Gary Taylor is a retired high school and community college math teacher. He is one of three Democrats running for their party’s nomination in Texas’ 21st Congressional District.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am Gary Taylor, candidate for Texas Congressional District 21. I am 71 years old. I was born in Fort Worth, Texas. I live in Dripping Springs, TX. I am a retired public school and community college math teacher, and a musician. I have a master’s degree in mathematics, but I have studied history just as extensively. I am a father, a grandfather, and a widower.
After 4 years of deep grief, I found a new life partner and have been with her for almost three years now. While I continue to grieve, and always will, I have learned to enjoy life again, and love again. I believe all of my life experiences, my formal education, my self-education, my work as a teacher, as a songwriter, as a musical writer, and even as a producer of shows and recordings has prepared me for this job.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
The theme of my campaign is “An Economy for All: A More Perfect Union”. I am crafting my messaging on convincing people who don’t always vote Democrat that we can make their lives better as well, contrary to what they have been told to believe about us. Generally, I want to do all I can to make the economy, and the country, work for everyone.
I believe this begins with creating ways to immediately assist those who are working hard, but seemingly getting nowhere, or even losing ground – folks who are just trying to make their way in this world. There are many things we can do, but it begins with believing that we, the people, are the government, and together, we can make an economy for all. I call myself a Progressive Democrat, and I say that Progressivism is not only compassionate, but highly practical.
But when I chose my campaign theme, our latest national tragedy had not reached its current level of horror. It must be a top priority for all campaigns now. The recent deaths in Minnesota are horrifying, and the current policy is acting to deepen the extreme divide. More on this below.
3. What should Congress be doing to rein in inflation and/or stabilize/boost the economy?
I have written a book, also called, “An Economy for All: A More Perfect Union”. I will not be profiting from the book; I am mostly giving copies away. I explain my reasons for believing a return to New Deal theories and, what is essentially the same thing, Progressive policies, provides the solution. I show that under our current laissez-faire approach, we have created a system that automatically rewards already accumulated wealth with more and more wealth every day. It is on autopilot.
I am not trying to demonize anyone, or assume to know anyone’s motives, I am simply trying to point out an extreme flaw in the system. This trickle-down approach, where we keep taxes down on those who are extremely overcompensated by the system, is a tax on all of us. It’s just not called a tax. It keeps us from creating help for working people and families.
4. What should Congress be doing to reform immigration laws?
I believe we should be spending our tax dollars hiring more people to help people gain citizenship faster, or to determine why they shouldn’t gain citizenship, rather than using our tax dollars for an intimidating and trigger-happy national police force. I believe that most people trying to immigrate are simply people wanting a better life than whatever their current circumstance is.
There is certainly nothing immoral about that, even if they have temporarily broken a law. Entering illegally is not in the category of criminal law, at least the first time. People who are truly criminals, whether immigrants or homegrown talent, should be arrested, and granted a trial. But people who are simply trying to survive and have a better life for themselves and their families should be treated with welcoming arms, dignity, and respect.
5. At a time when the White House is asserting more control over national security and spending without Congress’ input, how would you handle disagreements over the division of power?
I would work to restore the checks and balances that were written into the Constitution, for the people. Additionally, I would work to create new checks and balances that can put a check on single party rule, especially when the party has a slim majority, or no majority at all.
In a nation that for many years now has gone back and forth between the two parties which have had nearly equal numbers for decades and are practically tied statistically, there must be a check, particularly on the executive, and particularly when people are suffering. Minorities have rights even when majority rules.
No ruling majority should ever limit human rights. These checks can include putting in place a stronger Social Security system which would include additional securities for people who are working hard but barely making ends meet. Good programs that help working people can serve to anchor the system.
6. The past year has brought tremendous uncertainty to many Americans surrounding rising health insurance premiums and lack of access to medical care near their homes. What do you believe Congress should be doing to make health care affordable and accessible to residents in your state?
I believe that we must begin the work of transforming our healthcare system into one that works for everyone and never bankrupts anyone. Way too many of our healthcare dollars go to profit-driven insurance companies and to profit-driven spinoffs of the system. We have a shortage of doctors and nurses and other healthcare personnel, but we do not have a shortage of insurance companies wanting our money.
But let me add that transitioning to a universal system needs to be done carefully in order to avoid chaos. No nation has ever transitioned from such an ultra-profit driven system to a more National Healthcare system.
The transition must include care for those who are working within the current system to help them transition into new jobs or even careers. The next Congress could immediately save and expand Social Security because it has an easy fix. And begin the work on healthcare.
Read more
Rep. Chip Roy’s attorney general bid sets up open race in deep red TX21
