The following is a compilation of the unedited responses from Glenn Hegar, Republican Comptroller of Public Accounts, to the 2018 Amarillo Pioneer Voter Guide Questionnaire. Hegar is running for re-election against Democrat Joi Chevalier and Libertarian Ben Sanders in the November election.
Name:
Glenn Hegar
Office Sought:
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Occupation:
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Please list any of your political, civic or non-profit experience.
I have served as Comptroller since January 2015. In January 2003, I began serving the 28th District in the Texas House of Representatives until I was sworn in as a member of the Texas Senate where I served the 18th district until December 2014.
What is your educational background?
Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M – Class of 1993; Master of Art and Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University; and Masters of Law the University of Arkansas.
Why did you decide to run for comptroller?
Every time I have sought public office, my family and I have gathered around the kitchen table and tried to answer the same questions. Is this right for our family and can I still be of service to the people of Texas? We did the same thing this year and with my family’s support I believe that I still have a great deal to offer the people of Texas. Texas’ rapid growth brings significant challenges to our infrastructure, school system, and our ability to ensure that Texas is a land of economic opportunities. I strongly believe that I have the ability to help guide our state through these real challenges and I would be honored if voters bless me with the opportunity to continue my service to this great state.
What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I have a long history of strong, conservative fiscal leadership. Voters know that I will fight to protect taxpayer dollars while eliminating unnecessary government waste and costly inefficiencies. Growing up working the land on my family farm, I learned the issues facing rural Texans, but I also learned that tackling those issues takes hard work, grit and determination – that’s exactly what I bring to the office of Comptroller.
What will be your top priority, if elected?
I’ve always focused on the core constitutional duties of my office because I believe in offering Texans the best possible government at the lowest possible cost. I intend to continue my efforts to focus on customer service to allow you to get what you need quicker so you can get back to business. Texas is the economic envy of the nation, but we are not without challenges. We face significant threats to our long-term balance sheet that must be addressed. I have proposed reforming the way we manage our state’s rainy day fund. Rather than keeping that tremendous asset in accounts that don’t even keep up with inflation, we should invest that money to create new revenue streams to meet issues. The fund will continue to grow over time and will become self-sustaining so that future generations will always have access to it if they need it. In my first term I completely removed 8 burdensome taxes, saving Texans millions, and I worked with the legislature to dramatically reduce the franchise tax to keep Texas economically strong. I intend to continue my focus on reducing burdensome taxes, fees and regulation, and I will shepherd the successful opening and operation of the first ever state-administered gold bullion depository right here in the great state of Texas.
Are you supported by any political action committees? If so, which ones?
I am proud of the support I’ve received from an incredibly diverse group of supporters. I encourage all voters to examine every candidate's financial statements at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us
Why should voters choose you in 2018?
As a more diverse and stronger Texas economy emerges from a downturn in energy prices, it has never been more important to have an experienced and steady leader implementing our fiscal policies. We still have a great deal to do in an increasingly complicated economic landscape. A landmark Supreme Court ruling is reshaping the way states treat online sales tax collections. Trade tensions are creating uncertainty in Texas - the nation’s number one exporting state with over $264 billion in exports in 2017 alone. And we continue to face long-term balance sheet issues that must be addressed to maintain our solid economic footing. As a legislator and as your Comptroller, I have a proven track record of tackling the toughest issues and finding solutions to the most pressing concerns facing Texans. I’ve got the experience necessary to keep our economy, our finances and our state moving forward regardless of the conditions.
Hegar