Candidates square off at Republican Forum

On January 18, 2024, the candidates running for District 1 answered a series of questions were current Texas politics and problems were addressed. The meeting billed as “Potatoes and Politics” was an opportunity to learn a little more about the Texas House District 1 candidates while enjoying a bake potato bar. Cass County Judge Ransom acted as the moderator for the event. The event was hosted by the Cass County Republican Party at the Mattie Lanier Richey Center.

Present at the forum were elected officials Sheriff Larry Rowe, 5th District Judge Bill Miller, Cass County Tax Assessor and Collector Angela Young, Atlanta City Councilman Kevin Sherman and Robin Bass with Congressman Nathaniel Moran.

At the meeting Judge Ransom took time to introduce the Candidates for Commissioner in Precinct 3.

According to the release issued before the event. “David Hill is a lifelong resident of Cass County. After he graduated, he worked for the county and worked in construction and farmwork. In 1980 he decided to go into the timber business. He was on the Queen City School board for a couple terms and was on the Texas Farm Credit Board for 19 years where he learned a lot about finance and local infrastructure. Hill expressed his goals to improve local roads in Precinct 3 using his past knowledge and experience to accomplish those goals.”

“Doug Lance is also a lifelong resident of Cass County. He graduated from Queen City High School in 1993 and maintained self-employment for over thirty years. His range in business extends from cattle and timber to oil. Lance vowed to make a difference for Precinct 3.”

“Charles Robison moved to Cass County when he was three years old. He spent time in the Marine Corps and when he returned, he began working construction on roadways and bridges. Robinson later worked at the Texarkana Fire Department, where he eventually retired. Lance worked as a volunteer firefighter in Queen City and around Cass County for several years. Robinson expressed familiarity with Precinct 3 and vowed to make changes to things such as road conditions.”

After the candidates for Commissioner in Precinct 3 were introduced, the forum began. Three District 1 Candidates were there to answer questions that Judge Ransom produced. Each candidate was given 2 minutes to introduce themselves and then they were asked a series of questions, and each candidate was given 2 minutes to answer each question.

According to the press release for the event and their introduction at the event, “Gary VanDeaver is from New Boston and has served as District 1 Representative for five previous terms. He was raised in Red River County on a small cattle operation and graduated from Clarkesville High School. He attended Paris Junior College and then East Texas State University where he achieved a degree in Agricultural Education. VanDeaver taught agriculture in Avery for ten years before becoming the Elementary principle. He became principal of Rivercrest High School and then moved to New Boston as the Superintendent where he retired. VanDeaver is seeking re-election for a sixth term.“ The release quoted Van Deaver as saying… “They want to defund our schools. They want our water, our timber, our way of life.”

“Dale Huls is from Texarkana, and he is an air force veteran. Huls retired out of federal service in December of 2022. He was an overseas military contractor where he served 5 years in Saudi Arabia and 1 year in Bosnia which he referred to as some of the ‘best years of his life.’ Huls retired out of NASA recently. Huls has a broad range of experience and has worked with generals and CEOs. Huls expressed his desire to ‘be there for the people’ and said, ‘when Dale Huls is in Austin, he’s speaking for you.’” “Chris Spencer is from Hughes Springs. He was born in Morris County and has lived in Cass County for 48 years. ‘The greatest gift and privilege is the gift and salvation for my savior Jesus Christ.’ Spencer owns and operates Crumps Food Center in Linden, Texas. ‘I know what it’s like to start a business- I know what it’s like to almost fail.’ Texas Governor Gregg Abbot appointed Spencer as Chairman of the Sulphur River Basin Authority in 2018 and is endorsing Spencer’s campaign.”

The first question posed to the candidates was on the topic of border security, a topic that many in Texas see as a very real issue.

Judge Ransom began the discussion, “In December of 2023, migrant encounters were at an all-time high with over 300,000 encounters at our Southern border. The Biden Administration continues to refuse to enforce current U.S immigration laws and attempts to stop Texas from enforcing laws against illegal immigration. If you have a seat in the Texas House, what if anything, could you do about the ongoing border crisis?”

Huls gave a lengthy response, but in short saying it is an invasion and he would do everything he could to stop illegal immigration. He referenced at recent bill that was introduced, but was shot down by democrat representatives and six republicans. “We couldn’t get ten republicans to stand up for what’s right” Spencer responded by first saying the quickest thing we could do is to elect Donald Trump, and then pointed to the work that Governor Abbott is doing. “He best governor for border security and we need to support the governor.” Spencer agreed that the feds aren’t doing something, so we need to.

VanDeaver said that the problem wasn’t created by Texas but was something that Texans have to deal with and that he would try to do everything possible to fix it.

The next question was about the controversial Marvin- Nichols Reservoir which is part of the state Water Plan. Supporters say it’s needed for a growing population in the DFW Metroplex area, and opponents say that it’s a violation of private property rights and an outdated and unnecessary proposal that hurts Northeast Texas and owners. Each candidate was asked what pathway they see forward.

Spencer replied by saying that his livelihood comes from timber, and he has customers at his supermarket that stand to lose a lot if the development of the Reservoir goes through. He pointed to his work on the Sulphur River Authority, and mentioned that there are a lot of other options for Marvin Nichols. “Toledo Bend for one, conservation for another.”

Huls responded by saying although the other candidates seated next to him claim to stand against the Reservoir, in the past they have both said it would happen regardless. Huls stood firm on being against the development of the Reservoir.

VanDeaver stated that they were waiting on a new study submitted on the feasibility of the Reservoir to determine if it is needed, and he stated that he hoped it would show that the Reservoir was not needed, but the process itself would slow down the timeline regardless.

Each candidate was asked their position on using Taxpayer money to fund students who choose not to attend public schools and their position on giving Texas Public school teachers a raise without having it tied to the Governor’s voucher program.

VanDeaver said he was opposed to the “voucher scheme”, instead keeping the money for the public schools. He said that the governor’s bill would have cost tax payors billions of dollars.

Hul said he was not for a “voucher program,” however what was proposed was an education savings account. Which he was for, giving parents a choice on what was best for their own children.

Spencer began by saying that he supported the local schools, and if he could do it all over again would send his children to an area public school. For Spencer, his concern was for larger metropolitan areas that have integrated liberal ideology including gay pride initiatives. Spencer felt it was important to give parents a right to choose alternative paths for their children’s education who may not be able to afford otherwise.

Each candidate was then asked who’s legislative priorities would guide them. All candidates answered by saying that republican and conservative values will remain their priority.

Regarding Lithium production, Cass County has recently been made aware that they are home to some of some of the largest lithium deposits in the world. With Cass County being considered a potential “ground zero” for lithium mining, each candidate was asked who they feel the rights of the lithium belong to. There is concern that the lithium rights won’t stay local, but instead be a strain on the areas resources and roads.

Spencer replied by saying that the rights should remain with the mineral rights holder, but that the bigger issue was with what Lithium is being used for. Spencer believes oil is the better option, instead of Wind, solar and batteries to meet the energy needs of the country. He pointed to lack of environmental oversight for other so types of green energy production.

Huls stated he felt the rights should remain with min-

u See FORUM page 5 eral rights holders, personally he believes it should be the surface landowner. He also would like to prevent solar and wind from taking over oil and gas, he also pointed to the environmental exemptions for green energy as being a problem.

VanDeaver stated that the landowners should be the ones who benefit. He pointed out when the oil lease was made, no one thought about lithium.

Each candidate was asked what actions they’d take towards addressing property tax policy and how the property tax reform that passed in 2023 would affect our schools and the way they are funded two or more years out and if the changes were good.

VanDeaver stated that it was a good start, but the appraisal issue needed to be addressed first locally.

Huls replied that property tax is a wealth tax. Huls pointed out that the budget has gone from $200M of Federal and State monies in the budget to $321M this last session and Huls argued that the property tax was being used to help with that expenditure. “We need to freeze our budget,” said Huls, as he stood firm against property tax.

Spencer said he also stood firm on getting rid of property tax.

The candidates were then asked quick fire questions. They were first asked if they all supported a required proof of citizenship to register to vote. Each candidate answered confidently, “yes.”

This lead to the question of E-Verify which is an internet- based system that verifies employment eligibility in an effort to prevent widespread induction of illegal immigrants and unauthorized workers throughout the United States. Texas currently requires public employers to use an E-Verify system.

“Would you support legislation to require all Texas employers to us E-Verify in their hiring process?”

Huls and VanDeaver replied with full support and Spencer said that although business owners prefer to avoid new state regulations, but this would be something ultimately that would benefit employers and he supported the legislation.

Each candidate was then asked how they would conduct constituent services to help voters stay informed on issues as they are working to represent the people of District 1. All three candidates vowed to represent the district with transparency and open communication.

Each candidate was asked if any alternative energy company had contributed to any of the candidates’ campaigns. All candidates confidently said, “no.”

The last question posed to each candidate was about the LGBTQ+ agenda. Each candidate was asked how they vote in regard to tax-funded causes for the LGBTQ+ movements.

Each candidate responded by saying that they will continue to uphold conservative values and they would not support furthering the LGTBQ+ agendas.

The video for the forum can be viewed on the Journal-Sun’s Facebook page.