(On October 6 2008, I sent letters to each candidate running for US Congress in Harris and Fort Bend counties, asking them to publicly commit to fiscal responsibility via PAYGO. I’m posting the replies (and lack thereof) by race / district, but I’ll also be writing about my general reaction to this civics experiment, and in some cases, for which candidate I would vote.)
Texas’ Congressional District 18 (map) has three candidates running for this seat. Incumbent Shiela Jackson Lee (D) did not respond to my repeated requests for a position.
Yes, will support PAYGO
NO, will not support PAYGO (at this time)
Further information:
CD 18 candidates who answered my letter also commented (and responded to voters) on the original post. It’s a worthwhile read, and I thank them both for their willingness to talk publicly with their neighbors.
John Faulk is challenging for this seat. Here’s his complete original email response:
You Asked?
Will you work toward fiscal responsibility by publicly committing to PAYGO?
Yes but I have to get elected first.
His comment in the post gives more insight into him as a candidate. You can read it here.
Mike Taylor is challenging for this seat. Here’s his complete original email response:
I received your email and followed the link to your blog. I will most certainly work toward fiscal responsibility. I too have become disgusted with how our congress has been run (into the ground). We need to start by ending failed and failing programs. We need to streamline the federal government so that it can become more efficient. Once these things have been accomplished, we can start getting back to the “paygo” way of governing and reduce the tax burden on the people.
In addition to several direct responses in the comments thread, Mike Taylor engaged in an email dialogue with me. I asked him directly whether he had an objection to the PAYGO concept. He said:
I’m not avoiding the term PAYGO in my responses. The concept is good. The problem I see is that our government have gotten way out of control with the tax and spend that making an immediate change to PAYGO might not be possible (But would certainly be a goal of vast importance). I would love to make immediate changes in a lot of areas but I have to keep myself in check and understand reality doesn’t always allow for immediate results; it’s sad but true.