Why Am I Running?

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
— Thomas Paine

In short, it's a matter of self-defense and because I believe it's time for a positive change in our city leadership.

Among the principles of our nation's Founders was the notion of "citizen-legislators".  They believed that the newly formed government would protect the rights of the people best when the legislature was comprised of average citizens.  They knew ordinary citizens would exercise restraint when passing laws that they themselves would have to live by.  The Founders also intended public service to be a temporary arrangement and for the citizen-legislators to return to private life after performing their duties as servants of the people.  Professional politicians were never part of the plan. 

Our nation was formed because the existing government, the "King of Great-Britain", was not concerned about the people he ruled.  He did what was in his own self-interest without regard for the people, despite their many petitions for relief.  This all led to the Declaration of Independence and "the shot that was heard around the world".  The United States of America was born. 

Our Founders endured great suffering and did the hardest work of establishing this free nation.  However, they left to us the charge of maintaining it.  They warned us repeatedly about what would happen if we were not diligent in defending the freedoms that they had won for us.  We are responsible for ensuring that our local, state and federal governments remain, as Abraham Lincoln said, a "government of the people, by the people, for the people".

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
— Edmund Burke

The constitutional principles of our Founders are not reserved solely to the conduct of our national government.  I firmly believe they are the principles upon which all levels of government in our nation are established.  As such, they should be respected and followed. 

To that end, I believe it is time for the city to abide fully by its own Charter, its own Ordinances and by the laws of the State of Texas.   It's time to exercise restraint when spending the taxpayer's money.  It's time for the citizens to once again become involved and to take responsibility for their city government.  It's time for those who seek to benefit personally from their place of public trust to find something else to do. 

I offer myself to you, as a citizen-legislator, to work toward achieving these goals.  If you agree with these principles,  I ask for your support and your vote.

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