On The Record: Danny Trull

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Danny Trull, Committeeman for Senate District 22 from Waxahachie.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

I remember as a kid, helping my Dad put up political signs in the yard in Dallas County. My parents were always staunch Democrats.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to the role of International Representative for the UAW?

I was elected local union president and Chairman of the Bargaining Committee at 23 years old. That’s when I became politically active and began working in state and national politics.

I have been a delegate to the state Democratic Conventions almost every convention since 1982. I was a delegate to the national convention in 1984. I became SDEC Committeeman in 2002.

After being elected to my fourth consecutive term to my previous office in the union, I was appointed to the national staff in 1987 and served in various functions. My 20th anniversary is this year.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning the UAW?

Trade laws are the biggest concerns. The competition is high to have lower wages due to relocation of plants off shores and closures of plants in the United States. The competition of third world wages in other countries drives down wages and benefits here, and the soaring costs of health care continue to impact not only the UAW but all Americans.

How do state politics affect your neighborhood?

Since conservatives have taken over, home insurance, property taxes and gas has all sky-rocketed.

Do you have any ambition for higher office? Do you have plans to run for any other party office, or possibly even public office?

I am not really considering it right now. I am currently Coordinator of Political Activity in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. I like what I’m doing. I am involved in numerous political campaigns because of my responsibilities in my current position.

Who are some of your political heroes?

John Kennedy had quite a vision, and I appreciate that Lyndon Johnson was very pragmatic, and had an unusual ability to get legislation passed, such as the Civil Rights Act.

What would you say has been the single most defining moment in your political life?

It’s difficult to single out a particular moment. I have been involved in so many campaigns.

When I went to the National Democratic Convention in 1984, it was truly exciting. I was a young Democrat at the time, and it left quite an impression on me.

Attending Bill Clinton’s inauguration was a big deal and a defining moment I will never forget.