On The Record
What prompted you to run for public office? My students at Tarrant County College prompted me to run for Congress. My students range in age from 17 to 70 and from very wealthy to very poor. Most of them are between 30 to 35 years of age and are first time college students who work full time and are part-time college students. They struggle with many of the same problems that we all face: balancing work, family, and school. They are however, more vocal in their concerns. They generally do not have health insurance and they are concerned about jobs that are being sent overseas. They don’t understand how Exxon can have record profits, yet gasoline approach $4 per gallon. They don’t understand how the war in Iraq can cost 12 billion dollars per month and yet some students cannot afford tuition and books for education. That is why I am running for Congress. I am 74 years old and owe my country the opportunity to correct some of these inequities.
What would you say are the primary issues concerning your area? I have worked as a paid consultant for the Fort Worth Housing Authority, North Texas Regional Library System, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas County Mental Health Mental Retardation, Technology Resource Institute, Tarrant County Mental Health Mental Retardation, Tarrant County AFL/CIO Labor Union, University of Dallas, and Saint Mary’s High School. I have also worked as a volunteer for the Sickle Cell Foundation, American Cancer Society, First Saint John's Missionary Baptist Church, and the Union Gospel Mission. Plus, I have taught at Our Lady of the Lake University (Irving Campus), DeVry University, Collin County Community College, El Centro College, Paul Quinn College, University of Texas at Arlington, Concordia University, Columbia College, North Lake College, and Tarrant County College. I know the issues of this area through working involvement with the real challenges people face: War in Iraq, Healthcare, Immigration, Jobs, The Economy, Taxes, Environment, Housing, Education, and Foreclosures.
What are your qualifications for the position for which you are running? I have been a practical, creative, strategists all of my life. I enlisted in the National Guard at the earliest possible age and was commissioned an Infantry Officer and Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader. My Honorable Discharge was received as an officer with the U.S. Army Reserve. It was as an infantry officer that I learned the importance of commitment and the responsibility of leadership. These qualities are essential to being an effective Congressman. In 1959, at 25 years of age, NCR, at the time, the third largest computer company in the world was struggling with the responsibility of installing 400 computers in military bases in the USA and Canada. As Director of 390 Computer Customer Service, they gave me the responsibility to hire and train computer programmers, plus oversee the successful installation of the 400 System 390 computers. I developed a strategy and implemented it to successfully install all computer systems. In 1962, I was asked to transfer from the NCR home office at Dayton, Ohio to one of the worst computer sales offices in NCR history. I developed a strategy and implemented it to successfully sell more computers than the Houston, Texas office had ever sold before. In just one year, I lead the Houston Branch office from being a dismal failure in computer sales to breaking computer sales records. NCR was a great place to work and it taught me to accept challenges and not to be frightened of opportunities. These qualities are essential to being an effective Congressman. In 1966, I founded a computer conglomerate (employment services, education, data processing, franchising, publishing, and finance) with a $1000 investment and within 3 years, we had 12 offices with full time employees in 6 States and the Dominican Republic. A few years later I sold my interest in the computer business. Since then I have owed two insurance agencies that I started with zero cash and sold both for a profit. One insurance agency was in Houston and the other in Bedford, Texas; I have also served as Senior Pastor of four Southern Baptist Churches in Texas that have grown in attendance and spiritually. In addition, I have taught a variety of subjects at Our Lady of the Lake University, DeVry University, Collin County Community College, El Centro College, Paul Quinn College, University of Texas at Arlington, Concordia University, Columbia College, North Lake College, and Tarrant County College. Today I serve as Professor of English at Tarrant County College, President of the Faculty Association, and Publisher & CEO of Franklin Publishing Company. I know how to take on difficult projects and see them through to a successful completion. These qualities are essential to being an effective Congressman. Maxine (my wife) does not want me to mention this other challenge that I faced as a young person, but it is part of who I am and has given me the drive to take on big challenges. My Dad was an illegal immigrant from Germany and my mother a second generation Italian who never attended High School. At 16 years of age, I quit high school and left home to become a professional prizefighter. I had a wonderful manager, Emil Monteverdi, and really great trainers, Whitey Bimstein and Freddie Brown who helped me win every professional fight I had (10 wins and no losses). Ring Magazine rated me the “Outstanding Prospect” in the Light Heavyweight Division, but boxing was not really what I wanted out of life and the Lord Jesus Christ protected me and encouraged me to quit boxing and return to school. These qualities of determination are essential to being an effective Congressman.
How does politics affect your family? We are a blended family. Maxine and I have been married 17 years and we have six children and six grandchildren. Maxine’s two sons and my two sons and two daughters think it is a fitting task for our ministry and public service filled life. We are active in our church and the Democratic Party. Maxine and I both believe that the responsibility of both the church and a political party, while they are separate entities, should be to help those in need. We are excited about the opportunity we have to continue to serve the USA and return a portion of the wonderful life our Lord and our country have given us.
Who are the important political figures that inspired you to become active in politics? LBJ, MLK, CC, and FDR! Lyndon Johnson had the courage to confront a system that was part of his culture and see it change. Racial segregation was wrong and he successfully defeated it. Plus he was born poor and started life as a school teacher. He also married a Texas gal. FDR changed the way we look at each other and how we act responsibly towards one another. The greatest president we ever had in the USA was physically disabled and a mental giant. Martin Luther King showed me what a Baptist preacher could accomplish when he sets his mind to bringing about change. His “Letter from the Birmingham Jail” should be required reading for everyone. Cesar Chavez is last because in so many ways he demonstrated how the bravery of one person can overcome mighty forces of opposition. Migrant workers were being abused, and CC stood against those who would take advantage of the poor by organizing labor unions to protect these workers. These four great heroes of positive change were Democrats and like today’s Democrats they stood for what has always been great about our country: Equality and Freedom.
What is your biggest hope for Texas? That Texas remain kind of heart, courageous of spirit, independent and self-sufficient. The cowboy spirit is what the world thinks of when they hear the word “Texan” and that should never change.
Dr. Otto is a graduate of University of Dallas, Southern Methodist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, City University of New York, and the Blackstone School of Law. He is a Christian who trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, January 1971 at the age of 37. He has shared his testimony at hundreds of churches nationwide and is available to speak at your church.
Democrat Ludwig Otto Can Beat Republican Joe Barton for the District 6 Congressional Seat in Congress. 24 Years of “Smokey” Joe Barton in Congress is long enough!
web site: www.ludwigottoTX.com
Where I Stand On The Issues – Please visit my web site www.ludwigottoTX.com - Will you volunteer to serve on my Campaign Committee? Will you help me raise funds for printing and advertising? Will you help me meet with American Legion Posts, Veteran Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Lions, Optimists, Chambers of Commerce, College & University groups, churches, Labor Unions, Voters Clubs, and homes with anyone interested in knowing how we can change the USA for the better? Email ludwigotto@sbcglobal.net , Phone 817-548-1124
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