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Two candidates are vying for the District 129 position of the Texas House of Representatives in the upcoming Nov. 8 election. The candidates include Republican incumbent Dennis Paul and Democrat Kat Marvel.
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?
We need to keep funding transportation as we have in the last few legislative sessions. We passed two constitutional amendments that the citizens of Texas supported, and now we see the fruits of that effort, and we are getting projects going. We need to proceed with the projects like the I-45 North rebuild and expansion so we have a hurricane evacuation route and stop frivolous lawsuits that have held that project up.
What should be done to mitigate flooding across the Greater Houston area?
We passed several bills in the last few sessions to fund these projects. I sit on the Natural Resources Committee to oversee how the funding can proceed. The first round of funds is going out, and we are working on the second round. We will also get the first ever state flood plan from the Water Development Board this February and will be able to start addressing funding per each watershed across the state.
If elected, what would be your priorities?
Last session, I passed the bill that created the Gulf Coast Protection District to start developing a coastal barrier to protect all of our area from storm surge. This year we will continue to work on that and help fund our local share if Congress funds the project. But flooding and storm protection will be important issues we will continue to work on next session. We will also continue to work on funding education and lowering property taxes.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I think I have the experience and the knowledge to help work on the issues that matter the most to the citizens in House District 129. From being a native of the area to running a small business for 20 years and being a part of so many community organizations in our area I know what needs to be done and will work on those issues.
What should be done to improve transportation across the Greater Houston area?
Public transportation needs a massive overhaul and improvement. The Houston metroplex is enormous and likely to continue growing. 14-lane megahighways will only make air quality and commutes worse. We need trams and buses ASAP.
What should be done to mitigate flooding across the Greater Houston area?
[1.] Stop building in flood zones. 2. Continue the work [Harris County Judge Lina] Hidalgo started of renovating the drainage systems. 3. Update the flood maps. 4. Ensure that all of the industry that we control is actually abiding by [Environmental Protection Agency] regulations to slow the effects of climate change.
If elected, what would be your priorities?
Well-funded public education; increased affordable, single-family housing; accessible health care; re-establishing voter rights; clean air and water
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I will vote for regulations that benefit people and communities rather [than] corporations. I will protect the rights of all Texans against state-mandated health care decisions. I will broaden access to voting, fund health care for retirees and support families who need a hand up.
