Below are the unedited responses from Richard Herman to the Amarillo Pioneer’s candidate questionnaire for 2020. Herman is a Republican candidate for U.S. House, District 13.

Please note: Questions from the Pioneer are in italics and the candidate’s responses are in standard type.

What is your occupation?

Business Owner/Retired US Army

What is your age?

What is your educational background? Please list any degrees earned, and institutions attended. You may also list any professional certifications.

College at Amarillo College and Texas State University with many Certifications in Management, Legal, Government, and Psychology. Military Advance Course, Master Gunner Course, Engineer Course, Recruiting Course, Leadership Course, Advanced Lifesaving and many others. General Motor Sales Management and Internet Manager. All required CEU's for Justice of the Peace and Magistrate.

Is this your first time running for office? If not, please list which offices you have sought or held in the past.

Served as Justice of the Peace at Potter County and Ran for City Commissioner but decide I didn't want to be obligated as Commissioner so I could run for this.

If you have a website, Facebook, Twitter, or any other online campaign materials, please list the links below.

Website: https://hermanforcongress.com/
Face Book: Rich Herman for U.S. Congress TX-13
FB: https://www.facebook.com/judgerichardherman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichHermanTX
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richhermanforcongress/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-herman-b8bb0643/

Why did you decide to run for office in 2020?

I feel that Congress is a mess and have felt that way for a long time because there is to much turmoil. I believe that I have the skills to get everyone working together towards our goal of taking care of business, because that's the reason we elected them and I have the proven track record of getting things done. I do not feel that the situation is going to change without someone like myself dedicating to getting them back to the basics and doing the job we elected them for.

What are your top three priorities, if elected?

First figure out what we agree on and getting it done because there are things we agree on.
Second tackle things we partially agree on because now we have taught each other how to work together. Third tackle the issues we don't agree on. It's a pretty simple way to get things back on track but then again I believe it will work.

Do you plan to host town hall meetings in the district during your first term in office? Why or why not?

Absolutely because how do I know what the people I represent want if I don't?

Reader submitted question: Would you support new federal campaign finance reform legislation? Please explain.

Absolutely, because money causes corruption in the end and there is no way a person can convince me that when you are taking money from groups you will not feel obligated. It's human nature to scratch the back of those that scratch yours and it's time to get rid of the back scratching.

Do you support term limits? Please explain.

I not only support it but will sponsor a bill to change the current law. I believe that the house should serve two four year terms and the senate two six year terms unless we are at war then a clause is needed. I don't believe in extend times in War though either because we should be able to fight anywhere, anytime and Win Fast!

Would you vote for any legislation that would prohibit the manufacturing, sale, use, ownership or carrying of firearms? Why or why not?

Nope because I believe the 2nd Amendment was put in place to protect us from our own government if the need should arise. Now a lot of people will say it's for hunting or other Bull but we know it was put in place to protect the people from a corrupt government.

Based on the information available to the public, would you have voted for the articles of impeachment against President Trump had you been in the House at the time? Please explain.

No because he has not done anything wrong but do what a good leader does.

With Rep. Thornberry leaving office, the district will be selecting its first new representative since 1995. Why do you believe you are the best equipped candidate to step into this role and represent all areas of the district, including rural communities and cities?

As the Honorable Congressman Mac Thornberry has stated “To be a true representative, our next Member of Congress should understand agriculture, energy, local contributions to national security, and have a deep understanding of us and our way of life.”

I have the unique understanding of the demographic work needs of our District; therefore, I will be an instrumental figure in the growth of our economy. I have not only been successful in business but have achieved many national accolades of recognition. I was raised in our district, reside in our district and is dedicated to supporting the push for economic growth throughout.

How will you work to advocate for and defend the agriculture community in Washington, if elected?

I will stay in contact with the agriculture community and know what is going on because I have been there and done that.

Reader submitted question: What should the U.S. Congress do to reduce the national debt? Please explain.

First thing they need to do is get back to work and then start reviewing the goals of any agency that receives taxpayer money to understand what they are there for. Then you clearly define how they are spending the money down to line numbers and get rid of anything that doesn't support the goal of the agency.

Please explain what reforms Congress should enact, if any, regarding the healthcare system.

Scrap the whole thing. Why is government deciding healthcare? Sounds like a whole bunch of lobbyist directing them. We need to take care of those that can not take care of themselves if they are a legal citizen of the United States but the taxpayers should not be forced into taking care of the others. I want my tax dollars taking care of my Countries Citizens First. If someone wants to take care of others then donate it to a charity.

Do you support President Trump's proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border? Please explain.

I am proud to support President Trump and push for reform throughout the current immigration system which includes building the wall. This is a serious issue of crisis proportions that has been impacting our safety, our economy, education and quality of life for many years.

How will you work to ensure constituents can actively communicate with you about the issues, if elected?

Open Door Policy

Are you supported by any political action committees? If so, please list your PAC endorsements.

None

Why are you the best candidate for voters to support in the 13th District?

I am just like most of the people putting my pants on one leg at a time and have never been a political insider. I believe that I have the most proven track record at getting the job done and keeping my promises. What do you have to loose by giving me the opportunity?

I believe everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed. Our nation’s success is built on the founding principles of unlimited opportunity, quality education, commitment to hard work, and the freedom to pursue our dreams. I fight every day to ensure that our community is advancing towards meeting these founding principles and have a proven track record of getting the job done.