Democrat Paul Gordon, an independent financial adviser, is challenging incumbent Republican Tony Dale, a business owner and consultant, for the State House District 136 seat this November. Dale has held the seat since 2013. Prior to the 2012 election, HD 136 was located in Harris County and represented residents in the Houston metropolitan area. The district moved to Williamson County during redistricting because of its rapid population growth.

Tony Dale*, RTony Dale*, R

Occupation: president, Spancil Hill Consulting LLC Past experience: District 136 representative (2013-present), Cedar Park City Council (2009-12), Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission (2007-09), Williamson County Conservation Foundation (2005-08), U.S. Army (1989-97) Party affiliation: Republican Campaign website: www.texansfortonydale.com

Why are you running to represent HD 136? I’m a husband, father, veteran and small-business owner, and I remain committed to keeping Williamson County the most prosperous and safest place to live in Texas. As a public servant I have a record of lowering taxes, reducing regulations and creating an environment where our children will obtain a quality education and our businesses can thrive so we all have economic opportunity. I’m passionate about my service on behalf of the citizens of Williamson County, and I ask for your vote to return me to the Capitol.

What is the biggest issue facing HD 136, and if elected, how would you address it? Commute times and education are important issues to local residents. Last session I voted to reduce the number of standardized tests kids are required to take to graduate. It’s critical so teachers can spend more time teaching lessons and less time teaching the test. To help meet the needs of a changing workforce, I support providing educational technical training opportunities for those students who do not wish to attend college but want to enter the workforce. Taxation is always an issue. I helped pass $4 billion in tax cuts, including a $1 billion tax cut to help small-business owners.

What bills do you plan to file or sponsor in the upcoming legislative session? Last session I passed a bill that increases jail time for online predators that were going after our children. This session my main legislation will be to prevent teachers who have inappropriate relations with students from being passed from school to school. In addition to a providing a high-quality education, it is incumbent upon adults in the education system to protect our children. We have a lot of great teachers, but the practice of moving these predatory teachers from school to school is unacceptable and must stop.

What can you offer the residents of HD 136 that the other candidate cannot? As a long-time resident of Williamson County with a record in business and appointed and elected office, I have strong relationships with many key business and governmental leaders. I work diligently to foster these relationships to be able to provide the best representation possible for the communities I serve. This collaboration between the local elected officials and business community is an advantage for the region and for the constituents I serve. I also serve in the majority party in the Texas House, and I have a proven track record of passing significant legislation that benefits the people of Williamson County.

What will be your first order of business, if elected? If elected, my first order of business after the campaign will be to thank the voters for their support and to dedicate some quality time to my wife, Mary, and our children. I see public service as a team effort, and without the support of Mary, my parents and my friends, this level of service to the community would not be possible. On the legislative side, my staff and I are already in the process of drafting our agenda and meeting with key stakeholders. We are committed to being ready on day one of session to represent Williamson County.

Paul Gordon, DPaul Gordon, D

Occupation: owner, Paul Gordon & Associates Past experience: clinical social work Party affiliation: Democrat Campaign website: www.gordonfortexas.com

Why are you running to represent HD 136? I am running so that all the citizens of HD 136 have a voice in their government. I have no special-interest groups that I answer to. I am a progressive person who believes in the dignity and rights of all people regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or immigration status.

What is the biggest issue facing HD 136, and if elected, how would you address it? The lack of affordable health care for all is an issue. Texas has the largest number of uninsured people in the nation. If we were participating in the Medicaid expansion program, more citizens would be able to access the health care they need. The failure to do this costs all of us in loss of productivity and greater use of emergency services for basic health needs. Both business and health advocates have supported Medicaid expansion because healthy workers are more productive in their jobs. I would address this by passing legislation to provide Medicaid expansion.

What bills do you plan to file or sponsor in the upcoming legislative session? I plan to file or sponsor legislation that provides equal pay for equal work, raises the minimum wage, improves transportation infrastructure, expands Medicaid services and provides more mental health services, funds public education adequately and equitably, reforms Children’s Protective Services and provides public universities the same right to limit campus carry as private universities now have.

What can you offer the residents of HD 136 that the other candidate cannot? I will bring common sense to the state Legislature. I will not waste tax dollars duplicating services that are the responsibility of the federal government, such as patrolling the border with Mexico. I will adequately fund public schools and deal with issues that affect all Texans and not just those that protect my political future. I will promote jobs and businesses in HD 136 and maintain an open-door policy to work with all citizens of the district. I will collaborate with other members of the Legislature to ensure that Texas leads the nation.

What will be your first order of business, if elected? My first order of business will be to get my agenda listed [above] before the committees of the Legislature and work to get the bills through committee and approved on the floor.

*Incumbent