Clint Bedsole is running for Texas House of Representatives District 106, a seat that is currently held by State Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Frisco. Fallon announced earlier this year that he will be challenging incumbent Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, for State Senate District 30. Elections for the Texas House of Representatives seat will take place in 2018. Primary elections take place on March 6. The general election is on Nov. 6. Other candidates who have filed include Jared Patterson, Michael Rhea, Ramona Thompson and Phillip Huffines. Community Impact Newspaper asked Bedsole a series of questions. His responses, edited for publication style, are below.

1. Why did you decide to run for this office?

We have a huge opportunity in HD 106 to get our property taxes under control, and fix the school finance system. Both go hand in hand. With my experience as a business owner in the district, my elected position on the CoServ board, and the broad support I have gained among our local education leaders, I have the tools necessary to go down to Austin and help find meaningful conservative solutions to get our property taxes under control, and get public education funded properly.

2. What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?

My time serving in the Military Intelligence Battalion of the US Army Reserves has prepared me for most challenges I have faced in my life. Professionally, I own and operate a successful small business in the district. I know the challenges small business owners face in dealing with over-burdensome government regulations and knowing that I am the last one to get paid after paying for expenses and employee salaries. The pressure is immense, but I love the fact that I live in a state and a country where one can pursue their dreams. I want to ensure Texas is the leader in the nation in creating good paying jobs and promoting economic development. Civically, I have been very active in the community, serving on many city of Frisco commissions and local non-profit boards. Recently I was apportioned by Denton County Commissioner Hugh Coleman to serve on the Denton County Civil Service Commission. This broad exposure has provided me a wealth of knowledge on the issues facing our community. Politically, I was recently re-elected to the CoServ board of directors because I delivered on my promise to help facilitate getting the high-power transmission lines buried. There is a lot a “talk” in politics today, but I want to be known for “results”. I have a track record of doing just that, and if elected would hold myself to the same high standard for achieving the conservative results I always have.

3. If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Property tax reform and school finance reform. Finding a solution that provides property tax relief, respects local control, and properly funds our schools will be the most critical task of the next legislature. Ensuring we elect folks who are going to go down to Austin to help solve these complex issues is just as important. Ensuring Texas’ border is secure. For years, Texas has had to step up to the plate because of the failure of the federal government from protecting borders. We have a new administration and I expect the change, but I won’t take it for granted. We must continue to put pressure on the federal government to do its job and be willing to do what we can ourselves if need be. Additionally, we must make sure we are taking care of our military veterans, especially those who have been injured in combat protecting our freedoms. They, more than any elected official, are doing more to protect life, liberty and our constitutional rights.

4. What else do you want constituents to know about you and your background?

As a child of the Texas Child Protective Services system (living in multiple foster homes) I did not have what most would call a "normal" childhood. By the grace of God, I was adopted at the age of eight. I believe God put us on this earth to give us trials and tribulations as a means to be molded into servant leadership. My life experiences have motivated me to give back to others. I have been blessed beyond measure in so many ways by my adopted family, by my wonderful wife and three children, and even the experiences I had in foster care. If I can be an example to others that no matter your circumstances, God loves you and has a plan, then I'd say “mission complete." For more information, visit www.facebook.com/bedsolefortexashouse