The economy, crime and the growth of the community were among the issues discussed at two candidate forums Feb. 23 sponsored by the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce.

Candidates for Montgomery County constable in Precinct 5 and the proposed State House District 3 gathered at Celeste Graves Education Center in Magnolia to speak directly to voters about their reasons for running. Those who attended were also able to ask the candidates questions.

Precinct 5 Constable David Hill attended, along with challengers Johnny Carroll, deputy constable, and Detective Brian Clack of the Magnolia Police Department. Barry Tate, the chamber's chair elect, served as moderator.

Both challengers for constable discussed their plans to focus more on reducing crime and drugs in the area while maintaining the department's civil service duties.

"On day one that I get in there, we will be fighting crime," Clack said.

Both he and Carroll expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration's lack of involvement in stopping crime.

"We need to get out of the office and get out on the streets," Carroll said. He said he would request more funding from the commissioners court to increase crime fighting efforts.

However, Hill said the budget does not provide enough money to prioritize crime fighting, and doing so would only duplicate the services already provided by the sheriff's office.

"I truly believe in community policing — listening to what the community needs done and responding to that," Hill said.

For the House District 3 race, Magnolia ISD board president Cecil Bell, Jr., and Montgomery County Hospital District board member Bob Bagley participated.

Bagley took a strong stance on water rights and giving more power to local law enforcement to combat illegal immigration. Houston is a major hub for both drug and human trafficking, he said.

"[Our officers] have to be able to do their jobs," he said. "We have to untie their hands."

Bell's main issues included water conservation and funding reform. He said he wants to simplify funding formulas to ensure money is being well spent in areas like education.

"If we can clean up funding formulas, we can make sure that we're wisely and prudently expending those dollars," he said. "You cannot oversee what you cannot understand."

The primary election is scheduled for May 29 barring further delays due to redistricting.