Rhett Rosenquest Smith
Libertarian | Texas
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Rhett Rosenquest Smith
Party
Libertarian
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Bd. of Educ., Dist. 8
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Univ texas, Austin, austin,tx, B.A. major Accounting, 1968-1973
Eastland High School, Eastland, Texas, Yes - diploma, 1964-1968
Austin Community College, Austin, Texas, No, 1978
WORK & MILITARY
U.S.Navy, Disbursing Clerk, 1979-83
Texas Dept Human Services, Auditor, 1973-77
Texas Private Security Registration, non-commissioned, 1983-present
AFFILIATIONS
American Legion, Katy Post 164, Member, Celebration Circle
celebrant, Interreligious Council of San Antonio, Committees
San Antonio Martin Luther King Interfaith Service, Committee member, Veterans for Education Reform - 1st Amendment
Co-founder, Interfaith Welcome Coalition, Volunteer
Libertarian Party of Texas, Member and candidate, American Legion, Alamo Post 2, San Antonio
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
State Executive Libertarian Committee, 2016
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
U.S. Congress, 2016
Mayor of San Antonio, 2015
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Bexar County, 2020
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Ronald Rocha - artist & community leader
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Choose not to answer
the Libertarian Party of Texas platform answers
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Refer to Libertarian Party platform
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
"livable income" is not a meaningful concept; Libertarians believe in the most "limited" government
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
Libertarians believe in "limited" government funding. Schools are not daycare centers, nor are they churches. The State of Texas doesn't have the funds. Reducing taxes on overstretched taxpayers is our platform. I am proposing that Texas students be allowed to accelerate their degree path, whereby they can achieve the two-year college (Associate) degree within the same time frame as was traditionally required for a high school diploma.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Disagree
The Libertarian Party is the political party that believes government should not define marriage
The Ten Commandments should not be displayed in public school buildings or court houses.
Agree
First Amendment : Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion
At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.
Agree
However, because Christianity is only one of many different faith traditions, a more pluralistic setting should be available
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Agree
I agree. The U.S.A can advocate for a more peaceful world by engaging in peace building -- dialogue, trade, and economic development
EDUCATION
Every state should mandate K-12 standardized tests and the use of teaching software which aligns with Common Core standards.
Strongly Disagree
The Constitution clearly reserves most governance to the "respective States"
Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education and should be able to freely pursue whatever educational options they deem best for their child.
Strongly Agree
The Executive Branch of the federal government is violating the Constitutional rights of voters, citizens, taxpayers, families (children and students) when trying to dictate these
Before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL), they must opt-in with written parental permission.
Agree
Any taxpayer-funded institution (schools or otherwise) must be 100% transparent ; . Libertarians are outraged that such "an agenda" is forced upon us
I support the teaching of curricula (such as the 1619 Project, No Place for Hate, Second Step, etc.) that emphasizes slavery and racism as the foundation of American history.
Disagree
All issues and concerns must be scrutinized within the Constitutional rights of the American Revolution. Libertarians believe individuals have all the "first amendment" rights -- freedom of speech, the press, freedom to petition, and freedom to assemble. The 9th and 10th amendments make clear that the power and authority of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial (i.e. federal) government must be limited by the Constitution and "respective States"
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Disagree
Europe has been in "religious" turmoil throughout the millenia. Religious theocracy was addressed during the "Enlightenment" period of world history, and was inspirational in "framing" the American Revolution
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Choose not to answer
Sadly, athletic competition is not always the best possible activity for many youngsters. If they suffer some injury or self esteem , then our entire community suffers as well. From a "libertarian" point of view, perhaps taxpayer-funding is not appropriate. Other types of extra-curricular associations/organizations might better serve whomever chooses them
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I have been a member and supporter of the Interreligious Council of San Antonio for many years. After moving to Houston, I'm even more interested in religious studies from around the world and from Asia; . .some, of which, have influenced Western theology
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.
Agree
Obviously, age of a young person is crucial. I strongly support legislation that will broadly and profoundly separate childhood verses adulthood; and further even, to create/legislate a period of time when a young person is defined as neither adult nor child , and should receive crucial developmental instruction opportunities. This will benefit not only the young person, but also society and the community as a whole .
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Moderate
Very difficult to address too many issues collectively
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I support the Libertarian Party of Texas platform. Before moving to Houston from San Antonio, I produced a public access television show on the City's channel which was titled, "World Peace." The name was taken from a show produced by a wonderful friend of mine , Nick Calzoncit. After his passing , I asked his family if I could continue using "World Peace" as the title of my show.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
What books have had the most profound impact on your view of life?
I like studying some of the oldest known works of literature and religion. I'm fascinated by the world's earliest civilizations
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I'm working hard to reach out to the approximately 1.7 million Texans who are residents (and hopefully registered voters) within the Texas State Board of Education (S.B.O.E), District 8 which includes Brazos, Grimes, parts of Harris & Montgomery, Houston , Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties
2ND AMENDMENT
Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.
Agree
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Do you support mandatory vaccinations for children attending public school?
We should find alternatives to accommodate everyone, so that no one is at unnecessary risk or a risk to others
I support mask mandates.
Disagree
I personally wear the mask when it is suggested indoors ; and I have voluntarily received four shots of the Covid vaccine produced by Pfizer
