Q&A: Get to know Texas House District 28 candidates Gates, Adriatico

Why are you running/rerunning for this office, specifically?

When I ran in the special election in 2020, I laid out a number of priorities. Two of these priorities were lowering property taxes and improving Texas education—particularly vocational education. Within months of winning that election, the world was hit with COVID[-19], and my goals seemed tougher to reach. But Texas lowered taxes while many states increased taxes, and we took a different approach on education: keeping students in school whenever possible. Now, despite COVID, Texas has one of the strongest economies on earth, and our students suffered less from COVID than those of most other states. This session, I will continue pushing for lower property taxes and will pass a bill that broadens access to vocational education.

What would you consider to be the top priorities for House District 28?

Cutting property taxes, defending the border, promoting Texas energy and supporting education are vitally important. Biden administration policies on energy and the border cause seemingly endless problems for Americans, and especially Texans. Texas energy is essential to world security right now. Finally, helping students prepare for the jobs of the future should be everyone’s top priority.

What needs does the district face, and what plan would you make to tackle those needs?

When I was elected, nobody knew what COVID-19 was. But a few months later, it was the biggest issue. I pride myself on keeping in close contact with the residents of this district, and so I hear about problems first-hand. Right now, high property taxes hurt Texans. I have lived and worked right here most of my life. I will continue to listen first, and then act as quickly as possible to solve problems. I don’t enjoy the partisan bickering. I just want to work to make life better right here.

Why are you running/rerunning for this office, specifically?

First and foremost, we the people should be picking our leaders to represent us and not the other way around. For far too long most of our elected officials are placing politics over people, vs. people over politics. The level of injustice that has occurred this legislative session is horrible, and it’s impacting our lives day in and day out. Gerrymandering has become the new norm for our public education system. We cannot say public education is the greatest equalizer if not addressing the issue at its core. A family should not be at a disadvantage because of a ZIP code. Small and midsized businesses should be given priorities when calamity strikes. Teachers should be dignified, valued and respected not overworked, underpaid and undervalued. And lastly, parents shouldn’t be worrying constantly for the safety and security of our children.

What would you consider to be the top priorities for House District 28?

Our voting rights and our democracy is under attack. More than 500 anti-voters bills have been introduced, and since our county and district are considered as one of the most diverse in Texas, we will eventually suffer the ripple effect and the impact from it. Sexual abuse and human trafficking. I will support the DA’s office in combatting this issue. Immigrants and refugees, especially our children that are most vulnerable. COVID[-19] and calamity response, infrastructure and education that is impacting our schools, businesses and community. Our community has suffered so much, and we owe it to them to create policies that would protect them especially our children and those vulnerable.