Q&A: Learn about the candidates running for State Representative District 44

What is the most important issue facing your constituents in the coming legislative session, and how do you intend to address it?

The rising cost of gas, food, daycare, insurance, housing and other expenses keeps people from getting ahead. Resolving this will take fighting for better wages, increasing competition by supporting small businesses, protecting consumers from unfair pricing and investing in infrastructure that creates jobs and household savings, like public transit systems.

What other issues are a high priority for you?

Data centers, underfunded public schools, water shortages, explosive growth and a lack of affordable healthcare. These issues affect everyone, but they don’t get fixed because politicians would rather fight culture wars than serve their constituents. I’m running as a problem-solver, not a partisan, to make life better for our community.

School districts are struggling financially due to a number of factors. How will you approach school funding in the next session?

Let’s be clear, schools are struggling because lawmakers chose to defund public education to make the case for vouchers. Budgets didn’t adjust for inflation and unfunded mandates were passed. To fix this I’d increase the basic allotment, recruit and keep excellent teachers/staff and prioritize student enrichment over political games.

How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?

Our objections to data centers have been ignored because state leaders took away our local control. The little oversight we do have wasn’t designed to manage developments this large, that’s why we’re seeing corruption scandals across Texas. These projects demand complete transparency, lots of community input, and strict accountability.<br><br>

What is the most important issue facing your constituents in the coming legislative session, and how do you intend to address it?

My constituents are concerned about the rapid population growth, the availability of water, energy and data centers, among other topics.

What other issues are a high priority for you?

Property tax reform.

School districts are struggling financially due to a number of factors. How will you approach school funding in the next session?

We are looking at potential solutions to this issue during the interim: replacing school property taxes with state funding will provide a steady and more reliable revenue stream. For high performing districts, give greater flexibility by removing strings and mandates so they can focus on what works. Recognize the need for and encourage parental involvement in their children's education.

How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?

Data centers need guardrails: Data centers must (1) provide their own power (2) use proven and effective closed loop cooling systems to avoid excess water use (3) use effective noise abatement design and (4) build in locations where they have community support (5) prohibit any form of tax abatements or incentives for data centers. <br>