Boenigk, Yancy clash at District 14 debate

Republicans Bob Yancy and Rebecca Boenigk directly challenged each other on health care and other issues Monday night during a debate featuring the five candidates to represent Brazos County in the Texas House.

The two business owners were the most confrontational during the 90-minute event hosted by the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and WTAW radio. The other candidates -- Republican John Raney, Democrat Judy LeUnes and Libertarian Joshua Baker -- mostly stuck to their platforms without challenging the others.

Yancy, who is CEO of the medical information company MEMdata, said that Boenigk's plan to change Medicare to a sliding scale in which the wealthy receive fewer benefits was unfeasible and outside of the state's jurisdiction.

"None of us are running for Congress, and that is a federally administered program," he said.

Boenigk, who owns an office chair manufacturing company, countered by holding up a proposal from the Texas Public Policy Foundation that aligned with her proposal. She said it would save the government billions and help solve its financial troubles.

"It is all right here," she said. "It has all been proven. It is something we need to consider."

Later, Boenigk became the aggressor by questioning Yancy's statements that he has brought down health care costs and whether that has actually saved average people any money. She said he only really saves money for hospitals.

"He is not saving you money, he is not saving me money," she said, after asking whether any member of the audience have ever seen health care bills go down.

Yancy's business helps hospitals solicit competitive bids for equipment. The use of the free market principals help save money, he said, which then is passed on to the customer.

"If you reduce the price of sauce and reduce the price of dough, then ultimately the price of pizza is going to go down," he said. "It is economics 101."

About half of the debate was focused on education, an issue that has been most emphasized by LeUnes, a retired teacher and education consultant.

LeUnes stressed that public schools weren't receiving enough funding and that she would fight for them if elected. She said the state should have used its Rainy Day Fund to supplement education and should give retired teachers a cost-of-living increase on their pensions.

The other candidates were less gung-ho about spending more money, suggesting that a more equitable and simple distribution of tax dollars and more local control of schools could help solve some of the state's problems.

"Throwing dollars at education is not the answer," Raney said.

Baker, meanwhile, stressed that many of the state's problems should be focused on "reducing the size and scope of government."

"You know best how to spend your money and how to control your life," he said.

The five candidates are seeking to replace Rep. Fred Brown, who resigned this summer after taking a job outside the district. Early voting began Monday. Election Day is Nov. 8.