Davy Ray

Davy Ray was born in Athens, Alabama. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Alabama in 1990. He attended Lane Aviation Academy Lane Community College in 2005.[1]

Davy Ray did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a citizen who is alarmed by what is happening to our democracy. I have Grandkids and I cannot in good conscience leave them this world in the shape it is in. I've lived on the west coast since 2000. My graduate studies are in Public policy, planning, and management. I'm currently on the planning commission for Stevenson, WA. I want to go to Washington D.C. and lobby for funding for WA-3. Infrastructure and other economic development.

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?

I will fight for you because I am you.Let's shake stuff up.Towards the Future

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Climate, economic development, infrastructure and transportation, health care, gun safety.

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

My late father. An Episcopalian Deacon. He's where my values come from.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I just finished reading 'The Conscience of a Liberal' by Paul Krugman. And while I consider myself a moderate my family back in Alabama would beg to differ.

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

Transparency. Honesty. At the same time you got to be tough. No disrespect to Michelle Obama but sometimes when they go low you gotta kick them in the teeth. Democrats have this illusion that they're playing on a level field when in reality the refs have been bribed.

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

I'm a good guy. I am proud to be my father's son and possess his values. I always look for common ground. If elected I will lose sleep over this job. I take time off to visit my Grandkids but other than that I'll pursue this position relentlessly.

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

Deliver results for the 3rd. I will fight for you because I am you.

What legacy would you like to leave?

An intact democracy for my Grandkids. A positive environmental impact. Peaceful relations with everyone, every race, every religion, sexual orientation, etc.

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

Moon landing 1969. Must've been five or six. It was a big deal.

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

Ice Cream Parlour when I was 14. Didn't have it long as the place went out of business. But you can break down my work history into several pieces.

1. Professional musician

2. Music industry professional

3. College instructor

4. Aerospace/Aviation

5. The past few years I worked as customer service at a golf course. Sort of a semi-retirement. And hey, free golf.

What is your favorite book? Why?

'The Monkey Wrench Gang'. Ed Abbey. Kind of my introduction to the consequences of our actions on the planet.

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

Wanted to be Mr. Spock since I was a kid.

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

"Soul". Rocco DeLuca (I play slide guitar).

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

Life.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It is way more representative than the Senate. I intend to go there and shake things up for the 3rd district.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

It's certainly helpful but not completely necessary. I won't bother listing some current representatives who shouldn't be there.

It was a motivating factor in my graduate studies in Public Policy, Planning, and Management. People often tell me I should get in line and go for some more achievable office. But I'm approaching 60 years of age. I really don't have that kind of time to make a difference.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Climate change without a doubt.

This social media thing is pitting us against each other. We need to find a way to reign that in.

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

There are several I would want to be a part of when I am elected. Science and Tech, subcommittee on climate change, oversight perhaps.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

Not currently a representative.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I think it's too short. It forces candidates to do more fundraising than governing. I like the way the Senate is set up. Six years overlapping each other so that one third of the chamber is up for election every two years.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Definitely for supreme court justices. And add a few more.

But as far as congress is concerned elections are for term limits.

Presidents are already term limited.

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

Okay, not a fair question. There are several congressional people whom I admire from both chambers.

I campaigned for Senator Obama back in '07-'08. Al Gore for shining a light on the climate. Jackie Spier who took a few bullets and played dead on top of an anthill in the jungles of South America. I could go on but I'd run out of characters.

Both sitting representatives 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?

I do but it involves the Republican incumbent. I don't agree with any of her policies but she went through some heroic steps for her daughter's health while she was campaigning. So I gotta give her props for that.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Oh I don't know.

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Interrupting cow.

Interrupt....

MOOOOO!

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely. But not to the point of paralysis. We're all on this pale blue dot in space together and we need to learn how to play nice.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Prioritize. I'm a Keynesian economist which means I would choose the best for the most.

Davy Ray did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.