David McArthur is a business consultant who started his career working in communications for the George W. Bush White House. He’s challenging freshman state Rep. Marc LaHood (R-San Antonio) the Republican nomination in Texas House District 121 on the North Side.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am a conservative small business owner. I am 53 years old. I live in San Antonio. I earned a BA in history from the University of Texas – Austin and an MBA from Baylor University.
I started my career with Governor George W. Bush and went on to work in the White House during President Bush’s administration. I then went into the oil & gas industry, where I managed multi-million-dollar budgets, streamlined operations, and created high-paying jobs.
My involvement in the community includes serving on the board of the Department of Public Safety Foundation, raising over $1 million in scholarships for students across South Texas, and creating a program through my church to help families affected by Alzheimer’s.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
Public safety and cost of living are what families in our district are most concerned about. I am committed to lowering property taxes and have pledged my support for Governor Abbott’s Property Tax Relief Plan, which tackles this issue from all angles to deliver long-lasting relief to families. I will also stand against frivolous lawsuits and support lawsuit reform legislation. These frivolous lawsuits bankrupt businesses and drive up insurance rates for everyday families.
Throughout my career, I have been a steadfast advocate for public safety and law enforcement. While serving on the DPS Foundation Board, we raised $6 million to support officers and their families. As State Representative, I will continue that commitment by providing unwavering support, including funding to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and resources for injured and fallen officers and their families.
3. What would you like to see the legislature do to make Texas cities better places to live? In what ways could state officials work better with local officials?
The legislature must push for the rule of law in our cities and rein in the cost of living. Supporting our law enforcement is key to this; our law enforcement officers cannot be at their most effective without the support of the state and local governments. The cost of living is also out of control in our cities. Lowering property taxes at all levels and stopping lawsuit abuse will help rein in costs in our cities.
Our local officials must be able to have an open dialogue with legislators. They are critical in being informed about what issues our communities are facing. As State Representative, I will be an open resource for them so we can work together to address the needs of our constituents.
4. Texas has taken major steps to reshape its public education system, including
allowing taxpayer dollars to fund private school tuition. What do you believe needs to happen to monitor the success of Education Savings Accounts, and to
ensure every student still receives a quality education?
I am a strong supporter of Education Savings Accounts. I trust the guardrails put in place and will closely monitor the outcomes as the program continues to ensure every child has the opportunity for a high-quality education, regardless of their zip code.
Texas continues to have record surpluses. I will vote to ensure our public schools are fully funded and give families access to high-quality education through school choice.
5. Reducing the burden of property taxes is expected to be a major focus of the
next legislative session. Describe your ideas for balancing the needs of a growing
state with state leaders’ desire to rein in that major revenue source?
I have committed to supporting Governor Abbott’s 5 Point Property Tax Relief Plan because it will deliver effective, long-lasting property tax relief. I strongly believe in empowering voters to have control over their property taxes and reining in irresponsible local spending. Governor Abbott’s plan accomplishes both.
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