Joy Dawson-Thomas
Hometown: Spring Occupation: attorney, The Dawson Thomas Law Group and adjunct professor at University of Houston-Downtown 832-821-8010 www.votejoy.com Top priorities: safety/crime, public education curriculum, public education funding, profitable employment
What experience qualifies you for this position?
I grew up in North Houston, and have had a lifelong attachment to our community. I’m a former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agent, which helps me identify and address crimes like human and drug trafficking, prostitution, fraud, identity theft and other violent crimes in an effort to create safer communities. I practice criminal and family law, and my experience will give me the tools to contribute to jurisprudence legislation, drafting bills and addressing crime. I own my law firm, which gives me the experience of managing staff, maintaining a budget and insight into how to promote economic development.
If elected, how would you handle significant issues in the district?
[I would] encourage the Harris County sheriff’s office and the constable’s office Precinct 4 to work together on a more efficient basis, increase patrol visibility in school district police departments, encourage community-oriented policing [and] encourage regular patrols regardless of [homeowners association] contracts. [I would] encourage the Legislature to update the cost of education this session so we have a realistic account of how much it costs to educate a student and the actual damages of cutting the public education budget.
Kevin Roberts
Hometown: Houston Occupation: executive director and chief operating officer at The Lanier Law Firm 832-974-0126 www.robertstx126.com Top priorities: property tax relief, ensuring public safety and security, creating a business environment that supports small business and stimulates economic growth, and maintaining our public infrastructure
What experience qualifies you for this position?
I have over 25 years in executive management and leadership positions. I focused on taking small, privately held businesses and growing them nationwide. There is no better training for making difficult decisions and crafting legislation that will help grow our local economy. I serve on the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce’s Public Policy Council, Grow Northwest Committee, the Economic Development Council, the Klein ISD Career and Technical Education Advisory Council, the board of directors for the D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA at Cypress Creek and the Houston Realty Business Coalition. My extensive involvement in the community allow me to better understand and identify the needs of District 126.
If elected, how would you handle significant issues in the district?
I will work directly with those who know District 126 best—our local community leaders, nonprofit agencies, public education superintendents and parents, and our chamber of commerce—to draft and pass legislation that directly addresses the significant issues in our District.
