State Sen. Van Taylor has filed to run for U.S. representative, District 3. He defeated Republicans Alex Donkervoet and David Niederkorn in the March 6 primary election. Community Impact Newspaper sent Taylor a list of questions about his candidacy. Below are his answers edited for style. Q: Why did you decide to run for this office? A: I am running for Congress for three reasons: Laura, Helen and Susie (my daughters) and all the children in this great land. Throughout our nation’s history, every generation has fought to leave a better America for the next. Sadly, we are on track to leave our children a nation buried beneath a mountain of debt with politicians and bureaucrats in Washington controlling even the most routine aspects of our lives. We are losing our freedom not to a tyrant—but to government itself. I refuse to accept this future for our children. I believe America’s success story has volumes yet to be written, and it is our duty to ensure the next generation inherits a nation just as strong, secure and prosperous as previous generations have passed down throughout our history. America is at a tipping point. We must protect our liberty, restore the core mission of government, and renew the promise of the American Dream. Q: What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position? A: In the state Legislature, I have proven myself to be an effective conservative leader. I have taken tough votes and worked with our community to craft commonsense solutions to real problems. I know the legislative process and have a record of working with constituents on important bills to keep our area the very best place to live, work and raise a family. Representing the people of House District 66 and Senate District 8 has also given me the opportunity to visit with thousands of constituents. My best legislative ideas come directly from the people, and I look forward to continuing my 100 percent meeting policy. As a businessman and family man, I know firsthand that government growth has an inverse relationship with personal liberty. The more government grows, the less freedom we have. And finally, my time serving in combat offers me a perspective. While I have watched some legislators struggle with a tough vote, I have always been relaxed doing what is right and knowing that in the worst-case scenario everyone will walk out of the Capitol and go home to their families. This perspective can infuriate lobbyists and special interest groups, but it allows me to always put the people and my values first. Q: If elected, what would be your top priorities? A: Like a business or family, pressing issues are numerous and change often. In the Legislature, I have been effective by gravitating towards whatever issues are moving so I could craft conservative solutions to those policy challenges, and I will continue to look for those opportunities in the U.S. Congress. However, as I talk with constituents, the three issues I hear all the time are: 1. Limiting the size and scope of government 2. Border security and illegal immigration 3. Continuing ongoing economic prosperity Limiting the size and scope of government requires constant attention. Small, seemingly nonthreatening bills can have long negative effects if it opens the door for government to grow unchecked. In the Texas Senate, I questioned all amendments and fought this government creep at every turn and will continue that diligence while supporting significant budget and spending reforms. As it relates to border security and illegal immigration, I will use my experience serving as a Marine on the U.S.-Mexican border and a legislator from a border state to advocate for security, safety and sovereignty. Finally, on economy, jobs come from the private sector—not big government. Low taxes, fiscal responsibility and a business-friendly climate are reasons why Texas is the national leader in job growth. In the Texas Legislature, I worked successfully to pass conservative, pro-growth policies and will take that same mindset to our nation’s capital. Q: What else do you want constituents to know about you and your background? A: For the past eight years, I have had the privilege to serve Collin County in the Texas Legislature, first as state representative and, currently, as your state senator. I have always maintained a 100 percent meeting policy with constituents and working together we have passed important policy solutions for our state. These include: ·      Sweeping protections for victims of domestic violence, safeguarding our children from online sexual predators and ending forced underage marriages in Texas. ·      A Texas constitutional amendment making it easier for our military to vote while serving overseas, increasing military ballots 150 percent. ·      Legislation closing a loophole preventing health care fraud and abuse saving local taxpayers millions. ·      A prescription monitoring system aimed at curbing the prescription opioid epidemic. ·      Legislation fighting the proliferation of toll roads. ·      Sweeping ethics reform including revoking benefits from corrupt politicians. ·      Truth in taxation rule, which forces politicians to state clearly in the first line of any bill if there is an attempt to raise taxes or fees. It has been cited by Americans for Tax Reform as a successful blueprint for other states to implement. As a U.S. Marine, I believe in mission statements, and I take my mission statement for public office directly from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Simply, government was created to secure our rights, and elected representatives work for the people. I am going to work hard to earn the trust of every voter, and if elected, I will continue to work with the people I serve to create a better future for our next generation and fight every day to safeguard our freedom. For more information on Taylor, www.vantaylor.com.