(Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tony Sanchez, in an exclusive interview with African-American News&Issues, discusses some issues that haven’t received enough attention. In this one-on-one, Sanchez defines how he would lead as Governor of Texas.)

Q: Constitutionally, the office of Texas Governor is weak. Most of the powers and authority rest in the ability to make appointments to state boards and commissions and in the power of the veto. First, what would your philosophy be on the kinds of men and women you would appoint to boards and commissions and, second, do you have a philosophy on how and when you would use your veto power?

A: One of the problems I would like to resolve would be for the men and women who are on the boards and commissions who make so many decisions that affect so many aspects of our lives to clearly reflect the face of Texas. I am a moderate Democrat, I would be looking for people who were moderate in philosophy.
Second, a veto should rarely be used. If a governor is working with the Legislature, if a concern or problem arises, he should immediately talk to the author of the bill. You shouldn’t wait until the last minute and then veto a bill. There should be no surprises.

Q: What in your professional career has prepared you to work effectively with the Legislature?

A: I have been in business for 30 years, I have known and worked with members of the Texas Legislature. I have worked with the Legislature in particular on education issues. I have served on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and on the University of Texas Board of Regents. I can work with people on both sides of the aisle.

Q: Would your ability to work with the Legislature be influenced by which party was in the majority.

A: No. I feel very comfortable sitting down with well-meaning people and talking and working things out. I am a moderate Democrat and I believe that moderation produces the best results.

Q: There has been some concerns expressed in the African American community that there are not enough minority consultants hired to work with the coordinated campaign and that, despite the fact the ticket is very diverse, that diversity is not seen in the same degree on campaign staffs. What is your response to this criticism?

A: That is not correct. There are African Americans in the coordinated campaign and I have African Americans on my campaign staff. And you must remember that we are just building. That is a false perception.

Q: What would you say to convince our readers that African Americans should support your candidacy for governor?

A: I don’t need this job. But I want it desperately because I want to make a difference. And education, which is my number one priority, is the key to success. And African-Americans realize that.

(Sanchez, enroute to an appointment with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, expressed a willingness to discuss other issues as the campaign advances.)