Q&A: Meet the Republican primary candidates running for Texas State House District 29

If elected, what will be your priorities?

Support Governor [Greg] Abbott’s request for more resources for enhanced border security, permanently cut property taxes. Pass stricter ethics laws to keep elected officials accountable.

What kind of school-related legislation do you feel the state should be focusing on?

More funding for education. We need to make up for the learning from [the COVID-19 pandemic]. Empowering parents to choose the best education for their children.

What, if anything, do you feel the state fell short on in its 2023 session?

We needed to pass legislation to support and protect oil & gas production and jobs in Texas. The state needed to do more to increase homestead exemptions and lower the cost of housing.

Are there any policies that can be passed to help Texans deal with inflation?

Large drivers of inflation are shelter costs, food, and energy. Increasing energy production will drive down costs, and increasing housing supply will drive down costs.

What would you like to see prioritized in terms of gulf protection projects?

I am glad to see the Gulf Coast Protection District's creation. We need the Galveston Bay Storm Surge Barrier System. We need to expedite their funding to “unlock” the federal dollars and get the Ike Dike [project] and gates moving.

If elected, what will be your priorities?

Priorities are secure the border, reduce property taxes, support of first responders, protect our kids, insurance reform, and securing water sources for the next generation.

What kind of school-related legislation do you feel the state should be focusing on?

We should focus on moving [Texas's] national education ranking from No. 38 to No. 1. Lowering our class sizes, supporting our teachers, building a teacher pact with parents, and eliminating the STAAR Test.

What, if anything, do you feel the state fell short on in its 2023 session?

Didn't pass meaningful education finance legislation. Prop 6 [creation of a state water fund] only considered new water systems and leak detection. I would like to see wastewater included in the low interest loans.

Are there any policies that can be passed to help Texans deal with inflation?

Saturating the marketplace with goods is the best way to control inflation. We can incentivize manufacturers to produce more products through temporary tax reductions.

What would you like to see prioritized in terms of gulf protection projects?

If elected, what will be your priorities?

If elected, I'll prioritize rebuilding trust in Texas's education, advocating for a universal school choice program, and supporting Medicaid expansion for better healthcare access. Addressing tax issues, I aim for a balanced regime, easing reliance on property taxes, while supporting small businesses and workforce development to foster economic growth.

What kind of school-related legislation do you feel the state should be focusing on?

Texas should prioritize legislation that rebuilds trust between districts and parents, increasing accountability and transparency. Additionally, addressing funding disparities, equal opportunities, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for an effective and responsive education system. Supporting a universal school choice program would also empower parents in directing their children's education.

What, if anything, do you feel the state fell short on in its 2023 session?

Political infighting hindered the progress of crucial bills, including those on school choice, financial transparency in school districts, Medicaid, and attendant care services. In the upcoming 89th Legislative Session, legislators must renew efforts to address these issues, utilizing a more collaborative and effective approach to resolve differences for the benefit…