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.
Randy Weber (incumbent)
Experience:
For 35 years, I owned Weber's Air and Heat. My small business experience contributes to my commitment to reducing wasteful spending, frivolous rollback regulations, and encouraging better community networks. In 2008, I was elected to the Texas State House, where I proudly represented District 29. Since being sworn into Congress as your representative in January 2013, I have brought Texas pride and conservative values to Congress and worked tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard.
Occupation:
Member of Congress
Candidate Website:
www.randyweber.org
What should be done to improve transportation across the Greater Houston area?
As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where I work closely with my colleagues, the military, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine how to better safeguard and improve our nation’s infrastructure. We need to simplify the burdensome permitting process to ensure efficient, timely completion of critical infrastructure projects in the Greater Houston area, which will fuel jobs, boost energy production, and promote economic growth.
What should be done to mitigate flooding across the Greater Houston area?
I believe the Texas Coastal Spine is a step in the right direction. The Texas Gulf Coast is home to millions of people, countless homes and jobs, and numerous refineries and this project will reduce the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms. I have been pushing for this critical project in Congress for years, and this year we received authorization to request federal funding for the project.
If elected, what would be your priorities?
I will continue to push for funding for the coastal barrier protection, securing our schools, pushing to pass my three bills to harden schools, bring production back to the United States, and unleash American energy. Additionally, we must keep Americans safe and secure by closing our border, getting fentanyl and other drugs off the streets, and also funding the police, and putting an end to the growing crime problems in our cities.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
My bride and I have called the Texas Gulf Coast home our entire life. I know which issues are important to families in this district because we have been a part of these communities our whole lives. First in the Texas House and now in Congress, I work the long days in DC and here at home to STAND UP for our people, principles, and future. I am a Texan, a Christian, and a conservative.
Mikal D. Williams
Experience:
BS Sociology, Juris Doctorate, former CPS Investigator, Attorney, Mediator, non-profit workforce college creator, and business owner. Trained extensively to read, interpret, and draft legislation as well as make persuasive opinions based on the law.
Occupation:
Attorney, Co-Founder and General Counsel of Central Texas Allied Health Institute
Candidate Website:
www.electmikalwilliams.com
Contact Information:
832-425-4393
What should be done to improve transportation across the Greater Houston area?
Investment in infrastructure and expansion of public transportation throughout the Greater Houston area and surrounding counties to include rail systems, partnerships with local municipalities, universities and colleges, to extend public bus systems in connection with the current metro transportation system, and expanded creation of high-occupancy vehicle and express HCTRA and TxTag lane access.
What should be done to mitigate flooding across the Greater Houston area?
We should invest in bold flood mitigation projects throughout the district and we should fund and expand on the coastal spine project approved by Congress. Hurricane Ike struck September 1, 2008 and there have been at least five destructive weather events since then and nothing has been done by our current representative to protect our coastal properties and way of life. We can include hydrodynamics to harness the renewable energy of moving water to help...
If elected, what would be your priorities?
As your representative for Congressional District 14 I would prioritize the above mentioned flood mitigation projects for our district. I would prioritize criminal justice reform and funding concerns for both flood mitigation infrastructure and public education by doing the above and decriminalizing marijuana nationally and working with state officials to legalize and tax adult consumption. I would also prioritize protecting our constitutional rights to life. liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by fighting for our voting rights, our reproductive privacy rights, and gun safety rights.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I am not a lifelong politician only interested in remaining in power and enriching themself. I am an average American that loves his country, has dedicated his life to servant leadership through my educational journey through law school. and my professional experience from working for the State of Texas, opening a law practice, and building a workforce training institute from ground up. I know what hard work is, how to manage it.
