Q&A: Get to know the candidates for Texas House District 3 before March primary

What are the top challenges residents face in HD3 and how do you plan to address them?

Itu2019s my opinion that we must pass legislation making the Chief Appraiser an elected official accountable to the people, coupled with capping all real property (residential and commercial) at 5% and requiring half the surplus budget revenue be paid to reduce local property taxes. Additionallyu2026 Iu2019ll continue carrying and supporting legislation funding [the Department of Public Safety] and State Guard troops at the border, building the wall, and strengthen our ability to use state criminal trespass laws to limit u201ccatch and releaseu201d.

If elected, what would be your first action?

Refile the bill requiring half of the surplus budget revenue be paid to reduce local property taxes, a measure which 100% of all House Republicans signed on to support.

As a result of redistricting, the Magnolia area has two new state senators. How do you plan on working with them to ensure the needs of the HD3 area are met?

I started working to assure both state senators were aware of [Montgomery County] and [House District] 3 area needs during the Senate redistricting dialog. I also connected both senators to our local Republican Party and civic leaders and have begun scheduling what I plan to be a series of meetings with local officials, constituents, myself and the senator(s). I have a close relationship with Senators [Paul] Bettencourt and [Lois] Kolkhorst and have worked with both of them in previous sessions and interims.

What do you believe the state's role in responding to COVID should be and how do you plan to work with local officials?

The role of Texas is to make sure that our businesses and all Texans are kept informed, and up to date regarding COVID, that testing is available to those who need it, that vaccines are available to those who want to be vaccinated, and that monoclonal treatments are available to those who gets COVIDu2026 I believe Texas will pass legislation against lawless vaccine mandates to protect our freedoms and stand up against federal government overreach.

What are the top challenges residents face in HD3 and how do you plan to address them?

I believe my number one priority in office should be to significantly lower property tax. Accomplished through a strong cap on state spending and reallocating surplus revenue to reduce school district maintenance and operation tax. I will always fight to lower taxes for Texans. We must secure our border to stop human trafficking and illegal immigration, our nation is depending on us. We must give our Border Patrol the power to arrest, detain and deport.

If elected, what would be your first action?

I will put forward legislation to lower property tax. I have already been seeking information from Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin to get support in this. I will also continue to meet with law enforcement, fire departments, veterans, local and county officials, business owners and citizens and seek out ways to greater serve them. I will establish regular office hours in each community. Citizens will have access to their voice being heard in Austin.

As a result of redistricting, the Magnolia area has two new state senators. How do you plan on working with them to ensure the needs of the Magnolia area are met?

Our state senators representing Montgomery County are known for being very proactive and responsive to the citizens. It will be an honor to stand beside them, work closely with them, and make sure our citizens are well served.

What do you believe the state's role in responding to COVID-19 should be and how do you plan to work with local officials?

The Governor and the Legislature must protect the constitutional rights of Texans. We must protect our economy, our churches, our businesses and our citizens. I will work closely with our local officials to make sure they have everything they need to provide support to the citizens of Montgomery County.