Two candidates are vying to represent Texas House District 49: attorney and Austin ISD trustee Gina Hinojosa and investor Rick Perkins. They are running under the Democratic and Libertarian tickets, respectively. Community Impact Newspaper asked each candidate a series of questions in advance of the Nov. 8 election. The candidates’ answers are listed in the order of their place on the ballot. Answers have been edited for style, grammar and punctuation.

Why are you seeking the District 49 seat of the Texas House of Representatives?

Hinojosa: As president of the Austin ISD school board, I grew increasingly frustrated by the lack of funding available for our public schools. These funding decisions are made at the Texas Legislature. When Rep. Elliot Naishtat decided to retire ... I knew that I had to try to win the seat to fight for more funding for our kids. Perkins: As a 30-year volunteer activist in District 49, I decided it was time to get more involved. I’m a 22-plus-gallon blood donor with [We Are Blood, formerly] the Central Texas Blood and Tissue Center. I’m also a long-time volunteer with the Red Cross of Central Texas. I’m a citizen activist. It’s time to serve my District 49.

What makes you uniquely qualified to represent this constituency?

Hinojosa: As a civil rights lawyer, I have experience understanding the law and fighting for the rights of Texans. As the former president of the Austin ISD school board and a mother with a son in public school, I understand at both a policy and personal level what our kids need to reach their potential. I also have experience balancing an almost $1 billion budget and building consensus to make progress in our community. Perkins: I’ve lived in District 49 for 13 years. I proudly paid off my condo and support my local-small business owners. I’m involved with various neighborhood and homeowner associations as well as volunteer groups. I just bought my car in my neighborhood dealership. I support my district.

What would be your top priority if elected to this office?

Hinojosa: School finance—the system is so broken that we have the governor and the speaker of the House identifying this issue as a priority for next session. Perkins: By far, all my residential and business constituents are concerned with rising property taxes. Sustainability is a huge concern, too.