Profile: Jason Huddleston, Republican for State Representative, District 88

The following is a compilation of the unedited responses from Jason Huddleston, Republican candidate for State Representative, District 88, to the 2018 Amarillo Pioneer Voter Guide Questionnaire. Huddleston is running against incumbent Ken King in the March 6th Republican primary.

Name:

Jason Huddleston

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Occupation:

Agent & Business Owner

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Office Sought:

State Representative, District 88

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What is your educational background?

West Texas A&M University - BBA, 1996; Canyon High School - 1991

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Please list any of your political, civic or non-profit experience.

• Perryton Lion’s Club Board & Boss Lion • TOPS Homeschool Community Co-President • Ochiltree Political Action Committee • Harvest Assembly of God Board Member • Ochiltree Senior Citizen’s Board • Men’s Ministry Director – Canyon & Perryton • TX Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – Board & Vice Chair • United Way Golf Chairman – 4 years • Canyon Chamber of Commerce – Chair & Board • Canyon Lion’s Club – Board & Tail Twister • Kids Inc. Day/Night Golf Chair – 3 years • CISD Redistricting Committee • Canyon Main Street Program Chair • Canyon Volunteer of the Year • Amarillo/Canyon Leadership Council • First Assembly of God Board Member • Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow

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What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?

I have been a leader in many community, civic, and professional organizations. I have been an avid follower and voter of all levels of government. I have been a part of the local political action committee and Constitutional Republic. I do not have political experience outside of being student body president at WTAMU; but I also believe that it is the common man, the non career politician that can be the best representation.

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In 2017, Senator Don Huffines filed resolutions calling for term limits on Texas elected officials. Under Huffines' resolution, state legislators would have been limited to 12 years in office, judges would have been limited to 18 years in office and local elected officials would have been limited to 12 years in office. Would you have supported this resolution if it came before you for a vote? Why or why not?

Yes. I believe that after an extended amount of time, an elected official can lose touch with their constituents, and the way of life they live. 12 years is over a decade; I'm not sure I wouldn't go for slightly less limits even. A lot of life changes, and changes at an even faster pace in today's time. An entire town can grow or die. Over time, a person can develop a myopic view that begins to leave out the very people they are working for, only focusing on accomplishing the goals they have developed and put as the forefront in their own minds.

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Do you believe that Texas judges should be elected in partisan elections? Why or why not?

No. They are not representing the people in government decision making. They are working to judge the people, the issues, and there should be a neutrality of party politics in that regard. They need to be bipartisan.

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Under Texas law, non-judicial candidates are permitted to accept donations in any amount from a donor. Would you support capping the dollar amount that a donor may give a candidate in a single election cycle? Why or why not?

In theory, it is a great idea. Reality would not play out as neatly, I'm afraid. New PACS would be created, new avenues that people could give in multiple ways. People who want to give their dollars in large quantity tend to find a way. What it would then turn into is seeing more governmental regulations to prevent these go arounds, which then means more governmental involvement and I am overall for less government. People have the freedom to give, and give large. It doesn't make for a level playing field, it can corrupt campaigns and legislators, but that is the risk and consequence that comes at times with freedom. Therefore, my answer would be I would not support the cap.

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Do you support property tax reform? If so, what package would you ideally like to see approved in Austin?

Yes. I am for a consumption tax that would lower property taxes, with a possible increase in sales tax.

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Do you believe that the Texas Railroad Commission should be renamed the Texas Oil and Gas Commission? Why or why not?

Honestly, I don't have a strong opinion. While their primary function is far more Oil & Gas, and not Railroad, and I realize that causes confusion - who's to say it won't change again? Perhaps something more general and less apt to cause confusion would be better. Texas Resource Commission, maybe.

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Please rate the performance of Speaker Joe Straus during the 2017 Texas Legislative session.

F

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Do you support "Constitutional Carry" legislation? Why or why not?

I would support it, but I believe we already have the God given right and the limitations should be taken away, period.

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Should hotel occupancy tax legislation be reformed? Why or why not?

In full transparency, my knowledge of this is limited. As I understand it now, I do not see any issue with this legislation. However, as in all things, if there is a concern, I am open to being educated, and then setting my stance when I have a full knowledge of the issues, the benefits, and the problems.

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Is Texas in need of the passage of ethics reform legislation? Why or why not?

Yes. I've seen ethics reform start to go, and then die. There's a holdup, and that's a concern. But those within the public office realm need accountability and more transparency.

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Are you supported by Amarillo Matters?

No

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How will you better represent local voters than your opponent(s)?

I have worked hard since last summer to meet the people throughout my district, finding out what matters to them in government representation, and letting them know the way their current representative has voted the last two sessions. I intend to be transparent, active in informing the voters throughout my tenure, and listening to all voters.

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Do you have any aspirations for higher office?

No.

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Why should voters choose you on March 6th?

I am the true conservative choice. The incumbent is the 4th most liberal Republican in the Texas House according to a study by Rice University that evaluated all of his votes against all the other representatives. I do not believe our district is the 4th most liberal Republican district, and I do not believe they want to be. I am honest, I am for justice, I am for seeking full knowledge of an issue, evaluating the facts, weighing what is right for who I represent, praying, and making a decision. I listen, I seek input, and I truly want to represent our district as they need to be, as they believe they should be, and as conservatively as I believe they still are.