Pegasus News election survey: Philip M. White, candidate for Texas State Rep. - District 112

Pegasus: What drew you to run for office?

White: In December of 2007 I received an email from Wes Benedict, the director of the Libertarian Party of Texas, inviting me (among others) to run for office in those districts that do not have a Libertarian presence. Mine did not, so I filled out the paperwork and was accepted by the Libertarian Party. I am thrilled to be a candidate for such an important position.

Pegasus: What are the platforms of your campaign?

White: My platform is basically that of the Libertarian Party. My top three priorities are:

1) to return liberty to our state by reducing or eliminating the number of victimless "crimes";

2) to reduce the size of government as well as government expenses; and

3) to leverage the government to prevent the tragedy of the commons by protecting the environment.

Pegasus: What are the concerns of the people in the community that you represent?

White: Energy sources, concealed handgun laws, toll roads.

Pegasus: What are the sources of conflict in your election contest?

White: It's pretty peaceful in this district. I am not aware of any specific

sources of conflict.

Pegasus: How do you differ from your opponents?

White: Neither of my opponents are for a smaller government, and neither of them even consider (at least publicly) reducing the number of laws Texas has on its books.

Pegasus: Do you have a favorite Presidential candidate?

White: Among the current candidates -- Bob Barr. I am unhappy with many of the views of both the Democratic and the Republican candidates.

Pegasus: How do you feel about the following newsy issues from the area:

* Convention center hotel

White: I am not familiar with this issue, but from what I understand, the hotel is financed at least in part by taxpayers. Since the hotel would be privately-owned, I oppose taxpayer funding on principle. I will educate myself more on this issue.

* Switching freeways from free to toll-based

White: I'm not against it, but tolls should be charged directly by those who maintain the highway, and in proportion to the amount of maintenance it requires. Also I'd strongly encourage interoperability of toll passes -- it would not do to have ten different toll tags in each car.

* HOV lanes

White: For. It's great to encourage ridesharing and mass transit by allowing this type of traffic to bypass vehicles with single drivers.

* DART rail

White: For. Mass transit is a good use of local government.

* Barnett Shale drilling

White: I don't see a significant problem with this.

* Cellphone use in cars

White: We do not need new laws to prevent specific uses of specific technologies -- especially technologies that can easily hide on your ear as a Bluetooth headset. It is already a crime to (Ed. note: text truncated here - have requested clarification and will insert when received)

* Open internet access in public libraries

White: Good idea.

* "Green" buildings

White: What is meant by this? I definitely support energy-efficient methodologies, and I think government should strive to use them whenever possible. Of course, private builders and building owners should reserve the right to build as efficiently or inefficiently as they feel is best.

Pegasus: How do you feel about the following national issues:

* War in Iraq

White: Completely against. The war was started for the wrong reasons and continues for the wrong reasons. We should end it ASAP.

* Immigration

White: The rules for immigration should be significantly relaxed to allow more immigrants legally and to reduce the demand for illegal entry.

* Energy sources (oil vs wind vs solar)

White: The cleaner the better. Caring for the environment is a legitimate use of the government.