Candidate Comparison: State Representative, District 86

Smithee vs. Purcell

State Representative, District 86

Over the past year, we have been asking candidates running for various local and statewide offices to answer questions for our Voter Guide. While full responses will be coming this weekend, we are offering you shortened versions in “Candidate Comparisons” ahead of the November election. Each response below came directly from the candidate’s questionnaire and are unedited.

---

Smithee

John Smithee (Republican)

Occupation: Incumbent, Businessman

Do you support property tax reform?

“Yes. High property taxes have become a real burden to Texas property owners. Although no property taxes are assessed or collected at the state level, I do think the legislature needs to reform the system from top to bottom, including the manner in which properties are appraised.”

Would you vote for Constitutional Carry legislation?

“Our concealed carry and open carry licensing system has worked well. Any Constitutional Carry legislation I could support would have to have safeguards to address violent felons legally carrying weapons, public rioting, and terrorism concerns.”

Would you support ethics reform legislation?

“Yes. Ethics reform is an ongoing battle. The primary objective is full disclosure and transparency. As long as we as voters can know all relevant information, we can make informed decisions.”

Do you support term limits?

“Obviously, I have served for longer than 12 years. But, legislative seniority has historically been one of the ways that rural areas like ours, who are vastly under-represented in Austin, can hold their own. Still, I would be open to considering some form of term limits.”

---

Purcell

Mike Purcell (Democrat)

Occupation: Retired Teacher

Do you support property tax reform?

“Tax policy should be designed to meet the financial needs of the state in a way that provides the most good to the most citizens in a just and equitable fashion. First we must provide the funds necessary for the best educational system in the world. Our children deserve nothing less. Second, we must create and maintain the best state law enforcement system in the world. Our citizen deserve nothing less. Third, we must create and maintain the best state infrastructure in the world. Our business community deserves nothing less.”

Would you vote for Constitutional Carry legislation?

“No. The Constitution guarantees various rights and freedoms, but none are without reasonable restrictions. You have freedom of speech but you are not free to lie. You have freedom to assemble but you cannot riot. You have the right to keep and bear arms but not if you are a danger to your fellow citizens.”

Would you support ethics reform legislation?

“Yes. The influence of lobbyists and political donors must be completely transparent. All money spent to influence legislation must be reported. Furthermore the financial records of state officials must be a matter of public record.”

Do you support term limits?

“I generally believe that voters should be able to elect whoever they want. But with voter turnout so low it becomes difficult to unseat incumbents. So until mass voting becomes the rule term limits is a good idea.”