Theresa Hearn-Haynes
votetheresahearnhaynes.com Theresa Hearn-Haynes has a master’s degree in law from the University of Tulsa and a doctorate of jurisprudence from the South Texas College of Law. She is a certified legal mediator and mother of four children. She has lived in Spring for more than 27 years.
Why do you believe you would make a good representative for the district?
I will represent all of the people instead of just some of the people. I have tremendous knowledge in preventive medicine and environmental health.
What do you believe are some of the top issues currently facing the community?
Health care is very important. Some of the issues that are not being addressed by any of the candidates is this contaminated health risk water that we’re drinking. We’ve got all kinds of toxins in it, and it’s causing a lot of serous health issues along with genetically modified foods, which are causing high incidence of cancer. It saddens me when I see so many illnesses that could be avoided.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
I would love to see zoning out here. We’ve got a lot of congestion, and the area does not have zoning. We have all these businesses popping up that we don’t have any control over that are affecting our property values. The traffic situation is horrendous out here; we need to get some rail and public transportation.
Debbie Riddle (incumbant)
www.debbieriddle.org Debbie Riddle has served as the state representative for District 150 for the past 12 years. Riddle previously worked as a Realtor, a volunteer firefighter and volunteer emergency medical technician. She has lived in the Spring and Tomball area for more than 35 years with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Why do you believe you would make a good representative for the district?
I work very hard to protect my district. Constituent care is the primary focus of my job. I want to continue making sure that we stretch every taxpayer dollar to get as much as we can. Because of my work, I’ve been endorsed by a number of people and organizations throughout Harris County.
What do you believe are some of the top issues currently facing the community?
The main thing is the negative effect of illegal immigration. I also want to make sure that our Second Amendment rights are not diluted in Texas. I’m endorsed by the NRA, and I joint-authored the most recent open-carry bill, so I take that seriously. I also believe low-income [apartment] housing would have a negative effect on our neighborhoods.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
I’ve got a lot of goals, but the No. 1 goal for me is to make sure that the safety and security of the people of Texas and District 150 is well-established. The next is to keep our conservative voice loud and strong in Austin, including making sure that our children get the best education possible and preserving our Second Amendment rights.
Valoree Swanson
www.valoreeswanson.com Valoree Swanson is a sixth-generation Texan and a mother of four who has previously worked in commercial real estate and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baylor University.
Why do you believe you would make a good representative for the district?
I am a tried and true conservative who will vote as I promise in the district. I will be accountable and accessible to constituents. My business degree, background, and knowledge of law and procedure will enable me to be much more effective in passing bills to benefit District 150.
What do you believe are some of the top issues currently facing the community?
Uncontrolled illegal immigration, sanctuary cities, crime, problems in education, loss of religious liberty, high property taxes [and] low-income housing [are top issues], and the Business Margins [Franchise] Tax [is] hurting small businesses.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
We should ban Shariah law by passing the American Laws for American Courts bill, protect life from conception to natural death, defund and investigate Planned Parenthood, and stand up for religious liberty. We need to cut spending and eliminate the Business Margins Franchise Tax, defend Second Amendment rights, lower property taxes and protect property values by keeping out low-income housing, except for the elderly.
Al Zolli
www.votealzolli.com Al Zolli is originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, and moved to Texas in 1986. He previously served 10 years on the Oakwood Glen homeowners association board. He owns a delivery company in Spring, where he lives with his wife and son.
Why do you believe you would make a good representative for the district?
I’m involved in the community, not a political party. Our state representative is our neighbor. There are a lot of issues in the community that are not being addressed. There’s a lack of interest in discussing these issues, and I’m somebody that’s looking for solutions.
What do you believe are some of the top issues currently facing the community?
Crime [is a top issue], because our law enforcement is not being funded adequately. That’s been going on for a long time, and our response time is down. We need to operate the schools better. Homeowners association reform is also needed. We need ways to protect homeowners when power is being abused so the state can step in.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
My first thing would be to address law enforcement and find [out] why we are not getting enough funding. Do we need something in the Legislature, or is it something in the county budget? We’re going to be going through some potentially hard economic times, and we need to review our county budget to see what we can squeeze. As a legislator, I’m also representing [constituents] on those county issues.
*Candidates answers have been edited for space
