The following is a compilation of the unedited responses from Mark Tippetts, Libertarian candidate for Governor of Texas, to the 2018 Amarillo Pioneer Voter Guide Questionnaire. Tippetts is running against Republican incumbent Greg Abbott and Democrat Lupe Valdez in the November election.
Name:
Mark Jay Tippetts
Office Sought:
Governor of Texas
Occupation:
International Business and Legal Consultant
Please list any of your political, civic or non-profit experience.
Former City Councilman in Lago Vista & long-time active member in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
What is your educational background?
Law Degree and MBA
Why did you decide to run for governor?
I want to role back the existing government intrusions into the lives of Texans, and prevent further erosion of our liberties. No other candidate will work as hard to ensure my children and grandchildren will grow up free.
Would you sign property tax reform legislation? Why or why not?
Yes. Property taxes are immoral, and property owners should not have to rent their property from the state. Also, property owners should not be forced to fund, through property tax, programs and services they don't approve of or use.
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?
I consider campaign contribution caps to be a violation of 1st Amendment rights. I believe single donors should be able to donate as much as they want to whomever they want.
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.
Campaign contribution limits are a violation of 1st Amendment rights. No caps.
Would you support renaming the Texas Railroad Commission? Why or why not?
Yes. This commission does not deal with railroads and the name is misleading to the public. This allows the commission to operate under the radar, yet they regulate the most impactful industry in Texas.
Would you support any legislation restricting the sale, ownership or carrying of firearms in Texas? Why or why not?
No. I oppose the infringement on the right of the individual to bear arms...for defense or otherwise. I uphold the right to gun ownership of any kind, in accordance with the Non-Aggression Principle.
Do you believe that Texas judges should be elected in non-partisan elections? Why or why not?
Yes. Partisan politics have no place in the justice system.
Should hotel occupancy tax legislation be reformed? Why or why not?
It should be repealed.
Is Texas in need of the passage of ethics reform legislation? Why or why not?
Ethics are crucial to the successful, peaceful, and honest operation of government, business, commerce, and personal lives. However, government does not need to legislate ethics in all cases.
Are there any agencies, commissions or boards that you would support eliminating? Why or why not?
I would support eliminating the Texas Education Agency, and restoring the local control over schools to the community, teachers, and parents.
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?
In general, I favor the idea of term limits for elected state level offices. However, I do not think the State should be dictating to local entities/voters what their local terms should be.
Would you support legalizing marijuana for recreational use?
Yes. Owning, growing, possession parts of, and using a plant for recreational or medicinal purposes is one's own choice, and should not be criminalized.
How are you better prepared than your opponent(s) to serve in the role of governor?
Both of my opponents thrive on perpetuating the conflict between members of the political duopoly. They do not propose solutions that include free-market solutions, and both seek to restrict freedoms in many ways, just different ones. I am the only candidate who seeks free-market solutions to problems created by the existing regime.
Are you supported by any political action committees? If so, which ones?
No.
Why should voters choose you in 2018?
I am on the side of the individual. I am on the side of liberty for every peaceful. I am on your side.
