Collier Reaction to Lt. Gov. Appointee Conflict of Interest
Houston, TX — TODAY, Democrat Lt. Governor Nominee, Mike Collier reacts to news that Dan Patrick appointed a GOP Fundraiser as a watchdog on the Texas Ethics Commission creating a clear conflict of interest.
“Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s new appointee to the Texas Ethics Commission has been raising money for the Harris County Republican Party while serving as a campaign finance regulator, an unusual commingling that could be at odds with the agency’s internal conflict of interest rules.” From an article on The Quorum Report:
The following statement can be attributed to Democrat Lt. Governor Nominee, Mike Collier:
“Texas has a corruption problem and meanwhile, the Lt. Governor has no problem with a fox guarding the henhouse.”
“Appointing a GOP Fundraiser to the Texas Ethics Commission creates a foul stench. The Republican Lt. Governor refusing to hire a State Auditor for going on two years? That’s just as putrid. Arrogance is the only way to describe Dan Patrick.” Collier said.
“The problem with the Texas GOP today is there is no accountability and no public trust.. As your Lt. Governor, I’ll create a highly innovative Texas Audit Performance and Integrity Commission (“APIC”). It will be completely beyond the reach of politicians,” Collier added.
Background:
- In the 2018 Texas primary, more voters chose Democrats or an alternative to Dan Patrick in the Lt. Governor election.
- Patrick’s opponent endorsed Mike Collier and has actively campaigned on Collier’s behalf.
- Democrats doubled their primary turnout from 2014, while the Lt. Governor saw an astounding 20% drop-off in votes from the Gubernatorial primary race.
Mike Collier is a proven business leader with an unblemished record of integrity and service. He is committed to excellent public education, reforming school funding, making property taxes fair again, and genuine fiscal responsibility. Mike and his wife Suzanne met at the University 0f Texas and have been married almost 29 years. They have two sons (and a wonderful daughter-in-law from Brazil), both of whom attended public schools and graduated from UT. Mike ran for Texas Comptroller in 2014 on the Democratic Ticket and served as Finance Chair for the Texas Dem. Party until March, 2017.