Tom Oliverson

713-554-9030 www.tomoliverson.com Dr. Tom Oliverson is a practicing anesthesiologist and partner in U.S. Anesthesia Partners, the largest anesthesiology provider in Texas with more than 1,100 doctors. Oliverson and his wife were appointed to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s inaugural committee. He is active in many Second Amendment organizations, Boy Scouts of America, Family Life Ministries and other organizations. He is a Sunday school teacher at Jersey Village Baptist Church and lives in Cypress with his wife and three children.

Why are you running for District 130 representative?

I have always been very politically involved and interested. About four years ago a retired congressman’s wife told me very emphatically, ‘You need to run for public office—this country needs people like you with the right morals and ethics to serve honorably.’ I prayerfully considered this for some time and realized that God was calling me to this mission field of public service. I am excited about the opportunity to serve my district and Texas with honesty, integrity and humility.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing District 130?

I think that we need a state representative that will work with other local elected leaders to ensure transportation and infrastructure issues are dealt with. The Grand Parkway is going to bring rapid growth. We need somebody who is engaging all the stakeholders and making sure all the resources for orderly growth are present. I would also say we need to ban sanctuary cities, lower property taxes and defend religious freedom.

Kay Smith

www.committed2act.com Kay Smith has lived and been involved in the Cypress and Tomball community for more than 20 years. She is a member of the Tomball Rotary Club, Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, founder of nonprofit organization Hero and Friend, immediate past board member of the Harris County Department of Education, and formed the Cypress and Tomball coalition groups. She worked for heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey for six years and has been self-employed since 1980. She is the mother of one daughter and the foster parent of two young girls.

Why are you running for District 130 representative?

Some community leaders approached me and said Rep. [Allen] Fletcher was not seeking re-election and asked if I would represent them. I think it’s a clear choice. I’m the one who can represent this community the way it wants to be represented. The people elect you, and they are your constituents. You should represent them the way they want to be represented and not the way you want to represent. I have served the community in many ways representing Cypress and Tomball. I feel I’m best equipped.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing District 130?

Our current state representative has signed off on and endorsed a lot of low-income housing in our area. It’s gotten to the point where there’s too many of them to fill occupancy. Most are under 80 percent occupied. For the last 10 years, a developer [has been] trying to put in a Level 6 psychiatric hospital close to an elementary school. Level 6 [means] dangerous and committed persons. We are very concerned and want this developer to find a better use for this land. Another thing is annexation. We are at an unfair disadvantage of Houston having control over our area. We pay tax dollars without any city services; taxation without representation.

*Candidates answers have been edited for space