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Williams discusses political stance with JC Republican Women

August 26, 2015

U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, visited with about 75 members and guests of the Johnson County Republican Women's Club Tuesday at Caddo Street Grill, to discuss the status of the Republican Party and his stance on various issues.

According to its website, the Johnson County Republican Women club was founded in 1979 with the purpose of promoting conservative values and supporting Republican candidates. At that time, Johnson County had no Republican office holders.

At the meeting, Williams first spoke about the diversity of the 25th District of Texas which he represents.

"I want to say what a great honor it is to serve the United States Congress in Johnson County," Williams said. "This is a diverse district; we literally go all the way from Burleson to W imberley. I represent the University of Texas; I represent the Texas State Capitol; I represent the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant; I represent the Barnett Shale.

"I represent Fort Hood, the largest military base in America where 47,000 young men and women are down there right now defending freedom and liberty; I represent the largest population of dairy farmers anywhere in the state right up there in Erath County. But whenever I describe my district to my colleagues up in Washington D.C., I always say that everyone in my district owns a gun."

Williams said all of his decisions — none of which he has regretted — have been based on the U.S. Constitution.

"I think as a public figure it is important to know how your elected officials make their decisions," Williams said. "That is a question you should ask people. I'm a big believer that the Constitution is the best business plan ever written in the history of mankind."

"We don't have enough people saying, ‘I'm going to make this vote because it is good for America.' We need more of that."

Williams said he is also using the Bible as guidance when he comes across different issues.

"As we all know, the Bible fixes and mends things," Williams said. "It will tell you what to say. It tells you where to go on taxes; it tells you where you are in marriage; it tells you what happens if we are not nice to Israel. If there is anything that needs more fixing or mending than Washington D.C., I don't know what it is. "

Williams said one problem that needs to be fixed is America's debt situation.

"I will not vote to increase our debt $600 billion," Williams said. "If you are in debt $600 billion, you cut $600 billion. You don't go borrow more money. We are spending ourselves into oblivion.

"We've tried 0 percent interest, it doesn't work. We've tried stimulus, it doesn't work. We are trying socialism now and it ain't working."

Williams said the only thing left to do is to empower the greatest asset America has — it's Americans.

"Small business owners, moms and dads, people who understand that America is the greatest country in the world," Williams said. "That's why I've come up with a plan called Jumpstart America."

Williams said his tax reform would include initiatives such as cutting personal tax brackets to 20 and 30 percent, lowering the corporate tax rate to 20 percent, eliminating the inheritance tax, cutting payroll tax an additional 2 percent, and dropping capital gains and dividends tax to at least 15 percent or getting rid of it entirely.

"The inheritance tax is the most unfair tax anywhere in the world," Williams said. "I am proud to say that is the first component of my jumpstart program we now have gotten out of the House [of Representatives]. We voted to do away with the inheritance tax and it is now gone to the Senate."

Williams ended his speech with a message for parents and grandparents.

"Many people say they don't like politics or politicians," Williams said. "We've got to make sure we sit down and talk to our kids and grandkids who have that attitude. You have to talk to them about how great this country is and the opportunity that is out there and where we are going. We are losing the battle in the world; we have to get it back."
Seeking election

During the meeting, Johnson County Republican Women President Brenda Gammon asked those intending to run for office to share a bit about themselves.

Johnson County Stop the Offender Special Crimes Unit Commander Adam King said he has been in law enforcement for 28 years.

"I've been working here in Johnson County for the bigger part of 25 years," King said. "I've been associated with law enforcement all of my adult life. It's not just a mission it's a ministry I see as a way to improve our community and make it a better place.

King said to further his mission he is seeking the Republican nomination for sheriff of Johnson County.

"I pray for your support," King said. "Thank you in advance."

Johnson County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Mike Powell said he is also seeking the Republican nomination for sheriff.

"I went through the police academy back in 1980," Powell said. "I've been a lifelong resident of Johnson County, serving here for many years. I am committed to serving the community in whatever capacity the voters decide they want to put me in. I've been chief deputy for six years, lieutenant of the jail, and have almost two decades of county government management background.

"We've been trying to keep everything flowing for the past 20 years and we're going to do our best to complete projects. I appreciate your support."