Paul Workman Valinda Bolton Go Toe-to-Toe in HD-47 Debate

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas On the South Campus of Austin Community College Wednesday night Republican Paul Workman & Democrat incumbent Valinda Bolton went toe-to-toe in their 1st public debate for the HD-47 swing district outside of Austin.  The crowd of about 70 heard answers to 9 questions from the moderator followed by three audience questions during the 90 minute exchange.    In his opening statement Mr. Workman laid out his vision and strong belief in limited government stating his campaign was focused on fiscal responsibility and inspired by grandchildren who were born into this world saddled with a mountain of debt by the federal government. Ms. Bolton used her opening to remind voters that she had lived in Austin for many years. The first few question centered on local issues ranging from homeowner associations rules to the ability to water your lawn during a drought. The first real exchange in this crucial bellweather district previously held by Republicans prior to Boltons upstart victory two years ago came when Democratic Bolton came out swinging in support of the local gas tax option.  Workman disagreed with Bolton saying an open ended new tax within Travis County even at the local level isnt what our economy needed in these difficult times.  Workman also questioned whether the gas tax which is a declining source of revenue as cars continue to gain in fuel efficiency was a viable long-term solution to fund transportation costs. A question was asked about the anticipated budget shortfall for the next legislative session specifically what steps Bolton or Workman would take to close the budget gap. Ms. Bolton took this opportunity to discuss the mechanics of the budget process yet struggled to discuss bridge the question toward possible that might address a projected budget gap during the 2011 Legislative Session.  She did say that she did not want to cut teacher salaries.  Mr. Workman said that if Texas must do more with less serious look should be given to agencies that need to be consolidated or phased out. Workman also poke about zero-based budgeting saying he had the courage as a 30-year small business owner to make the tough choices to balance the budget.  Both candidates were asked from the audience to address the oft-discussed issue of ObamaCare.  Bolton who has publically signed a petition in support of the Obama Adminstrations new healthcare law commented that the new law had many positive benefits including a mandate that allowed children to remain on your health insurance until age 26.  Workman spoke out strongly against the 2700 page law saying it represented the biggest example of federal encroachment into citizens lives during his lifetime. He also criticized the Obama Adminstrations $27 billion cost to Texas taxpayers that the new law mandates. Closing statements provided the most interesting back & forth. Mr. Workman spoke for his 3-minute closing first during which he outlined the campaign as a choice between a big spending liberal who voted against  tougher penalties for child sexual offenders and called her fight against including the phrase Under God in the Texas pledge one of her proudest moments. Ms. Bolton speaking for well over 5 minutes during her allotted 3 minute closing denied being soft on crime and told the audience it would have been easier for her if she joined a handful of other liberals in voting against the words under God. She neglected to refute the characterization of being a big spending liberal. Bolton closed her comments saying she works hard and has assisted on local transportation improvements.