WAYNE FAIRCLOTH F O U R Y E A R S A N D C O U N T I N G

In order for a representative democratic society to thrive it requires everyone to cast their vote and their voice in the election of those who will represent them in government.
In 2018 there will be many contested elections with both the Democratic and Republican parties. With that in mind, The Post will be interviewing the political candidates for
Galveston County to provide all voters an up close and personal account of them. The first candidate for the season will the incumbent State Representative for District 23
Wayne Faircloth.
JMR: Thank you for taking time to give our readers a chance to get to know you better. First of all, what was your initial purpose when you arrived in Austin?
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOTH: When I was elected my number one priority was to represent the people in my district to the best of my ability. I feel that I have done that over
the past four years that I have had the honor to be the State Representative.
JMR: What was your biggest surprise in your role in State government?
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOTH: I was surprised to see how important relationship were in getting the people’s business done. It was my objective to humble myself and to
build alliance with others. It is important to understand the needs of others and to learn from them in order to be the best legislator that I could be. Over the past two terms, I
have managed to build deep and meaningful relationships with other elected officials that makes the business of the people in my district more efficient. Case in point, when
one our county’s largest employers UTMB was on the verge of losing funding that could have resulted in the loss of over one hundred jobs; I made some calls and was able to
preserve and retain those jobs through the budgeting process.
JMR: There are myriad issues that swirl around Austin. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Texans right now?
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOTH: There are many important issues that I and my collogues will be addressing such as Health Care for Teachers, Border Security, Windstorm,
Economy, and many others; however, if I had to nail it down it would have to be Education. Education is essential for a growing, improving economy. Also, education can be an
important asset when families are strong and are directly involved in their child’s education efforts. As a former teacher and coach, I know firsthand the importance of students,
families and teachers in this process.
JMR: There are many proponents of the voucher program. What are your thoughts concerning this
matter.?
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOTH: On the surface that sound like a good idea; however, the State
is only funding about 37% of the school’s budget and the rest of it falls onto the taxpayers in those
districts. We must solve the problems of disadvantaged students in economic depressed areas before
we remove funding with vouchers.
JMR:. You are currently serving on the Rules and Resolution committee, Land and Resources committee,
and, the Port, Innovation & Infrastructure committee, correct?
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOTH: Yes, it is important to know the issues and there is no better way
than to serve on the committee that concentrates on a specific issue. It is a critical to have access
to information. For example, for many years I had to listen to others that our county were being subsidized
by other regions in our State because of our coastal cities. However, when I researched the
claims going back 15 years, it was clear that claims from hail damage to homes in our State was $22
Billion dollars compared to the wind damage claims at $6 Billion dollars. It was clear that we, in fact,
were subsidizing the rest of the State. I am working hard to drive down insurance premiums for our
citizens.
JMR: You are also conducting a re-election campaign in your party and then another one in the general
election. What is your strategy?
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOTH: I am being challenged by another Republican. It is his right to do
that; however, I feel that the relationships, results and my resolve have been outstanding. It does not
make sense to make a change, but that will be the voters’ decision.
JMR: Thank you again for your time and service. Any parting remarks as we conclude?
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOTH: I want to let the voters know that I deeply care about Galveston
County and the people that I serve here. We have been through a crisis with Harvey, but we have
stood tall to make sure that we get the funding and support to assist our families. We have many
important issues facing us like the Ike Dike, building our local economies, and improving schools, so
it is important for voters to know that I am prepared to continue to serve them in the years to come.