Congress, and Washington politicians in general, have become too detached and need to reconnect with the values of American people, Bill Flores said.
“If I’m elected, don’t ever call me congressman, call me Bill, because I work for you,” Flores said.
Flores, a Bryan Republican, is vying to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, in District 17. District 17 includes Johnson County. The election is Nov. 2.
Flores addressed a crowd of about 20 Wednesday at Victory Investment Strategies in Cleburne. The Johnson County Republican Women’s club hosted the event.
“This was the last thing I had in mind,” Flores said when asked what prompted him to run for office. “Now that I’ve gone through it, it’s still the last thing. But, I believe it’s the right thing to do. I’ve met a lot of great people, and it’s always fulfilling to meet a group like this, who want to restore our country.”
That goal drives his campaign, Flores said.
“I grew up poor in the Texas panhandle,” Flores said. “I went from nothing to a corner office as CEO of an oil and gas company. I decided to give up a good career to re-invest in our country to make sure our children and grandchildren have the same opportunities we had.”
Flores spoke of starting a company in 2005 that went on to realize $150 million in revenues by 2008.
“Today, we wouldn’t [attempt to start a new company],” Flores said. “We’d be afraid to risk the investment, hire people. Banks won’t lend. We’re basically in lock-down mode.
“We need to do something to give businesses confidence. One thing is you don’t raise taxes in a recession.”
Flores spoke of his plan to reconnect Congress to the American people. That plan includes term limits, cutting Congressional pay if they can’t balance the budget, making every law they pass apply to them and instilling a culture of servant leadership over a ruling class sensibility.
Flores predicted a number of newly elected Republican freshmen in Congress in January.
“Like me, many of them come from the business world, and this is the last thing they had in mind,” Flores said. “But they’re doing it because they want to restore Congress and the country.”
Flores said he would vote to defund the recently passed health care bill and Cap and Trade funding.
Flores fielded several questions from those in attendance. One woman said she heard Flores is a Democrat.
“I’m a lifelong Republican,” Flores said. “The first time I could vote was 1972, and I voted for Nixon.
“But I’m an American first and a Republican second. In March 2008, McCain already had the Republican nomination. Like many, I was afraid of the future Barack Obama represented. And I think history has proven me right.
“So I voted for Hillary Clinton. Not because Rush Limbaugh told everyone to, but because I thought McCain may have been able to beat her.”
Johnson County Republican Chairman Henry Teich asked Flores about his relationship to businessman George Soros.
Flores said he and his partners secured the majority of funding for their company, but still needed more. A friend raised the last bit of needed capital, Flores said, some of which came from the Soros Company.
“I’ve never met him,” Flores said. “Don’t know him, don’t believe in anything he stands for. He’s not going to like me as a congressman because I’m not going to vote for anything he stands for. I’m not tired of this question. I just want to put it in proper focus.”
Flores addressed earmarks.
“The current process is broken,” Flores said. “The appropriations process is a perfect representation of that. The worst example is $1.9 million to fund a center for [U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel] in New York.” Rangel now is at the center of an ethics investigation.
Flores then made a point to criticize Edwards for voting against a measure to strip that funding from the bill.
“What Mr. Flores conveniently forgets is that that vote came up in the House a year before the ethics commission began their investigation of Mr. Rangel,” Edwards said Thursday. “He also probably failed to mention that John Boehner [Republican House minority leader] voted the same way I did.”
Flores said he is not opposed to using federal funds for local projects, provided they pass two tests.
“It has to be a critical national priority, like radios for first responders,” Flores said. “And it has to be a transparent appropriations process, available for everyone in Congress and the public to see.”
Flores also discussed illegal immigration.
“The Constitution charges the federal government to protect us,” Flores said. “We can’t do that if we have a porous border. If we can liberate Iraq in two weeks, don’t tell me we can’t seal the border. How? Put boots on the ground, then enforce the laws we have in this country.”
Flores voiced opposition to amnesty but admitted the need for some immigrant workers. He also said the system of legally entering the country and seeking citizenship should be looked at for improvements.
Local News
Related Photos
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Republican Congressional candidate Bill Flores of Bryan, right, speaks with attendees of the Johnson County Republican Women’s luncheon on Wednesday. Flores will face Chet Edwards, D-Waco, in November’s general election. Matt Smith/Times-Review
Discussion
Congress is out of touch, Flores says
- Cleburne
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. -
Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The second-team offense was led by Cleburne’s Quade Coward and Godley’s Rhett Brawner as the second-team quarterbacks. -
Cleburne pulls away from Burleson, 62-48
The Cleburne Yellow Jackets beat Burleson, 62-48, on Friday night at Yellow Jacket Gym to move to 2-7 in District 7-A play. Burleson fell to 2-7 in league play with the loss.
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Lady Jackets pick up first District 7-4A win
On Friday night at Yellow Jacket Stadium, Cleburne picked up its first win of the District 7-4A season, 66-60, over Burleson, which fell to 3-8.
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Up-and-down Yellow Jackets split Friday’s matches at Little Elm Tourney
Both Cleburne soccer teams had mixed results on Friday in their respective tournaments.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Johnson County
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Stage 2 drought plan still in place
Johnson County Special Utility District will keep its Stage 2 drought plan in place despite this week’s rain.
- Tuesday marks property tax payment deadline
- Drought no more
- Number of sex offenders increases
- Council approves trash truck purchases
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Stage 2 drought plan still in place
- Alvarado
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - Dixon repeats as AJC coach of the year
- First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
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Indians on top of selections
- Burleson
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Cleburne pulls away from Burleson, 62-48
- Lady Jackets pick up first District 7-4A win
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Indians on top of selections
- Godley
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Lady Cats win, Wildcats fall to Peaster
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Indians on top of selections
- Grandview
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
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Indians on top of selections
- Joshua
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Kicking into high gear
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Keene
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Upcoming sports schedule
A look at the sports schedule for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Burleson leads AJC superlatives
- Grandview, Burleson, Cleburne lead first team selections
- Centennial places two on second team; Alvarado lands three players
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Upcoming sports schedule
- Rio Vista
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Burleson leads AJC superlatives
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Venus
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Fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s sister, Megan Davis, takes a picture of a painting of her brother on Monday during a dedication to the deputy. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office renamed its building to the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center in honor of the deputy who lost his life during a disturbance call in April. The picture was painted by Fort Worth artist Gary Crouch. Three pictures were made and one will hang in the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center. The other two paintings were presented as gifts to Taylor’s parents and his fiancee.
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Never forgotten
The eyes of fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s family began to swell with tears during a dedication hosted by Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford and the sheriff’s office.
- Man defends himself against two suspects
- Venus registers minor quake
- USGS registers minor county quake
- Trained rescue dogs look to be adopted and loved
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Never forgotten
