On The Record: Travis Biggs
Sun, 03/25/2007 - 12:46pm
For this installment, I spoke with Travis Biggs, former Denton City Council candidate and candidate for Denton County Democratic Party Chair in the upcoming special election.
How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?
When I was younger, I was involved in student body stuff in middle school through college. I decided I was a Democrat when I agreed with the party platforms, and I didn’t agree with the legislation that was being passed in Texas. I decided that more often than not that I was agreeing with the Democratic Party on most issues.
What was your personal progression from the role of activist to where you are today?
Before I volunteered in various campaigns. I decided to run for city council because I recognized the waste that was taking place at the city level, as far as tax dollars and peoples abilities to become involved in local city government. The city was basically closing the doors on citizens so that their voice wasn’t being heard. The council was very unapproachable, and it was really hard for citizens to get any answers to various questions.
What would you say are the primary issues concerning your area?
In Denton County the party needs to be concerned with securing new leadership, and to take advantage of the movement that is sweeping the nation right now. Democrats have gained a voice in Dallas, and now our area needs to move forward and take advantage of the wave.
Do you have any ambition for higher office? Do you have plans to run for any other party office, or possibly even public office?
Yes, for County Chair. Right now this is a building process not only for myself, but for the county. We can all benefit from continuing to build upon a strong and united organization.
Who are some of your political heroes?
I really like Kennedy and L.B.J., because they both keep the idea of an American being and individual. They kept that idea paramount. Also it was a priority in how both of those presidents took a social approach to policy. Americans are still reaping benefits of electing both of those presidents.
What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?
I’m looking forward to seeing Democrats taking more state and national offices. As well as watching the energy build as more Democrats come to the realization that not only should they be running in races but that they can win local, state, and national races.
What would you say the political breakdown of your family is? Is it mostly Democratic or are you somewhat unique?
It’s about half and half. My parents are indecisive, but my grandparents were all Democrats. The other parts of my family are mostly Republican or undecided.
What advice would you give to young people just getting into politics?
To research the issues and develop their own ideas and positions on the ideas that they will be confronted with.
What one thing would you say a political organization never has enough of?
Volunteers and resources.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in politics?
That people that vote actually listen to what the candidates issues are and where they stand on them.
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My Questions for Mr. Biggs
By WhosPlayin
Mon, 03/26/2007 - 1:46pm
As a precinct chair who has not yet had the opportunity to see or meet him, I have some questions for Mr. Biggs:
1. In what capacity are you now currently involved with the Democratic
party in Denton County? How long?
2. What is your plan for stopping the net outflow of donor dollars from
our county and using that money to support local candidates and build local party infrastructure?
3. What is your view of a coordinated campaign for 2008?
4. Do you support Project Farm Team (www.projectfarmteam.org)?
5. How much time do you have to devote to this?
Whether you win or lose this election, we look forward to your input and activism within the party, and hope that you will support the plans we've made and the hard work that we've already put into the 2008 plans.
Steve Southwell
WhosPlayin? Blog: http://www.whosplayin.com
Replies
By Travis Biggs
Wed, 03/28/2007 - 2:51pm
Steve,
For the record, my answers are as follows:
1. I have been involved in the past, and I feel that now is the time for me to step up my involvement. I am a sustaining member of the Democratic Party, I'm a regular donor to campaigns, I sponsored a table at the gala. I have also been a delegate to the state convention.
2. The answer to #2 is that same as #3.
3. Capitalize on infrastructure that was built during 2006 cycle, and to expand upon that by building a coordinated campaign that will hopefully include candidates running for every office. With a professionally administered coordinated campaign, donors in Denton County will not only have candidates to donate to, but a centralized organization as well. I plan to focus on communicating a focused Democratic message, which will benefit all Democratic candidates, and all Democrats, in Denton County.
4. Yes, I support project farm team. As a focused, competent recruitment drive, project farm team provides a very important service to the Democratic Party in Denton County, both immediately and in the long term. It is also an invaluable tool for prospective candidates to learn about what it really takes and what is expected of them. If we plan to run a full slate and a coordinated campaign in 2008, project farm team is the perfect vehicle for accomplishing that goal.
5. I’m my own boss, and my schedule is flexible enough so that I will always be available when needed, and I feel comfortable saying that I will have 10 to 15 hours each week to devote to this, and will have a comfortable upper limit beyond that to work within. What time is needed is what will be available.