Profile: Grady Yarbrough, Democrat for Governor of Texas

The following is a compilation of the unedited responses from Grady Yarbrough, candidate for Governor of Texas, to the 2018 Amarillo Pioneer Voter Guide Questionnaire. Yarbrough is running in the March 6th Texas Democratic Primary against eight opponents.

Name:

Grady Yarbrough

---

Office Sought:

Governor of Texas

---

Occupation:

Retired Teacher

---

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

I was a candidate for Railroad Commissioner in 2016 and for the U.S. Senate in 2012.

---

What is your educational background?

I graduated from Texas College, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Education, as well as a Master of Arts From Prairie View A&M College In Guidance. I received an Administrative Certificate in Public School Administration, and special Education.

---

Why did you decide to run for governor?

I decided to run for this office because our Health Care System is non Existence. Texas could have had the Medicaid Expansion program without any cost to Texans. There were Several Billion dollars set aside for the Expansion program, yet this officer refused to provide health care for people who are in desperate need for it.

---

Would you sign property tax reform legislation? Why or why not?

I would support property tax reform, because Homeowners pay about as much taxes as large commercial owners pay. This is grossly unfair.

---

Under Texas law, non-judicial candidates are allowed to accept any amount of donations from a single donor. Would you support capping the amount that a single donor can contribute to one candidate during an election cycle? Why or why not?

Yes, I would support a cap on donations from one source. The reason is that when a candidate has a single donor, then the candidate owes all allegiance to one person or donor. In such case, the Public could be ignored, and attention given to the one who paid into their campaigns. That just happened with the Tax bill just past by Congress.

---

Under Texas law, political action committees are allowed to spend any amount in non-judicial races. Would you support capping the amount that PAC's can spend supporting a single candidate in a single election cycle? What would be an ideal limit for local races? Please explain.

There should be a cap on the amount of money a single candidate can receive. Again, this is unfair to those people who cannot make huge contributions. When this occurs, The concerns of the middle class, and workings people are not addressed, they have no representation, because they have no money.

---

Would you support renaming the Texas Railroad Commission? Why or why not?

No. I would not change the name of the Commission. Its not the name that is of importance, but the service that it provides for the people of Texas.

---

Would you support any legislation restricting the sale, ownership or carrying of firearms in Texas? Why or why not?

The Concealed Weapon law needs to be revamped. It is too easy for people to get guns, who should not have them.. Often guns are used to intimidate a segment of Society, such as minorities within our state.

---

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

Yes. Judges should be elected without political affiliation. Judges should not get involved in politics.

---

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

Yes. Our taxing needs changes, so therefore, taxing laws should change to reflect the changing elements in our commercial environment.

---

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

Yes. Ethics reform is always a good idea. When one system stay in place for a long time, people have a tendency to try to Circumvent the rules that are in place.

---

Are there any agencies, commissions or boards that you would support eliminating? Why or why not?

No. They all seem to be doing the job that was intended for them to do.

---

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 signed this legislation?

Yes. After 12 years in office, natural vicissitude should take place, in order for new Ideas and beliefs, to take be used.

---

How are you better prepared than your opponent(s) to serve in the role of governor?

I believe that I can do a better job of managing our resources than what is now being done. I Mentioned the Medicaid Expansion program, this is a critically important program for the health and well-being of Texans. Secondly, the disaster funds provided to the state to help Hurricane Harvey victims, have not been adequately disbursed, and records showing those disbursements.

---

Are you supported by any political action committees? If so, which ones?

No. I'm Not. I am self Funded, therefore, I owe no favors to no one.

---

Why should voters choose you in 2018?

They should choose me because I can do a better job than what is being done.