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Three candidates are vying for the District 24 position of the Texas House of Representatives in the upcoming Nov. 8 election. Republican incumbent Greg Bonnen is being challenged by Democrat Michael Creedon and Libertarian Ryan McCamy.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
What should be done to improve transportation across the Greater Houston area?
Construction and completion of I-45 expansion, Grand Parkway Segments A, B, and C, Pelican Island bridge replacement and improved port connectivity are priorities. These are important to commuters, our local economy, and emergency evacuation. Lack of cooperation from the federal government and Harris County has stalled some projects. Legislators, local leaders, and impacted citizens must work to overcome obstacles and advance these transportation goals.
What should be done to mitigate flooding across the Greater Houston area?
The state has funded $400 million towards the coastal barrier system and created the Gulf Coast Protection District and needs the federal component to complete these coastal projects. Additional important items include funding and completion of projects in the Clear Creek and Dickinson bayou watersheds, additional capital for the state flood infrastructure fund, and completion of the state flood plan.
If elected, what would be your priorities?
Lead the effort to produce a fiscally responsible budget for the next two years that addresses the crisis at the border, provides property tax relief, improves accessibility and affordability of higher education, advances higher education research, improves community college funding and work force development, and enhances public education funding while reducing recapture. Invest in further flood, water supply and transportation infrastructure and advance economic development particularly in the energy, space, and technology sectors.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have a proven record of championing the priorities of our community while protecting our constitutional rights. As chair of the House Appropriations Committee, tasked with writing and balancing our state budget, I have supported increased border security funding, protected law enforcement, fought for healthcare reforms, defended parental rights, and increased accountability in our property tax system. I remain dedicated to the values of faith, family, and individual freedom upon which our country was built.
What should be done to improve transportation across the Greater Houston area?
Additional emphasis from Austin representatives, including funding and grants from expected state revenue surplus to local cities in HD24 for "smart" signals, intersection debottlenecking, and lane expansions. Additional planning and support from our representatives for the approval and construction of the Grand Parkway Segment B, including promoting economic development (jobs/business) at the state level specifically for HD24.
What should be done to mitigate flooding across the Greater Houston area?
In the near term, flood control must be solved at the local level. Therefore additional emphasis from Austin representatives, including and especially funding and grants from the state revenue surplus to local cities and flood control districts for desnagging drainage ditches, retention pond maintenance, and incentives for low-impact flood control development techniques, including use of permeable pavements, managing roof rainwater, reverse slope sidewalks, and sheet flow dispersion.
If elected, what would be your priorities?
The citizens of HD24 will always be my first priority as I work the following issues: inflation relief, tax reductions, power grid reliability, flood control, public education, jobs, healthcare, gun violence reduction, mental health, infrastructure investment, economic development, crime prevention, veterans services, living wages, reproductive health rights, and border security
What should be done to improve transportation across the Greater Houston area?
I would push for more public transportation. Trains would be the best option due to how spread the area is.
What should be done to mitigate flooding across the Greater Houston area?
Improvements in drainage. More reservoirs and flood gates in affected areas.
If elected, what would be your priorities?
To push for a Convention of States to add congressional term limits to the Constitution.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I'm just a regular guy. No fancy, high-paying job and no political experience. Someone who is affected the same way as most of Galveston County.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have decades of experience in the corporate and military sectors at the highest levels leading people and managing budgets while also being a good son, husband, father and community volunteer. I am committed to what is best for HD24 and our citizens.. I am a creative experienced problem solver ready to take on Austin to drive them to release State resources to help us in Galveston County.
