TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
What else would you want District 1 voters to know about you? I want voters to know that I love East Texas and the people here. I desire to give back to the people and places that have given so much to me. Serving is not a new idea for me; it is part of who I am. God has placed me in a position after selling my company to serve, lead, and strive for stronger communities. My business experience and various board roles have helped shape and mold me for this very opportunity that has been brought to me. My core values are integrity, grit, loyalty, and stewardship…all values that I believe you want and need in a state representative. I am excited for the chance to utilize my experience and passion for East Texas at the state level. I would be honored to earn your vote. CHRIS SPENCER
meet the water needs of Texans without disrupting the lives and prosperity of East Texans. I want to serve on the Natural Resources Committee in the Texas House of Representatives and fight to maintain local control of water resources, as well as to protect and grow our vital timber industry. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing District 1, and what would be your top legislative priorities if elected? One of the biggest challenges facing East Texans is property taxes. Property taxes are out of control. We have received mail stating that over $51 billion in property tax relief has been returned to taxpayers, but these checks have not arrived. Furthermore, central appraisal districts stand ready to claw back any proposed savings that may come our way. Texas taxpayers are tired of it. Appraisal districts seriously need reform. What issues have you heard most about from voters in District 1? How would you address them? Property taxes are the one tax we pay that is beyond our control. Rates are set, and others decide what our valuations are. With any other tax, we maintain some control, whether it is income taxes, sales taxes, capital gains taxes, or inheritance taxes. Not so with property taxes. Texas legislators are looking at ways to reform or eliminate property taxes. Many other states as well. While futuristic, a fair system of taxation will give Texans more control over their taxes and their financial condition. This is a top priority for me as a state representative. How would you approach job creation and economic development in the district? Our region has a treasure in Lake Wright Patman. This economic engine positions Texarkana as a hub for job creation and economic development. As state representative, I will work hand in hand with Riverbend Water Resources District, TexAmericas, and AR-TX REDI to promote our region and incentivize job creators to locate here. Texas A&M—Texarkana and Texarkana College provide outstanding educational opportunities for our young people, with superior faculty and infrastructure. In addition, Texarkana College is a leader in developing students with vocational talent who wish to pursue careers in vital trades that require skilled labor. This will be a big part of our growth going forward. Expanding vocational training will be a priority for me in Austin. What else would you want District 1 voters to know about you? Texas has done a great job in putting the brakes on DEI and other methods of indoctrinating our young people with leftist ideology. East Texans are about God, country, and family values. Pro-life and pro-gun. No longer will we tolerate setting aside our values to harmonize with changing cultural norms, or tip-toeing around politically correct pronouns or pronunciations. My relationship with God is the most important area of my life, followed by my family. I will always seek to glorify God in what I say, in what I do, in how I act, and in how I vote. It will be the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your next state representative.
I am a business owner who meets payroll and pays my fair share of taxes. I know what it is like to struggle, and I know what it is like to succeed. I recognize that high taxes and burdensome regulations are barriers to success. Continuing to strengthen our southern border is a top priority for me. Governor Abbott has done a fantastic job bringing attention and bold solutions, as the prior Biden administration abdicated its responsibility on border security. Now President Trump has taken the reins and largely mitigated our border crisis. There is still work to be done, and I stand ready to give the president and Governor Abbott whatever resources are needed to keep Texas strong and secure.
Can you tell us about your background and what qualifies you to represent Texas House District 1?
I served the state of Texas as chairman of the Sulphur River Basin Authority, having been appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in February 2018. Recognizing the role that water resources play in our future success, I oppose the development of the Marvin Nichols Reservoir, demonstrating that there are other ways to
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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