An Eagle Scout and graduate of the University of North Texas, Eric Norman worked around the world until settling down in Seguin. As an independent shoemaker, Eric understands the importance of heritage, tradition, and the challenges of running a small business.
Eric advocates for the prosperity of our community as a board member and active volunteer for the Christian Cupboard, Downtown Business Alliance, Community Cycles, and LULAC.
Most importantly, Eric believes the power grab in Austin is out of control - it's vital we send an independent thinker to Austin who will speak up for the people of District 44.
Q&A Responses
1. Workforce development and local employers
Q: How will you support job training, career and technical education, and partnerships with local schools so employers in House District 44 have access to a skilled and reliable workforce?
A: We overcome poverty and lay the groundwork for prosperous communities by expanding job opportunities and providing education, particularly public education. Public schools make it possible for so many to thrive because they serve all. The new TSTC campus north of Seguin will be another step in the right direction when it opens, but more programs, at every level, are needed. Students in school today must have access to programs for certifications, apprenticeships, internships, and college degrees.
Workers who earn fair wages in stable jobs build savings, support local businesses, maintain their homes, access medical care, pay for their children to pursue trade school or college, and enjoy a well-deserved vacation. I’ll always seek out and support partnerships that deliver well-paying, long-lasting career opportunities for our communities because I’m not running to pass an agenda handed to me by donors or lobbyists, I’m running to help people where I live. I’m involved and invested here. On any given day, I chat with friends who own local businesses, and neighbors picking up groceries from the food pantry. We’re all neighbors, and we deserve better.
2. Transportation and infrastructure capacity
Q: How will you advocate for state funding and policy that improves roads, bridges, broadband, and infrastructure so businesses in House District 44 can operate and expand efficiently?
A: Central Texas has a wealth of business and cultural resources but people dread the traffic. Despite a surplus of state resources, our lawmakers have relied on federal funding which has left us with aging infrastructure that now requires disruptive upgrades. These short-term construction delays are inevitable, but businesses will be increasingly stunted if contractors don’t have the oversight and accountability to complete projects on time.
Our region’s growth has caused major problems, but Texas’ setbacks can’t be fixed by continuing to add more lanes to roadways. As legislators we have to be prepared to invest in our people. That means transportation alternatives, ubiquitous high-speed internet, eliminating leaky waterlines, and developing renewable power sources that not only decentralize power generation, but help mitigate climate change.
Without bold, forward-looking leadership we won’t develop alternatives to our congested roads; we need a bus system that gives workers a reliable way to get to their jobs, and regional light rail connections so families can easily head up to Austin for concerts, or enjoy Fiesta celebrations in San Antonio. That also means finally delivering the high-speed train connections to North Texas and Houston that Texans want.
3. Regulatory clarity and economic growth
Q: How will you work to provide clear, predictable state regulations and targeted support so small businesses, agriculture, manufacturing, and other key sectors in House District 44 can plan, invest, and grow?
A: I think the best way to make sure businesses are kept in the loop is to simply make space for regular meetings with chambers of commerce and business alliances. I’m present in the community, and even as a candidate I’ve made an effort to develop relationships with chamber presidents, economic development staff, and business owners.
People know I’m here to listen; just the other day, a neighbor saw me working on my house and pulled over to tell me about a problem he had getting his web-file account set up with the Comptroller. Although everything else was ready to go, he didn’t want to get in trouble if his sales and use tax, and franchise tax accounts weren't in order. He spent a month waiting to get that fixed; it was a month of lost rent, wages, and missed contracts his new company was relying on.
Texas likes to advertise itself as a business-friendly state, but when leaders lose track of supporting the industries they’re meant to serve, they’re not living up to that promise. We’ve got to maintain two-way communication with the business community so the legislature isn’t out of touch with the business world and vice versa.