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After the jump, questionnaires with all the Texas Candidates who submitted them: The questionnaires were authored by Governor Milam Miller, Speaker Joshua Cantor-Stone, and Lieutenant Governor Katherine Kelley
Governor Candidate Questionnaire Candidates:
Sam Liebl
Evan Rowley 1. Why are you running for Governor of the Texas Junior State? Sam Liebl:
I would like to give back to Texas JSA and move the State forward. As Governor, I am confident that I will be able to do so. Evan Rowley:
Having been actively involved in Texas JSA for the past three years, I have always anticipated being able to better the program that I pride my involvement in, and running for Governor of the Texas Junior State is the most effective way to achieve this. I see myself not running to win the race, but running to better the program that is the Texas Junior State. 3. In what ways are you prepared or better equipped to lead the Texas Junior State of America? Sam Liebl:
My experience in JSA has given me a fuller view of JSA and the Texas State. This depth of experience sets me apart. As a founder of a JSA Chapter, I know the thrill of grabbing hold of JSA and also the even greater excitement of bringing others into the JSA experience. As a Chapter President, I know the challenges that leaders across our State feel at the most fundamental and critical level – the chapter. And, as both a Senator for the Gulf Coast Region and as State Chief of Staff, I understand the weight of responsibility that our current Governor carries and next Texas’ next Governor must carry as well. Evan Rowley:
Other than my obsessive organization, orderly demeanor, and unquestionable dedication to Texas JSA, I feel that my past experience within the Texas Junior State is the quality that best sets me apart. Having been involved in Texas JSA since my freshman year, I have considerable experience under my belt. Not only did I attend Texas Junior State Symposium my Freshman year, but I also applied for Cabinet that year and was appointed to be an Expansion Agent, and, while at Spring State, I was elected to serve as a Senator for the Alamo Capitol Region. I later came to learn that this job did not suit me because I desired a more hands-on relationship with the chapters that make up the Texas Junior State, so I switched departments, becoming a Chapter Internal Affairs Agent. This year, these two departments merged to become the Expansion Chapter Affairs Department, of which I was named a Co-Director. At Winter Congress 2008, I was selected to serve as a Senate Committee Chair, as well as a Clerk in the Full Senate. Also at Winter Congress, current Lieutenant Governor Katherine Kelley hand-selected me to be her Pro-Tempore for the amending of the Texas State Constitution. However, my greatest accomplishment within the Texas Junior State was being selected by former Governor Meredith Morrison to attend the Montezuma Leadership Summit in August of 2006. Becoming so involved early on really sets me apart from my competition. Having that extra year of experience allowed me to “crawl” into the Texas Junior State and learn all about the functionality of the organization. This year, I was able to take control of a department and by actively using my position to expand the Junior State, I helped our state break attendance records at both Fall State and Winter Congress. Holding a Department Co-Chair allowed for me to take those first few steps towards leadership Now that I’ve maintained such experience within the organization, I am on my feet and qualified to be the next Texas JSA Governor. 4. How will you work with other leaders to improve Texas JSA? In what capacity do you envision the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House leading Texas JSA with you? Sam Liebl:
Working as Texas’ top three, I see the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, and I as a group that collectively makes important decisions. In forming a cabinet, for example, the three of us will work together to first restructure cabinet and second decide who to appoint and to what positions. I would like the Speaker to focus on Winter Congress, and I would like the Lt. Governor to pursue reforming our constitution and revamping our legislature. An executive leader is important, and the lines between LTG, Speaker, and Governor should not and will not be blurred. I do, however, believe that the Texas State will be its strongest when the Speaker, Lieutenant Governor and Governor all work together to decide what is in the best interest of Texas JSA. Evan Rowley:
Because it is the largest student-run organization in the nation, JSA requires an immense amount of dedication and commitment. Due to my past experience within the Texas Junior State, I am aware of these necessities and am prepared to successfully run Texas JSA. At Montezuma 2006, I befriended many past and current Governors. I was able to meet and learn from these leaders who ranged from former Governors Robert Bryne, Julia Kaplan, and Jordan Levine, to current Governors Sasha Parsley, Ravi Mulani, Rita Rochford, and even our very own Milam Miller. Having this experience truly opened up my eyes to the Texas Junior State and gave me a mountain of indescribable experience. All these experiences helped to prepare me to become the best candidate for Governor of the Texas Junior State. Having been elected Senator; served as an Expansion Agent, a CIA Agent, and Co-Director of the Expansion Chapter Affairs Department; and as chosen Pro-Tempore for the current Lieutenant Governor, I have been a first-hand witness to the procedures of the Texas Junior State of America 5. If you could only choose one goal for Texas JSA, what would it be? Do you feel this is attainable by next year? Sam Liebl:
One of my goals is to increase communication between the Texas State and the chapter. While improving communication is a reoccurring theme during the Spring election season, I have specific plans for how to go about this. As Governor, I will employ expansion agents who will, unlike ECAD agents, be focused solely on expansion. In addition to these cabinet members and a cabinet department dedicated to expansion, I will also communicate directly with Chapter Presidents, Teacher Advisors, and anyone else that would be interested in receiving a newsletter from their governor each week. Through this newsletter, chapters will be provided with debate and discussion topics to use in meetings, information about what other chapters in the Texas State have been doing, and essential updates and information to prepare them and their members for convention. Evan Rowley:
Delegating responsibilities to others is one of the most vital responsibilities of the Governor. Having the maturity to recognize the leadership skills present in others is a must in order to be able to properly utilize the potential present in these fellow leaders and thus, selecting a strong Cabinet to run the Texas Junior State would be crucial. Therefore, I would work with the Cabinet by utilizing each and every individual so that we, as a whole, could better the Texas Junior State. The Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House are of extreme significance for they are a necessary part of Executive Leadership. The Speaker and LTG are individuals whom the Texas Junior State feels are some of the most qualified student leaders, and I plan to make the most of there abilities. I plan on being in constant communication with the future Speaker and LTG. Communication is of utmost importance and would therefore be a foundation that I plan to build upon. After building our foundation of communication with each other, I plan on having my fellow Executive Leadership work with the new and improved Texas Junior State Constitution, running Winter Congress, and overseeing the many departments of Texas Cabinet. The Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor would be working alongside me to directly improve Texas JSA. I believe that working together with Cabinet and Executive Leadership is key to the overall success of this organization. 6. Where do you see Texas JSA this time next year? Evan Rowley:
Hopefully, by this time next year, Texas JSA will have expanded not only with an increase in membership but also with an increase in enthusiasm. I would like to see an increase in activism projects that will directly affect the community. An increase in fundraising within chapters is also a desired accomplishment for Texas JSA next year, so that a diverse group of socio-economic groups will be represented at our conventions. Communication will always be a struggle due to the geographic diversity of Texas JSA. Hopefully, by working with and implementing a smaller Cabinet, communication between departments and throughout the entire cabinet won’t be as difficult. Furthermore, by properly utilizing the skills of Executive Leadership, we can lessen this ongoing issue. Ultimately, I envision Texas JSA to have strengthened itself and have laid a sturdy foundation for the coming years. 7. Aside from Texas JSA, what other activities or commitments do you have for next year? Where does Texas JSA rank on that list of priorities and will it stay there? Sam Liebl:
JSA will not only be my top priority this coming year, it will have my compete commitment. My junior year has been an extremely busy one. While I do not plan on slowing down academically, I have prepared for JSA to be by far my most significant activity. I am will not be participating in any activity that will distract me from my work in JSA. You can trust that JSA will receive my complete dedication, and that my complete commitment will be for the benefit of the Texas State.
Evan Rowley:
Other than Texas JSA, I am an active member of both Concert Band and Marching Band at my school, I am also a participant in my school’s International Baccalaureate Program. Out of all of the activities that I have committed myself to, Texas JSA is hands down my number one priority and has been for the past three years. Although I am involved in other programs, my dedication to this organization is unquestionable. I am completely committed to the Texas Junior State over any other activity. _________________________________
Lieutenant Governor Candidate Questionnaire Candidates:
Eric Lew
Darryl Rudd (did not submit a questionnaire) 1. Why are you running for Lieutenant Governor of the Texas Junior State? Eric Lew: I believe that I can best support and improve Texas JSA as well as myself from the position of Lieutenant Governor. As someone who has shown limitless dedication to JSA, I believe that if I put my full effort towards the position of Lieutenant Governor, I can help improve upon the community within Texas JSA create an ever better informed populous that knows and can interact with anyone across the vast region that state stretches across. It is from the position of Lieutenant Governor I believe I can best achieve this goal and the many others I have lined out for the State, regions, and chapters. 2. What skills, talents, or special qualities set you apart from your opponents? Eric Lew:
With my experience as a treasurer, I have raised record-breaking money for my chapter and have proven myself capable at managing a large fund-raiser. I have also participated in many events such as plays that require public speaking and have performed well, not only with the performance, but also in managing the work I had in JSA, school, and in Boy Scouts. Despite the fact I juggle many activities, I have managed to keep a 4.61 GPA at my school and I am in the top ten percent of my class, showing not only academic prowess, but also how determined I am to keep the things that are important to me in good condition. 3. In what ways are you prepared or better equipped to lead the Texas Junior State of America? Eric Lew:
As someone who has spent three years within this organization, I have the insight to have seen exactly how the system works and just what can be done to fix it. With my appointment to Director of Regional Affairs, I have formulated ideas about the regions that only someone who has spent a year watching them grow and change from my position could have, and, as a chapter president, I have done organization on the local level as well. I have enough experience working in Texas JSA to do what is necessary to create a better organization not only on the State, but the regional and the chapter level as well. 4. What role would you take in regards to utilizing the six statewide Senators? Eric Lew:
The Six statewide Senators their current duties as both managers of legislation, members of the FEC, and communicators between the state and the chapters, but also serve as liaisons to the mayors and the chapters as well. A senator will be assigned to assist a chapter with not only their issues, if they have any major grievances with the state, but with mini-cons as well. The senator will have to know the departments well, especially the debate and convention departments, in order to be able to better help the chapter presidents who need help with their mini-cons. The would also serve as an ECAD for the Mayors as well as other departments that lead and organize the regions. 5. If you could only choose one goal for Texas JSA, what would it be? Do you feel this is attainable by next year? Eric Lew:
I would like every chapter across the range of Texas JSA has a personal relationship with one another. I want Texas JSA to feel as personable as possible to anyone who joins the organization; after all, what’s Texas with out good old Southern Hospitality? Unfortunately, this goal will not happen with just a year of work. It will take a rather long period of time and of course effort, but I plan on giving it a big step forward with my term as Lieutenant Governor. 6. Where do you see Texas JSA this time next year? Eric Lew:
I see Texas JSA as a more cohesive group with stronger regions with a more effective system of communication. 7. Aside from Texas JSA, what other activities or commitments do you have for next year? Where does Texas JSA rank on that list of priorities and will it stay there? Eric Lew:
Aside from Texas JSA, my only commitments are to my academics, peers, and scouting. Of course, JSA comes second only to academics because if I do not keep up my grades, I cannot stay in the club; everything else though is behind JSA and of course will stay there. _________________________________ Speaker of the House Candidate Questionnaire Candidates:
Thomas Chapman
Shakura Goodson
1. Why are you running for Speaker of the House of the Texas Junior State?
Thomas Chapman:
I’m running for several reasons. First of all, I really want the opportunity to give back, to do some work for the organization that has given so much to me in the way of political awareness, life experience, and so on over the years. I would like to try to repay that somewhat by contributing my own efforts toward the betterment of JSA. Second, I am running because I hope to grow as a leader and as a person if and when I am placed in this position of great responsibility. And third, the members of the Texas Junior State deserve a Speaker who is committed, qualified, and, above all, enthusiastic about the job. I feel that I possess those qualities and would therefore make a great Speaker.
Shukura Goodson:
Speaker of the House is a position that requires one who is confident, who posses the leadership to maintain order, and the judgmental skills to rule on procedural matters. I believe these qualities outline my situations on day to day bases. 2. What skills, talents, or special qualities set you apart from your opponents? Thomas Chapman:
I have the ability both to lead and to take direction; I have held a lot of leadership positions in various organizations at my school, but I have also held a lot of positions, of the Vice Presidential type, that required me to take abstract plans and translate them into action. I am a good planner, very detail-oriented. I’m also highly organized, and I rarely, if ever, miss deadlines. I enjoy working with people, especially if we share a common interest, like JSA. Lastly, I am very open-minded and willing to listen to all viewpoints on issues affecting the future of JSA.
Shukura Goodson:
I have experience working with diverse populations on projects ranging from being the Mistress of Ceremony at City Council events to community cleanups. I have a different perspective when it comes to making decisions and to needs that are to be accomplished. 3. In what ways are you prepared or better equipped to lead the Texas Junior State of America? Thomas Chapman:
Mainly for the reasons I listed above; I think that my qualities are a very good fit for the job of Speaker. I have worked at almost all levels of JSA leadership – chapter officer, regional senator, and State cabinet – and have a strong grasp of what goes on at all of them, which will make me a more capable leader and coordinator. But I wouldn’t consider myself an experience candidate, any more than I would call myself a “change” candidate; I am more of an “improvement” candidate, because I believe that though things in JSA are going very well as they are, they can always be improved.
Shukura Goodson:
To lead the Texas JSA, one has to be firstly sociable efficiency in communication is needed for all relationships to work. With JSA, the ability to successfully get a point across is primary.
4. How does the Winter Congress convention fit into Texas JSA? Why is it important?
Thomas Chapman:
Winter Congress is important because it gives JSA members an extremely valuable insight into the legislative process. The best way to understand something is to participate in it, and Winter Congress does that for us – it gives us a real feel for what our legislators are doing every day, and this probably makes it the statewide convention with the most “real world” applications. Also, since the convention is focused on legislation rather than debate, this means that Winter Congress is focused more on the solutions to the problems of our state, county, and world rather than on the problems themselves.
Shukura Goodson:
The Winter Congress is number one on my list starting today. This is a time when all the chapters come together to not pass and rule out bills but to socialize with people of shared interest.
5. Where do you see Texas JSA this time next year? Thomas Chapman:
This time next year, we will be very close in the run-up to Spring State, and I see a crop of candidates even better than this year’s, every single one of whom is extremely enthusiastic for office after experiencing a year of incredible JSA, and inspired by the hard work and dedication of the year’s executive leaders. I also see them still talking about a Winter Congress where all the bills were excellent –clear, concise, interesting, and controversial – and where attendance was higher than ever, due to increased efforts to help out-of-state chapters come to the convention and stronger campaigns to attract more members of Texas chapters. I see all departments continuing the steady upward trend that we have seen these last several years, and, as a consequence of all these things, I see every member being more excited about JSA than they have ever been before.
Shukura Goodson:
Texas JSA, this time of the year, will be even bigger and better. I envision more chapters, an even more diverse crowd, and more controversial debate/ thought talks topics. 6. How do you envision yourself working with the other Executive leaders? How do you plan to help each other with your statewide goals?
Thomas Chapman:
I work very well with others. I am reachable by e-mail (or Facebook) at almost any time, and thus I will be able to start work almost right away on any task set for me or take action on any sort of collaborative effort. I will also, of course, take the initiative to begin these sorts of collaborative projects myself.
Shukura Goodson:
First, we will have to get acquainted with each other so that we can hold conferences of leadership workshops to help accommodate other chapters so that we can be on one accord. 7. Aside from Texas JSA, what other activities or commitments do you have for next year? Where does Texas JSA rank on that list of priorities and will it stay there?
Thomas Chapman:
I have various activities for next year – college applications and so on foremost among them, and also some extracurriculars like theater and band. But I recognize the commitment that the position of Speaker requires; be assured that if elected I will make my duties as Speaker absolutely the highest priority of all my extracurriculars (college applications may be the only thing slightly higher, because I am thinking about my future, but they should take up a very small percentage of my time). I am absolutely dedicated to putting as much work as necessary into the job. Shukura Goodson:
I will be active in JSA, Student Council, ASP, and Mu Alpha Theta but JSA will be my top priority because it fulfills my passion for politics and especially debating. Questions?
Katherine Kelley, Lieutenant Governor of Texas JSA
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