same rank in average electric rates nationally today as it did in 2001, and it currently has the 5th lowest avg. residential price. Competition works when consumers have choices.

LWV: According to the most recent published data of the Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel, insurance industry losses in Texas have decreased by 85%, yet homeowners’ rates have fallen by only 4%. What reforms would you support to lower homeowners’ rates in Texas?

Wiegman: More information is needed in order for me to comment on this question.

LWV: The Texas legislature has not increased the gas tax since 1991, and also diverts millions of dollars of transportation funds to other areas of the state budget such as education and the Department of Public Safety. The public has voiced much disapproval of toll roads and public/private partnerships to build new roads. How would you fund construction of new roads and maintenance of existing roads and bridges?

Wiegman: I do not support any increase in the gas tax. Legislative committees, led by Linda Harper Brown, are currently working to revamp the management and fund distribution of the TXDOT, which faces sunset provisions next session. Proper administration of the department should help fund our road construction and maintenance needs.

LWV: If diversions from the State’s transportation fund are stopped, how would you pay for those items that are currently funded by gas tax monies?

Wiegman: See above.

LWV: Currently, sales prices of most residential property are disclosed while those of commercial property are not. Do you support public disclosure of commercial real estate sales prices so as to ensure fair and accurate appraisals?

Wiegman: No. The current nondisclosure laws protect the ability of buyer and seller to arrive at a sale price consistent with a free-market value. While there could be some advantages gained in our ability to arrive at a more accurate appraisal of property, these advantages would be far outweighed by the damage that such a policy would bring about for our local economy.