Pat Bryan
Occupation: Retired
832-614-4204
www.patbryantx2.com
[email protected]
Top priorities: Campaign finance reform, Voters’ rights, Tax reform
What are the biggest challenges the district is facing in the near future?
The second district includes the Cypress Creek, Brays Bayou and Buffalo Bayou watersheds and the Addicks Reservoir. Harris County has identified about $28 billion worth of flood control projects that we need to do. We must start these projects, not just to prevent the damage and heartache that we have seen in recent floods, but more practically because bond rates are at an all-time low. Financing these big infrastructure projects will never get cheaper than right now. I want to see our federal tax dollars returned to Harris County. I would like to see if the federal government can be of some assistance in Houston’s fire and police pension problem.
With President Barack Obama nearing the end of his term, how will you work with a new regime?
Presuming a Democratic presidency, much of our policies will be aligned. I will be sure that Harris County is fully represented and receives its full share of benefits from any government programs. If Trump is elected, I promise to do my best to minimize economic and social damage to our area.
If elected, how will you remain accountable to the district’s residents?
I would do a lot more besides glad-handing. I’m already in touch with leaders in county and city government who know that I will respond to their needs. I also want to see that my offices have the highest degree of personal service for Harris County citizens in need of assistance in dealing with their government.
Ted Poe (incumbent)
Occupation: Criminal court judge
281-358-8866
www.tedpoe.com
Top priorities: National security. Protecting the privacy of Americans, Restore government accountability
What are the biggest challenges the district is facing in the near future?
I am concerned about the Zika Virus spreading in Houston. That is why I recently wrote the administration asking why $600 million in anti-Zika funding had not been spent. Human trafficking is another issue that Houston faces that will be front and center in the 2017 Super Bowl. Super Bowls have historically been a draw for human traffickers. In order to prepare for this, I have planned a forum this fall in Houston convening the Department of Homeland Security, the city of Houston and other local leaders for the purpose of informing the public how Houston plans to prepare for this. Finally, as chairman of the terrorism subcommittee, I remain gravely concerned about our vulnerable border security and this administration’s refugee policy. That is why I sponsored a bill in Congress requiring the state governors’ approval before any Syrian refugees were allowed in Texas.
With President Barack Obama nearing the end of his term, how will you work with a new regime?
2016 has been one of the most contentious elections of my lifetime. The country is divided. Our district is not immune from that division. I will work to ensure the interests of the district are served in the same way that I always have, by casting votes that I believe best reflect the will of the people I represent. While I am conservative, I have never run beholden to any party. I run and serve as Ted Poe. I also work well with the other side to get things done. That is why I am proud to be one of the 34 members of Congress who were able to pass major legislation this year.
If elected, how will you remain accountable to the district’s residents?
I communicate with constituents not only in person in the district but also through email and social media. I want to know their opinions on pieces of legislation, and I want their advice. This year alone I’ve been proud of the work we have been able to do helping constituents, whether it is helping someone with immigration issues, assisting a veteran who is waiting for care or ensuring a constituent’s son was able to travel to her wedding abroad to walk her down the aisle when the State Department couldn’t make it happen. I also hold Congress After Hours in the district, which are come-and-go events that allow constituents to come talk directly with me about whatever they would like to discuss. We also hold mobile office hours periodically for people to drop in and visit with my caseworker about any issues they may have. And of course constituents are always welcome to stop by the office or contact us directly either on the phone or online.
