Three candidates have filed to run in the Republican primary election for state representative District 61, according to the Texas secretary of state's website. Candidate responses may have been edited for length, style and clarity.
Chuck Branch
Experience:
Commercial real estate
Occupation:
McKinney City Council, McKinney Economic Development Board
Candidate Website:
https://www.chuckfortexas.com
Contact Information:
469-569-1044
Why are you running?
I'm a Christian and believe I was called to be in this position. Collin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. As more people move to our region, we need to maintain our conservative values in the areas of family, community, business and education.
What are you hoping to accomplish if elected?
1) Voter integrity to prosecute voter fraud, election Integrity for election checks and balances, 2) Protect our border by overturning the federal government's failed immigration policies, add military personnel, and finish the wall, 3) Protecting our children from sexualization, 4) Permanent tax cut plan
What will you bring to this office in terms of your qualifications or perspective?
Communicate with constituents to determine their priorities and provide a strategic plan as we did for a balanced business growth plan as I did while on City Council where we increased commercial property value over $500 million and increased sales tax revenues by over $10 million annually.
What are the biggest issues facing the district today, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
As one of the fastest growing counties, we will work regionally/individually to ensure that we have a proper functioning infrastructure plan (including funding) to help with traffic, business growth and development, and ensure our communities and schools maintain our high quality values and expectations.
Frederick Frazier (incumbent)
Experience:
State representative, retired police officer
Occupation:
Dallas Police Association VP, McKinney City Council At-Large, state representative District 61 (current)
Candidate Website:
https://www.frazierfortexas.com
Contact Information:
512-463-0738
Why are you running?
My previous experience in elected capacities made me realize that I have a passion for public service. My decision to run for state representative was out of a desire to do so for a larger portion of my community than I could on city council.
What are you hoping to accomplish if elected?
There are still numerous things I would like to achieve in Austin. By nature of the Legislature, some of my bills did not make it across the finish line. Some these included, improvements to developments in District 61, law enforcement oriented bills, and other Collin County-area specific legislation.
What will you bring to this office in terms of your qualifications or perspective?
I have the experience necessary to be a more effective representative. I have served on committees, learned the floor rules, made relationships with other legislators and stakeholders. There will be no learning curve for me if I return to Austin.
What are the biggest issues facing the district today, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
Rapid growth is one of the biggest issues Collin County is facing. We must make sure that we are maintaining the quality of life we are used to here, and not overburdening municipalities which inevitably leads to higher taxes. Communication and pragmatic solutions will be vital!
Keresa Richardson
Experience:
My husband and I have been in business for 40 years.
Occupation:
Business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.keresafortexas.com
Contact Information:
214-973-4263
Why are you running?
The Texas House needs new leadership in Austin. I am not a career politician, I am a business woman. I am fiscally responsible. We need citizen legislators who do not have an agenda other than to improve the life of Texans.
What are you hoping to accomplish if elected?
I want to close the border, reduce property taxes, insure election integrity and promote parental rights.
What will you bring to this office in terms of your qualifications or perspective?
I will work hard for the citizens of Collin County. I am a person of integrity. I will listen to the people and always fight for their best interests and fight for the state funds we need in Collin County.
What are the biggest issues facing the district today, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
The border is the biggest problem we face in Texas. This invasion is straining our education system, our health care system, increasing crime and human trafficking, killing our youth with fentanyl. I hope to support the governor’s efforts to build a barrier and return illegals to their country of origin.
