Tuesday, October 14, 2008

League of Women Voters election survey: Jim Jackson, candidate for Texas State Rep. - District 115

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 Rep. Jim Jackson (R), who is running for re-election for the Texas House of Representatives - District 115 seat, appear below. Jackson is running against Preston Poulter (L).

Rep. Jim Jackson

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

Jackson: A degree in Government from University of North Texas and years of work experience including 30 years as Dallas County Commissioner and 2 terms as State Representative gives me both experience and knowledge to help deal with complicated issues.

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?

Jackson: I preferred the original House bill that used an expanded sales tax. When that failed in the Senate our options were limited. The revised business tax was not intended to guarantee each individual taxpayer would not pay more; But that the business tax would be more fairly distributed and furnish a constitutional method of funding schools and reducing property taxes. Rate and or exemptions may be revised after review of the first round of collections.

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?

Jackson: In order to reduce electric rates we must increasingly rely on generation fueled by something cheaper than natural gas. If coal is not used then a combination of wind and nuclear will help. The PUC’s recent provision for a transmission line to bring wind power into the grid and the current processing of nuclear permits are a good start.

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?

Jackson: If loses continue to be low and rates do not respond accordingly we will have to question the system. I believe they will respond.

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?

Jackson: Education is not a diversion but dedication. The other areas that have been funded from fund 6 by legislative action can be funded from the general fund. Toll roads should continue to be an option on select projects. George Bush and North Dallas Toll Way are good examples of success.

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?

Jackson: Existing revenues and te healthy reserves.

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?

Jackson: I will consider specific legislation when proposed.

Pegasus News content partner - League of Women Voters

See more stories in:

• Politics and Government > Texas > Statewide and Legislative Elections