Beth Llewellyn McLaughlin

Beth Llewellyn McLaughlin was born in Portland, Oregon. She earned a bachelor's degree in French, German, and political science from the University of Nebraska. Her career experience includes working as a teacher at Southwest High School.[1]

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?

True representation means Texans of all backgrounds have seats in our government in Austin-people like me, a career public school teacher for over three decades here in Fort Worth. Education funding and policy decisions begin in Austin-and those decisions over the past two decades have been wrong. Passing the tax burden to local property owners. Wasting tax dollars on parallel charter school systems. Diverting money meant for all kids to vouchers that benefit the privileged few. Both for private profit-making, not the public good. Now the state is taking over local school systems who fail to meet questionable “standards”, dissolving elected school boards. All this must change. To serve all families.Texans must have the freedom to make decisions about their health and how to live their life. It is the most basic American value. No law should restrict what you do with your own body. No law should punish you for your religious beliefs or who you choose to love. American government, at all levels, should provide for the common good. For what affects all of us, living in community. Personal decisions that have no tangible impact on others should remain personal.Values like honesty, competence, fairness, responsibility, compassion, and belief in upholding the law used to be a minimum standard for officeholders. We need to elect people who have demonstrated these values boldly and consistently throughout their lives.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, women’s reproductive rights, campaign finance reform, social justice, upholding our Constitutional norms and democracy

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Fully fund quality public education, including teacher healthcare and retirement benefits Support a budget that uses taxpayer dollars wisely to improve the lives of all Texans Promote legislation that protects the civil rights of all Texans[3][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Public education is my top priority. Investment in our children is the foundation of our democracy. Education empowers individuals to lead better lives. I taught in public schools for 32 years-29 of them in HD97.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Beth Llewellyn McLaughlin answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

My mother exemplified the kind of life I strive to live. She was the heart and soul of our family. She was smart, kind, loving, funny, open-minded and tireless. She was her high school valedictorian, but was unable to attend college herself. She (and my father) raised 5 children who all achieved academic success. She opened our home to exchange students, was a scout leader, church and hospital volunteer, and more. She lived a life of service to her family and to her community.[4]

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?

Politics is indeed personal. Who you are as a person guides your political decisions. The Four Agreements by Don MIguel Ruiz is a touchstone for me.[4]

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official is a public servant. As such she should be accessible to her constituents and listen to and weigh their concerns. Honesty, transparency, integrity and the desire to work hard to serve others are key.[4]

What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a smart, hard-working career public educator who has experience working with people of all social and economic backgrounds.[4]

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To help write and pass a budget that spends taxpayer money responsibly[4]

What legacy would you like to leave?

Strong, equitable public education for all Texans[4]

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?

The assassination of JFK. I was 6 years old.[4]

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Other than babysitting, I was a hostess at a pancake house while attending college.[4]

What happened on your most awkward date?

I don't remember![4]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Thanksgiving. Growing up, my family hosted the day. Our family of seven was joined by my grandparents, my aunts and their families and other cousins.[4]

What is your favorite book? Why?

Little Women. It exemplifies how women, in an American setting, can thrive through intelligence, devotion to family and high ideals, resilience and hard work.[4]

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?

I can't think of one. I like my own life.[4]

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

I don't get attached to one particular "thing". When one of us would inevitably break something as children my mother would say, "It's alright. It's just a thing."[4]

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Too many to recall. I am an auditory learner.[4]

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

In 2011 my husband was diagnosed with late stage blood cancer. I was a full-time caregiver for nearly 3 years as he endured and recovered from his treatment. He is now cancer-free, but disabled. Cancer changed the course of our lives, personally and financially.[4]

(For non-Nebraska candidates) What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

One state senator has more influence than one legislator.[4]

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It can be, but I don't believe it should be a prerequisite. Our government is not truly representative of people if it consists primarily of career politicians or lawyers.[4]

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Fully funding public education, health care and infrastructure as Texas' population continues to surge.[4]

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

One of cooperation, open-minded consideration of a variety of solutions to difficult problems, bipartisanship[4]

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Of course. Knowing others and learning their personal stories helps facilitate understanding and cooperation.[4]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

It is a difficult question. I believe drawing districts that reflect geographical or existing established governmental entities would lead to less polarization in America. Districts should be cities, counties, neighborhoods in their entirety. Current districts are often ridiculous-splitting neighborhoods.[4]

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Education[4]

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I greatly admire Ann Richards.[4]

Are you interested in running for a different political office in the future?

No. I am applying for one job. This one.[4]

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Many retired teachers have told me stories that match my own-the degradation of health care benefits that leave us in perpetual medical debt.[4]