Ray Scott answers the Questionnaire

Ray Scott (running for the 54th House District in Colorado) answers the questions that I emailed to him. The answers are in bold. Mr. Scott's website: http://www.rayscottforcolorado.com/.

The Questionnaire

1) What qualifies you to represent Colorado's 54th district?

I am a native of Western Colorado. I chose to raise my family here and build a business here I am not a transplant from the front range. I have a very broad background in business. I have worked in and with the oil and gas industry, construction industry, land development and logistics. I have managed people, money and assets my entire career. A diverse background is what is needed in a diverse economic environment. We have major problems in all of the aforementioned areas, I can recognize issues and analyze much faster than someone who does not have this background. A representative in Colorado has 120 days to review as many as 700 bills, you better have the skill set to handle it.

2) Hypothetical situation: A bill that you personally disagree with is coming up for a vote. Your constituents overwhelmingly agree with the bill. How do you vote?

This is the peoples seat not mine I work for you. I have proposed a citizens council that will see all legislation as I see it, this council will help guide me based on the needs of people not special interest groups.

3) Will you vote to increase taxes or fees?

No

4) What legislation could you support in the area of health care?

This is a federal issue, however we in Colorado have a right to opt out of any Obamacare that may be coming, watch for referendums to be on the ballot in 2010. If we were talking state health care control first and foremost would be tort reform to help reduce litigation and frivolous law suits. I like the HSA concept, people can control their own money and invest where they choose. We also need health insurance that crosses state lines much like auto insurance.

5) What do you propose to do to help the economy?

We need to privatize some if not the majority of state agency's or as many as possible, this puts jobs back into the private sector. We need to sell off equipment and land the state owns to private industry and put those funds into a voter approved rainy day fund. This funds could only be used with a voter approval. Cut business and personal income taxes establish sales tax holidays to give the people a break. The oil and gas industry will only come back if we are a business friendly state, abolish the oil and gas commission and start over with common sense approach that produces energy and protects our environment in balance. I am proposing a Western Colorado Energy and Technology Center that could be developed with private funding, where would be a better place to test and develop solar, wind, natural gas vehicles, heating and cooling tech, clean coal technology, geothermal and methane recovery than right here in "Energy Alley". Watch for more details. We cannot continue our "wait and see economic" attitude we have to be pro active going forward.

6) Do you believe in God?

Absolutely.

7) What is the role of the U.S. Constitution today?

Same as 200 years ago. We have to mindful of any infringements.

8) What are your basic values?

God, Family and Country.

9) What bills do you plan in introducing?

Legislators today are allowed 5 bills per session. Now do the math 65 x 5 = 325 now add the Senate and the Governor and you will be at 600 to 700 bills per 120 days to review and vote upon. The average comes to 5 per day to review and decide upon, make sense to you? I doubt it. Legislators don't have staff members to assist did you know that? So who is left to help a representative, that's right lobbyist or commonly know as special interest groups. Make you a little nervous? Well it should. So to your question. We obviously need to protect TABOR that's easy, beyond that I think you can see by my statements previously what I would be suggesting to propose. A bill to limit bills would be my next objective we need sanity and deep thought into any legislation not speed and pressure to pass special interests needs.

10) What would you like to tell the readers of Plumb and Square?

My statements above pretty much sum up what I am all about, smaller government, less taxes, build a business environment and stay out of the way and let the markets build jobs and make this economy get rolling. Just because I am involved in politics does not mean I am a politician I am a business owner please don't forget that. I am willing to serve you for two years, beyond that will be your call. Please call or email me anytime if you have any questions.

God Bless and pray for better days, they will come.