League of Women Voters election survey: David R. Mason, candidate for the Texas House Rep. - District 103

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 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 David R. Mason (L), who is seeking election to the Texas House of Representatives - District 103 seat, appear below. Mason is running against the incumbent, Rafael Anchía (D).

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

Mason: BA degree in Physics and Mathematics, Iowa State University (1973). MBA degree in Telecommunications Management, University of Dallas (1994). City of Carrollton Board of Adjustments, member (2004-2007), chairman (2007-present). Member of Libertarian Party of Dallas County (1999-present).

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?

Mason: This change shifted school funding from individuals (they have children) to businesses (they do not) and this was the wrong direction. All taxes to fund schools need to be moved to individuals so they will fully understand how unsustainably expensive the schools have become. Then there will be enough public pressure to solve our education problem. That answer is to move toward a totally private system of education.

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?

Mason: Electricity generators will pick a cost effective technology that uses a readily available fuel and will deliver the optimum of reliable service and low cost. Government must not impede this free-market system. Regulating polluting emissions should be the only consideration for the Legislature.

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?

Mason: So, insurance companies are losing only 15% of what they previously were losing? Rates cannot be expected to decrease at all until insurance companies are making profits and new companies are inspired to come to Texas and compete. The Legislature should eliminate most regulation of insurance companies so that the free market can produce this result.

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?

Mason: A user-fee approach to highways is best and tolls provide better allocation than gas taxes. Clearly, the public needs to be better educated to understand this. Totally private toll roads with the unimpeded ability to build more will produce the best result.

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?

Mason: This would not have occurred with properly allocated taxes. Many programs are not necessary government functions and should be transferred to the private sector which will produce higher quality and lower cost.

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?

Mason: As long as property taxes are used, sales prices must be disclosed and should be the basis for taxes until the next time that property is sold (the California Proposition 13 model). The annual government property appraisal process should be eliminated.