Mark Thompson - Democrat Speaks: TAYLOR: How important is good leadership during a crisis? THOMPSON: Leadership is critical -- not only during a crisis but every day. Leadership has been missing on the Texas Railroad Commission. My opponent and the other Republican appointees on the commission have failed to lead when it comes to efficiency in the permitting process for oil and gas wells, when it comes to protecting communities, properties, and livelihoods from the excesses of bad operators and fly-by-night corporations, and when it comes to urban drilling in Fort Worth, Houston, and hundreds of communities across Texas. Leadership in this time of crisis is more important than ever, and I will bring that kind of steady, balanced leadership to the Texas Railroad Commission. TAYLOR: Do you consider yourself to be a leader? If so, in what way? THOMPSON: I've led on the issue of compression coupling safety. And I will bring that same kind of can-do, caring-for-people attitude to the Commission. It was I who made the Texas Railroad Commission acknowledge the problem of faulty gas pipeline couplings in North Texas. I have advocated for better practices when regulating saltwater injection wells and more responsible actions by the big oil and gas companies that have gotten a free ride from the current Commissioners. I am ready to lead! TAYLOR: Other than yourself, who is the most effective leader you know alive today? THOMPSON: The most effective leader in our country today is undoubtedly Colin Powell. His recent endorsement of Barack Obama for president shows that he has not lost the brilliance and wherewithal he drew upon to lead the U.S. to victory in the first Gulf War. Powell's doctrine of overwhelming force would have been a wise guiding policy for the second foray into Iraq, but the current crop of leaders thought otherwise. I admire both Colin Powell and Barack Obama and hope to provide the kind of quality leadership that these men have shown. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-area voters choose you on Tuesday, November 4th? THOMPSON: Harris County is the national center of the U.S. energy industry. The fact that the Texas Railroad Commission regulates energy policy has a dramatic impact on the voters of Harris County. The Railroad Commission has been under one-party rule for so long that they have forgotten they work for the people of Texas, and have instead been bought and paid for by the industry they are charged with regulating. It's time for a change. It's time for balance on the Texas Railroad Commission. Let's change Texas together. | 
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