On The Record: Pat Wakefield

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Pat Wakefield, the Democratic county chair for Madison County, first chair of the Council of Governments and mayor of Midway.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning your area?

It seems everybody has zeroed in on the economy and something has to be done about the immigration laws in our country. We are going to run out of space, eventually. We cannot afford to take everyone on in our social security system.

I think this is one of the leading issues in the presidential campaign. I am not sure what will happen for the new president with this situation.

How do state politics affect your neighborhood?

My neighborhood is interested, to a degree. Most Americans are apathetic. Most want to live and let live, and the numbers at the polls prove that fact.

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 currently the mayor in Midway, and I am retired. I do not need to be fencing out; I need to be fencing in.

Who are some of your political heroes?

The political heroes that appeal to me has done a lot for Madison County are Texas Rep. Jim Dunnam and U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards. They are both good men, solid Democrats and have done a lot for Madison County.

I am supporting Hillary Clinton for president because she has the experience. As long as Hillary eats breakfast with Bill, she is the most qualified.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

I am hoping for a change in administration. The American people must know this administration put this country in bad shape and not only through the eyes of other countries.

What one thing would you say a political organization never has enough of?

If everyone elected to office dropped the political party that took them there and served the people, we would have a good government.