The Pearl Studio was at full capacity on Wednesday with more than 130 business and community leaders coming out to watch the much-anticipated Congressional District 21 Debate featuring candidates Chip Roy (R) and Joseph Kopser (D). An additional nearly 8,000 viewers tuned-in on Facebook and on KSAT 12’s live stream.
The debate was moderated by Shaun Kennedy, the Chamber’s 2018 Chairman of the Board. Both candidates are vying for the seat held by long-standing Congressman Lamar Smith.
Kennedy kicked-off the debate with questions about the U.S. economy, taxes and regulations. Both Kopser and Roy agreed the recent jobs report and economic data is good news but differed on what could be done to bolster more economic growth. Kopser wants to see the government create a more level playing field and provide necessary infrastructure to help move commerce and trade. A small business owner himself, Kopser would like to focus his efforts on allowing small businesses to thrive and create jobs. He wants to see “smart regulations, smart rules, smart protections and smart conditions” that will allow businesses to grow and create jobs.
Roy applauded the current administration’s efforts to get ‘Washington’ out of the way and would like to see more of it. “I want to make the tax cuts permanent, make taxes simpler, get more regulations out of the way and provide more power to Texas to govern and seek and do best for Texas,” Roy said.
While Roy supported the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, he felt it is still too complex and too onerous. “It didn’t go far enough to relieve tax pressure on families, didn’t do enough for small businesses,” Roy said. Kopser called the bill irresponsible for lowering the corporate tax rate below 25% and adding to the country’s debt. He also criticized it for its attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
Both Roy and Kopser support immigration reform in order to ensure we meet the workforce demands of businesses. Kopser expressed his support for DACA and the need to fulfill the promises to DACA recipients. Roy wants to see border security and an immigration system that works and merit based to support the workforce needs of businesses.
The debate concluded with a discussion on NAFTA, another subject where common ground was found between both candidates. “In my opinion, it ought to be a trilateral deal across the entirety of North America,” Roy said. He mentioned that the President alone could not just exit the agreement; it has to go through Congress.
Kopser also expressed his support for a trilateral agreement and criticized the President for reaching a preliminary bilateral deal with Mexico that may not include Canada. He believes the President announcement on Monday creates uncertainty for the business community. “We know the single most dreadful word in business community when planning is uncertainty,” Kopser said.
Other topics covered during the debate were healthcare, transportation and infrastructure, all of which are issue that are a top priority for the San Antonio business community.
While the Chamber does not endorse candidates, we understand the integral role our elected leaders play in ensuring Texas and San Antonio maintains a business friendly environment and a thriving economy. The purpose of the debate was to inform the business community about the two candidates vying for a chance to be the next Representative of Texas’ 21st Congressional District, and their positions on key economic issues facing the region.
The Chamber will be launching its 2018 Voter Engagement Initiative this month to help ensure you are informed on all candidates’ positions on the issues most important to the San Antonio business community and community overall.
You can count on your Chamber to keep you updated on the midterm election. To learn more about the November 6 Election visit the Bexar County Election website.
To view the debate, use the links below:
The Chamber's Facebook Live recording of the debate: Click Here
KSAT 12's Facebook Live recording of the debate: Click Here
