Posted 12:32 am Thursday, August 26, 2010
Governor Talks Government In Tyler
By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer
Brandon and Connie Barron don't identify themselves as Democrats or Republicans. She is a newly-registered nurse. He worked in the oil and gas industry and is now a stay-at-home dad. The two are conservative, home-school their 8-year-old daughter and said they are "average, hard working Americans."
Staff Writer
Brandon and Connie Barron don't identify themselves as Democrats or Republicans. She is a newly-registered nurse. He worked in the oil and gas industry and is now a stay-at-home dad. The two are conservative, home-school their 8-year-old daughter and said they are "average, hard working Americans."
On Wednesday, with their daughter and nephews, 7 and 9, in tow, the couple visited the Woman's Building in Tyler to witness Gov. Rick Perry on the campaign trail. The Barrons are transplants from Houston, and said they are both familiar and unimpressed with former mayor Bill White, the Democratic challenger to the longest-serving governor in the state's history.
Barron is concerned with the porous Texas border. He said he is focused on safety more than illegal immigration and said he wanted to hear what Perry might have to say about border security. He said White allowed Houston to become a sanctuary city and made other "liberal" policy decisions during his time in office.
As part of Perry's anti-Washington themed speech, it wasn't long until he touched on Barron's concerns.
Perry took off his suit jacket and stepped from behind the podium to address an audience of more than 60 people.
"The federal government has three responsibilities," Perry said. "No.1, the military, God bless them, to defend our nation and preserve our freedoms. … No. 2 it's a federal responsibility to defend our borders and No. 3 to deliver the mail, preferably on Saturdays and on time. One out of three isn't great."
Perry said state officials know violence is rampant on the border. He said drug violence is responsible for more than 28,000 dead Mexicans and is now seeping into Texas cities such as El Paso.
Smith County Republican Chairman Ashton Oravetz said Perry's strength on the border revolves around his support of law enforcement offices, including sheriffs. Oravetz said Perry ensures state agencies have the resources needed to protect Texans.
Ultimately, Oravetz said, it is the federal government's responsibility to act from immigration and security standpoints.
Voters should send Wash-ington D.C. a strong message, regarding its defense of the border, Perry said, by electing strong conservative candidates Nov. 2. They should also send the same message when considering federal intrusion on state's rights, over-bearing implementation of school curriculum and industry regulation and the continuing spending spree which he said will saddle generations of Americans with debt, he said.
There are three things Texans want, whether they are Anglo, Hispanic, wealthy or blue-collar, Perry said. People want jobs, security and opportunities for education and a better life for the next generation, he said.
"The land of opportunity is Texas," Perry said.
Perry said legislators tactfully created an inviting business climate for employers; that law-and-order communities such as Smith County preserve residents' rights and that schools are producing students who are ready for a career or college.
Legislators from Washington D.C. down, Perry said, should live by the four principles of governing. It's simple, Perry said: Don't spend all the money, keep taxes and regulatory policies fair and predictable, maintain a legal system that restricts frivolous lawsuits and appropriately fund public schools.
Business owner Bob Westbrook said conservative action by state leadership has put Texas in the enviable economic position compared to other states.
He said fiscal responsibility and an understanding of how the private sector drives growth has been a formula for the state's success.
Westbrook said conservative leadership sets the tone for policies that affect Texas and its businesses.
Perry put it in simpler terms.
"Government works best when it gets out of the way and lets the private sector do what it does," he said.
"Government works best when it gets out of the way and lets the private sector do what it does," he said.
The governor said he expects a "huge correction" to the Democratic surge during the 2008 presidential election.
He said liberal policies, such as those on health care and regulation are failing and are negatively impacting states, local governments and average residents.
Despite his drumming of Beltwau politics, Perry barely acknowledged his re-election bid and made no reference to White.
The Barrons believe Washington, D.C., is disconnected from people like them.
"The only way to change (to reconnect with national politicos) is by putting the right people in office. People who are honest and not acting for the elite," Mrs. Barron said after the event. "We work hard and I don't think politicians understand the reality of real citizens."
