Lavender makes appearances at local events
George Lavender has made several appearances at town hall meetings and meet and greet dinners. During a recent dinner, the Journal-Sun was able to sit down with Lavender to discuss a variety of things including why Lavender, who once served as State Representative, decided to get back into the race and run again. Lavender is a businessman and former
Lavender is a businessman and former State Representative for House District 1 from 2011 to 2015. He announced his campaign on December 17, for the Republican nomination for that same seat, currently held by Representative Gary VanDeaver. With redistricting complete, House District 1 encompasses Lamar, Red River, Bowie, Cass, Morris counties.
Lavender, when asked what set him apart from the other candidates, started by saying that Ray Null is a strong conservative, and seems like a nice guy. What Lavender believes sets him apart from Null is experience. Lavender his experience gives him a better chance against his other opponent Gary VanDeaver the accumbent.
One of the problems Lavender has with VanDeaver is that, according to Lavender, VanDeaver doesn’t communicate well with his constituents. Lavender has said he has received several phone calls from voters trying to get something done, and “Van-Deaver won’t get back to the voters,” says Lavender. “If someone calls you get back to them it doesn’t matter with you agree with them, republicans, democrats whatever. He has not done that in eight years”
“He also doesn’t write conservative legislation. For instance, I have written pro-life bills, second amendment bills. I wrote the open carry bill when I was in office. He doesn’t vote very conservatively. Which is a problem when we are a very conservative area. I believe we deserve the same values as we do and that’s not what we have right now.”
Lavender when asked about redistricting, he said he was not concerned about it since he is well aware of this area’s needs. When we were elected, Cass, Marion, Morris and Bowie Counties were in the district. At the time, Lavender said he was opposed to redistricting since those area counties were very similar in their values and interests.”
One of the big issues that Lavender is concerned about is water. “Unfortunately, our metroplex neighbors are trying to take our water.” It comes down to control, says Lavender. They want to take build Marvin Nichols so they can take and control this areas’ water supplies. VanDeaver claims he is against Marvin Nichols, but I don’t believe him because his supporters are the same ones that are for the Marvin Nichols Reservoir.”
Lavender also believes in eliminating property taxes. When asked how that worked, in the dinner event that evening he pointed to a minor increase in sales tax. “I believe property taxes are one of the worst taxes there are, you don’t really own your own home you just rent it from the state. Morally and legally wrong.”
When asked about increasing wages, Lavender said that we need industry. “When I was in before I went to events all over the state to attract industry, I also made calls to the governor’s office, because they are the ones that help. We have been ignored forever, and we need help. They need to send some of these industries this direction.”
Lavender also mentioned the need for better rural internet, because people are moving to small places like towns like our county has. They move with the intention to get away from high crime and congested roadways. Providing quality internet will also attract people to our area which will affect the financial growth in our community since more and more jobs are allowing a remote working environment.
Lavender in a recent release concludes, “Now, more than ever, is when we need leaders that will stand up to the storm that is at our front door. I will once again fight for a secure border, fight to eliminate property taxes, fight to protect our water resources and stand up against Federal overreach and mandates that harm our communities and our lives. I have a proven conservative voting record and will return to Austin to fight for the values that our community holds dear.”