Ken Paxton

Pegasus: What drew you to run for office?

Paxton: I saw a need for reform in our state government, particularly in the areas of tax relief and government transparency. We have passed positive reforms in this area since 2003, but there is still work to be done.

Pegasus: What are the platforms of your campaign?

Paxton: 1) Cut property taxes and reform the property tax appraisal system to make it less burdensome for property owners.

2) Replace the current business tax in Texas with one that is less complicated and not punitive for small businesses.

3) Improve efficiency in state government spending and promote additional measures for open government.

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

Paxton: While serving in the state legislature, I have received the most feedback regarding out-of-control government spending, unfair business taxes and property tax appraisal creep.

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

Paxton: None.

Pegasus: How do you differ from your opponents?

Paxton: I do not know any of the positions of my Libertarian opponent.

Pegasus: Do you have a favorite Presidential candidate?

Paxton: John McCain

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

* Convention center hotel in Dallas

Paxton: The convention center hotel would not be in my district, and so I would prefer to leave this decision to the people of Dallas.

* Switching freeways from free to toll-based

Paxton: I believe we should stop diverting transportation dollars from Fund 6 to pay for our transportation system. I am not in favor of switching freeways from to toll-roads.

* HOV lanes

Paxton: I do not support HOV lanes.

* DART rail

Paxton: I do not support the currently-discussed proposal, specifically increasing the sales tax, to support rail transit. After conducting extensive research on the issue of rail transit, I am convinced that rail does not adequately meet the needs it is designed to address, including reducing traffic congestion, improving mobility and air quality, stimulating economic growth, boosting property values, and providing opportunities for low-income individuals and families.  Given the enormous cost of rail (approximately $65 million a mile), I believe the construction of new highways and the expansion of existing highways just makes better sense.

I do, however, believe that cities should have the authority to decide whether or not to use their current local-option sales tax revenue for transit. Even cities that designate local-option sales tax revenue for economic and community development rather than rail now have an opportunity to allocate funds for rail transit, thanks to Senate Bill 1089, which passed this past legislative session and was signed into law by the Governor. This legislation provides cities a new opportunity for funding rail transit. However, SB 1089 encourages cities to set priorities for spending their existing revenue, rather than continuously returning to taxpayers to subsidize new projects.

* Barnett Shale drilling

Paxton: The Barnett Shale activities do not extend into my district. However, I believe we, as a State, should explore technological innovation and renewable energy in order to become energy self-sufficient.  .

* Cellphone use in cars

Paxton: The Legislature has taken an important step to address this important public safety issue since I have been in office. Specifically, we passed S.B. 1257 in 2005, which prohibits the usage of a wireless communications device by licensed motorists under a certain age while operating certain motor vehicles or by bus operators with motor passengers on board the vehicle. While I fully supported this measure, I will cautiously consider any other proposals that further restrict drivers from using cell phones.

* Open internet access in public libraries

Paxton: The issue of open internet access in public libraries is best addressed at the local level by city councils.

* ''Green'' buildings

Paxton: I support incentives for private companies to build “Green” buildings that use less energy and provide the same comfort and freedom that we enjoy today.

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

* War in Iraq

Paxton: While this is a federal issue, I am extremely proud of our men and women who serve in the military on all fronts in the War on Terror.

* Immigration

Paxton: Unfortunately, the federal government has failed to address the problems associated with illegal immigration. As a result, the state and local governments are now forced to address this issue. Many other states have passed significant reforms to combat illegal immigration, and it’s time that Texas does the same. We must continue to work towards solutions to end the practice of sanctuary cities, eliminate public benefits for those individuals who are here illegally, require voters to prove citizenship before obtaining a voter registration card, impose stiff penalties on businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants, remove the loophole that allows illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition status, and protect our borders.

- Energy sources (oil vs wind vs solar)

Paxton: I believe the State should continue to offer incentives for companies to provide energy from clean, alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar. Energy diversification is important for our state and our country.