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 in which 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 make me uniquely qualified to be the representative for our community.
I saw firsthand 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 an effective 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 more 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?
I am a fifth generation Texan. I have attended the schools of this district like Frazier Elementary [School] and grew up in neighborhoods like Carriage Lane. My higher education is a product of the University of Houston. I have watched [Houston] grow and change over my 30 years of life, and I understand its challenges. My many years of activism and campaigning in both parties has given me a uniquely balanced view of how to weigh competing partisan concerns. My career of both overseeing construction projects and the safety of my crews, balancing the business of getting things done and ensuring those men make it home to their families is a demonstration of how we should govern. The time for a representative who is moderate and deliberate over extreme and reactionary is needed now more than ever.
What can the Greater Houston-area do now to improve its economy?
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. It is something we should continue to do to foster and secure growth.
