Politics Corner

 

 

 

 

In a recent sit down with Paul Thomasson, running to be nominated in the Democratic Primaries this March for Texas Senate Seat 5, the Central Texas Star was able to ask the candidate a few questions. We hope to sit down with all candidates who are willing, no matter the party or place they for which they are running, to sit down and answer the questions their constituents might want to know.

Our first questions was one that my mother, a long time registered voter in the B/CS area, always likes to ask candidates when she meets them, or interviews them. 

 

“What, in your lifetime, do you feel qualifies you for this position?”

 

Thomasson’s first response includes his three decades as a Methodist Minister. His experiences in this position, has given him the ability to meet with people from all walks of life. “I’ve met people who live in million dollar homes, and on the same day fed and clothed people who had nothing. That is the day to day of being a Methodist minister. You’re amongst the people, all of the people.” explains Thomasson. Thomasson’s experience in ministry is vast. He’s served as an ICU chaplain in a busy hospital, as a volunteer firefighter who was also the chaplain of the fire team, he served in churches in rural communities as well as large cities and has spent time volunteering at food pantries and Boys and Girls clubs. 

 

Of course, legislating is what we send our State Senators to do, so our next question was about that topic.

 

“Do you have any specific legislation you want to work on?”

 

Thomasson has several legislative proposals that he would like to work on, specifically mentioning three big things he would like to tackle, economic issues, public health, the environment, and academic freedom.

First, off the cuff, Thomasson explained that the Democratic Party has to return to, “fighting for the working men and women who make this country great.” He called for a raise to the state minimum wage to almost twenty dollars an hour and an increase in state funded benefits to increase the money flowing into the economy. “I know it’s a huge leap to nineteen plus an hour, but that doesn’t even get the working minimum up to a living wage, but it comes a lot closer.”

Thomasson used actual dollars to represent the inflationary rise in goods and services versus the value of the dollar in today’s economy. “The more dollars that flow into the economy, the better off we all are. We can’t get that if prices increase and the minimum wage is still less than eight dollars an hour statewide.”

Thomasson also believes that the top one percent of earners do not pay their fare share of taxes, and that the state of Texas has given too many tax breaks to large corporations. 

“Those tax dollars should be collected, and they should be flowing into our public schools,” said Thomasson.

 

How will you work in the Senate to return Texas public schools and Universities to a place where they might produce a higher level of education for all students in Texas?

 

What do you think of the recent Senate Bills that restrict conversations on certain topics of race, gender or sexual orientation?

 

At this point in the conversation, Thomasson expressed his displeasure with the voucher system that was recently implemented. “I am completely against the voucher system in Texas. It takes money from the middle class people and gives it to mostly wealthy corporations and religious organizations. That is not what public money is for.”

Thomasson also spoke up against recent attacks on the Academic expression of college professors at several state colleges and universities that are funded by the taxpayers.

Thomasson contended that the recent removal of classes and removal of academic readings by Plato were tantamount to academic censorship, and the taxpayers should not stand for it.

“The value of your diploma should stand against any other state University in the US, but these changes will lead to our state schools being devalued,” expressed Thomasson.

As a United Methodist Minister, Thomasson wants those who are gay, straight, transgender or cisgender, intersex or biologically male or female, “All people deserve to be treated with fairness and respect.”

 

What concrete action do you want to take to bridge the healthcare gap in Texas, especially amongst women and those who live at or below the poverty line?

 

What innovations can you bring to the Senate to bolster already struggling rural healthcare systems.

 

Thomasson also tackled the health gap in Texas, stating that the state has a long way to go to close the gap. “Your health should not be determined by how much money you make,” expressed Thomasson. 

He also took issue with the current administration’s stance on vaccinations. The rise in preventable illnesses, especially measles, amongst children continues to rise as more and more parents decide to refuse vaccinations for their children.

He had several ideas on how to shore up rural healthcare systems, hold insurance agencies accountable for exploding costs, and update the ACA so that it is functional health insurance for more Americans. 

One of Thomasson’s most passionate issues is preserving the environment. His firm belief that global climate change is a real thing and that humans are responsible for making it better.

“This is the planet I leave to my grandchildren. I want them to have a beautiful, safe and clean planet.” expressed Thomasson.

 

What kind of commitment can you give to your constituents as their liaison for government services, such as Medicaid, VA, and Social Security?

 

Thomasson knows that there are times to delegate, when your particular set of skills aren’t enough. “I’ll always be glad to hear what the needs of our seniors and veterans are, and I will always listen. But I know that there’s a time to call out the best of the best.”

His experience as a minister makes him a good listener, but he realizes that navigating the complex system requires hiring skilled staffers with specific knowledge. “I know how to surround myself with brilliant people, from all walks of life,” said Thomasson.

 

We finished our talk with a conversation about oversight of Federal Facilities, including the federal women's' prison camp, located in Bryan, that is currently holding Gislhane Maxwell. He wanted to assure his constituents that he would continue to monitor all federal prisons and ICE holding facilities within his district and that he would hold them to the highest safety and security oversight.

 

As we wrapped up the conversation, Thomasson expressed a deep and abiding love for his family, friends and those that he has met along the journey to the potential nomination. "I am just so overwhelmed by the support and I hope to live up to their hopes in me," expressed Thomasson. We parted with a firm handshake while gazing at the grazing deer that wandered peacefully on to his lawn.