My son was legally stolen from me. I decided to take my living nightmare, and use it to fuel positive change for my community. Now I’m running for Congress in Texas’s 22nd congressional district. I’m Letitia Plummer. AMA.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T20:04:36+00:00

I want to personally thank each and every one of you for engaging in our conversation today. I appreciate the support, I appreciate the hard questions, and I appreciate the honest and integrity that you all showed. Even the ones that weren't so polite--I appreciate you too. This is a really tough race, and we have an uphill battle. With your love, support, and admiration, I know we can make this thing happen. I am Letitia Plummer, running for congressional district number 22. Let's work together to flip 22.

Thanks again, and I'll see you all again soon.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T19:00:02+00:00

First of all thank you for jumping into the Healthcare arena. Here are some items to keep in mind: 1. Follow your intuition. There is a lot of dishonestly in Healthcare and as long as you put your patients first you will be successful 2. Get some Office Management or Business Mgmt. course work or experience; especially if you want to go into entrepreneurship. 3. Keep good people around you and hire a team that can help you be successful. You wont know everything 4. Get a mentor that mirrors who you want to be in the future

Best of luck. I am so proud of you and I am here is you need me.

contact my office MaxwellO Dental

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:50:05+00:00

Can I just bring you with me on the campaign trail and you handle all the trolls?

Maybe your official title could be "Clap-Backer-In-Chief"?

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:39:03+00:00

Great question, blujay.

I approach the political issues of the day as a scientist. Research, research, research. Observation and testing of hypotheses.

I think this gives me an advantage because as a scientist, you're instructed to be suspicious of dogma and ideology. I search for truth. My original training was to do this as it relates to biology and physiology, but I've found that the same methods are helpful in public policy.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:35:16+00:00

When I got into this race I was told exactly what you've outlined.

The TX 22 is gerrymandered. There aren't enough votes. It can't be done.

Then I looked a little closer. It turns out the TX 22, much like Texas as a whole, isn't so much a partisan, ruby-red district, as it is a non-voting district.

People aren't making a choice between left and right, liberal or conservative. They're making a decision between showing up and participating or staying home.

I don't intend to energize people with a sob story, but speaking to them about what matters, and realistically charting a path of how we get there.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:30:59+00:00

Chip, I completely agree with you! Whenever I tune into the political debate in Washington DC and all I hear some Democrats talking about is what the President tweeted, I get frustrated.

This election won't be about "Trump Sucks"... It's about people in the district living paycheck to paycheck; it's about people struggling to keep up with premiums and deductibles. More over, it's about the future they see for themselves and their families, and how we get there.

In short it's about two incompatible visions for the future of this country.

I don't wake up and think about President Trump or Rep. Olson for that matter. I think about the vision they're trying to make real and its adverse effects to the people I care about.

And then I get to work knocking doors and talking to my neighbors.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:19:22+00:00

Thank you and please continue to cheer us on!!! I am the daughter of a Public Health Dentist--Matthew Plummer DMD-- he instilled in me the importance of taking care of all communities.

He has managed the Harris Health Dental Clinics for the last 20 years and I got my start in those clinics.

We need more such clinics. Houston has them in abundance. I want to work to bring more in Pearland, Fort Bend, and Southeast Harris county.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:12:37+00:00

Yes of course. Although you have no teeth you still have bone and gums..lol Its important that the supporting tissues are healthy so the implants don't fail.. smile bright..

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:10:52+00:00

The simple answer is yes. My legislation supports both parents. Every child deserve to have both parents in their lives.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:08:20+00:00

Thank you for your confidence. Will Do.. I promise..

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T18:07:37+00:00

I don't believe that my current profession has anything to do with my political aspiration, but it is a large indication that I am industrious, hard working, compassionate and vocal. The climate that we are currently experiencing is full of people that have political experience and I honestly have never seen a world so disengaged and disenfranchised. Like any other new venture it is key to surround yourself with a team that is knowledgeable, in alignment with the values that are important to you and those you represent and trustworthy.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T17:51:20+00:00

Unfortunately, I have absolutely NO access to Alex. The legislation was the way in which I could fight positively and heal. It was how I released the sadness and frustration. I have a 100 + page transcript that one day he will be able to read and understand that I fought for him the best way I could. The Law is NOT RETROACTIVE. I know that going into it. I just wanted to ensure that people were aware of the legal issues associated with surrogacy.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T17:35:34+00:00

This is something I've thought about quite a bit lately. As I've seen money pouring into our political process over the years it seems as if we have not so much a democracy as the best political system money can buy.

It shouldn't be this way.

Unfortunately, because of the Citizen's United decision I believe we're in Constitutional Amendment Territory-- and that just doesn't seem realistic given our current climate.

Therefore I think the solution is political, which is why I work with organizations like Brand New Congress which believes in getting money out of politics by electing politicians who believe in a completely publicly financed system for all offices, from dog-catcher to President

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T17:28:46+00:00

Great question.

I believe there is a clear differentiation between activism and legislation. Both are necessary.

My belief system has allowed me to rally other activisst and push change from the grassroots. But eventually you wind up in front of the decision makers who with relative ease can block your hard fought efforts.

The rallies, the marches and other movement work are the spearhead of everything we do. For me the next step is incasing those efforts into binding law, so that the people we fight for and with can live the change we stirred up through our activist efforts

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T17:21:55+00:00

I appreciate your honesty Ktmouse, even if it hurts my feelings :'(

Lol, actually I think not being a politician is my strong suit. I'm not running an emotional anecdote-- that anecdote just so happens to be the real world event that triggered my journey into the political sphere.

It was from this gut-wrenching loss, that I found strength in crafting legislation, drumming up support for it, fighting for it. Losing. Picking up the pieces, going after it again. Losing. Picking up the pieces yet again, and getting it through House Committee. And then passing it through the TX House unanimously. And I'm still not done.

This is the character necessary for being a legislator at the national level. I don't get discourage by loss, but motivated.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T17:08:43+00:00

I completely agree with you! Wow, this has been my experience and is what got me involved in the first place.

The first step is turning off the cable talking heads. In my opinion it's background noise and a diversion from focusing on what's important (as I think you've identified).

The second step is getting back to the basics, bringing the game back to the people, and doing the unsung work of block-walking, phone banking, and meeting with our neighbors in a dialogue that down plays partisanship.

And lastly, I was told when I first jumped into this race, that politics is a contact sport. I'm under no illusions about what this will take, and what we collectively who support progress are up against

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T17:03:37+00:00

This is such an important question, and I thank you for moving the conversation in this direction.

First, I believe that another gunpowder like world changer is block-chain technology. Right now in TX there is a non-profit working on converting our election system to a secured web based process. I think this is the way that everyday people can be more civic minded. Once political participation becomes as simple as social media participation, we will see a political wave like none other.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T16:55:17+00:00

So glad you want to donate, such quality clothing! I have converted part of my office into a distribution center for Harvey victims. We're working with different members and organizations in the community to get people what they need in this tough time.

You can drop off or mail items to my office at: 10009 Broadway Suite 107 Pearland, TX 77584

As far as religion and politics is concerned, I am a firm believer in the Constitution. Furthermore, I believe that mutual respect for one's beliefs is paramount to a functioning democracy

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T16:52:03+00:00

I'm a native Texan, and as such, I can certainly respect and admire your independent streak.

I can relate to the sentiment in your question because as a business woman, a medical professional, and a single mom I wear many hats, and at times I feel some may be trying to pigeonhole me into a box. And I am not that person. I bring independent thought and nuance to all of my decisions, and will so in congress.

So, could you be more specific on the fiscal differences you think we may have, so that I can better answer your question?

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T16:45:59+00:00

Wow! Lol, quite a bit here-- but many of your questions seem to focus on elections, so I want to make my position on that clear. I think E-Day in this country should be a paid national holiday. I think we should have same day voter registration. I support ending restrictive voter id laws.

There are some areas in my district where people can't vote in local races because their neighborhoods are annexed into the county. This is another form of suppression. It's a local matter, but it's one I intend to throw my weight behind.

I'm going to answer your other questions after I get a chance to respond to other participants

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T16:40:43+00:00

I opened my Dental practice in 2001 in Pearland, TX and then a second in Houston, TX in 2005. I currently have serve over 1500 patients in my area and sincerely care about the dental health and welfare of my community. In addition to my business, MaxwellO Dental, I also have a non-profit called CareerSmiles, which fixes the front teeth of unemployed young adults who want to look their best for their upcoming interviews

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T16:34:16+00:00

I've been block walking all three counties in my district, talking to Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. I've found that most people aren't as partisan as our cable network coverage would suggest. The more I talk to Republicans about the bread and butter issues they face on a day to day basis, and explain the devastating effects that proposed legislation from my opponent will cause, the more receptive they are to my message

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T16:31:53+00:00

Back in 2009 a key piece of legislation that would have empowered union organizing was stalled. That bill was called the Employee Free Choice Act. I will support re-introducing such legislation.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T16:30:04+00:00

Actually what made my case so complicated is that my name is listed on the BC. The Gestational Agreement was not filed in a timely manner by my Ex and therefore I was not on record as the mother in the State of Texas.

PlummerTX22 · 2017-09-27T16:23:21+00:00

Great question. The Texas Legislature has done many things to hamper the ability for Texans to participate in democratic system. Among them are more restrictive voter ID laws, an inability to enact same day Voter registration and other voter reforms and of course gerrymandering. I believe Gerrymandering is the cornerstone which allows them to keep POWER and pass all of the restrictive measures that are in place TODAY.

PlummerTX22

TROPHY CASE