Regarding the Texas Trans Corridor...
It was a huge abuse of the state's power to condemn without adequate consideration to the rights of the property owners. We undoubtedly have serious transportation problems, but trampling on the rights of property owners is not the way to solve the problems. Any proposed highway project should include consideration for land owners' future economic benefit. Sealing off property with a 400 yard wide highway that prevents a landowner from accessing their property without seeking a crossover many, many miles away is wrong.

Regarding Education...
Our children are our future and deserve our best investment effort. I have served 11 out of the past 20 years on the Denton ISD Board of Trustees. Education should not be a partisan political issue; it should be a concern that unites everyone in Texas. My opponent voted last session to lower certification standards for teachers. Texas teachers deserve to be paid above the national average. We can offer incentives for innovation and to attract the best teachers to the most challenging positions. Jr. Colleges and 4 year universities also need help. Our youth are our future, and we have priced many of them out of the higher education market. We need to prepare our young people to compete successfully in global markets.

Regarding Immigration...
Washington has failed to protect the Texas border. Illegal immigration places a severe drain on our hospitals, schools, jails, and social services. Last session, the state appropriated 100 million dollars to address this problem.. Although it is far short of adequate, and too long in coming, at least something has begun to be done. The state must step up if anything meaningful is going to happen in a reasonable period of time. We have the technology to monitor the border; we just need to put adequate people in place to do the job. No fence will keep people out; they'll go over, under, or through it. Probably, the single most efficient method of deterring illegal immigration is to take the profit out of hiring illegals. Oklahoma and Arizona have recently passed such legislation, and the illegals who used to work there are now headed to Texas. Quite simply, one can take away the business license from employers who would hire illegals. A couple of months of that would put most of them out of business. At the same time, however, we need to be careful not to punish ourselves. Legal immigration can still provide an enormous contribution to our state's economy. We simply need to know who is here so that our security is intact.

Regarding Taxes and Efficient Government...
My opponent is much like the Republican majority in Washington. He swears allegiance to conservative principles and fiscal restraint, but he voted for every increased budget that was presented to him. Last session, the legislature had a 14 billion dollar surplus, spent 7 billion making the school finance lawsuit go away, and then spent the rest of it on a bigger budget. There are so many special interests looking for a handout; the incumbent just can't seem to say no. Since 2004, I have served on a school board that has not raised taxes, except as authorized by bond vote, and we have actually managed to pre-pay debt. It is a case of watching what someone does and not necessarily believing what one says.

Regarding a few of the differences between the candidates...
I will be very active in the district -year round- not just election year. I will never have to apologize for not having visited a part of the district for several years. I will work for Texas families- not Austin lobbyists. I will be a strong advocate for tougher penalties for people who commit crimes against children. I will oppose gangs and be a proponent of zero- tolerance for violent criminals. I am an adoptive parent, a child advocate, a founder of non-profit charities, a successful businessman, a school trustee, and a fiscal conservative. I really appreciate you being interested in how I stand on these issues. I appreciate you being engaged in the elective process, and I wish you nothing but the best. If there is anything else that you might want to ask me about my opinions please feel free to call or e-mail.

Charles Stafford

staffordforsenate@yahoo.com
940.453.3999 cell
P.O. Box 50082
Denton, Texas 76206