By former State Rep. Raul Torres
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Taking a closer look at politics in Texas I am saddened to have to say, “Government is broken.” As a member of the Texas House Appropriations Committee in 2011, I saw firsthand how our state government spent money on things it shouldn’t and failed to spend money on things it should.
It’s clear to see that our different levels of government takes no responsibility for the future, and it has, over the years, taken action that has suffocated many of our daily freedoms under an ever growing blanket of unnecessary bureaucracy, regulations, taxation, and growth of government even right here in “conservative” Texas.
Looking at this issue with an open mind I believe that both the Democratic and Republican parties are to blame. Appealing to our better nature, many of our elected politicians promise us short-term fixes to our most important problems. They give us noble, but vain promises that in the near future they are going to reduce the growth of entitlements and reduce our overall tax burden. Yet, this seldom occurs. The truth is that all this is just ear pleasing political double talk designed to keep us somewhat quiet and present them as being on our side.
Another thing that I noticed and seen is how many career politicians in Austin have learned, like their Washington cohorts, how to give away hundreds of millions of our tax dollars to their corporate buddies all under the cover of “economic development.” This often results in big dollar political campaign contributions and lavish dinners and parties.
In exchange, they have learned to give us those non-monetary political victories such as legislative victories on social issues. When it comes to adopting sound conservative fiscal policy legislation those pieces of legislation never even get out of committee much less on the floor for a vote. In other words, when it comes to conservative based fiscal policies the Austin politicians allow them to never see the light of day.
Some Are Noble Servants
Not all elected politicians fall under the category above. There are many who are true patriots and who desire what is best for the country rather than what is best for their political careers. However, these kinds of men and women are quietly kept under control either through lame duck committee assignments or the killing of their legislation in committee.
Don’t Be Surprised
This has been going on for the past 10 years in Texas government all under the disguise of “conservative leadership.” The result has been bigger and bigger government has been growing right under our noses right here in Texas. All you have to do is add up the numbers… connect the dots and the story is eye opening.
So it is only reasonable for me to ask my opponents and the other Texas legislators who voted for the Texas budget of 2014-2015, “Was the passage of the state’s largest spending budget in Texas history the result of “conservative leadership?”
Let Me Be Clear
Government cannot and will not ever fix itself. You and I must take the leadership role in this quest to bring about change in Washington and in Austin.
Government needs to be cleaned out and reformed. Government has a vital role in a society, as a steward of common resources and public services, but it has clearly proven to the people of America and Texas it cannot deal effectively with the important challenges of today. Government has become a bureaucratic cesspool of misguided, arrogant bureaucrats who have come to believe they rule the world and they know what is best for me, my family, and society.
Why I Am Running
That is one major reason why I am running for Texas Comptroller. I want to change how government works of the people, by the people, and for the people. Only when government is limited can we do more to give more people a better opportunity to live the American Dream.
But, to succeed in this quest we must have a plan. Well, I have such a plan and it is called Texas Tomorrow. My plan calls for a smaller, more efficient government with less laws, less regulations and less bureaucracy. It rewards individual responsibility and discourages growing entitlement programs. The core mission of the plan is to streamlining government from top to bottom.
My friends, there isn’t anything that is wrong in Texas that cannot be fixed, if we the people demand it. Unfortunately the Austin establishment, the political power brokers and the career politicians will not cooperate on their own free will. That is why today, I am asking you to take action and join me in this quest to restore, once again, the spirit of our Founding Fathers into the heart of the Republican Party and into our government process.
Conclusion
Now more than ever, Texas needs leaders who will safeguard our liberties, leaders who are bold and fearless in that charge, who have proven that they can achieve our much awaited conservative goals. Texas needs a bold CPA for Texas Comptroller in 2014.
I have the bold ideas and I am ready to fight for you and your family.
In 2014, our state’s financial wellness and our grandchildren’s future will depend on who is elected because there is no election more important than the election of the Texas Comptroller.
In 20 years our grandchildren will know if you and I made the right choice.
Now you know the rest of the story.
