Deric Houston

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Deric Houston completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Houston's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading-bio-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tLoving husband and father of 2 school-aged kids, Deric has lived in Paulding County, Georgia for over 20 years.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading-key-message-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Protecting kids in schools, both physically and mentally.</li><li>Equal (and equitable) rights for our LGBTQ+ and PoC brothers and sisters.</li><li>Balancing the budget WITHOUT threatening earned income benefits.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading1-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Republic is in upheaval, there's not ONE policy I'm passionate about. Our Constitution is under attack and those sworn to defend and interpret it are compromised. Business and industries wire their own regulations, and pay off corrupt legislators to present it without change. <br/><br/>\r\nIf there's a single thing that I'm passionate about, it's candor. I am running my campaign, and will hold the office with honesty and transparency.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading2-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI find it difficult to pin down a singular 'hero', as I'm the only person I can fairly compare myself to. With that said, There are many qualities that I often look to others to emulate; Neal Degrasse Tyson's ability to take a complicated topic and simplify it, the courage of Bernie Sanders, the heart of Stan Lee, and the integrity of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. There's not a single person who I can look up to, but as the hero of kindness, Fred \"Mr.\" Rogers once said, \"Look for the helpers\".\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading3-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAny elected official should be transparent with those who entrusted them with the position. They ultimately answer to The People. Integrity is a part of that transparency, and as an 'instrument' of those people, they should be able to sleep at night, knowing that they did what is right for the people. To put it simply, they need to be truthful, both with themselves and those they were sworn to represent.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading4-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm very passionate in my beliefs, and I don't often back down from resistance, but, I believe that not everything has to be solved with argument, some things can just be discussed normally - maybe after work, over a burger - like actual people do. I think I would be a successful officeholder because I'm an average guy who is tired of watching from the sidelines as my country is being torn apart. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading5-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to be a noteworthy brick in the path to a world that is cleaner and kinder.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading6-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe O.J. Simpson verdict. I was probably 16 at the time and I was at school, where several teachers had turned on their TVs to see it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading7-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBurger King rear window cashier - hard work, but I enjoyed the food!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading8-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCurrently stuck in my head, I have no idea why:<br/>\r\n\"I hate myself for lovin' you\" - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading9-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House is where a bill starts, it's where change is born and where officials are held accountable for their actions. Representatives have smaller districts than Senators, so that they can be closer to the people they represent, and they can take their needs to Washington.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading10-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe that it is beneficial in some ways, but not in others. For some who have the experience in government, we've seen them take advantage of the \"perks\" provided by lobbiests or other interested parties - bad habits. On the other hand, it's beneficial to enter the political sphere with a new perspective, and not having the foreknowledge that certain people would never agree, etc. allows the inexperienced representative to take chances that the experienced might not.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading11-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMAGA tore a rift in this country, and it will take a while for that damage to be repaired. We are going to have to make a conscious effort to heal, but that can't happen as long as anyone in the MAGA faction holds office. This isn't because only one side can exist, it's simply because the MAGA faction doesn't accept reality, and we can't come to any sort of compromise if one side is only interested in fantasy. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading12-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think four to six would be a better term, mostly because it seems that Representatives are always campaigning, which cuts into time they're spending legislating. Freshmen Representatives are expected to be relatively quiet for their first year, which only leaves a year for legislation, and again, campaigning.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading13-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think term limits should have been implemented decades ago, as most of the people in congress will not live to be old enough to feel the impact of the legislation they pass today.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading14-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNot a Representative, but Senator Bernie Sanders' (D-VT) entire career is amazing. For him to have participated, first hand, in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, and still be arguing for equal rights and treatment for all is a testament to his commitment to the cause. Equality for all is very high on my priority list, as well, so I intend to work with Senator Sanders on legislation to further that cause.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading15-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhen does a BAD joke become a DAD joke?<br/><br/>\r\n- When it's a-parent &lt;buh-dum tsss&gt;\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading16-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI don't believe it is always necessary, but I do think it's desirable. If 'the opposition' is included in the discussion, they're more likely not to push back when it comes to the floor, or even better, they may help to add reasonable things that may get others in their party to join in.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading17-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA functional government requires revenue, unfortunately, 'raising revenue' often comes in the form of cutting spending on those who need it; education, veterans, the homeless, and earned income benefits. If we would simply stop giving money to the wealthy and start helping people with it, I would call it a successful raise in revenue. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-212364-2023-11-21\" id=\"heading18-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-212364-2023-11-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-212364-2023-11-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-212364-2023-11-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House should use it's power cautiously and without political intentions. The 118th congress is using its power irresponsibly and maliciously as punishment for legitimately investigating, impeaching, and indicting the shamed former President.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nDeric Houston completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Houston's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Loving husband and father of 2 school-aged kids, Deric has lived in Paulding County, Georgia for over 20 years. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Protecting kids in schools, both physically and mentally. Equal (and equitable) rights for our LGBTQ+ and PoC brothers and sisters. Balancing the budget WITHOUT threatening earned income benefits. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? The Republic is in upheaval, there's not ONE policy I'm passionate about. Our Constitution is under attack and those sworn to defend and interpret it are compromised. Business and industries wire their own regulations, and pay off corrupt legislators to present it without change. If there's a single thing that I'm passionate about, it's candor. I am running my campaign, and will hold the office with honesty and transparency. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I find it difficult to pin down a singular 'hero', as I'm the only person I can fairly compare myself to. With that said, There are many qualities that I often look to others to emulate; Neal Degrasse Tyson's ability to take a complicated topic and simplify it, the courage of Bernie Sanders, the heart of Stan Lee, and the integrity of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. There's not a single person who I can look up to, but as the hero of kindness, Fred \"Mr.\" Rogers once said, \"Look for the helpers\". What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Any elected official should be transparent with those who entrusted them with the position. They ultimately answer to The People. Integrity is a part of that transparency, and as an 'instrument' of those people, they should be able to sleep at night, knowing that they did what is right for the people. To put it simply, they need to be truthful, both with themselves and those they were sworn to represent. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I'm very passionate in my beliefs, and I don't often back down from resistance, but, I believe that not everything has to be solved with argument, some things can just be discussed normally - maybe after work, over a burger - like actual people do. I think I would be a successful officeholder because I'm an average guy who is tired of watching from the sidelines as my country is being torn apart. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like to be a noteworthy brick in the path to a world that is cleaner and kinder. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The O.J. Simpson verdict. I was probably 16 at the time and I was at school, where several teachers had turned on their TVs to see it. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Burger King rear window cashier - hard work, but I enjoyed the food! What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Currently stuck in my head, I have no idea why: \"I hate myself for lovin' you\" - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The House is where a bill starts, it's where change is born and where officials are held accountable for their actions. Representatives have smaller districts than Senators, so that they can be closer to the people they represent, and they can take their needs to Washington. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? I believe that it is beneficial in some ways, but not in others. For some who have the experience in government, we've seen them take advantage of the \"perks\" provided by lobbiests or other interested parties - bad habits. On the other hand, it's beneficial to enter the political sphere with a new perspective, and not having the foreknowledge that certain people would never agree, etc. allows the inexperienced representative to take chances that the experienced might not. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? MAGA tore a rift in this country, and it will take a while for that damage to be repaired. We are going to have to make a conscious effort to heal, but that can't happen as long as anyone in the MAGA faction holds office. This isn't because only one side can exist, it's simply because the MAGA faction doesn't accept reality, and we can't come to any sort of compromise if one side is only interested in fantasy. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? I think four to six would be a better term, mostly because it seems that Representatives are always campaigning, which cuts into time they're spending legislating. Freshmen Representatives are expected to be relatively quiet for their first year, which only leaves a year for legislation, and again, campaigning. What are your thoughts on term limits? I think term limits should have been implemented decades ago, as most of the people in congress will not live to be old enough to feel the impact of the legislation they pass today. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Not a Representative, but Senator Bernie Sanders' (D-VT) entire career is amazing. For him to have participated, first hand, in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, and still be arguing for equal rights and treatment for all is a testament to his commitment to the cause. Equality for all is very high on my priority list, as well, so I intend to work with Senator Sanders on legislation to further that cause. Tell us your favorite joke. When does a BAD joke become a DAD joke? - When it's a-parent <buh-dum tsss> Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? I don't believe it is always necessary, but I do think it's desirable. If 'the opposition' is included in the discussion, they're more likely not to push back when it comes to the floor, or even better, they may help to add reasonable things that may get others in their party to join in. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? A functional government requires revenue, unfortunately, 'raising revenue' often comes in the form of cutting spending on those who need it; education, veterans, the homeless, and earned income benefits. If we would simply stop giving money to the wealthy and start helping people with it, I would call it a successful raise in revenue. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? The House should use it's power cautiously and without political intentions. The 118th congress is using its power irresponsibly and maliciously as punishment for legitimately investigating, impeaching, and indicting the shamed former President.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]