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Two Republican candidates and one Democratic candidate are running for the Texas House of Representatives District 15 position in the upcoming March primaries.
The Republican candidates are incumbent Steve Toth and Maris Blair. Democratic candidate Kristin Johnson is running unopposed. The winners for each party in the March primaries will be on the ballot in the November general election. Candidate responses may have been edited for length and clarity.
*Indicates incumbent
What inspired you to run for this office, and what qualifications do you possess?
I love serving people and making government responsive to the needs of those they serve.
What are the top challenges facing residents in District 15, and how do you plan to address them?
Exorbitantly high property taxes are strangling Texas families and businesses. Arbitrary and capricious property valuations by appraisal districts are neither fair nor equitable. The current system needs to be eliminated in favor of a fair tax.
What are the largest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic you have seen in District 15, and what role does the state government have in local recovery?
Therapeutics are the key to battling [COVID-19]. While others have fruitless debates on vaccines, science has proven the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies. The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] says early treatment of MAbu2019s is the difference between life and death. The problem is that treatment requires a doctor's referral. I secured funding and approval for the Montgomery County facility to be staffed with a nurse practitioner so people who are infected ... could drive in and be treated immediately. When the feds cut off the supply of MAbu2019s to Texas, as a member of the appropriations committee I secured the funding so that Texas could buy its own supply. The Montgomery County Infusion facility was the fourth largest in Texas helping over 8,500 people.
,What inspired you to run for this office and what qualifications do you possess?
Our community deserves a representative who truly reflects their values. A former teacher and executive director of Conroe ISD Education Foundation, my experience equips me to support Texas public education. A Texas attorney for 18 years, with constant exposure to legal and governmental matters, my training drives me to ensure Texas laws serve Texans and not the government. My loyalty to Texas is genuinely inborn, as I am the only native Texan in the race.
What are the top challenges facing residents in District 15, and how do you plan to address them?
The fight against incorporation of The Woodlands Township was defeated by nearly 70%. I am the only candidate in this race who stood against incorporation, and I stand against bigger government and higher taxes. Conroe ISD is overwhelmed with growth while maintaining high academics and accountability. Education is my passion, and I will champion adequate public education funding. I am the only candidate who worked to pass CISD school bonds to keep up with growth.
What are the largest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic you have seen in District 15, and what role does the state government have in local recovery?
In addition to the obvious effects of illness, COVID-19 has devastated many families and small businesses. My own family has experienced the difficulties of the pandemic on personal levels. The job of [the] Texas government is to take a hands-off approach when local control is best, but provide support when the stateu2019s people need it. Emergency assistance as opposed to mandates, and business reinforcement instead of stifling regulations must be the policies of a strong Texas.
