Community Impact Newspaper sent Fisher a list of questions about his candidacy. His answers are below edited for length and style.
1. Why did you decide to run for this office?
After the 2016 election, I felt a moral obligation to stand up for democratic values, to fight the influence of authoritarianism in our politics and seek to heal the damage caused by the current presidential administration. Further, the current representative for District 26 fails to represent his constituents. District 26 deserves a representative who is more focused on the needs of the district and the American people as a whole.
Moreover, the American economy no longer works for everyone, and it is time that Democrats stand up for economic opportunity for all. A study of recent and not-so-recent history should be illustrative with respect to this topic. Extreme levels of wealth inequality lead to instability and the eventual downfall of nations. It is within every American's interest to see that wealth inequality is not allowed to reach extreme levels. Today, wealth inequality in America is at such extreme levels, and the political turbulence we see in this country is, in large part, due to this condition.
And North Texas isn't immune. Although we have recently seen unprecedented economic growth, the North Texas family is in the most precarious position it’s been in generations: cost of living is skyrocketing, while wages have stagnated; health care costs are the No. 1 cause of bankruptcy; and student loan interest rates are stifling. While the decision to start or grow a family is often based on a multitude of personal factors, I'm hearing a common complaint: "We're not having children. It's too expensive." Hardworking folks hesitant to start a family because they feel they can’t afford one should be a clear sign something's gone wrong.
America has long promised success to those who work hard, but fewer families are finding this to be true. While the suburban middle class may still feel that the American Dream is within reach, there is another America for whom it has become—or always was—a fairy tale. Working 50 hours a week, along with their partners, these Americans struggle to afford the basics taken for granted by their parents' generation: a starter home, car, savings account and basic health care. It's hard to imagine raising a family with these challenges. Many young people can't so they don't. The sunlight of economic prosperity isn’t trickling down, leaving North Texas families missing out on opportunities made available to those at the top.
Democrats will deserve to lead again when we instill in America a hope and reliance on the promises of this cultural ethos: from hard work comes success. Such ethos becomes a myth, however, without a stable structure on which the American family can thrive. To earn America's trust then, Democrats must build this structure by tackling those seemingly insurmountable, modern ideas like fair tax codes, single-payer health care and a college education that opens more doors than it closes.
I call on Congress to take on these bold ideas and remove the barriers that keep so many North Texas families from achieving the American Dream.
2. What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?
As an attorney, I often find myself leading teams to complete strategic transactions. Providing efficient and meaningful leadership is critical for gaining the trust and consent of the teams of successful individuals that are members of these teams. The details of such projects are confidential, and as an attorney I am under ethical obligations to keep them as such. However, I can share that as a practicing attorney I have lead teams to finance the construction of a rural steel mill, utilizing, in part, the New Markets Tax Credit program, to put hundreds of Americans to work in high paying jobs in rural America.
3. If elected, what would be your top priorities?
My top priorities once in office will be to fight for the following policies:
- reasonable term limits for members of Congress
- affordable and accessible healthcare for every American
- U.S. infrastructure renewal and a 21st century green new deal
- equal rights for all Americans
- fair tax relief for the middle class
4. What else do you want constituents to know about you and your background?
Legislating effectively means more than just voting appropriately; it means strategizing, negotiating, advocating and, of course, voting. As an attorney with years of experience negotiating and strategizing to reach certain outcomes, I have the experience that will allow me to be an effective legislator immediately. Further, I handle the law on a daily basis. I interpret the law. I apply the law. I even have experience writing law.
