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Texas Railroad Commissioner Candidates respond to questions

Barry Smitherman
  • Originally published October 25, 2012 at 5:51 p.m., updated October 26, 2012 at 12:37 a.m.

Editor's note: The Advocate is profiling candidates in the Nov. 6 election. This profile compiled by the League of Women Voters features candidates for Texas Railroad Commissioner (unexpired term).

• Name: Barry Smitherman

• Political Party: Republican

• Website: smithermantx.com

• Email: campaign@smithermantx.com

What is your education and experience?

Please visit www.smithermantx.com for biographical information.

How would you balance the use of existing energy sources with the development of alternate energy sources in Texas?

Texas has an abundance of oil, natural gas, coal, wind and sun. Renewable energy has a role to play, but that role should not be subsidized with taxpayer money. To secure energy independence, we must increase oil and gas production in Texas and throughout America. This will provide better jobs for Texans and greater national security for our country.

What are the main health and safety issues related to oil and gas drilling and transmission in urban areas, including fracking, and how would you address them?

As chairman of the Railroad Commission, I will enforce the law against those who jeopardize our health and safety by violating the rules that are already on the books. Texas doesn't need more regulations; instead, we must make sure everyone is complying with our existing laws. The RRC will continue to work with TCEQ to help ensure environmental integrity.

Aside from the issues above, what are the two most serious issues the Railroad Commission will face during the next term, and how would you address them?

The most serious issue is keeping Obama out of Texas. Obama appointees at EPA and other agencies are trying to stop Texas from recovering our God-given oil, natural gas and coal. The second issue is effectively enforcing existing laws and providing a stable regulatory environment so companies can create jobs in Texas.

• Name: Jaime O. Perez

• Political Party: Libertarian

• Website: jaimeoperez.com

• Email: jaimeoperez@yahoo.com

What is your education and experience?

Education: 1. Brandeis University - Bachelor's Degree 2. UC Berkeley - Master's Degree; 3. JFK Harvard University - Certificate Community Building; 4. UT Austin - Graduate Studies

Experience: 1. Policy Analyst For 2 City Representatives - City of El Paso; 2. Chief of Staff - County of El Paso; 3. Teacher - El Paso Community College

How would you balance the use of existing energy sources with the development of alternate energy sources in Texas?

There is no question Texas must continue an aggressive program of identifying and exploiting traditional energy resources such as oil and coal. Alternate energy resources are in the emerging state so private sector energy companies should be encouraged to assist the development of alternate energy resources as part of their medium-term investment strategy.

What are the main health and safety issues related to oil and gas drilling and transmission in urban areas, including fracking, and how would you address them?

Ensuring adherence to safety policies, remediation and protection of population centers must continue to be the central focus of the commission.

Aside from the issues above, what are the two most serious issues the Railroad Commission will face during the next term, and how would you address them?

  1. The ongoing challenge will continue to be the balance of drilling vs. environmental impact. 2. Due diligence is the task of the the commission and I will seek the best science on the important issues when making policy choices and recommendations.

• Name: Josh Wendel

• Political Party: Green

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