What inspired you to run for this office and what qualifications do you possess?
My passion has been to improve the quality of life in Precinct 2. The office of commissioner has a direct impact on the community. My four decades of public service in elected offices and participation in local civic and business organizations has given me the asset of leadership. I want to use this experience to make a difference by making our neighborhoods safer, our justice system responsive and fair, and our county's budget fiscally sound.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
A fair and equal system of justice, no matter a defendant's racial, ethnic, economic or educational status is critical. Precinct 2 must devote sufficient resources to maintain the Precinct's roadways, bridges and infrastructure, to support both our local economy and that of the county. Precinct 2 must use its efforts to secure low-income housing, to encourage business opportunities in the precinct, to provide adequate law enforcement and to enhance health care in the community.
What do you believe the county government's role should be in COVID-19 response?
Harris County has and continues to make effective efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic by undertaking such activities as: encouraging safety protocols; distancing and masking; providing vaccinations; allowing [employees] paid time for illness or required isolation relating to COVID-19; equipping county facilities with safety equipment, disinfectants and health screening tools; providing testing within the community; enhancing the county's health services; providing public education; and maintaining current statistical and other information on the county's website.
What needs do you see for parks and roads in Precinct 2 and what can be done to improve them?
The Precinct 2 Parks and Trails Division reports some 55 parks comprising over 4,000 acres and 27 miles of trails. Maintenance of these community assets would be a priority. Further expansion might include small local parks to serve neighborhood communities, providing a place for families safely to gather and children to play. Focus on roads and bridges surrounding the [Houston] Ship Channel and refineries would protect the precinct's industries and enhance safety in the area.
What do you think the role of county government is supposed to be?
Counties have the powers granted by the Constitution to provide for the needs of its citizens, [such as] public safety, a justice system, economic development and the overall betterment of the community. County government levies taxes and expends funds for public purposes, law enforcement, jail, criminal justice, roads and bridges, flood control and drainage, countywide health services, emergency management, parks and libraries. Counties hold elections and register voters.
How would you work to prevent future flooding in the district or minimize its effects?
As commissioner, I could use my influence and vote on commissioners court to seek federal assistance for flood damages, the issuance of bonds for flood mitigation, and contracts for flood control and prevention. Also, on a precinct level, I would support the maintenance of roads and bridges that would be used if evacuations were necessary, the creation of adequate detention areas in the precinct and the enhancement of warning systems for flood-causing weather events.
What kind of investments would you like to see the county make to improve its criminal justice system?
An equal system of justice for all defendants is imperative. Judges should see that trials are set to avoid delay, and prosecuting attorneys should be assigned to cases rather than to courts, so that each defendant may move through the system as rapidly as possible. Bail should be sufficient to assure the appearance of the defendant, but with regard to the criminal history of the defendant and protection of the community and a speedy trial.
