Q&A: Get to know the candidates for Texas House District 150 ahead of the March primaries

What relevant experience do you have that will help you serve in the position you are running for?

I have been a community leader for decades, volunteering with various nonprofit organizations and serving on their board of directors, including Northwest Assistance Ministries. I also served as senior pastor of a church in Spring for more than 10 years. As a district resident, an engaged community leader and an experienced pastor, I have a unique blend of experience that allows me to work with the diverse community of District 150 and represent their interests within the state legislature.

What are the top challenges now facing residents in District 150, and how do you plan to address them?

Failures of the statewide power grid must be addressed immediately. This issue must remain a legislative priority so that fixes are not fully dependent on the Governor and [the Electric Reliability Council of Texas]. Also, as business leaders and the workforce alike reel from the pandemic and resulting great resignation, I will develop business incentives that encourage retention, while supporting workers' rights. Finally, in order to address increasing crime rates in District 150, I will work with local law enforcement, homeowner's association boards, and residents to find ways to create safer neighborhoods.

How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?

While party lines are more polarizing than ever, I have decades of proven experience in facilitating discussions of people with different perspectives and ideas. Today, as a District 150 neighbor and former local church pastor, I know how to bring together groups of people of different backgrounds and beliefs. Most importantly, I know how to actively listen to the people of District 150 and to other lawmakers in the Legislature and develop solutions that make the entire community a stronger and healthier one.

What are the largest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic you have seen in District 150, and what role does the state government have in local recovery?

It is important that the Texas State Legislature understands the scope and long-term impact this continuing pandemic has had on District 150 and is likely going to have in the years ahead. Immediately impactful legislation can address labor shortages and employee retention for businesses; child care support and overall safety measures for essential and front-line workers and their families; and, resources and policies that schools need in order to help students succeed at current grade levels.

What relevant experience do you have that will help you serve in the position you are running for?

I have proudly represented District 150 in the Texas House since 2017, where I serve on the Elections Committee and as vice chair of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee. I passed the Save Girls Sports Act to protect our 7th-12th grade girls from being forced to compete against biological males in girls sports. I have a bachelor of business administration and a business background.

What are the top challenges now facing residents in District 150, and how do you plan to address them?

As coauthor of bills that allocated record amounts of money to strengthen our border and equip [the Department of Public Safety] to combat the border crisis, I will continue to fight to secure our border and protect Texans. I authored and coauthored bills to prevent vaccine mandates and will continue to make this a top priority. I will fight to protect our college girls from unfairly having to compete against biological males in girls sports.

How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?

I will continue fighting for the policies and principles that have ensured the best quality of life and confidence in government for every Texan, including a secure border, fair and free elections, strong schools, low taxes, economic freedom, and limited government. I have been very successful in building coalitions to help the residents of District 150 on bipartisan issues.

What relevant experience do you have that will help you serve in the position you are running for?

Serving as House District 150 State Representative for nearly 15 years was one of the biggest honors in my life. I would return to Austin with that experience, seniority, and my no-nonsense approach. I have gotten results, and I am ready to do even more for my community. As a civic leader, business owner, mother and grandmother, I know what families in House District 150 are needing in a state representative.

What are the top challenges now facing residents in HD 150, and how do you plan to address them?

Securing the border is important to all Texans. I have been down to the Texas-Mexico border many times. It is dangerous and deadly. Cartels, smugglers, and human traffickers have ramped up their operations. I served on the Appropriations Committee and was the subcommittee chair that oversaw the funding for our Texas [Department of Public Safety], Texas Rangers and border securityu2014I introduced legislation in support of law enforcement to our border.

How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?

Sadly, we live in a society that likes conflict in our political world. In fact, many prefer conflict rather than finding solutions. I have always been able to accomplish more in life by listening to others. My Christian faith and Judeo-Christian values play a vital role in how I make decisions in life [and] those principles help me make decisions that benefit the people of House District 150.

What relevant experience do you have that will help you serve in the position you are running for?

I am a former Texas Property & Casualty Insurance Adjuster with heavy fraud experience, I've owned a demolition company, and I understand that your home is your primary investment. I've worked in investigations for over 25 years and own a small property management company along with my dedication to finding missing children and teens in our region. I've spent countless hours driving District 150 searching homeless hotspots and the cheap motels that line I-45.

What are the top challenges now facing residents in District 150, and how do you plan to address them?

We have had an incredibly sharp rise in crime over the past four years. We need more police presence and special programs to deter bad actors from creeping into our neighborhoods. I will run my state office with staff during business hours so no constituent will face a locked door and always answer your phone call. Additionally, there is an ongoing problem with HOAs enacting unethical rules that impede a resident's privacy. This has to stop.

How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?

I expect to stay in communication with my neighboring district state reps to tackle issues in the entire north of Houston region. The residents of HD 150 will have the voice they need, making sure I understand and vote for their primary interests.

What relevant experience do you have that will help you serve in the position you are running for?

Candidate did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.

What are the top challenges now facing residents in District 150, and how do you plan to address them?

Candidate did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.

How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?

Candidate did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.

What are the largest effects of COVID 19 pandemic you have seen in HD 150, and what role does the state government have in local recovery?

Candidate did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.