Meet the Republican candidates running for Texas House District 92
The Star-Telegram sent questionnaires to all candidates. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Jim Griffin
Occupation: Businessman
Age: 62
Website: JimforTexas.com
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: Bedford City Council 2000-2006; 2010-2012. Bedford Mayor 2012-2019.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Why are you seeking this office?
Our area deserves a strong and effective voice. We have difficult issues that face us: Lowering taxes, maintaining a strong border, improve schools and continuing to build our successful economy. Our House District is being targeted by several out of state liberal interest group that is trying to take control of Texas Legislature. Even if their plan fails, it will hurt our district if they elect a Democrat. I fit this district well, and that will help us win in November.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
1. Pushing for Lower property taxes. 2. Improve schools and solve the School funding crisis which has forced local property taxes so high. 3. Better transportation.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I am a proven leader who listens to his constituents, builds relationships, and works with other like-minded people to find solutions to problems facing our district and state. I continue to be a strong advocate for small business, economic growth and maintaining our conservative principles.
What changes in Texas gun laws would you vote for?
I am a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights and a proud member of the NRA.
How would you address increasing property taxes? What changes to the property appraisal process do you support?
Some changes have been enacted and we will see how much they help. But we must continue to keep the pressure on to provide property tax relief for homeowners.
The state enacted major changes in school funding in 2019. Is the new law working? What additional steps, if any, should the Legislature take? How should it pay for more money for schools?
The recent reallocation of state funds to education is a good start but we must continue the effort. ... The best path to lower property taxes and fully fund education is to ensure Texas’ economy is strong and growing. We have now had more than 90 straight months of economic growth. Texas now has the lowest unemployment rate in more than four decades. … In order for the economy to continue to provide income opportunities for Texas families, we must continue the winning economic policies of low taxes and reasonable regulations that allow local small businesses to thrive.
What should the state do to improve voter turnout? Would you support online voter registration or election-day registration? Should the voter ID law be changed?
When I speak at local high schools, I always encourage the students to be involved, register to vote, and vote at election time. If you look at the age brackets of those who vote most regularly, they tend to be older. Yet, in the last few elections, we have seen higher turnout among younger voters. Providing access to voting is essential. I support ensuring our ability to verify who is voting, and we have systems in places so there is no opportunity for voter fraud. I support Texas’s Voter ID law.
Taylor Gillig
Occupation: Business owner/ Veteran
Age: 31
Website: gilligfortexas.com
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: N/A
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Why are you seeking this office?
Our community is becoming more partisan in every election cycle. We need candidates to start articulating their beliefs and principles to a broader range of people. I firmly believe that individual liberty and free markets are the best mechanisms to uplift communities and allow people to prosper. I am running to help bridge the growing divide.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Securing the border. Protect unborn life. Reduce property tax.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
My experience and background make me the best candidate to bring our community together. As a Marine Corps officer, I commanded Marines, sailors, British Royal Marines, and Afghan Commandos in combat operations in Afghanistan. As a policy analyst in the Texas State Senate, I managed nine bills through the legislative process. As a business owner, I have created jobs and provide a service to the economy. These accomplishments all required bringing a diverse group of people together for a common goal. ... These are the traits a candidate, and a State Representative need to serve their community.
What changes in Texas gun laws would you vote for?
The 2nd amendment is the recognition of our inherent right to self-defense. I support the right to constitutional carry.
How would you address increasing property taxes? What changes to the property appraisal process do you support?
Every year appraisal districts increase the value of homes to get the maximum amount of taxes from Texans. This forces people to take time off work to challenge these erroneous valuations. The next step to property tax reform is using a market-based valuation system. Homes should be valued based on its market value rather than the government’s budget.
The state enacted major changes in school funding in 2019. Is the new law working? What additional steps, if any, should the Legislature take? How should it pay for more money for schools?
The new education law was a significant step in the right direction. Schools received more funding while reducing property taxes. However, there is still more we can do. Texas needs to take the surplus and begin to buy down the maintenance and operations portion of the property tax bill. This will deliver real property tax relief while maintaining funding for schools.
What should the state do to improve voter turnout? Would you support online voter registration or election-day registration? Should the voter ID law be changed?
Voting integrity is paramount in a free country. Requiring voter ID ensures election results are the will of the people. Moreover, voter ID coupled with paper ballots create more transparency and removes doubt in outcomes. As technology improves, people look for technological solutions in voting. However, one needs to only look at Iowa’s voting app debacle to see the need for a paper ballot. Every election needs to have a paper ballot to ensure a physical recount if necessary.
Jeff Cason
Jeff Cason did not respond to multiple requests emailed from the Star-Telegram.
This story was originally published February 12, 2020 at 5:00 PM.
