Rick Pfeil

[{"question": "Video for Ballotpedia", "answer_html": "<div style=\"float:left\">\n<table cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"wikitable\" width=\"205\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td>Provided ID could not be validated.<span style=\"font-size:80%\">Video submitted to Ballotpedia<br/>Released February 6, 2024</span>\n</td></tr></tbody></table></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": "Provided ID could not be validated. Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released February 6, 2024"}, {"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>Rick Von Pfeil completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Von Pfeil'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-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading-bio-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-213167-2024-02-10\" 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-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tMy name is Rick Von Pfeil (RVP) and I am a 5th generation Central Texan. I earned an MBA from Baylor University, where I stayed afterwards to be a Professor of Finance and Macro-Economics before beginning a 25 year career as a business consultant.\r\n<p>My campaign team: \r\nKen Flippin - campaign manager\r\nRichard Stone - media relations\r\nAlex Allrich - digital media, social media\r\nTerry Skyles - videographer\r\nDavid Logan - data analyst and political guru\r\nBecky Cooper - treasurer\r\n</p><p>Political activism: I have worked with 2 Presidential campaigns (Dean, Kerry), 1 Senate (Ron Kirk), and 2 House races, and now I am running myself. Also, I have been a poll watcher at inner-city election polls to ensure that voters were not disenfranchised by having their voting rights infringed. \r\n</p><p>Social activism: I have worked with organizations to assist the homeless and hungry (Dallas, Seattle, and Austin metro). I have also helped fund an organization in the Philippines to shelter women and children who were victims of human trafficking.\r\n</p><p>Environmental activism: After being inspired by Al Gore, I decided to create a company to help fight air pollution and climate change. I grew the company across the state of Texas in 5 years and proved the business model for propane commercial mowers. I am now a member of Al Gore's Climate Reality Project.\r\n</p>\n</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading-key-message-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-213167-2024-02-10\" 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-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Fix Congress!\r\n<p>Congress is a polarized, hyper-partisan, dysfunctional mess.\r\n</p><p>I am proposing 3 key changes:\r\n</p>\n1) Change the leadership structure of Congress by adding a new role for the Majority Diplomat/Mediator and the Minority Diplomat/Mediator whose role and purpose it to build relationships across the aisle and find ways to pass for bi-partisan legislation.</li><li>2) Term Limits: I would like to draft legislation to pass term limits of 18 years for both the House and the Senate. In order to get the current members of Congress to vote on this we would have to exempt all the current members of Congress. Once passed all future candidates would know that term limits are in place.</li><li>3) Gerrymandering: one of my passion projects would be to pass legislation that requires all districts to be drawn utilizing county lines, state or federal highways, or natural barriers like rivers or mountain ridges.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, think about it from a judges perspective. When a voter disenfranchisement case comes to court the plaintiffs (the voters) present their case while the defense (the politicians who drew the maps) present their case. This puts a judge is a tough spot to decide on a grey issue.\r\n\r\nHowever, if the district map must be drawn using county lines, state or federal highways, or natural barriers... then this is no longer a grey issue but a very clear black and white issue... did they follow the law or not.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading1-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading1-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tCivil Rights, Voting Rights, Women's Rights, Climate Change and Environmental policy\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading2-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading2-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tMy father and maternal grandfather are two solid role models for two different reasons. My father was hardworking man of few words, a frugal spender, and long term investor who valued family and would jump at an opportunity for a road trip to visit family. My grandfather was a farmer and BBQ pit master who was a soft spoken generous soul who helped keep my ambitions purposeful and grounded.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading3-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-213167-2024-02-10\" 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 book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tAn Inconvenient Truth (Al Gore)<br/>\n<p>God's Politics (Jim Wallis)<br/>\r\nThe Left Hand of God (Michael Lerner)<br/>\r\nRace Matters (Cornell West)<br/>\r\nThe Soul of America (Jon Meacham)<br/>\r\nTeam of Rivals (Doris Kearns Goodwin)<br/>\n</p>\nThe Righteous Mind (Jonathan Haidt)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading4-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading4-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tHonesty and Integrity. (for both relations with your constituents and your colleagues in office)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading5-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading5-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tDiplomacy and the ability to work with people on both sides of the political spectrum.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading6-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-213167-2024-02-10\" 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 believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tUsher and foster legislation that moves the country forward and keeps up with changing times.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading7-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading7-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-213167-2024-02-10\" 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 be honored to leave a legacy as the Congressman who finally passed legislation for Term Limits and Anti-Gerrymandering.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading8-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading8-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tChallenger Space Shuttle explosion. 14.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading9-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading9-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tAt 13 my first job was at a convenience store restocking candy and beverages after school.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading10-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-213167-2024-02-10\" 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 your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tGeez, many favorites for different reasons and different subject matters. So... A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Soul of America by Jon Meacham, A History of God by Karen Armstrong, 1776 by David McCullough, The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt, An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore, Art of War by Sun Tzu, Good to Great by Jim Collins, Competing for the Future by CK Prahalad. The Art of the Deal... LOL... just kidding... just seeing if you are still reading. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading11-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading11-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tShake It Off\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading12-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-213167-2024-02-10\" 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 something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tDelegating.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading13-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading13-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-213167-2024-02-10\" 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 founding fathers had the wisdom to create the House with 2 year terms so at least one chamber of government could be totally reset by the will of the people... like a safety switch.<br/>\r\nThis can serve as an emergency political safety switch to keep a president in check.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading14-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading14-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tYes and No. Yes in the sense that understanding the bureaucracy, processes, and political deal-making takes time to learn. No in the sense that the most passionate changemakers are the idealists and visionaries with fresh ideas.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading15-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading15-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-213167-2024-02-10\" 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 devolving national ethos. Our society and culture have become toxic as people have chosen to voluntarily quarantine themselves in their own political echo-chambers.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading16-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading16-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tUnfortunately yes. The ridiculous amounts of money involved in political races combined with the short time frame for re-election forces House Reps to start campaigning for the next election shortly after winning. However, this 2 year mechanism (as explained above) is an important safety switch designing into the structure of Congress to put the power in the hands of the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading17-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading17-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tThat's one of the 3 main points of my platform.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading18-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading18-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tEric Swalwell\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading19-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-213167-2024-02-10\" 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=\"heading19-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tAbsolutely!!! Compromise leads to bipartisan legislations, and bipartisan legislation leads to progress and a functioning government.<br/><br/>\r\nBipartisan bills are not targeted and immediately demolished the moment the power in Congress switches parties... because there was compromise and bipartisan participation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-213167-2024-02-10\" id=\"heading20-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-213167-2024-02-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-213167-2024-02-10\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-213167-2024-02-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-213167-2024-02-10\" 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\tSubcommittee for the Modernization of Congress\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\nRick Von Pfeil completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Von Pfeil's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Rick Von Pfeil (RVP) and I am a 5th generation Central Texan. I earned an MBA from Baylor University, where I stayed afterwards to be a Professor of Finance and Macro-Economics before beginning a 25 year career as a business consultant. My campaign team: \r\nKen Flippin - campaign manager\r\nRichard Stone - media relations\r\nAlex Allrich - digital media, social media\r\nTerry Skyles - videographer\r\nDavid Logan - data analyst and political guru\r\nBecky Cooper - treasurer Political activism: I have worked with 2 Presidential campaigns (Dean, Kerry), 1 Senate (Ron Kirk), and 2 House races, and now I am running myself. Also, I have been a poll watcher at inner-city election polls to ensure that voters were not disenfranchised by having their voting rights infringed. Social activism: I have worked with organizations to assist the homeless and hungry (Dallas, Seattle, and Austin metro). I have also helped fund an organization in the Philippines to shelter women and children who were victims of human trafficking. Environmental activism: After being inspired by Al Gore, I decided to create a company to help fight air pollution and climate change. I grew the company across the state of Texas in 5 years and proved the business model for propane commercial mowers. I am now a member of Al Gore's Climate Reality Project. 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? Fix Congress! Congress is a polarized, hyper-partisan, dysfunctional mess. I am proposing 3 key changes: 1) Change the leadership structure of Congress by adding a new role for the Majority Diplomat/Mediator and the Minority Diplomat/Mediator whose role and purpose it to build relationships across the aisle and find ways to pass for bi-partisan legislation. 2) Term Limits: I would like to draft legislation to pass term limits of 18 years for both the House and the Senate. In order to get the current members of Congress to vote on this we would have to exempt all the current members of Congress. Once passed all future candidates would know that term limits are in place. 3) Gerrymandering: one of my passion projects would be to pass legislation that requires all districts to be drawn utilizing county lines, state or federal highways, or natural barriers like rivers or mountain ridges.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, think about it from a judges perspective. When a voter disenfranchisement case comes to court the plaintiffs (the voters) present their case while the defense (the politicians who drew the maps) present their case. This puts a judge is a tough spot to decide on a grey issue.\r\n\r\nHowever, if the district map must be drawn using county lines, state or federal highways, or natural barriers... then this is no longer a grey issue but a very clear black and white issue... did they follow the law or not. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Women's Rights, Climate Change and Environmental policy Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My father and maternal grandfather are two solid role models for two different reasons. My father was hardworking man of few words, a frugal spender, and long term investor who valued family and would jump at an opportunity for a road trip to visit family. My grandfather was a farmer and BBQ pit master who was a soft spoken generous soul who helped keep my ambitions purposeful and grounded. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? An Inconvenient Truth (Al Gore) God's Politics (Jim Wallis) The Left Hand of God (Michael Lerner) Race Matters (Cornell West) The Soul of America (Jon Meacham) Team of Rivals (Doris Kearns Goodwin) The Righteous Mind (Jonathan Haidt) What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty and Integrity. (for both relations with your constituents and your colleagues in office) What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Diplomacy and the ability to work with people on both sides of the political spectrum. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Usher and foster legislation that moves the country forward and keeps up with changing times. What legacy would you like to leave? I would be honored to leave a legacy as the Congressman who finally passed legislation for Term Limits and Anti-Gerrymandering. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Challenger Space Shuttle explosion. 14. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? At 13 my first job was at a convenience store restocking candy and beverages after school. What is your favorite book? Why? Geez, many favorites for different reasons and different subject matters. So... A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Soul of America by Jon Meacham, A History of God by Karen Armstrong, 1776 by David McCullough, The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt, An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore, Art of War by Sun Tzu, Good to Great by Jim Collins, Competing for the Future by CK Prahalad. The Art of the Deal... LOL... just kidding... just seeing if you are still reading. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Shake It Off What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Delegating. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The founding fathers had the wisdom to create the House with 2 year terms so at least one chamber of government could be totally reset by the will of the people... like a safety switch. This can serve as an emergency political safety switch to keep a president in check. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes and No. Yes in the sense that understanding the bureaucracy, processes, and political deal-making takes time to learn. No in the sense that the most passionate changemakers are the idealists and visionaries with fresh ideas. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? The devolving national ethos. Our society and culture have become toxic as people have chosen to voluntarily quarantine themselves in their own political echo-chambers. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Unfortunately yes. The ridiculous amounts of money involved in political races combined with the short time frame for re-election forces House Reps to start campaigning for the next election shortly after winning. However, this 2 year mechanism (as explained above) is an important safety switch designing into the structure of Congress to put the power in the hands of the people. What are your thoughts on term limits? That's one of the 3 main points of my platform. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Eric Swalwell Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Absolutely!!! Compromise leads to bipartisan legislations, and bipartisan legislation leads to progress and a functioning government. Bipartisan bills are not targeted and immediately demolished the moment the power in Congress switches parties... because there was compromise and bipartisan participation. What committees interest you? Subcommittee for the Modernization of Congress\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."}]