| Ok, I really am not going to dwell into the Bush statement, but it's a nice hook to get you to read below the fold, isn't it? But seriously, Congressman Burgess's profession is that of a medical doctor, in Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
As for District 26 itself, it is known as "the artist formely known as Dick Armey's district". It is centered around what looks to be 7/8th's of Denton County. It extends north into Cooke County, and south into Tarrant County. And oddly enough grabs one tiny sliver of Dallas County in Coppell.
Before I move on to our interview with Tim Barnwell, we should know a couple things about Michael Burgess. He is a staunch Bush supporter. He tows the party line without question. He believes the Iraqi people are grateful that we are there. He believes gay marriage should be outlawed in the US Constitution. And as a doctor he is "...committed to standing up for the pro-life principles that have shaped our society for over two hundred years."
That brings us to our interview with Tim Barnwell. Answers are in bold!
What is your background?
I was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1950 the 4th of 5 boys. My father was the son of a sharecropper who migrated north to work in the auto plants. My mother was one of six children born of a strong and smart Irish mother and an inventive and talented father. My parents met and wed in the midst of the Great Depression.
By the time I was born my father had his own small but successful machine tool business, which grew over the next few decades to a substantial size.
For most of my adult life I have been in business. I know what it is like to meet a payroll, and make the tough decisions necessary to keep the doors open. In small business I have developed skills in team building, problem solving and resource utilization. I am also an experienced mediator and negotiator, trained in alternative dispute resolution. Last December I was awarded an MBA from the University of Dallas. While in school I worked as a substitute teacher; I know first hand the challenges of teaching in today’s classroom.
What was the most compelling reason for you to run for Congress?
Where do I start? We have a Congress that has abandoned the will of the American people, and has not faithfully discharged the duties assigned to them under the Constitution of the United States. Lobbyists now write legislation. Too much money changes hands. People come out of Congress much richer than they went in.
The incumbent Congressman in our district, is a perfect example of this: He owns stock in a petroleum company, took over $60,000 in their campaign contributions, and then voted for an enormous corporate welfare package to the industry even as they made record profits, charging us all $3 per gallon at the pump. A recent check shows my opponent owns stock in 4 major pharmaceutical companies, and voted for the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan that forbids the government from negotiating prices with the drug companies. He should have recused himself.
Finally, I remember visiting the monuments and memorials when my son Josh and I went to Washington D.C. a couple of years ago. In a quiet, unassuming spot lay a simple well-worn stone laid in honor to the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Upon this stone are written these words from the final paragraph: "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." This really stuck with me……and I’ve decided to pledge my life, fortune and honor in serving the people of the 26th District.
Your opponent has stated he does not support stem cell research and also believes we should not allow a woman to choose to have an abortion. What is your position on stem cell research and on abortion?
Like the vast majority of the scientific and medical community I fully support the rapidly advancing field of stem cell research.
We all want to live in a world where children are wanted and loved, and are provided every opportunity to achieve their potential. A woman’s right to choose the size and timing of her family is a fundamental right. And yet, across the board, reproductive rights are being rolled back. Access to family planning services that we have long taken for granted is under attack. Texas ranks second in the nation in the rate of teen pregnancy.
We can and must do better. Let’s start by teaching comprehensive sex education in our schools, and responsibility at home. Regarding reproductive rights, let me ask this question: If your niece found herself in a difficult situation whom do you trust to help her, you or the government? Let’s continue to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal and rare.
Burgess touts the party line of "the fastest growing economy" whereas a BOR reader just pointed out that we have had the worst job growth in 40 years. What do you think can be done to make Burgess's statement actually accurate in the future?
Most Americans already know that many of these newly created jobs are at the very bottom of the economic ladder with little or no opportunity to advance. There are several things we can do to change this situation right here in our district.
As a community we should pledge to ourselves to build the finest public education system in the nation right here in North Texas. Imagine the quality and diversity of employers we could attract with an excellent education system. The importance of this to our district’s future cannot be overstated.
Secondly, on the federal level we can enact legislation that encourages business growth in the United States rather than providing tax incentives to ship jobs and manufacturing overseas.
Next, as private citizens we can reward and encourage those businesses which do their part by paying living wages, keeping jobs at home, and being responsible members of our society by purchasing their products and services, as well as investing in their companies.
I work for an ocean carrier involved in containerized freight and we have a lot more imports than exports in this country. Thus, American jobs suffer because they go overseas. What do you think can be done to improve this disparity and increase what we export, especially related to manufacturing sector jobs in your district?
As you know John, the last time the United States had a positive trade balance was in 1975, a long time ago. That being said we can institute change to correct this situation the first day my colleagues and I are in office. As stated in the, “Democratic Women Checklist For Change” we can stop rewarding companies for outsourcing jobs and reward business for manufacturing here at home. We can also start enforcing our own trade agreements.
I've driven up I-35, and noticed a large number of Mexican workers waiting to be picked up in Lewisville every morning, and even weekends. What can be done to improve the immigration issue in your district?
The McCain-Kennedy bill was a responsible compromise solution to a thorny and often emotional issue. By providing illegal immigrants with a multi-step pathway to allow them to go “to the back of the line” and apply for citizenship, it would help halt the growth of this underground economy that exploits workers.
In addition, the U.S. needs to fund appropriate border security measures. Safe and secure borders are something all of us want.
Next, when this issue was addressed under the Reagan administration, laws were put in place to heavily fine employers who hired illegal aliens. These laws have not been enforced.
Finally, if we raise the minimum wage to a “living wage” then U.S. citizens in our district would gladly take these jobs.
What is your position on the proposed Trans Texas Corridor and expansion of I-35, (both of which would tear right through your district)?
I am adamantly opposed to the Trans Texas Corridor. While it is obvious that Texas’ (and the nation’s) highway systems must be improved to handle the needs of a growing population, it is a function of our federal, state, and local governments to design, build and maintain our national highway system.
In sharp contrast, the Trans Texas Corridor is a for-profit operation being promoted not by the people but by private international business interests. I ask you the following question, “When did the people of Texas vote for this?”
What is your comment on the letter from Burgess to one of his constituents regarding the impeachment of Bush? Read article here
I believe the letter you refer to demonstrates how out of touch my opponent is with the concerns of the vast majority of his constituency.
I now ask you the same thing that Gary Page in District 24 gets asked. Why are you running in such a "heavily Republican district” that you "can not win in"?
I wholeheartedly reject the notion that this district is unwinnable. The voters in Texas 26 are thoughtful people who do not reject candidates based on labels. The folks I have met have genuine concerns over how their district is being represented, and many of them believe it is time for a new direction where the people are served and big business with its big money do not control the future of the nation. |
