Joy Dawson-Thomas

Hometown: Spring, Texas Occupation: attorney, Dawson-Thomas Law Group 832-342-0659 www.justelectjoy4tx126.com Top priorities: encourage the growth of small businesses and jobs in District 126, reduce property taxes on residents and businesses, and fully fund education while encouraging the development of more vocational programs in the district

What makes you uniquely qualified to serve as a representative for the state of Texas?

My concern for the community I grew up and live in, my intent to remain and raise my family in this area, my eagerness to advocate for those who feel their voices are unheard, and my experience in the private and public sector[s] make me uniquely qualified to be the representative for our community. I saw the importance of border safety when I was a special agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I also saw how important it is to have a connection between parents and school administration while I was a police officer [for] Spring [ISD]. As a current small-business owner and college professor, I strongly believe our state grows when our workforce is well-educated and businesses are able to thrive without the burden of fees and red tape.

What can the Greater Houston-area do now to improve its economy?

With oil below $30 a barrel, we have to focus on more than just oil exploration. We also have to make sure that our local municipalities are fiscally responsible and accountable to the taxpayers.

Cris Hernandez

Hometown: Houston, Texas Occupation: fiber-optic construction project coordinator 281-743-9847 www.hernandezfortx126.com Top priorities: reduce and create a more equitable system of property tax, provide greater access to preventive health care to reduce costs and to fully fund education in Texas

What makes you uniquely qualified to serve as a representative for the state of Texas?

This is where my family has lived for generations. I have attended the schools of this district and grew up in its neighborhoods. Not only is Texas in my blood, but the district is, too. I have watched it grow and change, and I understand its challenges in the southern part and its affluence in the northern part. My years of activism and campaigning in both parties has given me a balanced view of how to weigh partisan concerns. My career of overseeing construction projects and the safety of my crews, balancing the business and ensuring those men make it home, is a demonstration of how we should govern. Amid the rancor of Texas political partisanship, the time for a representative who is moderate and deliberate over extreme and reactionary is needed more than ever.

What can the Greater Houston-area do now to improve its economy?

It is no secret that a downturn in the oil industry usually foreshadows a slump to come for the Greater Houston area. With solid job growth between 2003-14 in many sectors outside the oil industry, our area is insulated but only for a period of time. A lot of this has been precipitated by a low tax, business friendly environment, which has likely led to the diversification now poised to save the Greater Houston area from serious shock. It is something we should continue to do to foster and secure growth.

*Candidate Kevin Roberts is running unopposed in the Republican primary for District 126.