Pat Bryan
Occupation: Retired
832-614-4204
www.patbryantx2.com
[email protected]
Top priorities: Campaign finance reform, Voters’ rights, Tax reform
What are the biggest challenges the district is facing in the near future?
The second district includes the Cypress Creek, Brays Bayou and Buffalo Bayou watersheds and the Addicks Reservoir. Harris County has identified about $28 billion worth of flood control projects that we need to do. We must start these projects, not just to prevent the damage and heartache that we have seen in recent floods, but more practically because bond rates are at an all-time low. Financing these big infrastructure projects will never get cheaper than right now. I want to see our federal tax dollars returned to Harris County. I would like to see if the federal government can be of some assistance in Houston’s fire and police pension problem.
With President Barack Obama nearing the end of his term, how will you work with a new regime?
Presuming a Democratic presidency, much of our policies will be aligned. I will be sure that Harris County is fully represented and receives its full share of benefits from any government programs. If Trump is elected, I promise to do my best to minimize economic and social damage to our area.
Ted Poe (incumbent)
Occupation: Criminal court judge
281-358-8866
www.tedpoe.com
Top priorities: National security. Protecting the privacy of Americans, Restore government accountability
What are the biggest challenges the district is facing in the near future?
I am concerned about the Zika Virus spreading in Houston. That is why I recently wrote the administration asking why $600 million in anti-Zika funding had not been spent. Human trafficking is another issue that Houston faces that will be front and center in the 2017 Super Bowl. Super Bowls have historically been a draw for human traffickers. In order to prepare for this, I have planned a forum this fall in Houston convening the Department of Homeland Security, the city of Houston and other local leaders for the purpose of informing the public how Houston plans to prepare for this. Finally, as chairman of the terrorism subcommittee, I remain gravely concerned about our vulnerable border security and this administration’s refugee policy. That is why I sponsored a bill in Congress requiring the state governors’ approval before any Syrian refugees were allowed in Texas.
With President Barack Obama nearing the end of his term, how will you work with a new regime?
2016 has been one of the most contentious elections of my lifetime. The country is divided. Our district is not immune from that division. I will work to ensure the interests of the district are served in the same way that I always have, by casting votes that I believe best reflect the will of the people I represent. While I am conservative, I have never run beholden to any party. I run and serve as Ted Poe. I also work well with the other side to get things done. That is why I am proud to be one of the 34 members of Congress who were able to pass major legislation this year.
Candidates’ responses were edited for space.
