Candidate Questionnaire - CD 07 -Jim Henley

Candidate Questionnnaire - CD 7 -Jim Henley, Democrat

Note: We mistakenly sent the State Candidate Questionnaire to some of the Congressional Candidates (although some of the questions are the same on both questionnaires).

1. Would you support requiring all electronic voting machines to print on paper for each voter a complete summary of their voting choices, which will become, after their inspection, the authoritative record of their vote?

Response: I would support the creaton of a viable paper trail for electrnic voting machines. There should be a tangible record of all votes for voters to inspect.

2. Would you support single payer universal health care?

Response: I would support single payer universal health care that would ensure a level of basic health care for all citizens.

3. In February 2003 Santa Fe, New Mexico enacted a minimum wage ordinance which raised the minimum wage to $8.50/hour for all business and non-profits with 25 or more employees. The wage will increase to $9.50/hour in 2006 and $10.50/hour in 2008. Would you support similar legislation and an escalator clause that would guarantee cost of living adjustments?

Response: I would support legislation that would guarantee cost of living adjustments for the minimum wage.

4. Would you support enactment of legislation providing for public financing of general election campaigns for elective office at the local, state and federal levels?

Response: I would suport reform to ensure that political campaigns and votes are not controlled by political action committees and special interests.

5. Would you consider implementing a state income tax to be used to fund health care and public education?

Response: A state income tax is a state issue and members of the United States House of Representatives do not vote on this issue.

6. Would you support a ban on the death penalty?

Response: I would support a moratorium on the death penalty.

7. Would you support increased funding for renewable energy and ending subsidies to the oil and gas industry?

Response: One of my major concerns in our nation is uncontrolled subsidies to the oil and gas industry. I would support funding for research on renewable energy sources and tax incentives for oganizations that use alternative energy sources.

8. Would you support programs to restore full funding for mental health/mental retardation adequate to provide food, shelter and medical/mental health treatment for the homeless?

Response: I would support restoration of unding to programs that ensure food, shelter, and medical and mental health treatment for the homeless.

9. Would you be in favor of changing the Texas method of selecting electors to the Electoral College from “winner take all” to proportional representation by popular vote?

Response: I would support proportional representation by popular vote in the Electoral College.

10. Would you support Instant Runoff Voting?

Response: I would support Instant Runoff Voting.

11. Would you support a substantial increase in teacher compensation? What other approaches would you take to improve the quality of public education in Texas?

Response: As a teacher, one of my main platform points is increasing teacher compensation to ensure a national standard for teacher salaries.

12. How would you improve the environment of Texas i.e. TCEQ accountability, grandfathering of refineries, power plants etc and clean air emissions standards?

Response: Again a state issue, however I support those who are working for clean air and water in Houston and throughout the country.

13. Are you dissatisfied with the way legislative districts are configured in Texas? If yes, what will you do about it?

Response: I am concerned with the way legislative districts within Texas are drawn. It is wrong for either party to draw district lines for pure partisan advantage. I would like to see a constitutional amendment to the Texas constitution calling for a panel of non-partisan citizens to redraw district lines every ten years after the U. S. Census.

http://www.henleyforcongress.com/