Suazo, Pina
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Bush vs. Suazo vs. Pina
Texas Land Commissioner
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 are available at AmarilloVotes.com, 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.
Miguel Suazo (Democrat)
Occupation: Attorney
What should the future be for the Alamo?
“The Alamo should be overseen by the GLO in a transparent manner that reveres and remembers those who lost their lives. The Alamo should not become a spectacle or an attraction for the benefit of special interest groups and opportunists looking to make a profit.”
What are your plans for overseeing the administration of the Permanent School Fund?
“I would ensure that the appointees to the PSF are well-equipped to hold their position by making sure that the Governor and the Attorney General know the issues faced by the PSF. As an oil and gas lawyer who negotiates leases and analyzes GLO issues, I am well-trained to ensure that the people of Texas get the best deal possible.”
In regards to veterans programs at the GLO, do you have any plans to change or improve any of the current programs overseen by the office?
“First and foremost, I want to ensure that as many veterans as possible know about the benefits that are available to them through the GLO. Within 30 days of taking office, I will initiate a review of the various veteran and historically underutilized business programs and make sure that these programs are operating effectively. I will then sit down with beneficiaries of these programs and key staff to look for areas where innovation within these programs might be implemented.”
Matt Pina (Libertarian)
Occupation: Political Scientist
What should the future be for the Alamo?
“The planned destruction of the Alamo and Texas History is the biggest issue to date. These plans will destroy the heart of the city of San Antonio, Texas culture, and the idea of what it means to be a Texan. Limited access to the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, and the story of Texas will, in the end, lead to a reduction in the celebration of who we are. That said, the story of success throughout our country has become so convoluted that the youth have no hopes or dreams. Since there is a clear lack of leadership within the Democrat and Republican establishment, I feel I am the only person who can step up to lead our future Texans.”
What are your plans for overseeing the administration of the Permanent School Fund?
“First, we need to continue to grow the permanent school fund. Unlike the current Texas Land Commissioner, I will be sure to put every single dollar possible into the permanent school fund.”
In regards to veterans programs at the GLO, do you have any plans to change or improve any of the current programs overseen by the office?
“Probably the biggest gap faced by veterans is by those who are permanently disabled. In the state of Texas, little is done to ensure that they can live in adequate settings that afford them to live independent and normal lives. ”
Commissioner George P. Bush (Republican) did not respond to our questionnaire