Voters Guide U.S

VOTERS PRIMARY ELECTION ★ MARCH ★  ★ EARLYGUIDE VOTING: FEB.  by the League of Women Voters of Texas & League of Women Voters Austin Area

VOTING IN THE  PRIMARY ELECTION INSIDE THIS VOTERS GUIDE U.S. President  Texas Voter ID Rules name and address to vote a regular (not pro- on Election Day will be open 7:00 a.m.– visional) ballot. 7:00 p.m. U.S. Senator  VOTERS MAY USE ONE OF SEVEN (7) FORMS OF PHOTO ID, LISTED ➤ Texas voter registration card When voting in person you may U.S. House of Representatives  BELOW. ➤ Certifi ed birth certifi cate bring a printed Voters Guide into the vot- District 10  Note: IDs may be expired up to four years. ➤ Current utility bill ing booth! Use of electronic devices are For voters age 70 or older, no limit on expi- ➤ Bank statement prohibited. District 17  ration of ID. Th e ID address does not have to ➤ Government check District 21  match the voter registration address. ➤ Paycheck What Is a Primary Election? ➤ Primaries are state-level elections that take ➤ Any other government document such as District 25  Texas driver license place prior to a general election (Novem- ➤ Texas Election Identifi cation Certifi cate an out of state driver license or expired District 31  Texas driver license. ber 3, 2020). Texas utilizes an open primary (EIC) system. At the primary (March 3, 2020), a District 35  ➤ Texas Personal Identifi cation Card issued Where to Vote voter may choose which party primary bal- Railroad Commissioner  by DPS lot (Republican or Democratic) to vote on. ➤ In both Travis and Williamson counties, you Texas license to carry a handgun issued Minor parties do not hold primaries; their Texas Supreme Court  by DPS may vote at any polling place in your county during early voting and on election day. candidates for the general election are cho- Court of Criminal Appeals  ➤ US military identifi cation card contain- “Vote Here” signs mark locations. Locations sen in county and state conventions. ing the person’s photograph Th e voter must pledge that he or she will State Board of Education  ➤ are also available at the two county voter in- US citizenship certifi cate containing the not vote in another party’s primary or con-  formation websites: 3rd Court of Appeals person’s photograph vention that year. You may also vote in the ➤ Travis State Senators  US passport (book or card) primary runoff election (May 26, 2020), www.VoteTravis.com Registered voters without photo ID, who but it must be for the same party you chose District 21  cannot reasonably obtain one, may sign a Williamson to vote in for the primary. If you vote in one District 24  Reasonable Impediment Declaration form www.wilco.org/elections party’s primary, you do not have to vote for State Representatives  and present the original or a copy of one of Locations, days, and times vary for that same party or same candidates in the the following documents with the voter’s Early Voting (Feb 18–28). All polls open general election (November 3, 2020). District 20  District 46  VOTER REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE/CARD District 47 

Justice of District 48  County Commissioner The precinct number the Peace State Senate district precinct of where you live precinct/ District 49  Constable Congressional district State House district precinct District 50  District 51  District 52  District 136 

School district State Board City Council Travis County races  of Education district district Williamson County races  School board member district Which city you may vote in

ABOUT THIS GUIDE ABOUT THE LEAGUE Th is Voters Guide is funded and published by the League of Th e League of Women Voters Austin Area is a grassroots, Women Voters of Texas, the League of Women Voters Aus- ALL- VOLUNTEER organization promoting informed tin Area, and the League of Women Voters of Williamson and active participation of citizens in government. Since County. We invite each and every candidate in competition 1919, both LWVTX and LWV-AA have helped voters cast for offi ce to provide information. Th e names of unopposed an informed vote when going to the polls. No League or- candidates are also listed, but questionnaires were not sent ganization supports or opposes any political party or VOTERS GUIDE PRODUCTION to them. candidate. Voters Guide Editor: Gretchen Ott o Each candidate’s political affi liation throughout the As a nonpartisan organization, the League believes that Guide uses these abbreviations: (R) Republican Party, (D) all of us are stakeholders in making democracy work. We of- VP, Voters Service: Karen Eikner Democrat Party, (L) Libertarian Party, (G) Green Party, (I) fer informative programs concerning important public pol- VOTE Coordinator: Jaci Collins Independent. icy issues, organize and off er voter registration eff orts, en- Th is Voters Guide and other educational League materials gage in get-out-the-vote projects, work with local area VOTE Assistant: Daniel Roesler are funded by member and supporter donations. Donations schools and universities to promote civic participation, and GIS Support: Britin Bostick may be made through the website at LWVAustin.org. In- conduct fair and open candidate forums. Questions Coordinator: Gretchen Ott o creased costs demand additional funds. As a 501(c)(3) char- itable organization, each donation is acknowledged, appreci- LWV VISION STATEMENT Designer: Amber Morena ated, and deductible to the extent allowed by law. We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, English Copyeditors: Ranveig Borland and the right, the knowledge and the confi dence to participate. VOTE.ORG Laurie Filipelli More information about the candidates can be reviewed by LWV MISSION STATEMENT Spanish Copyeditor: María Milner visiting VOTE411.org, a one-stop online resource for up- Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Distribution Coordinators: Nancy Mossman and coming elections made possible by the League of Women Voters Education Fund. Simply enter your address to fi nd . . . MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU! Polly Elrod your polling place, build your ballot with our online Vot- Th e Voters Guide is made possible by the generous donations Translation: Inspirare Communications, LLC ers Guide, compare candidates side by side, and much more. of members and supporters. We gratefully acknowledge Printing and Distribution: Austin Chronicle Answers from candidates who didn’t respond by the print major contributions from: deadline may be available online. Erik and Liz Antener, Austin Firefi ghters Assoc., Ranveig WITH APPRECIATION FOR IN HOW THE LEAGUE GATHERS Borland, Mary Jane Burson / Sorrentos, Heidi and Brian KIND OR DISCOUNTED SERVICES: CANDIDATE INFORMATION Cobert, Engage ATX, Bob and Kay Gregory / Texas Disposal Systems, Tim and Karrie League / Alamo Mott o Publishing Services To compile the Voters Guide information, the League of Draft house, Joyce LeBombard, Ed and Virginia Leech, Women Voters Austin Area sends questions to all candidates Austin Chronicle Cindy Lo, Julia Marsden, Mari Robinson, Martha in contested races. League members verify accurate contact El Mundo Newspaper Rogers, Gwen Santiago, Debbi Voss, Th omas N. Young. information provided by the various election entities and Inspirare Communications, LLC Texas Secretary of State. A special thanks for the in-kind contributions of personal Th e League formulated all questions asked with some in- donated services and reduced priced purchased items and put from the public. Candidate replies are printed without services. editing or verifi cation of content. Due to space restrictions, candidates are given strict word limits. Th e form into which they enter answers prohibits them from violating the limit. Candidates are also asked to avoid references to their opponents. Th ose appearing without a photo failed to submit one. Williamson County announces the formation of a new local League: Candidates must submit answers by the deadline provided the League of Women Voters Wilco (LWV Wilco) in order to be included in the printed version. Answers on On September 3, 2019, LWV Texas President Grace Chimene approved the formation of a new League for an area of VOTE411.org may be updated aft er the deadline. the greater Austin community that has experienced rapidly increasing population growth. Th e League’s history in Texas now spans one hundred years, and its fi rst President was Williamson County resident Jesse Daniel Ames, there- YOU MAY BRING A PRINTED VOTERS fore, the history of empowerment of voters and defending democracy has come full circle in Williamson County with GUIDE INTO THE VOTING BOOTH! formation of this new League. LWV Wilco encourages anyone wishing to support this newly established league to at- Mobile electronic devices are pro hibited in the vot- tend one of its monthly meetings held the 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Library located at ing booth, but the law allows you to take a printed Voters 402 W. 8th St., Georgetown, TX 78626. Visit our website at htt p://www.lwvwilco.com for additional information Guide with you. You can also use the inter active version on- and resources. line at VOTE411.org to print your choices to take with you.

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area NATIONAL U.S. PRESIDENT

For additional information on presidential candidates, go to VOTE411.org.

REPUBLICAN PARTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Roque “Rocky” De La Donald J. Trump (R) Michael Bennet (D) Amy Klobuchar (D) Fuente Guerra (R) Joe Walsh (R) Joseph R. Biden (D) Deval Patrick (D) Zoltan G. Istvan (R) Bill Weld (R) Michael R. Bloomberg (D) Bernie Sanders (D) Matthew John Matern (R) Cory Booker (D) (withdrawn) Tom Steyer (D) Bob Ely (R) Pete Buttigieg (D) Elizabeth Warren (D)

Julián Castro (D) (withdrawn) Robby Wells (D)

John K. Delaney (D) (withdrawn) Marianne Williamson (D) (withdrawn)

Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente (D) Andrew Yang (D)

Tulsi Gabbard (D) NATIONAL U.S. SENATOR

Q. What are your recommendations to improve the immigration system? John Anthony Castro (R) A. Tackling health care requires a multi- Q. What legislation would you support to address access to and cost of healthcare? Background: My current faceted approach. Th e short answer is an net worth is in the mid- unlimited tax credit for student loan debt Q. What are your recommendations to curb gun violence in our country? $20 million range. I am for MD degrees, a government-spon- Q . What other issues do you believe will be most pressing in the next session of Congress, an OPM Fellow at Har- sored entity (GSE) health insurance com- and what are your positions on these issues? vard Business School, pany to keep private insurers accountable and I earned two law de- to the people, and mandatory use of ge- grees: a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxa- neric brands aft er patent expiration of name Virgil Bierschwale (R) A. In 2018 we had 533,557 legal immi- tion with Certifi cation in International Tax brands. All of this will signifi cantly drive Background: grants. During that same year we issued from Georgetown University Law Center in down costs. I’ve been studying the ef- 9,028,026 non-immigrant visas to take the Washington DC, and a Doctor of Jurispru- A. Guns are not the problem. More than fects of Free Trade Agree- jobs that your family needs to provide for dence (J.D.) from UNM School of Law. I 90% of all school shooting can be traced ments and the tidal wave themselves. We need legal immigrants who know what needs to be fi xed. back to anti-depressants. Do the research of non-immigrant guest come to America and make America bet- Education: OPM, Harvard Business School yourself. Th e solution is plain and simple: workers since it fi rst hap- ter for everybody, not just themselves. Ille- LL.M., Georgetown University Law Center if you’re prescribed anti-depressants, you’re pened to me in 2003 and I can show you why gal immigration is illegal, and that is all that J.D., UNM School of Law B.A., Texas A&M not permitt ed to be in the same home as our homeless population is increasing and needs to be said about that. Int’l University someone who owns or possesses a fi rearm. all of the holes in the employment/unem- A. I believe health care will resolve itself Website: htt p://www.JohnCastro.com Th is would have prevented 90% of school ployment propaganda which will have an if we take the “Profi t” out of it and make it Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com shootings in the past 20 years. impact on your business or organization. available to everybody /drjohnanthonycastro A. Expanding public education to cover Education: 14 years Military Technical A. Hold people accountable for what they A. Our immigration system is critical to Pre-K to Ph.D. Achieving energy indepen- Schools Licensed Realtor did Try them by a jury, and if found guilty, national strategy. Are we bringing in any- dence with the use of GSE manufacturers Website: htt p://bierschwaleforussenate carry out the sentence. one so we have a suffi cient supply of low- and construction companies to mass pro- .com/ A. we need jobs for our citizens so that they cost labor with the risk that wages stay ar- duce wind turbines, solar panels, and hy- Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com can provide for their families. Th e top 3 job tifi cially low, or our we bringing in only droelectric dams. A new Entrepreneur Tax /Virgil-Bierschwale-for-US-Senate groups if we compare 2018 against 2010 are the best to grow our economy with the risk Credit to fuel small business growth. Expan- -104055040948099/?modal=admin nurses aides, food service, and truck driving. that we share the limited economic pie with sion and more strategic use of the R&D Tax _todo_tour Can you build a bett er future for your family non- American-born immigrants? I choose a Credit. Introduction of tax-free retirement Video: htt ps://youtu.be/fXFdnbZPBDQ if those are the only jobs you can fi nd? point-based merit system. post-65.

John Cornyn (R) Mark Yancey (R) as US Congressman (TX-25) as a member of ber, where I spearheaded eff orts on No Response Received Background: Mark the Whip Team. - Earned the 2006 Demo- Hurricane Harvey recovery and technol- Yancey, a longtime Dal- cratic Nomination for Governor, coming the ogy & innovation, and oversaw a multi- Dwayne Stovall (R) las resident, is a veteran of closest any Dem since Gov. Ann Richards billion dollar budget. Prior to public ser- Background: I’m a 54 yr the fi nancial services in- Education: B.A. from the University of vice I practiced as a municipal fi nance old native Texan, husband, dustry. He has helped build Texas at Austin and a J.D. from South Texas lawyer, and was involved in numerous non- father, business owner, w/ four successful investment College of Law profi t activities. My focus is achieving a deep historical knowl- management fi rms, which in turn, created Website: htt p://electchrisbell.com/ results. edge of the offi ce of U.S. hundreds of well-paying jobs. Th e four fi rms Facebook: htt ps://facebook.com/Chris Education: B.A. Emory University, 2004 Senator. I’m in construc- combined managed north of $100 billion in BellForSenate/ J.D. Harvard University, 2007 tion & the oilfi eld. I’ve traded construction assets for institutions and sovereign wealth Video: htt ps://youtu.be/QEz96tdOR4g Website: htt p://www.amandafortexas equipment internationally since the 90s & funds. Mark is currently the CEO of Att acca A. - Pass the DREAM Act and create a path- .com have a solid grasp of monetary policy. I have International. way to citizenship for undocumented im- Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com fi rsthand experience of what that policy Education: University of Oklahoma - migrants and DREAMers. - End family /amandafortexas/ does to US Citizens as well as to other coun- Finance Harvard University separation and border detention facilities - Video: htt ps://youtu.be/PNSyB86wpPM tries’ economies Website: htt p://voteformark.com Decriminalized unauthorized border cross- A. Comprehensive immigration reform is Education: Att ended Kilgore Jr. College Facebook: htt ps://facebook.com/vote ings and migration. - Reform CBP and ICE in long overdue. We can have a secure border, and SWTSU markyancey order to best protect our borders while treat- treat people with dignity and respect, keep Website: htt p://www.DwayneStovall Video: htt p://www.facebook.com/vote ing immigrants with dignity and integrity. families together and reduce the years-long .com markyancey/videos/992988377755065/ A. - Create an automatic enrollment public backlog of those waiting to lawfully enter. Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com A. • Build the wall - all 500 miles. • Stop the option, otherwise known as access to Medi- Enforcement should focus on serious crimi- /texansforstovall.com fl ow of illegal drugs and fi nd the cartels oper- care for All. - Lower prescription drug prices nal activity like drug and human traffi cking, Video: htt ps://youtu.be/fnfaFGzu-Dk ating in the U.S. • Support our Border Patrol by making generic drugs more accessible and the US should work to stabilize nations A. Build the wall in every location possi- and ICE agents. • Immediately deport illegal and mandating the government to negotiate that are sources of immigration. ble, allow the border patrol to stop and turn immigrants who have committ ed crimes. directly with pharmaceutical manufactur- A. Health care is a life or death issue for around illegal aliens, make employers of ille- A. I would abolish the aff ordable Health ers. - Protect access to women’s health pro- many. We should strengthen the ACA to gal aliens come to the table for their part in Care Act - ALL OF IT. I support private pay viders. Texas is the number one state in ma- cover more people. Th e federal government this problem, and remove any and all access healthcare. Th e insurance companies have ternal mortality. Th is must end. should off er an aff ordable public option to tax payer funded programs (healthcare / been gouging the American public since A. - I support universal background checks and lower costs of premiums & prescrip- education / welfare of any kind). the inception of ACA on March 23, 2010. I and red fl ag laws that 90% of Americans fully tion drugs. Texas should expand Medic- A. Th e Constitution of the United States would bring ALL health insurance providers support. - I would close the Charleston and aid, which would cover more than 1 mil- off ers the federal government no author- before Congress and understand the dispar- Gun Show Loopholes. - Would take a step lion uninsured residents. Th ose who are ity whatsoever to manage the healthcare in- ity among high premiums and record insur- further and support a ban on assault weap- satisfi ed with their current coverage should dustry, or any other industry for that matt er. ance company profi ts. ons and a mandatory buyback program that keep it Th e only correct legislation would be to re- A. Enforce current laws. Guns do not kill would allow citizens to give up their weap- A. Universal background checks and na- move it from the issue altogether and allow people. Mentally ill people kill people with ons of war, otherwise under civil penalties. tionwide “red fl ag” laws are crucial fi rst the citizens of the individual States to man- guns. I will fi libuster any Bills Democrats A. - Reforming the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. steps. Limiting the availability of high ca- age this issue according to their will. introduce that Republicans perceived as a We must make a more equitable tax system pacity weapons and and ammunition also A. Th e Constitution of the United States threat to Second Amendment rights, includ- that requires the ultra-rich to pay their fair should be considered. While mass shoot- off ers the federal government no author- ing expanded background checks. share. - Establish a $15 minimum wage in- ings receive a great deal of att ention, most ity whatsoever to be involved in the issue. A. 1). Fiscal responsibility and account- dexed to infl ation. - Rejoin the Paris Climate gun deaths occur in less high profi le ways, As with healthcare, leave it to the citizens of ability. Congress’s spending behavior is out Accord and enact measures to fi ght Climate and a majority are suicides. A compre- the individual States to manage this issue ac- of control. 2). Term-Limits. Two terms and Change. - Invest in Education and make col- hensive approach must proceed with that cording to their will. Th at is the only consti- you’re out. lege debt dischargeable. in mind. tutional answer. A. Growing income and wealth inequal- A. Th e continued disregard for the con- Chris Bell (D) Michael Cooper (D) ity are huge concerns. With Texas being stitutional limitations placed on the fed- Background: Th e only No Response Received number 1 for rural hospital closures and eral government, and the perpetual cen- candidate in this race with number 1 for uninsured Americans, we tralization of power in the hands of a few. experience in Congress Amanda K. Edwards (D) much ensure that sustainable wage jobs We must - MUST - elect people who un- and running statewide Background: with benefi ts are available in urban cen- derstand the authority off ered them in Ar- - Served 5 years on Hous- For the last four years I ters, suburbs and rural communities across ticle III to divest power away from the fed- ton City Council (1997– have represented 2.3 mil- America. We must also make available eral back to the States. I understand that 2001), chairing the Ethics Committ ee and lion Texans as a Hous- portable job training credits for those in authority. Customer Service and Initiatives. - Served ton City Council Mem- manufacturing.

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area NATIONAL U.S. SENATOR

Jack Daniel Foster, Jr. (D) Annie ‘Mama’ Garcia (D) change. Security. Voter suppression. What calling for state and local offi cials to end Background: Article 1, Background: I’m not I know is that we can overcome all of this, if open carry. Section 3, Clause 3; States a politician. I have built we have the moral clarity, political courage A. I believe climate change is the greatest you must be 30 years of age 2 small businesses and a & work ethic. Email me at annie@runannie threat to my children’s future, and will advo- and a nine year resident of non-profi t, all profi table. run.com. cate for aggressive action and investment in the state you live. Th ere is Our family relies on all our new clean energy production, infrastructure no real experience that pre- paychecks to live. I speak Victor Hugo Harris (D) and manufacturing to address the climate pares a person to be an elected offi cial at any 3 languages & have lived in 3 other coun- No Response Received crisis. I will also make it a priority to protect level, but I have waited all my life for our “ex- tries. I am a ‘fed-up mama’ with 3 small kid- reproductive rights and pass comprehensive perienced politicians” to come up with big dos. I’m running because we are running Mary “MJ” Hegar (D) campaign fi nance, voting rights and ethics ideas for us all and they have failed us. So, I out of time. I have the moral clarity, politi- Background: I’m a com- reforms. ask, “What has experience did for us? cal courage & work ethic to do what no pol- bat veteran and working Education: B.S. Clinical Laboratory Sci- itician will. mom who understands the Sema Hernandez (D) ence, ASCP Master’s Degree in Finance State Education: Rice University (Houston) challenges facing Texas Background: I’ve been a Certifi ed Teacher- Secondary Ed. Econom- University of Texas School of Law (Austin) families and has never community advocate & or- ics, Biology Certifi ed Retirement Counselor Humboldt Universität (Berlin, Germany) backed down from stand- ganizer for over 12 years. Website: htt p://www.votejackdaniel.com Estudio Sampere (Cuenca, Ecuador) Escuela ing up for what’s right. I served 3 tours in I’m a fenceline community A. While a person awaits their asylum de Español Santa Barbara (Madrid, Spain) Afghanistan as a medevac pilot, receiving resident in a sacrifi ce zone, claim, a property- homeowners should be Website: htt p://www.runannierun.com the Purple Heart and Distinguished Fly- exposed daily to the haz- able to invest in immigrants, within Texas Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com ing Cross with Valor, and built a bipartisan ards and risks posed by the fossil fuel indus- Counties, for skilled vocational trades- /RunAnnieRun coalition to open hundreds of thousands of tries. I am a co-founder of the Texas Poor welding, plumbing, wind turbine technol- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/ZnctebfrLzM jobs to women in the military. People’s Campaign & co-founder of an en- ogy, water technology, solar panel technol- A. Th is is personal. My husband is a nat- Education: B.A., University of Texas at vironmental justice coalition working with ogy, etc. Whether asylum is granted or not, uralized citizen, we have Cuban family & I Austin, 1999; AFROTC Detachment 825; local & statewide organizations to enforce an immigrant will have the ability to take practice immigration law. Politicians lack E.M.B.A., University of Texas at Austin, 2016 regulations. care of themselves. My economic model the courage to fi x it & now we separate fam- Website: htt p://www.mjfortexas.com Education: Acute Medical Training and bears this. ilies & kids die in our care. Th e irony is that Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com Certifi cate Program Dual Licensed Insur- A. I support ACA Medicaid expansion, but our success is a direct product of our di- /MJforTexas/ ance Agent I have other big ideas about access and cost. versity. We must rebuild the system so we Video: htt ps://youtu.be/bIYHz6fPAgo Website: htt p://www.semafortexas.com Th e most expensive aspect of healthcare is honor our values & benefi t our economy. A. We need to permanently end child sep- Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com hospitalization; we address this by allowing More @ www.runannierun.com. aration, ensure asylum claims are properly /SemaForTexas counties to team up and negotiate in their A. My daughter nearly died from a heart processed, secure the border with eff ective A. I will introduce and/or co-sponsor leg- regions, these are their neighbors, not Wash- defect. We didn’t have insurance. She lived procedures and technologies instead of rob- islation that will provide permanent resi- ington. I also want to use the IRS codes for thanks to $1,500,000 in treatment. Here, bing our military and seizing land from Tex- dent status to all DACA & TPS registrants, exclusionary income, so people can obtain we would be bankrupt, but she was born in ans to waste billions on an ineff ective wall, as well as for their family members & ex- insurance for the uninsured. Spain, where healthcare is a right. Ameri- and build a path to citizenship for undocu- tend permanent resident status to persons A. I do not want to encroach on anyone’s cans deserve the same. Here it costs 2xs as mented residents that refl ects our core val- who were denied DACA status due to regis- Second Amendment rights, I know it’s not much, doesn’t cover 1/4 of Americans & up to ues as Americans. tration deadlines. I will introduce legislation right for criminals to be armed bett er than 400,000 patients die annually from medical A. Texas has the highest uninsured rate in to abolish ICE and restore immigration en- law enforcement, therefore I would press error. Read more @ www.runannierun.com. the nation, and that’s unacceptable. We must forcement to the Department of Justice. hard for manufactures to begin putt ing fi n- A. More Americans die every WEEK from protect the progress made by the Aff ord- A. I support Medicare For All, US Sen- gerprint technology on all weapons. We guns than most countries experience in a able Care Act while making much-needed ate Bill S.1129. Th is is the direct way to pro- also need federal legislation for background YEAR. Th is Is Not Normal. It’s a trade- improvements, including a public option to vide full healthcare benefi ts for everyone checks on all purchases, assembled weapons off between the GOP & NRA - GOP power make Medicare available for all who want it. and raising the standard of healthcare. Th e bought on-line as well, “air tight” laws. for gunmaker profi ts, paid for yearly in the We should also lower the cost of prescrip- bill provides everyone with the same cover- A. Th e three pillars of our society are edu- blood of 40,000. We must do it all & more. tion drugs by allowing Medicare to negoti- age, regardless of gender, socioeconomic sta- cation, healthcare, and retirement; nothing Gunowners must carry gun liability insur- ate prices with pharmaceutical companies. tus, race, religion, and other demographic will ever be more pressing than these issues ance, like we do for cars. Let insurance com- A. We must pass common-sense gun safety status, while eliminating premiums, copays, in any session of Congress. My economic panies access risk. More @ www.runannie legislation to require background checks on deductibles, and the Donut Hole. model addresses these issues through incen- run.com. every single gun sale, stop the sale of assault A. I will use the Commerce Clause to reg- tives, allowing property-homeowners to in- A. Th ere are so many existential threats weapons, pass red fl ag laws and close the ulate gun sales and manufacturing, intro- vest in people, who live in their county, for that have been made worse by this admin- “boyfriend loophole” to block access to fi reduce and/or support legislation which will skilled vocational trades. Creating personal istration, I can’t pick one. Poverty. Crappy arms for domestic abusers, and strengthen require mandatory universal background security is paramount for all. healthcare. Domestic terrorism. Climate laws preventing gun traffi cking. I am also checks, close gun-show loopholes, outlaw

continued Sema Hernandez (D) ( ) help promote cost changes more swift ly, but healthcare, and it will allow small businesses Education: University of Texas at Arling- the sale of assault weapons, end the manu- the impacts will vary. and entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth ton, BA, MA University of Houston, JD facturing of ammunition for assault weap- A. Most of the discussion related to this is- instead of trying to worry about how to Website: htt p://roycewest.com/ ons, and protect the rights of gun own- sue has been to impose some restriction or cover the cost of healthcare for themselves Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com ers, while off ering voluntary buy-backs of added regulation to reduce access to & the and their employees. /RoyceWestTX/ weapons. number of weapons. I believe we can also A. Every 3 hours, we lose a Texan to A. First, we have to dramatically increase A. Voting Rights: I will introduce legisla- adopt a public-health approach that seeks gun violence. I have endorsed the March the number of judges available to hear asy- tion to create uniform requirements for vot- ways to de-couple the availability of arms for Our Lives Peace Plan and I will advo- lum cases. Second, we need to pass DACA ing, in order to ensure equal protection of from circumstances where the use of fi re- cate for gun legislation that the majority and get the Dreamers back on solid ground. voting rights under the laws. Indigenous arms leads to lethal violence, such as safety of Americans support, including univer- Th ird, we need comprehensive immigra- Rights: Honor all treaties and tribal sover- modifi cations & data-driven alerts. sal background checks, banning and buy- tion reform to simplify the process and give eignty. Criminal Justice Reform: I will vote A. Two additional issues that will face ing back assault weapons like AR-15s and every one here without citizenship a path to to repeal the 1994 Crime Act and de-fund our nation in future legislative cycles is AK-47s, and holding the gun lobby account- it if they want it. states which maintain sentencing mandates the inequality of our economy and climate able for the harm they have done to our A. I would support strengthening the ACA that were enacted in response to it. change. Both of these issues are highly com- communities. with a public option. I do not believe nation- plex, interrelated, and face trend & struc- A. Climate Change: I support the Green alizing insurance is the best path forward. D. R. Hunter (D) tural headwinds that that will require a New Deal because it will create millions We need competition on standard products No Response Received collaborative and constructive political en- of new jobs, and will support oil and gas so that people can decide for themselves. I vironment, that depresses mis-information workers as we transition from fossil fuels to am looking at a number of ways of removing Adrian Ocegueda (D) and places a premium on facts. cleaner energy sources. Education: I support politics from this to stop future Administra- Background: My profes- funding our education system from kinder- tions from gutt ing the ACA. sional background is both Cristina Tzintzun garten through college, and investing in our A. I am for restoring the ban on assault ri- in local government and Ramirez (D) greatest asset: our people. Th is means uni- fl es and instituting a ban on magazines that in private equity. Th e is- Background: I have spent versal Pre-K and free public college. hold more than 8 rounds. I support a na- sues that we face today are over a decade leading some tional background check system that closes exceedingly complex and of Texas’ most important Royce West (D) all loopholes, even individual sales. an honest assessment of these issues sug- labor and voting rights or- Background: I have been A. I believe criminal justice reform, a gests that collaboration beyond one person ganizations. I have helped a practicing att orney for woman’s right to choose, equal pay for will be required. My candidacy places a pre- change laws at the local more than 40 years and women, student debt relief, and employ- mium on the approach to policy develop- and state level for workers and have traveled I’ve owned my own prac- ment non-discrimination will be key is- ment rather than simply advocating for one across the state registering and mobilizing tice for 25 years. I know sues in the next session. I favor a multitude position over another. young voters in our state, empowering them what it takes to own and of criminal justice reforms, favor a wom- Education: Princeton University, BA- Polit- to tackle the problems that we face. I will operate a business. I have also served in the an’s right to choose, support equal pay ical Economy Southern Methodist Univer- continue to advocate for everyday Texans in Texas Senate since 1993 which gives me an for women, support a comprehensive stu- sity, Masters in Business Administration the Senate. unmatched depth of knowledge about the dent debt relief program, and will vote to Website: htt p://www.texasreason.com Education: BA in Liberal Arts & Latin legislative process. pass ENDA. Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com American Studies, Th e University of Texas /TexasReason/ at Austin A. A limited view of improving our immi- Website: htt p://cristinafortexas.com gration system would simply be to improve Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com JOIN THE LEAGUEBE PART OF THE SOLUTION our system for processing requests for asy- /TzintzunCris/ lum. However long-term concerns should A. I support extending citizenship to Be part of a respected national, state, and local grassroots organization where individ- also be addressed, this requires an evalua- DREAMers, but I also believe that we need uals like you are actively engaged in creating positive change on all levels. Add your tion of our foreign policy, from support for to legalize the status of the millions of hard- emerging economies, to supporting inter- working immigrants that have been part of voice to more than 100,000 members and supporters across the country in Empow- national agencies eradicating corruption or our communities for years. We need an im- ering Voters and Defending Democracy. Membership is open to everyone at least addressing regional climate change impacts. migration system that allows future gener- A. I believe there is an opportunity to ations to come here safely and legally, that 16 years of age. build bi-partisan support for initiatives to re- fi lls our labor needs, and that empowers all Th e Austin Area needs you as part of the solution, to help ensure our communities duce costs, as many in both the public and immigrants to live their full lives. are strong, safe and vibrant places to live. Joining is easy online at LWVAustin.org private sector have come to the realization A. I want to ensure that Texas families are that we are at a tipping point on healthcare healthy. I support Medicare for All because /join-us. costs. Expanding coverage, through some it is the most effi cient and cost eff ective way form of public sponsored insurance may to make sure every American has quality

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area NATIONAL U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

Q. What do you recommend to improve the immigration system? immigration reform that includes securing Cal. State University-Hayward; J.D., Cor- Q. What legislation would you support to address access to and cost of healthcare? our borders while also providing a path to nell Law School citizenship to law-abiding taxpayers, and en- Website: htt p://www.siegelfortexas.org Q. What do you recommend to curb gun violence in our country? suring families are kept together and treated Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Q . What other issue is your highest legislative priority and what do you propose to with dignity and fairness. /siegelfortexas address it? A. Quality, aff ordable healthcare is a hu- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/wH5JPCul4YE man right. But, Texas Republicans have A. Let’s start with the premise that ev- been trying to cut off access by invalidat- ery human being deserves respect and dig- DISTRICT  Safety, & organized statewide to focus on bi- ing the ACA. Th is must stop. We can and we nity, that families belong together, and that partisan solutions to gun violence. First, we must deliver health care for every American, America will fulfi ll the values represented Michael McCaul (R) pass universal background checks & closure pre-existing condition or not. We also have by the Statue of Liberty. We must end family Unopposed of the gun show loophole. Second, extreme to empower Medicare to negotiate prices separation and the Trump regime’s att acks risk protection orders (red fl ag laws) need to with drug companies. Folks like my mom, on asylum seekers. We must establish a path Pritesh Gandhi (D) be passed. Th ird, legislation should ban pub- a retired public school teacher, should not to citizenship for undocumented residents. Background: Pritesh lic ownership of weapons of war and high ca- have to choose between paying for the med- And we need a dramatic overhaul of our sys- Gandhi is a dad, doctor, pacity magazines. Fourth, we end gun indus- icine they need and paying the rent. And, we tem, so we can fairly process migrants and and advocate. He serves try immunity. Last, we rebuild our frayed must end surprise medical bills. meet the needs of our economy while re- as Associate Chief medi- social & neighborhood fabric. A. As a mom, a Texan, a lawyer, a gun specting human rights. cal Offi cers of a commu- A. Campaign fi nance reform. Money cor- owner, and the wife of an ex-U.S. Marine, I A. I support Medicare for All. Medicare nity health center where he rupts the political process & makes it vir- am committ ed to common sense gun safety for All will provide comprehensive health- treats uninsured Central Texans. tually impossible to elect candidates that reform, including stopping the sale of as- care that is free at the point of service with Education: Economics and International are focused on the good of the people & un- sault weapons and high capacity maga- no co-pay or deductible. Everyone will be Studies: Tuft s University; MPH: Tuft s Uni- encumbered by the infl uence of corpora- zines, strengthening background checks, able to select their own doctor, specialist, versity; MD: Tuft s University. tions & special interest groups. Our system closing the gun show loophole, and keep- and hospital without worrying about “in Website: htt p://www.GandhiForTexas is built to serve the wealthy & the bought, ing guns from felons and domestic abus- network.” In TX-10, rural hospitals are clos- .com which fundamentally confl icts with both ers. Aft er the tragedies in El Paso, Mid- ing, tens of thousands lack care and thou- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com the spirit & the foundation of our democ- land/Odessa, Sutherland Springs and Santa sands more are at risk of bankruptcy in the /PriteshGandhiMD racy. We must implement caps on cam- Fe, we must take swift action to protect our event of a medical crisis. Medicare for All A. Last year I led Tornillo’s largest rally of paign spending to level the playing fi eld & communities, all while respecting the U.S. will keep hospitals open and families solvent health care workers at the detention facil- give marginalized communities a seat at the Constitution. while saving countless lives. ity on the border - we stood for children & table. A. Education is personal for me. I grew up A. We need a two-pronged movement to fought for families. First, a pathway to cit- in a working-class family. Education was curb gun violence. First, we must demand izenship for DACA recipients & undocu- Shannon Hutcheson (D) the path to a bett er life, but my husband the passage of popular, common-sense gun mented migrants (without felony records) Background: Guided and I graduated with six fi gures in debt. Re- reforms that will save lives, including uni- should be establishd. Second, our guest by my progressive val- cently, I represented an Army vet who was versal background checks, “red fl ag” laws, worker program must be modernized to ac- ues, I have built a success- scammed by a for-profi t college in the 1980s. and an end to the sale of assault rifl es. And count for year-round employment. Th ird, ful career as a small busi- Th e U.S. sued him for 15X the amount he second, we must demand major campaign fi - we must play the long game & partner with ness owner, community borrowed. Texans should have the opportu- nance reform, to ensure that gun manufac- Central & South American nations to build activist, and advocate for nity to get a quality education without fi nan- turers acting through the NRA cannot buy durable social & political institutions. women and families in Texas. cial ruin. And, we must adopt solutions for our elected offi cials and overrule the will of A. I serve as Associate Chief Medical Of- Education: BA, Austin College, with hon- those who are defrauded, become disabled the American people. I will never accept a fi cer of an E.Austin community health cen- ors (1993); JD, University of Texas, with or work in underserved areas. dime from the NRA or corporate PACs. ter where I treat uninsured Central Texans honors (1996) A. Climate change may be the biggest daily - this issue is personal to me. First, we Website: htt p://www.Shannon Mike Siegel (D) threat to human life, and represents an is- cover the uninsured in a public plan. Sec- Hutcheson.com Background: sue where TX-10 can be a national leader. ond, we pass legislation (HR3) to negotiate Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com For 21 years I’ve served Here, a coal plant and fracking are poison- on drug prices. Th ird, we off er Medicare as /ShannonforTexas/ the people: fi rst, as a public ing the drinking water for dozens of coun- an option to those that can’t aff ord deduct- A. We need more compassion, starting school teacher and teach- ties, and Houston is recovering from its fi fth ibles & copays. We must engage social deter- with electing more moms to Congress. We ers’ union organizer, and “500 year fl ood” in fi ve years. I am fi ghting minants of health: a child with asthma living must protect the thousands of Dreamers more recently as a civil for a Green New Deal that create millions of in a rental home with mold needs a “health who were brought to the US-the only coun- rights lawyer and Austin city jobs in a sustainable economy, end reliance in all policies” approach. try they have known-as children and who att orney. on fossil fuels, provide a just transition for A. Aft er the Sandy Hook Elementary are valuable contributors to our communi- Education: B.A., Comparative Literature, fossil fuel workers, and remedy the legacy of shooting I started a group, Doctors for Gun ties. We also need bipartisan comprehensive Brandeis University; Teachers’ Credential, environmental pollution.

DISTRICT  Spending, High-Value Research, and Popu- as a national security issue and not an immi- A. I am a supporter of the Second Amend- lation Growth. To fi x our Dysfunctional Po- gration problem. We have more people comment and am committ ed to preserving the Ahmad Adnan (R) litical System, I want to ban money in poli- ing into this country illegally who mean to right of individuals to purchase, possess and Background: Indepen- tics, because money in politics = corruption do us harm and this has to stop. My prior- use fi rearms as guaranteed by the U.S. Con- dent-Th inker, Centrist, in politics, move election day to Saturday, ity is to build a wall where we can, deploy stitution. Gun control advocates consis- Country Over Party | I am and ban gerrymandering. Please look at my the national guard to the border to augment tently fail to recognize that it is people, not a moderate. I want Repub- website ahmadforoffi ce.com to see the great- the Border Patrol, and use drone, sensor and guns, who are responsible for illegal actions. licans, conservatives, in- est social security solution in the history seismic technology to stop the fl ow of peo- Eff orts should focus on societal issues that dependents, Democrats, and liberals to vote of the program! Legalize, regulate, and tax ple through the border. We used similar are the root cause of violence; tightening for me. cannabis to pay for the teacher raise. technology in the Secret Service and I know gun laws will only take guns away from law Education: University: Texas State Uni- it will be eff ective. abiding citizens and not criminals who use versity Graduated in 2000, Summa Cum Scott Bland (R) fi rearms to commit crimes. Laude Degree: B.B.A. - Management | High Background: I am born George W. Hindman (R) A. Our nation is at a crossroads as to how School: Round Rock High School Gradu- and raised in Waco, Texas, Background: George is a we determine our fi scal priorities. As a fi scal ated in 1995 former special agent in the business owner, aerospace conservative, I believe that we need to cut Website: htt p://ahmadforoffi ce.com United States Secret Ser- engineer and commercial spending and restrain our federal govern- A. Secure the Border, Embrace Legal Im- vice, now own the fam- pilot. He worked at NASA ment. Th e best way to pay off our debt and migration; Spend more money to have more ily construction company training astronauts and live within our means is to ensure that tax- border patrol agents and to use technology in Waco. was the 2018 Republican payer dollars are spent wisely and to grow like drones, cameras, etc. to help prevent il- Education: Graduate of Midway High nominee for Texas State Senate (D14). the economy. Also, our country has veered legal immigration. I do NOT believe in School in Waco, undergraduate degree from Education: George holds a M.S. degree in away from the values that have provided the building a wall. Spend more money to have Baylor University. Aerospace Engineering from the University foundation of our culture and society. As more judges to help process legal immigra- Website: htt p://blandfortexas.com of Texas at Austin and a B.S. degree in Aero- your representative in DC, I will fi ght to pro- tion and legal asylum cases. If their cases are Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com space Engineering from the University of tect our freedoms. good and meet the required criteria, those /blandfortexas/ Virginia. people should be welcomed into our soci- A. I want a 6 month moratorium period Website: htt p://www.VoteHindman.com Todd Kent (R) ety so they can start to contribute, serve, and where people here illegally can present Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Background: My back- pay taxes. No child separation. themselves for full background checks and /GeorgeWHindman/ ground includes academic, A. Medicare If-You-Want-It Plan; I believe employment verifi cation. If they have a clean Video: htt ps://youtu.be/XOfmIa consulting, and non- in the free market and capitalism. However, background and can prove employment or QQVmQ profi t experience. I am a I know that some folks may not have ac- participation in job training programs they A. Our immigration system is broken and higher education leader cess to health insurance (self-employed, ge- can be issued work visas that have to be re- three steps are needed to solve this crisis. and worked in political and ography). I want them to be able to enroll newed every 10 months. Th is is not a path We must secure the border by building a business consulting, and youth ministry. in Medicare. However, I do not believe in to citizenship but allows us to know who wall and employing bett er technology, re- Education: Ph.D. in Political Science, Texas handouts; you can’t get Medicare for free; is here and allows them an opportunity to form our legal immigration visa policies and A&M University; M.A. in Public Policy, Re- there’s gonna be a premium. You have to pay contribute. focus on dealing with the millions of ille- gent University; B.S. in Accounting, Utah the premium for Medicare, but I want you A. I support the Bett er Care Act the Sen- gal immigrants already in our country with- State University to have the choice to enroll in Medicare if ate passed in 2017 to replace the ACA, but I out granting amnesty. Border security and Website: htt p://www.toddkent.com you can’t get good health care anywhere else would like to work towards legislation that enforcing existing laws must be the starting Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com (Medicare If-You-Want-It Plan). reforms the existing insurance system to al- points for addressing the current situation. /toddkentforcongress A. I would like to discuss education fi rst. low for a much more free market environ- While America has been a nation of immi- A. Th e need for immigration reform results I want the starting pay for teachers to be ment to help bring costs down. grants, we are also a nation of laws. from poor management of our borders. We $80,000 a year. Our education system is fall- A. We should support funding to provide A. Congress should repeal the costly regu- need to modernize and simplify the process ing behind other countries. We will never mental health training for counselors in the lations of age-based community ratings, ac- for those who desire to enter the US legally have the best education system if we do not public-school system. I believe this will be tuarial value mandates and essential health and secure our borders to prevent unlaw- att ract and retain the best, highest- quality eff ective because if we can identify a child at benefi ts. Congress should then enact mean- ful entrance into the US. Sadly, our nation, teachers, and we can only get the best if risk for mental health issues at an early age ingful reforms to allow individuals to pur- which has been built by immigrants, has lost we actually pay them what they are worth. then we can provide meaningful care that chase health insurance across state lines, ex- control of its borders. It is a critical national And, this will also help change the culture. can alter their path before they become too pand Health Savings Accounts and make security problem when we do not know who In other cultures and societies, education is far gone. Teachers and counselors should be health care plans more fl exible and portable is entering our country. valued, teachers are respected. In the U.S. trained to identify mental health issues and to cover a wide range of personal situations. A. Obamacare promised lower costs and they’re not. provide parents with that information to get I also favor removing safe harbor protec- aff ordable health insurance premiums. The A. To address Economic Growth & In- help for their child. tions under the Federal anti-kickback stat- truth is that costs continue to rise and are come Inequality, I want Infrastrucure A. I want to see the border issue be treated ute to promote bett er competition. not slowing down. Th e average annual pre-

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area NATIONAL U.S. REPRESENTATIVES mium for family health insurance is almost poses a risk to themselves or others, they Th e violence we see in our nation is directly losi as Speaker, and want to work to restore $20,000 and together with high deductibles, should not be allowed to have a gun. connected to cultural infl uences and social the Republican majority in Congress once copays, and other expenses, families are feel- A. Education: I would like to see less gov- norms. I like to consider myself a student again. Finally, I have a proven record of sup- ing the fi nancial pain. We need legislation ernment testing and allow teachers to teach. of today’s culture and a builder of tomor- porting President Donald Trump. that reduces government intervention and row’s. Th e video link above is our push back regulation. Th e more government tries to in- Jeﬀ Oppenheim (R) against the anti-law enforcement narrative. Trent Sutton (R) tervene, the less competition in the health No Response Received A. Reducing the size, complexity, and Background: Retired Ma- marketplace. power of the federal government by raising rine Corps Master Ser- A. I am a supporter of the 2nd Amendment Kristen Alamo Rowin (R) public awareness and pressuring fellow law- geant with 21 years of and the individual’s right to own a weapon. No Response Received makers to support legislative advancements active duty service. Com- A reduction in the number of guns will not that push political power back to the states pleted fi ve deployments curb gun violence. I would vigorously op- David Saucedo (R) and the people. I will work diligently, prayer- supporting operations in pose government gun confi scation legisla- Background: I’ve known fully, and creatively to break political and so- both Iraq and Afghanistan. tion. Reducing gun violence can only hap- poverty most of my life. cial barriers as we show President Trump’s Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political pen by expanding mental health programs I’ve made mistakes I’m not policies in action in CD-17. Promote the lo- Science (summa cum laude) from Texas and strengthening family structures. proud of. I’ve rebuilt and cal control of education! Promote Made In A&M. Master of International Aff airs from A. In America today, more people are dedicated to enlightening America! Promote Wealth-fare rather than the Bush School of Government and Pub- working and the unemployment rate has and empowering our com- welfare! Represent CD17 Well! lic Service. reached historic lows. Th is is great news for munities! I am a Servant Leader! Website: htt p://www.sutt onforcongress families. Th ere are two key problems. First, Education: Mentor, Ministry, and Church Pete Sessions (R) .com the purchasing power of workers’ earnings Leadership Six years experience in manu- Background: Born and raised in Waco Ea- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com has not kept up. One reason is the high cost facturing Specialist in Safety and Health gle Scout Lifetime member, NRA Member, /Sutt onForCongress/ of health care. Second, there will be future (SSH)(UTA) Authorized OSHA Outreach First United Methodist Church U.S. Con- A. First, we must stop the fl ow of illegal im- job losses from artifi cial intelligence and au- Trainer (UTA) gressman, 1996–2018 Chairman, National migration. Second, we must address those tomation (robotics). Texas is very vulner- Website: htt p://www.saucedofor Republic Congressional Committ ee who are here already. A more robust merit- able. I will focus on reducing the costs of congress.com Education: Graduate, Southwestern Uni- based guest-worker program is vital to en- health care and retraining workers for new Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com versity in Georgetown, Texas 1978 suring American farming and manufac- types of jobs. /saucedoforcongress/ Website: htt p://petesessions.com turing have the labor forces they need to Video: htt ps://youtu.be/6w0MDwATjrg Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com operate. At the same time, e-Verify must be Laurie Godfrey McReynolds (R) A. Support President Trump’s administra- /petesessions/ implemented nationwide to ensure employ- Background: Laurie is tion by advocating for and voting in favor of A. Increase border security funding; Crack ers are not hiring undocumented workers from Texas and was raised all funding necessary for physical, techno- down on criminal illegal aliens in sanctu- and to prevent visa overstays. Th is will allow in a conservative, Chris- logical, and patrol deterrents to illegal bor- ary cities; us to maintain a thriving economy while ac- tian home. She has been der crossings along the southern border. Establish mandatory minimum sentenc- counting for all entrants. residing and serving the Assure that contractual timeframes are ing for criminal illegal aliens; Protect com- A. Socialized medicine is not the answer. Waco Community the past practical in comparison to the private sector munities from criminal illegal aliens; and Without competition, the quality of care 35 years. She has 30 dedi- construction industry. Actively raise public require U.S. employers to use E-verify in suff ers and prices skyrocket. Block grant- cated employees, awareness about immigrants currently here hiring. ing Medicaid payments will allow states to Education: Arlington Lamar High School illegally, and the inhumanity associated with A. Please see my bill from 2017 HR 1275 the determine their best course of action. In- 1979; Tarleton State University 2009; Bach- poor security of our borders. Fight Demo- World’s Greatest Healthcare Plan. [Portion of centives for providers and pharmaceutical elor of Applied Arts and Sciences; Texas crat/Media misinformation harder! response removed; does not meet criteria.] companies must be changed so free-market Real Estate License since 2011 A. I support eff orts to return to direct A. I support funding for training and forces can reduce drug prices and healthcare Website: htt p://lauriemcreynolds.com to primary care in our state and in our na- school safety programs, and also for pro- costs while increasing their eff ectiveness. A. I support President Trump’s eff orts in tion. I believe we should work with ex- viding resources and training to protect Th e “ever-greening” drug patent loopholes building the wall. I also believe in creating perienced leaders like David Balat of the students and prevent violence on school which allow manufactures to stifl e and dom- an easier path for citizenship for those who Texas Public Policy Foundation to advance campuses. inate competition must be closed. qualify. the policies that best serve the citizens A. Pete Sessions will strongly oppose the A. Gun violence is not a gun problem; it is A. Unfortunately, there is no legislation of Texas! htt ps://www.texaspolicy.com/ Socialist Democrats who want more control a personal responsibility problem. We have with the type of framework that I would sup- primary-care-enhancement-act/ of our lives. I am a strong defender of our strayed from the foundations of faith, family, port in either chamber. I would like to fi nd a A. Limiting violence to one source or one second amendment freedom, and will pro- and freedom which have made this country solution so that more people have access to type prevents us from gaining a holistic per- tect our gun rights. A faithful Christian, I great since our founding. We must promote aff ordable medical treatment. spective on the issue of violence. A gun is no will defend religious freedom. When in Con- legislation that strengthens the family unit, A. I believe everyone should be able to more violent than a box truck in the hands gress, I led the campaign for Republicans to protects religious freedom, and promotes own a gun for their protection. If someone of a person intent on harming the innocent. take over the House and remove Nancy Pe- educational and economic opportunities.

DISTRICT  A. Technology and new laws to adopt re- order to have a safety net for the American Such a plan starts by treating asylum seek- stricted areas where weapons will be highly people, thus making it harder to disman- ers with respect and processing claims in continued Trent Sutton (R) ( ) detected. Th ose who break these laws will tle should political opponents att empt that a timely manner. We also must secure our A. Our $23,000,000,000,000 National be jailed. One must if traveling into the re- in the future. We need a low cost standard borders and ports of entry with technology- Debt is one of the least discussed, yet great- stricted area, alert the police that they are so across all avenues. and human resource-based solutions. Fi- est threats to our national security. Our cur- doing. Technology will play a major roll in A. We must stop the sale of assault-style nally, we need a path to citizenship for un- rent spending levels are unstainable and this methodology. weapons. We need background checks documented residents who have lived here must be reduced. Th e size and scope of the I would recommend more education to to keep weapons out of the hands of peo- for 10+ years that focuses on security. Federal Government have extended far be- be mandated for all gun owners. with a bet- ple who want to do harm. Furthermore, we A. I support the Medicare for America yond their Constitutionally mandated re- ter, highly technical program in place and should hire more security for schools to pro- Act of 2019. It is the appropriate next step sponsibilities. Th e elimination of un- present laws strengthen we can curb gun vi- tect our children. Th is will keep schools in health care because it achieves universal necessary and burdensome government olence by 65 to 75 percent. safer and create jobs. People who are con- coverage, especially important in rural areas programs, regulations, and wasteful ear- A. sustainable housing for low to middle- victed of domestic violence charges should where the uninsured rate is high. It will not mark spending must occur. income persons. Bett er and more aff ordable be permanently barred from obtaining eliminate private insurance. It provides re- housing provided for our elderly. Needed weapons. All gun owners should be required lief from the threat of medical bill-induced Renee Swann (R) services should also be address when it to pass a licensure course similar to that ad- bankruptcy - the leading cause of personal No Response Received comes to our elderly individuals. we should ministered to those who wish to concealed bankruptcy in the US. At the same time, it utilize programs that are already in place carry. addresses uncompensated care for hospitals. Elianor Vessali (R) and improve on their execution. A. We need V.A. healthcare and bene- Lastly, it empowers Medicare to negotiate No Response Received fi ts reform. We need to hire more doctors at drug prices. David Jaramillo (D) the V.A. in order to stay within a manage- A. Saving American lives should not be William Foster III (D) Background: Marine able doctor to patient ratio. We need to con- an issue subjected to partisan bickering. I Background: Education/ Corps veteran, received a tract with doctors out of school for a seven- am happy to see that Congress recently ap- Business Owner Top Secret Yankee White year contract that will allow for full student propriated funds for gun violence research. Education: Math/Phys- Clearance. Presidential loan forgiveness. Th is will increase the doc- As an engineer, I want to implement policy ics/guidance/computer sci- Service Badge. Served in tors we have on hand at the V.A., as well as based on facts. I support bett er background ence/mid-management/ Iraq. Former VA employee, help new doctors gain experience in their checks (as do 90% of voters) and banning Public Administration Union Steward. fi eld. Bringing more doctors into the V.A. gun ownership for convicted domestic abus- Website: htt p://FosterforCongress.org Education: Bachelor of Science Psychology, will make it possible to open more clinics in ers. I also support the Second Amendment. A. fi rst, we should abide by the 14th Minor in Criminal Justice at Tarleton State rural areas. My goal is to reduce gun violence without Amendment section1 which states that all University. infringing on Second Amendment rights of persons born in the United States are citi- Website: htt p://jaramilloforcongress Rick Kennedy (D) lawful gun owners. zens of the United States. when this is vio- .com/ Background: A soft ware A. Our current political environment is lated at any point, the constitution has been Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com engineer for more than a symptom of the corrupting infl uence of violated and laws should be strengthened to /DavidJaramilloforCongress/ three decades, Rick Ken- money in our politics. I’ve rejected corpo- uphold the constitutional rights of those be- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/Z3UAMOf74b4 nedy proudly claims a rate PAC contributions to my campaign, and ing violated. Persons entering the country A. We need to close for profi t detainment STEM background. His in Washington I’ll support H.R. 1 to over- improperly should be held accountable and centers. We need to double the number of son att ends Baylor and turn Citizens United and end corporate PAC dealt with in a proper process. We should immigration judges to speed up the pro- his two daughters go to Round Rock pub- contributions to federal candidates. I believe employ more border patrol and hold foreign cess for asylum applications. Asylum seek- lic schools. it is the best way to restore honor and leader- governments fi nancially responsible ers should not be turned away at the border. Education: Rick graduated from Burling- ship to Washington and the US Congress. A. Th ere should be legislation to provide Rather, they should be issued temporary vi- ton (MA) High School in 1980. He earned a building of more self-sustainable hospi- sas until their case can be heard. We need Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Sci- DISTRICT  tals designed especially for those who can- to provide a faster pathway to citizenship by ence from Th e Pennsylvania State Univer- not gain access to proper care in traditional hiring more federal employees. All DACA sity in 1984. Chip Roy (R) care units We know not enough income and recipients should be granted the citizenship Website: htt p://www.RickKennedyfor Unopposed other reasons create these problems Th is they have long been owed. Congress.com concept also will create more jobs in the A. We need a system that allows everyone Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Wendy R. Davis (D) medical fi eld to see a doctor. People are waiting until it’s /RickKennedyforCongress Website: htt p://www A line item tax on persons with great too late to seek medical care due to the high Video: htt ps://youtu.be/Ec8ROAKkqrM .wendydavisforcongress amounts of discretionary funds will pay into cost of healthcare. By covering everyone, A. We must stop political posturing and .com/ this designed piece of legislation. It includes we would drastically cut costs, thus improv- devise a broad revision of our immigration Facebook: www payment for the destitute and it will lower ing the proliferation of healthcare. We need system that meets our economic needs, ad- .facebook.com the cost of medicine to implement Medicare for All in stages in dresses security, and refl ects our values. /wendydavistexas/

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DISTRICT  DISTRICT  equality issues, a strong education system is lic health crisis of gun violence in America. still one of the most important investments My commitments: Universal background continued Wendy R. Davis (D) ( ) Keith Neuendorﬀ (R) that we can make as a country. Access to a checks and universal licensing requirements A. Everyone agrees that we must keep our Background: -Dedicated quality education allows individuals to lead at all points of purchase; Strong red fl ag laws borders secure. But our approach to bor- husband and father - Small productive, independent lives, contribute & Extreme Risk Protection Orders to dis- der security should not exclude common town / family business their knowledge and skills to society, and arm abusers; Ensure that the FBI & DOJ pri- sense approaches to immigration policy. roots - Texas A&M gradu- helps us to maintain our leading positions in oritize white supremacist violence; Oppose Congress needs to take up and pass com- ate - Soft ware engineer for trade and defense. concealed carry reciprocity; Ban the civilian prehensive immigration reform so that peo- over 25 years - Committ ed sale of assault weapons, high-capacity maga- ple who are fl eeing violence, who want to serving and improving our country Roger Williams (R) zines, & other weapons of war; End the cor- to work hard and contribute to our econ- Education: Texas A&M University - BS in No Response Received rupting infl uence of the NRA . omy and want to be part of the fabric of this Electrical Engineering; Texas A&M Univer- A. We have to get corporations and big state and this country, can come out of the sity - MBA Julie Oliver (D) money out of Congress and our elections, shadows. Website: htt p://neuendorff 2020.com/ Background: Former teen once and for all. With healthcare, it’s is my A. Creating access to aff ordable health- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Medicaid mom who put top priority, and it’s why I don’t take a single care, including prescription drugs, is my top /ElectKeithNeuendorff herself through college and dime from any PAC. We could address all priority. I believe that healthcare is a human A. We need to enhance border security law school; made a career of our legislative priorities — gun violence, right and that every Texan deserves access measures such as electronic monitoring in taxation and healthcare the climate crisis, mass incarceration, vot- to aff ordable healthcare. We must expand and detection and a focus on ports of en- fi nance before running ing rights, repro health — by ending the cor- Medicaid and create the ability for those try where the vast majority of illegal cross- 100% PAC-free campaign for Congress. rupting infl uence of money in our politics. not covered by private insurance or Medic- ings and drug smuggling occurs. We also Education: B.B.A, University of Texas at Please see platform - the most aggressive aid to access Medicare or some other public need a comprehensive immigration reform Arlington (Summa Cum Laude); J.D., Uni- anti-corruption platform of any candidate in option for care as was originally envisioned program that includes a meaningful guest versity of Texas Austin Texas: julieoliver.org under the Aff ordable Care Act. A healthy worker program that allow certain labor Website: htt p://twitt er.com/Julie Texas population leads to a healthier Texas groups (such as farm workers) to work in our OliverTX Heidi Sloan (D) economy. country legally. Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/ Background: Aft er teach- A. As a congressperson, I will do every- A. We need to maintain the principle of no JulieForTexas ing children with disabil- thing I can to create a safer climate for our pre-existing conditions on private and pub- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/FqZcpwknUo8 ities in public school and communities and our children through the lic insurance programs. We should also al- A. We need to fundamentally reform our farming alongside the for- passage and enactment of common-sense low for existing government programs to ne- immigration system so that it refl ects who merly homeless, I turned to gun safety laws. I respect the 2nd amend- gotiate prices for drugs and services in a real we want to be — a country where our fellow organizing and won huge ment and like the vast majority of Ameri- open market to allow for lowering costs in human beings are treated with dignity & re- campaigns alongside my community. cans, including NRA members, I support those programs. Additionally, we need to ex- spect, regardless of immigration status. My Education: I have a Philosophy degree from red fl ag laws and universal background plore changing the foundations of how we commitments: Make Dreamers & TPS re- Baylor University, but it is the people I’ve or- checks, which includes closing the boy- pay for healthcare (publicly and privately) to cipients citizens; Build a viable path to citi- ganized alongside of who have taught me friend loophole, so that persons with a vio- move away from a pay-for-service model and zenship for undocumented people; Increase the most - people of all education levels & lent history or who demonstrate a threat of toward a pay-for-outcomes model that re- capacity in our asylum claims system; Re- backgrounds. harm to themselves or others cannot own a wards bett er health results. verse Trump’s Muslim ban; End family de- Website: htt p://heidisloan.com fi r e a r .m A. I am a supporter of responsible gun tention & prohibit CBP from contract- Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/heidi A. As the grandmother of 1 and 3-year- ownership under the 2nd Amendment. I ing with private prison corps; Address root sloanfortx old granddaughters, I am deeply concerned grew up hunting and understand the place of causes. Video: htt ps://youtu.be/OmmKpiRdt_c about my generation’s responsibility to as- guns for sport and personal protection. To A. Every single American should have A. We must rebuild the many pathways sure that they inherit a planet capable of curb gun violence we should more strictly high-quality healthcare, be able to see a doc- to citizenship & permanent residency that sustaining life. We must take seriously our enforce the current laws on who should be tor, and be able to aff ord prescriptions—no have been dismantled. We must abolish country’s shared role within the global com- able to purchase guns and enhance those matt er if they’re rich or poor, young or old, ICE and end police involvement with immunity to do our part to address climate laws by broadening the restrictions for men- or have pre-existing conditions or not. I have migration, stop locking people in cages for change. Th at includes working to achieve a tal illness, people on terror watch-lists, and 20 years of experience in healthcare fi nance crossing borders, win amnesty for undoc- net-zero carbon emissions plan by 2050. Us- closing loopholes in the law. We should also and serve on the board of Central Health. umented people, and demand fair wages & ing incentives, Texas should continue to lead not be afraid to gather basic data on gun vio- Ensuring that we achieve universal single- safe working conditions for all workers in- the way in the creation of clean energy and lence to inform decision making. payer health care in this country by expand- cluding immigrants. But we must also fi ght the jobs that serve that sector. A. Education is my highest priority being Medicare for all Americans is my top pri- the root causes of mass migration, includ- cause the quality of education we provide ority. Please read more at julieoliver.org ing US trade & foreign policy destabilizing Jennie Lou Leeder (D) touches every aspect of private and pub- /issues/healthcare. regions and corporate polluters damaging No Response Received lic life. Even aft er putt ing aside moral and A. Th ere are concrete solutions to the pub- environments.

DISTRICT  bling infrastructure, creating beautiful pub- enumerated moral and ethical values for tion day registration. Additionally, I support lic housing & transit, and investing in small their children. the availability of extended voting periods, continued Heidi Sloan (D) ( ) & sustainable agriculture. We will drive up which precede the election date. A. I’ve been fi ghting for Medicare For All wages with a federal jobs guarantee, transi- Michael Grimes (D) which will provide healthcare to every per- tion from fossil fuels by 2030, and create a Background: I have lived Eric Hanke (D) son rich or poor by ending the for-profi t in- democratically-controlled energy grid. and practiced law in Round Background: Everyday I surance industry and providing a just tran- Rock, Texas since 1971. work to help working-class sition for insurance workers. Th is program DISTRICT  I am married to Sharon Texans prepare for retire- will create complete coverage including vi- Grimes. We have 3 adult ment. Th e concerns I hear sion, dental, mental health, & reproduc- John Carter (R) sons and 5 grandchildren. in their stories are not be- tive health and will eliminate copays, de- No Response Received Education: High School: Dallas, Bryan ing addressed by Congress. ductibles, & premiums. We will drive down Adams 1964; College: Colgate University I’m running to be their voice. costs in a single payer system bargaining as Abhiram Garapati (R) 1968; Law School: University of Texas 1971 Education: Southwestern University, 2001 a single unit with the full collective buying No Response Received Website: htt p://www.mikegrimesfor Website: htt p://www.hankefortexas.com power of the American people. congress.com Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com A. Many politicians have made gun own- Christopher Wall (R) A. We need a more compassionate gov- /HankeforTexas ers the enemy in the gun debate when the No Response Received ernment! Every country needs borders and Video: htt ps://youtu.be/JdbUzdVe_7o real enemies are the arms manufacturers border security, but we are a nation of im- A. Let’s start with a simple premise: no hu- who profi t from bad gun policy and whose Mike Williams (R) migrants. We must never forget that. Con- man is illegal. Our immigration system must money blocks even the most basic gun re- Background: 39 year fi re gress must come together and provide more uphold the values of our nation while also forms. Th e gun safety movement must build service, 18 year Commu- money and resources to deal with the im- serving the interests of our economy and so- power across the working class to reach nity College Adjunct Fac- migration crises. Th ese people are risk- ciety. In Congress, I will work to pass the greater consensus so we can achieve uni- ulty, 25 year Scout volun- ing their lives and the lives of their families Dream Act, create a pathway for undocu- versal background checks, a ban on assault teer, Parent - Grandparent seeking shelter in a country that they believe mented immigrants, and reform the current weapon distribution, and a real economic Education: Business de- will off er them safety and freedom. Amer- pathway for legal immigration that leaves and mental health safety net to end mass gree. Several advanced professional certifi - ica should off er these folks shelter and a fair families in limbo for decades and does not shootings & curb the 2/3 of gun deaths that cations (listed on website) hearing, not prison. serve our current economic needs. are suicides. Website: htt p://mikewilliams31ctx.com A. I support universal health care. No one A. In spite of living with a free market, A. Climate change is the greatest threat Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com in America should die because they can’t af- the current system prevents us from hav- facing humanity, but it’s also our genera- /mikewilliams31ctx ford medical insurance. I believe the best ing the freedom of choice and access. If peo- tion’s greatest opportunity. With a Green Video: htt ps://youtu.be/imUmVlr1ATo pathway to universal health care is to re- ple’s current insurance works for them, they New Deal, we can democratize our econ- A. Secure the Borders, enact legislation pair, fi x and improve the Aff ordable Care should be allowed to keep it. For those who omy and create millions of good-paying, that will disincentives illegal immigration Act. We can control the cost of prescription want an alternative, I believe that Medicare safe union jobs rebuilding America’s crum- while encouraging merit-based immigra- medication, if we elect folks who will rep- should be open to anyone who wants to par- tion. Eliminate chain migration and visa lot- resent the American public rather than the ticipate - consumers and employers alike. I tery, enhance tracking and enforcement of Pharmaceutical Industry. Legislation confi rmly believe that health care is a basic hu- visa overstays. trolling the pricing and sale of prescription man right and that reliable, timely access A. Measures that bring free market forces medication can and will drastically reduce to care should be guaranteed for all in our STUDENT VOTERS to bear on health care cost and remove bur- their cost. country. Students may use either their par- densome regulation that drive costs up. A. I would support laws that ban the sale A. I believe in sensible gun legislation that ents’ address or their college address Pricing transparency is a large part of this ef- of assault rifl es, bump stocks and extended would allow the CDC to study gun vio- for voter registration, whichever they fort along with enhancing customer choice. magazine clips. Th e sale of guns should re- lence, establish red-fl ag laws, expand back- consider to be their permanent ad- A. Strong penalties for gun involved crime. quire a universal background check of po- ground checks & close loopholes, reinstate dress. Students cannot be registered A. Civil Liberties protection: legislation tential buyers, without exception. Local the assault weapons ban, & a voluntary buy- in both places. Th ose who will be requiring the DOJ to pursue as a top prior- gun shows should not be exempted. Guns back program. Our churches, schools, con- away from the address they chose on ity civil liberty/civil rights violations at all should be regulated and registered, just like certs, & other public sett ings are under con- Election Day and during early voting levels of government and violators in the pri- a vehicle. stant threat of terror due to gun violence may request a ballot by mail. Student vate sector. A. State laws that result in voter suppres- while Congress expresses litt le more than voters should also know that college FISA reform that will reduce as signif- sion seem to be a growing problem on a na- thoughts and prayers. I am a person of faith or university student photo IDs are icantly as possible the likelihood of any tional level. I will support federal legisla- and I pray, but that is not enough to prevent not accepted at the polls and be aware abuses that have recently occurred from tion that makes it easier for voters to cast the next mass shooting. of the general ID requirements. happening again. a ballot on election day. Th at would in- A. I will work to ensure that climate Parental Rights Act that secures the par- clude increased access to mail in ballots, change is treated as the emergency that sci- ents right to determine Constitutionally shorter registration periods and even elec- entists, economists, & national security

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area NATIONAL U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

DISTRICT  sands of jobs, keep providers private, and ilar to Bernie Sanders idea of Medicare for ings involved. We must change the immigra- eliminate private insurance waste. all. My only change is that as we transition tion system so we don’t create obstacles of continued Eric Hanke (D) ( ) A. Handguns account for the majority of to a truly “one-payer” system, that I believe oppression but effi cient pathways to citizen- experts say it is by making record invest- all gun violence. Majority of all gun-related will one day be in force, people should be ship for all; passing the Dream and Prom- ments in renewable energy & research/de- deaths are suicides. Mandate universal back- able to bridge that time by being allowed to ise Act for Dreamers, those under TPS/ velopment for storage capacity, leverag- ground checks for all gun sales and close all maintain their current plans if they wish to Deferred Enforced Departure; ending the ing responsible regulatory options such as loopholes. Require periodic mental health do so. For the average citizen, this new sys- dishonorable practice of deporting U.S. fuel-effi ciency standards, and recommit- checks. Require registration and training for tem would allow them to have access to at Armed Forces veterans & allowing all to re- ting to the Paris Accords. Th is eff ort must owners of all semi-automatic weapons. Reg- least a basic level of health care, just as their turn; ensuring the right to counsel for unac- include support to ensure the workforce - istration will be enforceable at the point of kids have access to private schools. companied minors; and more. and communities - supported by the fos- sale of any fi rearm, ammo, or accessory. This A. First, guns should be classifi ed, and mil- A. Access to healthcare is a human right. sil fuel economy aren’t left behind in the will keep gun owners accountable, promote itary style legal weapons need to require To ensure access & lower prescription drug transition. safety, and save lives. greater background checks, AND licensing costs, we must enact Universal Coverage as A. Education for All proposes debt-free in some cases (much like a drivers license). quickly as possible. I’ve advocated for this Donna Imam (D) education for trade school, college, or any Additionally, any gun owner should accept system since 2009, with a transitional ap- Background: NW Austin higher education. It launches a program sim- 100% responsibility on the use of that gun, proach that minimizes harm to the economy TX31 resident for almost ilar to the GI bill that reimburses graduates until that gun is sold. Gun sales should al- & workforce while rapidly bringing cover- 14 years. 18+ year career in pursuing in-demand fi elds such as teaching, ways require the same process privately as is age to those most at risk. Th is would include tech and business. Former social-work, mental health, technology and legally required through a store. If a gun is lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 55; president of 4000+ mem- family medicine. It also reimburses gradu- not locked up properly or unlawfully used, automatically enrolling all newborns; then ber non-profi t that pro- ates that make a commitment to serve in ru- the gun owner would be liable, causing great lowering Medicare eligibility incrementally vides free training and education. ral or under-served communities. It puts an care in storage, etc. so all Americans are covered. Education: Master of Science in Electrical immediate halt to the student-loan crisis by A. Climate Change is the biggest issue at A. As a gun owner, I support the Second and Computer Engineering, Purdue Uni- giving people the ability to reduce or elimi- stake in our world today. Th e US is still one Amendment and understand many Ameri- versity; State of Indiana Bachelor of Science nate their student loans. of the leaders in CO2 emissions, and it’s our cans have a need and right to own fi rearms. in Electrical Engineering, Trine University, responsibility to make massive changes im- But it is past time for us to act. We need uni- State of Indiana Dan Janjigian (D) mediately. Th e irony is that making an ef- versal background checks on all gun trans- Website: htt p://www.votefordonna.com Background: Recently, fort to address these changes creates jobs, fers, restoration of the assault weapons ban, Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com I just completed my builds infrastructure, and will ultimately close loopholes that allow non-spousal do- /donnaimamTX/ 15th year in healthcare create new avenues for tax dollars that can mestic abusers to obtain weapons and out- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/QQuR9htI6_o working directly with fam- be used to further encourage “green” initia- law bump stocks; repeal the Dickey Amend- A. Humane treatment of all refugees and ilies for protection and tives. Change is not easy, but it’s coming, ment and restore full funding to the CDC asylum seekers. End the child separation claims. I’ve also been a pro- and if we don’t change now, the results will for study of this public health crisis to enact policy and close the detention camps. Fair fessional athlete, Olympian and actor. be catastrophic. additional measures to protect lives. and swift resolution of all immigration cases Education: I have my bachelors degree in A. Our criminal justice system is broken, including employment and family based Business and Marketing from California Christine Eady Mann (D) and is home to the world’s largest prison cases. Immediate path to citizenship for Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo Background: I’m a phy- population. My priority is to reform this sys- Dreamers and DACA recipients. Provide le- Website: htt p://danjanforcongress.com sician in Cedar Park, TX tem to provide all citizens equity and justice. gal path for undocumented immigrants to Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com/ with 30 years in health- Th at means ending our reliance on private, come out of the shadows. Require employers danjanforcongress/ care. I’m the daughter and for-profi t prisons; legalizing marijuana/ex- to pay immigrants the same wages as U.S. Video: htt ps://youtu.be/X5f-GbHuqdA granddaughter of veterans; punging the records of those previously & citizens to prevent abuse of low-wage im- A. Th ere has to be a path to immigration a wife; mother; and was a currently incarcerated; investigating all fa- migrants and discrimination of American that takes work, but is fair. For immigrants small business owner for 11 years. tal police shootings with transparency to en- workers. escaping genocide, or other atrocities, there Education: I att ended the University of sure accountability, and diverting mental A. End private insurance and adopt a sin- should additionally be a faster path, that en- Texas-Arlington for Microbiology. As a sin- health emergencies to mental health fi rst-re- gle payer healthcare system that covers the sures our national security, but gives them gle mom, I att ended the Texas College of sponders, not police. millions of un/underinsured. Accelerate the respect they deserve to have a bett er life, Osteopathic Medicine at the University of coverage by scaling the healthcare infra- just as most our grandparents were aff orded. North Texas HSC. Tammy Young (D) structure. Add more providers, nurses, and Most immigrants looking to enter legally Website: htt p://christine4congress.com/ Background: Born and primary care physicians to catch issues early have proven to be coming to the US for the Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com raised Texan, mother, instead of at the ER. Negotiate lower pre- right reasons, and this idea of opportunity /Christine4Congress grandmother, former pub- scription drug prices. Th ese policies lower and the “American Dream,” is what we were Video: htt ps://youtu.be/79KIdgHNlIc lic school teacher and ad- the cost of healthcare drastically, give every- founded upon. A. We must begin any discussions of im- vocate for children with one coverage, generate hundreds of thou- A. I believe in a single payer system, sim- migration by acknowledging the human be- special needs. Proud to

DISTRICT  to high wage jobs, without crippling debt. metal ill. No Islamic or radical group that ize in chronic health conditions (including We must support local businesses, the heart- wants to kill Americans should carry a Gun. pre-existing) and actively compete for pa- continued Tammy Young (D) ( ) beat of our communities, by training a ro- We need to fi nd a legal way to stop and frisk tients. 5. Accounts owned and controlled serve on Round Rock City Council since bust workforce, providing economic devel- criminals. by patients who are willing to manage their 2017. opment incentives, and enforcing strong We need to make it easier for Law Abid- own care (including chronic and routine Education: Graduated with a degree in Spe- anti-trust laws. ing citizens to carry arms and citizen arrests. surgery). cial Education from the University of New Education of Firearms. A. Th e 2 greatest factors that must be ad- Mexico and will earn a Master’s in Law from DISTRICT  A. Support Donald J. Trumps Agenda; Get dressed are untreated mental health condi- the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in the Border Wall Finished. Finish import/ex- tions and broken, fatherless homes. Up to May 2020. “Guillermo” William Hayward (R) port deals for other countries. Make Easer 66% of all mass shooters likely suff ered from Website: htt p://tammyyoungfor Background: Working immigration for people with BS and above a serious mental illness prior to their att acks, congress.com and Travel Overseas sup- degrees to enter the USA. and oft en displayed clear signs of delusional Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/Tammy porting our US Soldiers See that Persecuted Christians get an thinking, paranoia, or irrational feelings of YoungforCongress through supplies and ser- Immigration priority to the USA. Change oppression associated with conditions such A. We need to get serious about compre- vices. Stopping Impeach- the Immigration polices to meet Donald as schizophrenia and bipolar-related psycho- hensive immigration reform to fi nally fi x ment of Donald J. Trump. Trumps Agenda. Aft er Border secured with sis. Among the 25 most-cited school shoot- our broken immigration system. We need Education: Masters De- no illegal immigration, Process all illegals in ers since Columbine, 75% were reared in a pathway to citizenship for the millions of gree in Leadership, gcu.edu; Masters of the USA; Change the Health Care System to broken homes. undocumented immigrants who are paying Electronics Engineering asu.edu; Start Mas- make it competitive. A. Th e restoration of traditional values is taxes, following the law, and contributing to ters in Christian Leadership gcu.edu at the heart of everything that made Ameri- their communities. We need to seriously in- Website: htt p://haywardforcongress Nick Moutos (R) can the land of the free and the home of the crease the capacity of our asylum courts and .wordpress.com/ Background: I am a Na- brave. Th e family is the core unit in our soci- immigration judges so that we can process Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com tive Texan and a Vet- ety, and as the family goes, society goes. As applications quickly and humanely. We have /28thDistrictofTexas/ eran of the Navy & Army values have been diluted and vanquished, to end the separation of children from their A. 1. Finish Building the Border wall. with over 30 years of ser- families have disintegrated and moral decay families at the border immediately. 2. Round up all criminal illegal-migrants. vice. I am a career prosecu- fl ourishes. Our national character has suf- A. I’ve spent more of my life uninsured 3. Once the border is secure and no more il- tor, licensed in Texas and fered by lowering our standards under the than insured. Every American needs access legal entries then give Dreamers pathway to Arizona. guise of “tolerance” and “acceptance.” Re- to aff ordable, quality health care. That’s my citizenship. 4. All illegals must register with Education: BA Texas Tech University storing Traditional Values is a must. bott om line. I think the best way to do it is US immigrations for background Checks 1996; JD Texas Tech University School of to provide a public option, a medicare plan and pathways for a green card. 5. Anyone Law 1999 Jenny Garcia Sharon (R) that people can buy in to if they don’t have found not registered or comes to the USA Website: htt p://www.nickmoutosfor No Response Received access to private insurance or don’t like their aft er Border will is fi nished must be fi nger- congress.com current plan. We need to crack down on Big printed deported. 6. Remove cross Border Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Rafael Alcoser III (D) Pharma and demand lower costs for pre- Birthrights. 7. Change Amistety Laws, use a /nick.moutos.186 Background: Born in scription drugs, particularly for programs merit system Video: htt ps://youtu.be/eafZFk6_hrg Germany while parents like Medicare which should be able to nego- A. Amy Healthcare system must be a capi- A. Secure the borders, detain and deport stationed overseas. Raised tiate lower drug prices. talistic based system. Not Socialistic, Com- those who’ve had asylum denied or commit- in the historic Southside A. Like far too many Americans, I have ex- munist, or US Government Controlled. In- ted additional crimes. Expand the number of of San Antonio. 18 yrs Li- perienced gun violence fi rsthand. Gun vio- surance Companies must be able to compete immigration courts/judges to hear asylum censed Insurance Agent lence is happening in our communities, our with each other to get the best prices. I can claims or adjudicate any other cognizable Leadership in various schools, and our homes. Failure to act now not be mandatory. SS and Medicare provide justifi cations for remaining in the US. Statu- Dem./Civic orgs. endangers the lives of our children everyday. should also be able to compete. torily end chain migration and diversity visa Education: St Phillips College Gradu- I will advocate for expanded background Alow for Healthcare saving accounts. SS lott ery. Pass S. 354 RA ISE Act Introduced ate (HBCU in TX-35); Th e International checks, waiting periods that cannot be cir- should be for retirement; Medicare for old, by Sen. Cott on. Get back to the principles School of Th e Americas – 1998; Harlandale cumvented at gun shows, red fl ag laws, and unemployment, poor people who can not of our founders and legally admit those who ISD - Grades 1–9 ending the boyfriend loophole that endan- work, Health for retired, sick people; Should can contribute to our community and will Website: htt p://www.AlcoserFor gers the lives of women every day. be a cape on SS and Medicare payments assimilate and become Americans. Congress.com A. Whether you are a business owner or A. We have a 2nd Amendment Right to A. 1. Personal, “portable” health insur- A. I will work to pass bipartisan legislation employee, good paying jobs and a workforce Bear Arms. Gun Violence is a social is- ance (job to job, in & out of labor market). to bring home our deported veterans, who to fi ll those jobs is essential. Th e single most sue because of our society losing moral val- 2. Around the clock communication (phone, served honorably, only to have their govern- important thing we can do is create and sup- ues. Only a medical doctor not the Govern- email, skype, facetime, etc). 3. Telemedi- ment turn our back on them. port workforce development programs for ment can determine your mental health. We cine, avoiding traffi c, long waits, unneces- I will work to decriminalize illegal entry people of all ages to gain the skills that lead need to open-up Metal institutions for the sary ER visits, etc. 4. Centers that special- and return it to the civil off ense it once

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DISTRICT  whether from a retailer or the secondary Website: htt p://www.votedoggett .com cial Security disability benefi ts waiting market. Th e 2nd amendment grants the Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com period. continued Rafael Alcoser III (D) ( ) right to bare arms, not the right to bare arms /LloydDoggett TX/ A. Replace short memorial moments of was. We do not need to immediately label as ignorantly. A. Instead of building walls, build bridges. silence with genuine action to prevent re- “criminals” these immigrants that only seek A. Putt ing back the $1.6 Billion that was Comprehensive immigration reform & peated tragedies. House has acted, Sen- a bett er future in our great nation. stolen from Social Security and protect- strong protections for families with path- ate must approve Violence Against Women A. American healthcare is in shambles. I ing our small business owners. Americans way to citizenship, including Dreamers will Act; Universal background checks, elim- will work tirelessly to lower the cost of pre- worked for their Social Security, we need to grow our economy with more small busi- inating gun show/internet loopholes nei- scription drugs, and work to lower Health- make sure they will have it when they need ness startups, more student graduates. Cru- ther inconsistent with Second Amend- care cost, especially at publicly funded hos- it. As a small business owner, I feel it is cru- elly tearing families asunder, caging chil- ment. Even gun owners know to keep safety pitals and emergency rooms. Universal cial that every entrepreneur have the same dren, is wrong. Reverse Remain in Mexico on. Ban military-style assault weapons, de- Healthcare must be a part of the solution, shot at success on the local, national, and in- policy violating asylum seeker rights. Stop signed solely to kill humans quickly. Con- and we must have congressional oversight ternational market. We need to expand re- cruel public charge rule. America must re- tinue working with Moms Demand Action, on which insurance carriers can continue sources and equity to make it more accessi- main beacon of hope for those fl eeing vi- Texas Gun Sense and others seeking respon- to operate off Federal Tax dollars, i.e. Medi- ble to every veteran, minority and woman olence, oppression, while safeguarding sible changes. care. I will also work towards tax incentives owned small business. families. A. Secret, corporate money is polluting so that every employer can provide paid sick A. As Health Subcommitt ee Chair, I am our democracy; overcome wrongly decided leave. Lloyd Doggett (D) leading with bills on bett er Medicare for Citizens United ruling. Global warming A. Education is key to curbing gun vi- Background: A life-long more Americans, including dental, hear- crisis is existential threat—already erratic olence. Just today, less than 5 miles from Texan, I have served in the ing, vision coverage; stopping prescrip- weather, disease, fl ooding. Support renew- home, a young boy 7 yr. old accidentally TX State Senate (1973– tion drug price gouging and surprise billing able energy. Promote educational opportu- shot and killed himself. A simple gun lock 85), TX State Supreme on unexpected medical bills from out-of- nity and public schools. Ensure veterans re- and or storing ammunition separately Court (1989–94) and U.S. network providers. Resisting Trump assault ceive earned benefi ts. Increase minimum may have prevented this incident. Uni- House of Representatives on pre-existing medical condition protec- wage. Secure our right to vote from foreign versal background checks and gun safety (1995–present) tion, while seeking major ACA improve- and domestic interference. Challenge dan- courses should be a requirement before Education: BA Business, JD, University of ment. AARP has twice honored my health gerous Trump agenda in every nonviolent anyone is allowed to purchase a weapon, Texas at Austin legislative leadership. Working to end So- way including my vote to impeach Trump. STATE RAILROAD COMMISSIONER

Q. What are your recommendations relating to regulation of pipelines? A. — Implement and use proven technol- issues impacting both rural and urban Q. How do you plan to balance oil, gas, and mining interests with protection of natural ogy for bett er communication with citizens communities. resources? and members of the oil and gas industry. Education: University of Texas at Austin — Stronger self- policing actions and report- Th urgood Marshall School of Law Q. What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the Railroad Commission? ing by Natural Resource producers. — Life Website: htt p://alonzo4txrr cycle analysis and development to ensure commissioner.com/ that future generations are reliant on best A. Th e Legislature should enact laws to en- Ryan Sitton (R) Website: htt p://www.wrightfortexas.com environmental management practices by the sure that regulation of pipelines is mean- No Response Received Facebook: htt ps://imwrightfortexas Industry. ingful. An application for a permit should A. — Increased automated leak detection require comprehensive information regard- James ‘Jim’ Wright (R) systems. — More pipelines developed as Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo (D) ing routes , economic, environmental and Background: I own fi ve part of our state’s infrastructure to deliver Background: historical impact, and not based on a sim- businesses and am asso- our natural resources in a safer and more ec- As a former State Repre- ple form. Th e exercise of Eminent Domain ciated with 14 other busi- onomically feasible method . . . sentative, I know the law, should be fair to all . Monitor compliance nesses that deal with envi- A. Implementation of bett er rules and the legislative and the bud- with rules and regulations by industry. ronmental and transport way that waste byproducts are handled cur- get process which funds A. Review and update provisions to allow issues in a wide range of in- rently are crucial to balancing the public in- the RRC and other state development, reduction of waste while pro- dustries, including the oil and gas business. I terests and the economic needs of our cit- agencies. As an experi- tecting the environment. Ensure that the have been involved in these businesses since izens. Th e Railroad Commission needs to enced litigator, I can rule on appeals regard- public has notice of development and im- 1986. I am also a rancher. be more involved in using the volume of re- ing oil and gas, pipeline, utility and environ- pactful changes in their area and opportu- Education: Calallen High School in Cor- sources that are available under today’s mental issues before the RRC an. Originally nity to submit input on the proposals. Study pus Christi technology. from Crystal City, I know the oil and gas cost eff ective methods to reduce fl aring in

continued Roberto Alonzo (D) ( ) ing, which is against the law. I will improve do with oil, gas, & pipelines. Until it becomes twenty years I have watched the growing in- order to reduce waste and increase access to the detection and enforcement programs. more transparent to voters, the intentionally fl uence of the energy industry on the RRC. pipelines. We can use drones equipped with infrared confusing name continues to allow the tyr- Texas has a proud history of protecting her A. Monitor the relationship between drill- cameras to detect leaks. Education can im- anny of Big Oil, regulating itself w/o regard natural resources. I will promote smart en- ing and seismicity and support innovation in prove prevention and we will need to bett er for the climate crisis or our environment ergy production to help hardworking men drilling processes including the use of water enforce existing laws. and women of Texas. in fracking. Encourage the use of alternative Mark Watson (D) Education: JD, Tulane University BA, Tu- fuels. Review agency processes for award of Kelly Stone (D) Background: I have di- lane University contracts, compliance with HUB and diver- Background: As an ed- rectly participated in drill- Website: htt p://Watsonforrailroad sity in hiring at all levels. Monitor practices ucator, I’ve implemented ing oil and gas wells in commission.com in the fi eld to increase worker safety. harm reduction strategies Texas. I have worked for A. Safety fi rst. Pipelines account for 70% to improve health, taught Exxon, J. Ray McDermott , of oil transport in the US. I will ensure that Chrysta Castaneda (D) capstone college courses and the EPA. In the last companies regularly inspect and maintain Background: I am an en- regarding policies, laws, & gineer, oil and gas att orney, regs aff ecting individuals community organizer and & families at local, state, & fed levels. As an mom, with over 30 years of environmental activist, I’ve worked to clean VOTING FOR JUDGES IN TEXAS experience working in and up litt er & pollution, encourage waste con- Although in some states judges are appointed, most judges in Texas are elected. around the oil and gas in- sciousness, change consumer behavior, & Judges make decisions about fundamental issues that aff ect all of us—family life, dustry. I know both the law advocated for environmental policy. education, health care, housing, employment, fi nances, discrimination, civil rights, and the business of oil and gas and will work Education: HS Diploma—Aldine Senior public safety, and government actions. It is critical that our judges make fair decisions tirelessly to get the Railroad Commission High School (8th in class); BS in Family and based upon open-minded and unbiased consideration of the facts and the law in each back on track in enforcing our environmen- Consumer Sciences—Texas State University case. Judges must know the law and not be infl uenced by any external political and tal protections and safety regulations. (formerly Southwest Texas State Univer- economic factors. Education: SMU Dedman School of Law, sity) GPA=3.55; MA in Health Education/ J.D. cum laude, 1991 Kansas State Uni- Health Promotion—Th e University of Texas What should voters look for when electing judges? versity, B.S. Industrial Engineering, 1985 at Austin GPA=4.0 According to the American Bar Association, principles to consider in selection of Harvard College, Applied Math major, Website: htt p://votekstone.com judges include: 1981–1983 Facebook: htt ps://Facebook.com/vote Website: htt p://chrystafortexas.com kstone ➤ Judges should uphold the rule of law. Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com Video: htt ps://youtu.be/I4V7o5x7mbA ➤ Judges should be independent and impartial. /ChrystaForTexas/ A. Kinder Morgan & Whitewater Mid- ➤ Judges should possess the appropriate temperament and character. Video: htt ps://youtu.be/ikCIa_v3Gew stream & all pipeline companies must con- ➤ Judges should possess the appropriate capabilities and credentials. A. Th e Commission oversees pipeline duct environmental impact studies fi rst. ➤ Judges and the judiciary should have the confi dence of the public. safety for intrastate pipelines and we need Construction & Operation of these pipe- ➤ Th e judicial system should be diverse and refl ective of the society it serves. to update those regulations to meet today’s lines could impact health at Jacob’s Well, ➤ Judges should be constrained to perform their duties in a manner that justifi es pub- standards. Laying new pipelines creates Cypress Creek, Blanco River, Barton lic faith and confi dence in the court. challenges beyond the Commission’s pow- Springs, San Marcos River and Pecos, Dim- Unlike candidates for most political offi ces, judicial candidates cannot make prom- ers, and addressing those challenges will mit, Kenedy, Maverick, La Salle, Duval, Jim ises about decisions they would make when certain issues or types of cases come up in require the Legislature to act. I’ll use my Wells, Nueces, Gillespie, Blanco, Hays & their court. Questions posed to judges, therefore, focus on improvements they would expertise to press for a framework that in- Caldwell counties. make to their court, the need for impartiality and how they would increase access to cludes transparency and public input. A. Balancing interests vs. protections? Th e justice. A. We must enforce existing laws prohibit- RRC’s protection of oil & gas interests have ing fl aring, the harmful practice of burning far outweighed that of our natural resources. How is the Texas court system organized? natural gas. It wastes our natural resources, In order to fi nd balance, I’d increase protec- Th e Texas court system is made up of a statewide network of trial courts and appellate takes revenues away from our state and tions of natural resources by denying per- courts. In trial courts, judges and/or juries evaluate the facts and the law and make a causes environmental and health concerns. mits for fl aring & committ ing to the initia- decision in a civil or criminal legal dispute. When decisions in most trial courts are I will use my expertise to deploy alternative tives of the GND, transitioning to healthy appealed, they are sent to an appellate court where judges consider what happened at technologies that will reduce the amount of outcomes & full employment as we elimi- the trial court, evaluate legal arguments, and then decide if a mistake was made. See fl aring, convert it to usable electricity and nate crude oil export by 2040. htt ps://www.txcourts.gov/media/1444966/court-structure-chart-october-2019 clean up our air. A. We must change the name of the .pdf for a chart of the Texas court structure. A. We need to reduce harmful methane Railroad Commission. Comprised of Learn more htt ps://www.txcourts.gov/about-texas-courts/. emissions. Methane escapes through leak- 3-statewide elected offi cials, the RRC has age, aging equipment, and intentional vent- nothing to do with railroads & everything to

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Mark Watson (D) A. Protecting Texas energy resources RRC will ensure that smart energy prac- mining reclamation decisions by RRC al- pipelines to prevent environmental haz- and the environment is a primary objec- tices take priority in the Texas Oil and Gas low mining companies to leave behind ards. Care must be taken to protect prop- tive of the RRC. Th e intelligent and safe Industry. toxic material, destroying value and caus- erty owners from abusive use of eminent do- production of energy resources overlaps A. We need smart energy practices. Flar- ing dangerous contamination. Today’s main. Pipelines are absolutely essential to with best practices in the oil patch. I will ing is the practice of burning unused gas RRC favors big business over hardworking the Texas Oil Economy. Adopt newest pipe- err on protecting the environment and from oil wells causing air pollution in beau- Texans. line technology and materials. the health of Texas energy resources. Th e tiful West Texas skies and elsewhere. Coal

STATE TEXAS SUPREME COURT

CHIEF JUSTICE fessional Conduct almost 100 times since A. Texans want balance on the courts. Q. Texas is one of a few states that elects judges. What changes in the judicial selection pro- then. Th e Court must do a bett er job. Our founding fathers did not trust lawyers, cess would you recommend, if any? judges or politicians. Th e only way to keep Jerry Zimmerer (D) judges responsive is to make them account- Q. What changes, if any, are needed to provide bett er protection to the public regarding Background: I have a able to the voters. Today, as Democrats start rules and standards for the legal profession? broad legal and business winning elections, Republicans are seek- Q . Which responsibility of a Texas Supreme Court justice is your highest priority and how background. BA-Hous- ing to change the selection process to keep do you intend to accomplish it? ton Baptist University, JD- themselves in offi ce. I believe Texans see Q. What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the Supreme Court? South Texas College of this for what it is. Law Houston, LLM. Inter- A. Th e Texas Disciplinary Rules of Profes- national Law-UofH, LLM. sional Conduct are constantly undergoing Nathan Hecht (R) judicial philosophy for each candidate. Th at Health Law-UofH. Ethics Internship-MD changes, including some amendments ear- Unopposed information would assist voters to make an Anderson Cancer Center, Advisory Board lier this year. Th e intent is to increase pro- informed selection and would reduce cam- - UofH Health Law & Policy Institute, tections for the public. As Chief Justice, I Amy Clark Meachum (D) paign costs for candidates. Law fi rm with broad litigation experience. will support eff orts to protect the public Background: For almost A. Texas should increase public mem- What others are saying htt p://tinyurl.com/ from unscrupulous acts by members of the a decade, I have presided bership and participation on the Commit- wJerryZimmererYouTube legal profession. over thousands of pro- tee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda, Education: BA – Houston Baptist Univer- A. Th e highest responsibility of the Su- ceedings and trials in the which reviews and recommends proposed sity JD – South Texas College of Law Hous- preme Court is to ensure fairness and bal- types of cases for which the changes in Texas lawyer-ethics rules. Cur- ton LL.M. International Law – UofH LL.M. ance in the interpretation and application Texas Supreme Court has rently, under the Texas Government Code, Health Law – UofH Ethics Internship: MD of law. For far too many years, only Repub- jurisdiction: civil, family just 2 of 9 are public members. Also, persons Anderson Advisory Board: UofH Health licans, most appointed by Governor Abbot and administrative appeals. I am a guest lec- who fi le grievances against lawyers should Law & Policy Institute Led law fi rm with or Perry, sit on the Texas Supreme Court as turer with the Texas Center for Legal Ethics, be allowed to participate throughout the real litigation exp. this guardian. I will help bring balance to a member of the Administrative Law Coun- process. Website: htt p://www.JerryForJustice the Texas Supreme Court. cil, and before taking the bench, practiced at A. Th e Code of Judicial Conduct requires .com A. I believe gerrymandering and public ed- two of the best fi rms in Texas. a judge to perform duties “impartially and Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com ucation may come before the Texas Supreme Education: University of Texas School of diligently” and to be “faithful to the law.” /JerryForJustice Court. Law, J.D. with honors (2000), Texas Law We need to restore a balanced judiciary on Review. Southern Methodist University, the Texas Supreme Court. I am committ ed magna cum laude (1997) B.A. Journalism, to deciding all cases fairly and impartially, B.A. Political Science. Lorena High School rather than on a result-oriented, partisan ba- Please call one of these nonpartisan hotlines if you have any issues at your poll- (1993). sis that favors special interests. Texans— ing location: Website: htt p://amymeachum.com and the law—deserve no less. Facebook: htt ps://facebook.com/Judge A. Th e ethics rules governing Texas law- ELECTION PROTECTION HOTLINES AmyforChiefJustice/ yers are 30 years out of date. Th at’s because ENGLISH 866-OUR-VOTE 866-867-8683 A. Th e State should help voters by sending the rule-making process overseen by the SPANISH 888-VE-Y-VOTA 888-839-8682 an information packet to each voter and pro- Texas Supreme Court has failed repeatedly. ASIAN LANGUAGES 888-API-VOTE 888-274-8683 viding that information at polling locations. Texas last adopted major rule changes in ARA BIC 866-YALLA-US 866-925-5287 Th e packet should contain background in- 1989. By contrast, the American Bar Associ- formation, qualifi cations, and a statement of ation has amended the Model Rules of Pro-

JUSTICE ground, and experience, and send it to each selecting judges. I support a thorough ex- Q. Texas is one of a few states that elects judges. What changes in the judicial selection pro- registered voter. ploration of various methods and the bene- A cess would you recommend, if any? . My experience tells me that there fi ts and drawbacks of each before any change should be additional investigative and le- to the judicial selection process is made. I do Q. What changes, if any, are needed to provide bett er protection to the public regarding gal staff to serve the committ ee. Th is would trust our voting public to make the correct rules and standards for the legal profession? shorten the time between when a citizen choice if that remains as the Texas method Q . Which responsibility of a Texas Supreme Court justice is your highest priority and how fi les a complaint against an att orney and for selecting judges. do you intend to accomplish it? the time that it is adjudicated. I would rec- A. Juries are the voice of our communities Q. What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the Supreme Court? ommend that the state commission on judi- in the courtroom, and the Constitutional cial conduct remove the category of “private right to a jury trial is the public’s last defense reprimand.” against governmental oppression. While I PLACE  holds the law and educate our citizens of the A. All of the duties of the Supreme Court believe the ethical rules prohibit me from signifi cance of the judicial system are my Justice are important. Th e overriding duty speaking publicly about specifi c proposed Jane Bland (R) top priorities. By understanding and practic- of the Supreme Court Justice, however, is rule changes, I believe any rule changes Unopposed ing the true meaning of the phrase, “justice to see that an individual trial has been con- must be geared toward protecting the right for all” so justice is truly aff orded to all re- ducted fairly in accordance with the rules to a jury trial. Kathy Cheng (D) gardless of ethnicity, race, gender, faith, age, and constitutional protections. A Supreme A. In today’s toxic political environment, Background: For over sexual orientation, etc., I am achieving chose Court Justice is the ultimate guardian of the public confi dence in all our civic institu- nineteen years, I repre- priorities. trial process, and the protector of an individ- tions is falling. I will prioritize strengthen- sented clients in complex A. With the recent U.S. Supreme Court ual’s liberties. ing judicial independence-courts should be commercial litigation mat- decision to refrain from hearing challenges A. Th e Supreme Court also has the duty free from political att acks and intimidation. ters, contested divorce and of partisan gerrymandering, partisan ger- to establish and amend rules governing trial Also, our state’s highest court needs more probate cases, tax matt ers rymandering cases will now go before the procedure in the trial in appellate courts and debate, more diversity, and more dissent be- and real estate cases, which Texas Supreme Court, which is an example the rules of evidence. I would use my experi- fore overturning the decisions of juries per- are some of the potential types of cases of how this Court impacts its citizens even ence and familiarity with the trial courts to forming their civic duty. that the Texas Supreme Court hears. I also though the citizens themselves may never go emphasize pre-trial practice and request that A. Th e need to fund legal services to en- served as adjudication offi cer for the City of before this Court. trial judges rule on admissibility of exhibits sure our courts are accessible to all, espe- Houston for the past six years. prior to a jury being empaneled. cially the most vulnerable, has been advo- Education: Juris Doctor from South Texas Larry Praeger (D) cated by both parties’ jurists and political College of Law Houston (2000); Bachelor of Background: I have been PLACE  leaders. Th is call to action requires a greater Science-Biology from Louisiana State Uni- practicing law for more sense of urgency, or our courts risk being versity-Shreveport (1995) than 30 years. I have exten- Jeﬀ Boyd (R) even further removed from the most vulner- Website: htt p://www.chengforjustice sive trial experience and Unopposed able and undermining trust in the principle .com have argued before every of justice of justice for all. Facebook: htt ps://chengforjustice civil court in the state. I am Brandy Voss (D) A. Th e beauty of democracy is that citizens A-V rated by Martindale- Background: I have prac- Staci Williams (D) can vote for individuals who they believe re- Hubbell and Board Certifi ed in Family Law ticed appellate law for sev- Background: I am in my fl ect their values, which in the State of Texas by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I enteen years. I have been second term as a trial court includes the election of judges. If that choice represented individuals and small business. I board certifi ed in civil ap- Judge in the 101st Dis- turns out to be a bad choice, being able to have served fi ve years on the grievance com- pellate law by the Texas trict Court. I have served vote elected offi cials out of offi ce is a mech- mitt ee of the State Bar. Board of Legal Specializa- as an arbitrator for DART, anism to hold said offi cials accountable. As Education: Simon’s Rock College, BA tion for ten years. I spent USPS, Federal Mediation such, I see no need for change at the pres- South Texas College of Law Houston, J.D., fi ve years working as a staff att orney at the and Conciliation Service, ent time. May 1981 Texas Supreme Court and at the Th irteenth NASD/FINRA , and the Washington Met- A. As time evolves, the means of dissemi- Website: htt p://www.larrysc6.com/ Court of Appeals. I estimate that I have par- ropolitan Airport Board. My experience in- nating the rules and standards for the legal Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com ticipated in nearly 1,000 appellate proceed- cludes in-house corporate counsel positions profession shall also evolve. With the ease /larrysc6/ ings during my career. in multiple industries, as well as a trial att or- of digital accessibility, there should be more A. In the small counties, the current sys- Education: Baylor University School of ney and administrative judge for the EEOC. educational information available to the tem works well with the voluntary restric- Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2002; Texas Education: Th e Hockaday School; Smith general public by digital means of the rules tions on campaigns. In the larger counties, A&M University, B.A., Anthropology 1999 College, BA; Georgetown University Law and standards governing said profession so where much more money is needed, the cur- Website: htt p://www.brandyvoss.com Center, JD that the general population are bett er in- rent system does not work well. I would rec- Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com Website: htt p://judgestaci.com formed as to their rights. ommend that the state publish a listing of all /BrandyVossforTexas/ Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com A. Being an effi cient, fair justice who up- the statewide judicial candidates, their back- A. I believe there is no perfect system for /JudgeStaci/

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PLACE  PLACE  Education: University of Texas School of interests and the parties are not in equal Law, J.D., 1988; University of Texas at San positions. continued Staci Williams (D) ( ) Brett Busby (R) Antonio, B.A. in Political Science, magna A. Being just and fair. Opinions should be A. Ideally, I would like to see the money Unopposed cum laude, 1985 based on the Rule of Law, not on personal or come out of judicial races and have the State Website: htt p://JudgeTriana.com political bias. Texans deserve a level playing send out materials to registered voters de- Peter Kelly (D) Facebook: htt ps://JudgeTriana.com fi eld, to be treated equally and to have their tailing the experience and qualifi cations of No Response Received A. A legitimate discussion, if there was constitutional rights protected regardless of candidates for judicial positions. a nonpartisan way to select judges that race, religion, nationality, gender, age, sex- A. Before proposing any changes it is im- Gisela D. Triana (D) Texans could trust. Th e problem is the ual orientation, disability or economic sta- portant that we fi rst identify what the per- Background: For over timing: aft er the party that has been in tus. I have striven to do this for 24 year and ceived problems are, whether existing rules 24 years, I have served as power for decades (and the benefi ciary will continue. and standards will address the issue and, if a judge in Texas. I worked of partisan elections of judges) begins to A. Restoring balance to the Court. Cur- they don’t, formulate rules that are narrowly my way up from Munici- lose that power, it makes the concern seem rently, all members are Republican. 7 of tailored to address the issues. pal Court to Justice of the self- interested. Texans have clearly shown the 9, were initially political appoint- A. To impartially apply the law to cases Peace, to County Court, to a preference for electing judges, I support ments by a Republican Governor. Our that come before the Court, in a way that de- District Court, and most that. founders were wise to create a jury sys- livers real justice. recently, to the Appellate Court. If elected, I A. I believe the legal profession should em- tem that brought people from diff erent A. Th ere are a number of them, but I do will be the only person on the TX Supreme ulate the medical profession and prohibit walks of life, with diff erent experiences to not wish to violate the Canon of Judicial Court who has served at every level of the ju- lawyers from becoming romantically in- judge a case. We need diversity of thought Ethics by taking a position on any particu- diciary. Most of my 31-year legal career has volved with their clients while their case on the Court, as well. It makes for bett er lar issue. been devoted to public service is active. Th ere is great risk for confl ict of jurisprudence.

STATE TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

JUDGE propriations and policies to help counties tifi ed in Criminal Law by the Texas Board Q. How should the Court of Criminal Appeals address mental health issues of those who with indigent defense programs. Also, trans- of Legal Specialization. 4) Judge for over come before the court? parency and accountability at the local level 20 years and appointed by Gov. Bush. 6) Ad- will ensure fairness, eliminate confl icts of junct Law Professor 12+ years. 6) Distin- Q. What opportunities are there, if any, to improve the state’s indigent defense system in interest and cronyism. Pro bono work is a guished 2015 Law Graduate StMU. criminal cases? way to provide counsel. Education: BYU, B.S., August 1982 St. Q . Which responsibility of a Court of Criminal Appeals judge is your highest priority and A. Above all other duties, judges should Mary’s University School of Law, J.D. 1987 how do you intend to accomplish it? uphold the rule of law. Additionally, they Website: htt p://www.electjudge Q. What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the Court of Criminal should be independent and impartial, and richardson.com/ Appeals? they should demonstrate appropriate tem- Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com perament by respecting all parties to a case /JudgeBertRichardson/ and should have good character. Video: htt ps://youtu.be/9sXRzRpPDgs PLACE  Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com A. Keep pace with the ever-changing chal- A. Early intervention is critical in cases /GinaParkerCampaign/ lenges of technology in order to appropri- dealing with mental health issues, as such, Gina Parker (R) Video: htt ps://youtu.be/VACHjYsPWzA ately address DNA issues. Also, make sure trial courts are in a bett er position to as- Background: Over A. Th e Judicial Committ ee on Mental the Michael Morton law is properly en- sist the immediate needs of citizens in those 30 years handling felony, Health assesses the resources available; rec- forced, so the right persons are charged for cases. Th e Court of Criminal Appeals and misdemeanor, & juvenile ommends ways to improve communica- criminal off enses. Texas Supreme Court are part of a joint cases. Private practice since tion between the courts, att orneys, clients, commission that provide training to profes- 1991. Also, served as City and mental health providers; provides train- Bert Richardson (R) sionals assisting those with mental illnesses. Att orney, Assistant CA, As- ing to judges; and continues to make recom- Background: 1) I have A. Th e TCCA oversees funding to train sistant DA. As TDLR Com- mendations for improvement of the current practiced criminal law those organizations that represent indigent missioner & Chair, a quasi-judicial capacity, system. Unquestionably, these eff orts should full-time for over 31 years. defendants. Th at is a starting point. How- ruled on over a 1000 administrative appeals. continue. 2) Former State and Fed- ever, in order to improve the system, both Education: Baylor School of Law, 1986 A. Th e rule of law is undermined when de- eral prosecutor with sub- counties and the State must commit to pro- BBA, Baylor University, 1983 fendants cannot aff ord counsel. Th e Fair De- stantial trial and appellate viding the fi nancial resources necessary to Website: htt p://www.GinaforJudge.com fense Act was established to administer ap- experience. 3) Board Cer- staff offi ces in counties with lawyers that

PLACE  nity’s adaptive-functioning inquiry on adap- judgement and was properly asserted and Facebook: htt ps://facebook.com/Judge tive defi cits, and voluntarily honor U.S. Su- applied for sentencing purposes. TinaClinton continued Bert Richardson (R) ( ) preme Court jurisprudence concerning the A. We should require internships simi- A. Th e Court of Criminal Appeals is an have substantial experience in the criminal death penalty (rather than being repeatedly lar to internships in the medical fi eld where appellate court so issues of mental health justice system. Putt ing defense lawyers on reversed because it refuses to do so). newly licensed att orneys work for govern- raised on appeal are the issues that may be the same pay scale as prosecutors would en- A. Monitoring appointments to ensure ment agencies, fi rms and solo practition- addressed. Th e Court of Criminal Appeals courage more to apply for those positions. caseloads do not render appointed coun- ers doing trial work and appellate work for also funds education programs and grants Other opportunities from the legislature, sel ineff ective, establishing public defend- at least one year prior to becoming licensed. for judges, lawyers and prosecutors. I believe such as passing procedural and discovery ers’ offi ces in counties that do not have Th is will give non-profi t and pro bono agen- that expanding that funding for increased rules, as they accomplished in recent sessions them (thereby facilitating additional train- cies more att orneys to handle an increased mental health education in law would make would contribute to improving the system. ing to the indigent defense community), case load, while giving indigent defendants a vast diff erence. A. Th e TCCA is the busiest appellate court and providing reliable resources for investi- and civil respondents much needed legal A. I believe there are two avenues of im- in our country reviewing all death pen- gators, scientifi c testing, and mental health representation. provement. First, to review cases of inef- alty cases, post conviction writs (includ- evaluations. A. Death Penalty Cases. My priority is to fective assistance closely and with a criti- ing claims of actual innocence) and appeals A. Protecting the People’s constitutional ensure defendants sentenced to capital pun- cal eye. One consideration might be outright from 14 intermediate appellate courts across rights (especially in death penalty cases and ishment, have cases reviewed regardless of ineff ective assistance for not doing one’s the State. Th e total number of cases in any for unrepresented inmates in habeas cor- the date the death penalty is scheduled to job. Th e other can possible be because at- given year is in the thousands. Timely dis- pus proceedings); by retraining (or replac- be implemented. Rather than implementing torneys are carrying too high of a casel- posing of these cases for all parties is my ing) my staff , by prohibiting the closure of Stays of execution, the sentence should be oad based on assignments. Both instances highest priority. the courthouse to those seeking emergency commuted to life imprisonment until the ap- should be reviewed carefully. Second, the A. Post conviction writs (including ac- relief, and by adjusting technological poli- pellate process is complete. Court of Criminal Appeals funds educa- tual innocence claims) constitute the largest cies to facilitate communication when emer- A. Wrongful convictions. We should ex- tion, programs and grants for judges, law- number of cases the TCCA reviews. Given gency relief is sought. amine the case law premise that there are yers who work in indigent defense and pros- the changes in modern day science and tech- A. Actual innocence standards, the many trials which occur at the state court ecutors as well as court personnel. I think nology that can be used in the courtroom, Court’s 2010 elimination of factual suf- level that have errors, but frequently the er- the administering of these grants, programs it is imperative that our court keep up with fi ciency review (despite its existence un- rors are not considered to be reversible error. and eduction liberally and requesting more these changes and recognize those that can der Texas law since 1837), death penalty ju- Th is prevents many defendants from receiv- funding from the legislature so we can ro- have both negative and positive impacts on risprudence, and ineff ective assistance of ing a fair trial. bustly tackle education throughout the sys- cases before the TCCA. counsel. tem would improve the state’s criminal jus- Dan Wood (D) tice system on indigent defense. William Pieratt Demond (D) Elizabeth Davis Frizell (D) No Response Received A. (1) Speak to the Legislature about their Background: One of three Background: • Crimi- att empts at bail reform laws. (2) I believe the 2019 Texas Super Lawyers nal District Court 7, Pre- PLACE  Court receives 5000 habeas writs plus per in constitutional law; es- siding Judge, Dallas year. Th is work is tasked to staff att orneys. tablished constitutional County, Texas, Felony Kevin Patrick Yeary (R) Th ese cases raise issues of actual innocence, rights in Turner v. Driver, Court; • County Crim- Unopposed ineff ective assistance, and other reviews. We 848 F.3d 678 (5th Cir. inal Court 11, Presid- should review the need to increase staff so 2017) (recording police) ing Judge, Dallas County, Tina Clinton (D) each case may be given full consideration. and Zadeh v. Robinson, 928 F.3d 457 (5th Texas, Family Violence Court; • City of Dal- Background: I am cur- A. One of the tasks of the Court is to help Cir. 2019) (pre-compliance review of sub- las, Associate Municipal Court Judge; • City rently the presiding felony provide (1) grants for technical assistance poenas to doctors); fi led 19-676 at the Su- of Princeton, Municipal Court Judge; • City state district judge of the projects to judges and court personnel, and preme Court; pierced grand jury secrecy; & of Lucas, Municipal Court Judge; • City of oldest Criminal District (2) grants for innocence training programs. CLE instructor regarding constitutional law. Balch Springs, Municipal Court Judge; • Th e Court in the State of Texas, I believe these areas needs to be aggressively Education: B.A., Asian Studies, Furman Frizell Firm the Criminal District administered and expanded to help access to University; J.D. (international law concen- Education: Prairie View A&M University- Court, located in Dallas justice throughout the State. Many areas do tration) and M.A., Diplomacy and Interna- B.A. Th urgood Marshall School of Law- J.D. County. I have been a misdemeanor county not have funds for technical assistance or ed- tional Relations, Seton Hall University. Website: htt p://www.Frizell4Judge.com court judge, a municipal court judge, a crim- ucation otherwise. Website: htt p://williamdemond.com Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com inal defense att orney and a prosecutor spe- Facebook: htt ps://facebook.com /frizell4txjudge cializing in criminal cases in Texas. I have Steven Miears (D) /williamforjustice A. Th e Court of Criminal Appeals should experience with over 400 trials. Background: I am Board A. Th e Court should dispense with its un- ensure that trial courts examine mentally Education: Juris Doctorate from Certifi ed in Criminal Law constitutional “adaptive functioning analy- ill defendants for their capacity to know the SMU School of Law; Bachelors of Art in and Criminal Appellate sis” in death penalty cases involving mental diff erence between right and wrong as well Philosophy from University of Texas at Law. For 7 years I have health issues, follow the medical commu- as whether a mental illness aff ected their Austin been named a “Super Law-

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area STATE TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

PLACE  A. Th e Court must address how to defi ne wide standards for the appointment of att or- CCA who refuse to examine the death pen- intellectual disability for purposes of the neys in felony cases would assure competent alty under current laws. continued Steven Miears (D) ( ) death penalty. It has failed to do this even representation and development of compe- A. Th e most pressing issue for the CCA yer” in criminal law by Texas Monthly. I though directed to by the Supreme Court. tent criminal defense lawyers. A plan’s use will be processing writs of habeas corpus have handled over 125 cases as lead coun- Th e Court fails to make sure that indigent of fl at fees paid to appointed att orneys and fi led by inmates. Last year the CCA han- sel on appeal. I have represented persons at inmates with mental illness are appointed investigators encourages and rewards inef- dled over 3,500 writs. Each of these writs de- trial and on appeal in many death penalty lawyers at every stage of the writ of habeas fective assistance of counsel. Th e develop- serves personal att ention from the Judge it is cases. My website has a link to watch an oral corpus process. Many of these inmates have ment everywhere of online portals for ap- assigned to. Th ese writs continue to bring to argument I did, and opinions of my cases on no access to att orneys. pointed lawyers to access the court’s fi le the att ention of the CCA pervasive incom- appeal. A. Th e Texas Indigent Defense Commis- and DA discovery is needed. And ability to petence by appointed lawyers, prosecutorial Education: I graduated Madison High sion has no authority to sanction counties talk to inmates on webcams would assist misconduct, and bad forensic experts School in Houston, Texas. I received a B.A. which have failed to implement or follow a communication. with honors from Austin College. I have a proper indigent defense plan. While each A. Th e highest priority of a CCA judge is PLACE  doctorate of jurisprudence from Texas Tech county must have a plan, there is no enforce- to review cases where the death penalty has University School of Law. ment authority to police these plans. Th e been given. Th is occurs on direct appeal David Newell (R) Website: htt p://SteveMiearsForJudge good ol’ boy system still encourages trial from the trial and on writs of habeas cor- Unopposed .com judges to not follow a wheel system for ap- pus. I will not leave this duty to clerks. I will Facebook: htt ps://SteveMiearsFor pointments of competent lawyers, especially personally read every record. I will not “go Brandon Birmingham (D) Judge in death penalty cases. Th e creation of state- along to get along” with other judges on the Unopposed STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Q. What would you recommend to bett er prepare students for their civic responsibilities? way to close achievement gaps. As the parent Bryant’s book Th e Franklin Scandal manda- Q. What is your position on issues related to student testing? of a child with special needs, I understand tory reading for all high school seniors. the importance of providing resources for A. Mandatory statewide testing should be Q. What is your opinion about the Texas Supreme Court decision that Texas education students with disabilities so they can reach eliminated. Let local school districts decide funding is Constitutional but inadequate and ineffi cient? their full potential. how they want to test student. Q . What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the State Board of Education? A. It is a complete joke. Th e taxpayer is be- Robert Morrow (R) ing screwed over yet again by judges acting Background: Th e Re- like legislators. I am for ending Robin Hood DISTRICT  on experiences about government in ac- publican party has come and replacing it with nothing. Poor school dis- tion. Students who gain a deep knowledge of the cult of an authoritar- tricts can put up GoFundMe accounts. Inga Cotton (R) United States history-both the failures and ian lunatic. I do not think A. I think that high school students should Background: When our the triumphs-should develop a strong sense GOP or Democrats should be off ered elective classes on the safe use of family began looking at of patriotism and a love of liberty, freedom, be supporting political criminals who had AR-15s. I think all high school senior girls schools for our children, and the rule of law. close associations with a mega child mo- should be off ered spring semester elective one of whom has a dis- A. We need to reform standardized testing lester [Portion of response removed; does not classes on pole dancing and twerking. I say ability, we were apprehen- practices and support policies that promote meet criteria]. I oppose any politician who is only girls for those classes because it would sive. I was able to fi nd a public school nearby greater competition and accountability in a Russian or Zionist stooge & traitor to the too homo for the boys. Th ey need to be play- that worked for our children. During my re- our schools. Schools should not teach to the USA. I am against criminals in both parties. ing sports and learning team work. search I heard from parents across the state test, and students should not fear the tests. Education: Tuscaloosa Academy 1983 who were not as lucky. I made the choice at A. In its 2016 decision, the Texas Supreme Princeton - A.B. History 1987 Univ. of Texas Lani Popp (R) that time to be a voice for parents and stu- Court correctly gave deference to the legisla- - MBA - 1990 No Response Received dents, advocating for stronger Texas schools. ture as the policy making branch of govern- Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com Education: B.A. in History from Trinity ment. During the 2019 session, the legislators /Robert.Morrow.888 Rebecca Bell-Metereau (D) University (1996) and J.D. from Th e Univer- listened to voters and passed HB3, making A. Every Texas high school student should Background: I taught as sity of Texas School of Law (1999) changes to outdated funding formulas and ap- read Roger Stone’s book “Th e Man Who a Peace Corps volunteer in Website: htt p://ingacott on.com propriating $11.6 billion to public education. Killed Kennedy: Th e Case Against LBJ” as Chad, interpreter US Air Facebook: htt ps://facebook.com/ingafor A. Adoption of curriculum standards is well as Daniel Hopsicker’s “Barry and the Force grain fl ights, Assis- schools one of the most important duties of the State Boys” which is about the murder of CIA tant to Director of First A. Eff ective civics education requires both Board of Education. Providing students with drug smuggler Barry Seal by GHW Bush Year Studies at Indiana rigorous instruction in history and hands- knowledge-rich classrooms is a powerful and Oliver North. Also, I would make Nick University, training new

DISTRICT  a cost, since it produces an educated work fi cials, and participating in legislative activi- Marsha Burnett-Webster (D) force, contributes to a stable economy, and ties helps our students understand civics. Background: I am a na- continued Rebecca Bell-Metereau (D) ( ) improves the health and well-being of all cit- A. Student testing is critical as a diagnos- tive Texan and a career ed- instructors. At TX State, I’ve led teacher izens. For those who wish to abandon pub- tic tool and to provide feedback to our par- ucator. I have worked as a training, developed & direct Media Studies lic education in favor of for-profi t systems ents/teachers about what our students know. teacher and an adminis- Minor, chaired Environment & Sustainabil- for education, health, and prisons, this may Testing can serve as a tool for teachers/ad- trator in middle schools, ity, Faculty Senator. San Marcos Planning & seem like a just ruling, but those who see ministrators to review and reassess their in- high schools, and colleges Zoning, Bond, and Recycling Commissions an educated citizenry as the bedrock of de- struction. However, testing should not be across the United States. Education: BA, MA, PhD, degrees in En- mocracy view it as sidestepping a respon- excessive or used for punitive purposes. I have seen what happens when we give our glish, Indiana University, specializations in sibility that will have unfortunate conse- Testing should not serve as the sole measure students the best we have to off er. And I fi lm, rhetoric and composition, pedagogy. quences in the future. Inadequate funding of of student performance. have seen what happens when we neglect Dissertation published by Columbia Univer- special needs students may lose Texas up to A. Th e role of the legislature is to pass laws their educational needs. Our student de- sity Press as Hollywood Androgyny $223 million in federal funding. SBOE over- that benefi t its citizens, thus the responsi- serve the best. Help me make that possible. Website: htt p://voterebecca.com/ sees $41.44 billion, but only about $2.5 bil- bility to adequately fund public schools be- Education: Doctor of Education, California Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com lion was released in 2019–20. SBOE can tell longs to the legislature. However, I disagree Coast University; Master of Education, Prai- /voterebecca/ our leaders to do bett er. with theTexas Supreme Court’s ruling that rie View A&M University; Bachelor of Sci- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/3olUQkiAak4 A. SBOE needs to provide guidance to dis- the states portion of funding for education is ence in Industrial Arts, Prairie View A&M A. Historical context helps students value tricts that participate or merge with charters constitutional. Th e legislature’s $5.4 billion University citizen responsibilities and privileges, with under SB 1882, passed in the 85th session. cut in public school funding should have Website: htt p://www.webstertxsboe10 curriculum including practical lessons in It’s unclear who is responsible for schools at been ruled as unconstitutional because it .com/ how government works, and how to research the local level aft er a charter contract is ex- was unreasonable. Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com and vote in city, county, state, and national ecuted, aff ecting 13 districts and 609 cam- A. We must prepare all students with the /Dr-Marsha-Burnett -Webster-for-Texas elections. Let’s teach how local, state, and puses. Let’s update literacy in statistics, civil knowledge and skills to succeed in our com- -State-Board-of-Education-District-10 national governments function, with non- discourse, coding, fi nance, sustainability, munities. Curriculum must be factual, objec- -111737920309467/ partisan information on voting practices health life skills. tive, and supported with high quality instruc- A. Civic responsibility begins in the home; ranging from local to worldwide. tional materials. Educators must be skilled schools have a responsibility as well. Pri- A. Studies indicate high-stakes testing is Letti Bresnahan (D) and trained to meet the needs of all students. mary grade school students are coached on not only ineff ective, but actually detrimen- Background: I have lived Oversight of the permanent school fund and sharing, which is a civic responsibility. Sec- tal to student learning. Responsible teachers in San Antonio for 35 years charter school applications is critical. ondary school students must take civics use various measures of student knowledge and obtained my MBA classes for graduation. Additionally, I be- and skills and avoid teaching to the test. from UTSA. Our chil- DISTRICT  lieve students should complete mandatory Nationally- normed tests, sparingly adminis- dren graduated from pub- community service projects. tered every other year can off er reliable com- lic schools where I spent Tom Maynard (R) A. Standardized testing should be used parative and longitudinal data, used for for- 25 years volunteering. I Unopposed only as a diagnostic tool to guide the stu- mative, not punitive purposes. served as PTA and Booster Club President. A. Hailed by some as a small step in the I was elected to the NEISD Board of Trust- right direction for acknowledging the inad- ees - 2008–2016, serving as VP and Presi- equacy of our state funding, this ruling says dent. I am a Board Member for Texas’ Re- WHEN DO YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR REGISTRATION? it’s constitutional, putt ing the responsibil- gion 20 ESC. I work in medical education at Your registration will remain in eff ect until you move or change your name. Other- ity with the legislature, which has been re- UT Health SA. wise, a new certifi cate will be sent to you every two years without further application ducing its support steadily over the years. Education: Bachelor of Arts - Spanish on your part. If you move, it is important to update your registration because unlike Th e legislature needs to increase funding by Bachelor of Science - Business St. Louis Uni- your other mail, your voter registration certifi cate cannot be forwarded to your new at least 50%. One representative rightly crit- versity - 1982 Masters of Business Admin- address. If it gets returned twice due to an incorrect address, your voter registration icized the state for “neglecting its responsi- istration University of Texas at San Anto- goes into a suspense status. If a suspense status voter shows up to the poll, they can fi ll bilities, failing to pick up its fair share of the nio - 1988 out a statement of residence and will be permitt ed to vote. If a suspense status voter school fi nance tab, and pushing the costs Website: htt p://lett i4sboe.com fails to vote in two general elections for state and county offi cers, the voter registrar is down to overburdened local taxpayers.” Ab- Facebook: htt ps://lett i4sboe required by state law to remove the voter’s registration from the voter roll. If you move bott ’s decision to support quality pre-K ed- A. Civic responsibilities must be taught within the same county or change your name, you must notify the county voter reg- ucation is a wise investment, but the legis- to our students from the beginning and re- istrar in writing or complete a new registration card indicating a change of address as lature must also allocate adequate funds to inforced and built upon throughout their the reason. If you move to another county or state, you must re- register by com- educate the other 12 grades and plan for a schooling. Learning formats should be en- pleting a new registration form for the county you will be voting in. See also the future that diversifi es funding for public ed- gaging, hands on, and enhanced with mod- “Student Voters” box on page 12. ucation from a mix of resources. We must ern technology. Real world classroom civic see education as an investment rather than engagement such as meeting with public of-

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

DISTRICT  tion. Only the Texas Legislature can initiate tion service centers. Each is predicated on A. Texas Schools do way too much test- that. If we want to fi x our broken education adequate and effi cient funding. ing; over utilize test scores for over simpli- cont. Marsha Burnett-Webster (D) ( ) funding problem and provide the best pos- fi ed ratings of schools and their success/lack dent learning process - a process that should sible education for students, then we must Stephen Wyman (D) thereof. take into account that not all students learn elect candidates (irrespective of party) who Background: Raised by Secondary School A. It is a reasonably correct assess- the same way. Th at is not how these biased will fi x this problem - and not candidates Teachers; Bachelors degree; Substitute ment of Texas education funding... Is it tests are used today, however. Instead, they who will make it worse. Teacher; School Bus Driver... Constitutional?. are largely being used to drive student grad- A. Th e SBOE must be involved in design- Education: BA, Indiana University, 1979 A. Text books and curriculum based on uation requirements, assess teacher abilities, ing instructional materials (vocational pro- Website: htt p://blueboomerhd.blogspot academic/professional academic’s assess- and school performance. grams), teacher retention and salary im- .com/ ment... Review/audit of Texas Permanent A. I wholeheartedly agree that public ed- provements (as well as healthcare for retired Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com School Fund management. ucation funding is ‘inadequate and ineffi - teachers), special needs programs, safe and /stephen.wyman.507 cient.’ Th e Texas Supreme Court did not and healthy schools, review and adoption of text- A. Perhaps Civics could replace/supple- does not write or amend the Texas Constitu- books, and establishment of regional educa- ment Social Studies.

STATE RD COURT OF APPEALS

CHIEF JUSTICE 19 years on the trial court bench. I love this Fair Defense Act that created the Indigent Q. Background: What training, experience, and background qualify you for this position? work and have learned that justice is urgent. Defense Commission. Th e Constitution A. I believe that I will bring a thirst for the guarantees that indigent persons receive the Q. Access to Justice: What recent technological developments provide opportunities to law, a sense of urgency for justice and a work eff ective assistance of counsel. Today, case- improve the state’s indigent defense system in civil and criminal cases? ethic to do the work for those who come be- loads and adequate compensation can be Q . Mental Health: How should the Court of Appeals address mental health issues of those fore the Court. I push myself to serve both tracked with precision, giving policymakers who come before the court? on and off the bench and I believe that the a bett er picture of indigent defense so that Q. Responsibility: Which responsibility of a Court of Appeals justice is your highest prior- Th ird Court of Appeals justices can bring so these rights can be vindicated. ity and how do you intend to accomplish it? much more to the people of 24 counties of A. I served the National Alliance on Men- Q. What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the Court of Appeals? Central Texas than ever before by having a tal Illness (Texas) and the Task Force for heart for service. the Rewrite of the Incompetency and In- sanity Statutes. I have ensured incompetent Jeﬀ Rose (R) within 24 hours. Our system is automated, Keith S. Hampton (D) persons be delivered from jail to the hospi- Unopposed randomized and regularly reported to the Education: B.A., Univer- tal promptly in hundreds of cases. Judges Offi ce of Court Administration to ensure sity of Texas at Austin, 1984 are best when they are most informed, up to Darlene Byrne (D) transparency. Our payment of counsel sys- J.D., St. Mary’s University date, and empathetic on the nature of men- Education: University tem is also automated to assist with reten- School of Law, San Antonio, tal illness whenever that issue arises. of Houston Law Center, tion of appointed counsel on the list. Texas, 1989 Board Certifi ed A. Th e rule of law is strengthened only when magna cum laude A. For att orneys who come before the in Criminal Appellate Law (conferred 2005) judges act with integrity and under the guid- Website: htt p://www Court for whom concerns are identifi ed, Board Certifi ed in Criminal Law (conferred ing principle that justice is an essential feature .darlenebyrne.com the Court would make a confi dential refer- 1995) Clerk, Judge Sam Houston Clinton of a democratic civil society. My highest pri- Facebook: htt ps://darlenebyrneforjudge ral to the Texas Lawyers Assistance Pro- Website: htt p://hampton2020.com ority: ensure that the rule of law prevails and A. I have served as a Travis County District gram (“TLAP”), which will follow up with Video: htt ps://youtu.be/ZYZ2er2O000 remains inextricably bound to the ideals of Court judge for the past 19 years, and before the lawyer to determine appropriate ser- A. With over 30 years’ experience, I have justice. To that end, I will write opinions that that practiced civil litigation in governmental vices. For clients, the Appeals Court role is appeared before all courts of appeals, the are thoughtful, honest, clear and fearless. and private practice for 13 years. I have pre- more limited and depends on the legal issues state’s highest courts and the U.S. Supreme A. Th e Senate, dominated by ideology, has sided over or represented clients in thousands brought before it from the trial court. Court. My appellate practice has included already appointed so many federal judges to of matt ers involving the full spectrum of civil A. Th e highest priority of the Court is to winning life commutations for death row in- life appointments that there is litt le that can litigation. I have led a national judicial organi- dispense justice effi ciently, consistent with mates from two governors and exonerations be done to moderate that ideology for at least a zation as its president and as a board member. the law, and cognizant of the human beings for wrongfully convicted innocent persons. generation in federal courts. Th is reality leaves A. In Travis County, we have a robust sys- whose rights and lives are aff ected by the I have twice won Lawyer of the Year and am state courts as the bulwark against ideology it- tem automating the appointment of coun- case. I will bring the same work ethic to this listed in Best Lawyers in America. self. Independently minded state judges are sel for indigent civil litigants who qualify position that I have brought to bear for my A. I was instrumental in the passage of the thus crucial to our American system of justice.

DISTRICT  DISTRICT 

Frank Pomeroy (R) Dawn Buckingham (R) DONATE! Unopposed Unopposed Support the Voters Guide production with a contribution to the League of Women Voters Austin Area, a nonpartisan nonprofi t 501(c)(3) organization. 3908 Avenue B, Judith Zaﬃ rini (D) Clayton Tucker (D) Austin, TX 78751 or make a secure donation online at LWVAustin.org. Unopposed Unopposed

STATE TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Q. What changes do you support, if any, to ensure fair and impartial redistricting? renters in my district by reducing their year- in the schools and create enforcement provi- Q. What legislation would you support to address access to and cost of healthcare? over-year rent increases. Most importantly, sions in the law that hold school districts ac- we need to make sure our property tax countable to parents and the law. Q. What do you recommend to curb gun violence in our state? money is adequately funding our schools, Q . What other issue is your highest legislative priority and what do you propose to and preparing our students for the future. Aaron Reitz (R) address it? Under the current property tax system, Tex- Background: Chris- ans are being taxed out of their homes and tian, husband, father, Ma- our school are failing. Th at is not Texan. rine, Afghanistan War vet- DISTRICT  ticipate in this process. I support full trans- eran, Texas Supreme Court parency in our redistricting process. Our Jennifer Fleck (R) clerk, Cub Scouts Cubmas- Terry M. Wilson (R) Legislative leaders should allow citizens to Background: 5th gen- ter, wannabe dog trainer Unopposed comment on the process. Our Legislators eration Texan, Married Education: B.S., Texas have a duty to create fair maps that best rep- 23 years, 3 children, civil A&M University (magna cum laude, Phi Jessica Tiedt (D) resent all Texans. litigator for 15 years, Gen- Beta Kappa, Corps of Cadets); J.D., Univer- Unopposed A. I would support full transparency in eral Counsel for oil & gas sity of Texas School of Law (Federalist Soci- medical and prescription costs. I would sup- services co for 5 years, in- ety, Texas Review of Law & Politics) DISTRICT  port voluntary health coops that assist the volved in parental rights Website: htt p://www.ReitzForTexas.com uninsured in a truly aff ordable and health since 2012 Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Sheryl Cole (D) care system. I would also help in passing leg- Education: 1994 BA in Accounting UT /ReitzForTexas Unopposed islation in preventive health education in Arlington; 2001 South Texas College A. I want to ensure that the legislature-the schools. Lastly, placing stipulations for tax of Law body elected by and accountable to the peo- DISTRICT  payer funded medical research and technol- Website: htt p://fl ecktexasstrong.com ple-is responsible for drawing lines. Ced- ogies that do not allow for the over infl ated Facebook: htt p://Jennifer Fleck Texas ing this core political function (SCOTUS Justin Berry (R) prices to be passed on to insurance compa- Strong recently held that redistricting was *politi- Background: Highly dec- nies or patients. A. I would support grouping communities cal*, not judicial or administrative) to “in- orated with 13 years of law A. I do not believe that focusing on JUST with common characteristics and concerns. dependent commissions” reduces transpar- enforcement experience gun violence is the solution, rather the great- I would support drawing boundaries that ency and accountability. In states that have as a front line offi cer and est impact to curb violence in general is to don’t look clearly gerrymandered. I would adopted an independent commission model current Vice President of focus on restoring the morals and values we support a third party voice on demographics for redistricting, studies show that politics the Austin Police Associa- once held. One such value was the respect and population. remain, but simply becomes more diffi cult tion and former PAC Board and value of life. Schools no longer properly A. I would support reduced healthcare and to do anything about. member. address disruptive behavior from students . pharmaceutical costs. A. First and foremost, I will work with fed- Education: B.A. in Criminal Justice from Courts have failed to uphold the laws related A. Gun safety classes. Looking at com- eral offi cials to expand health care choice Sam Houston State University; M.S. in to violent and habitual off enders. Until we, mon trends in shooters, i.e. fatherless homes and encourage a market-based, competitive, Leadership & Management from Sam Hous- as a society address the root issue, violent and considering how state law has possibly across-state-lines, transparent system. Th ese ton State University; Master Peace Offi cer and deadly behavior will continue regardless contributed. measures have the greatest positive eff ect Website: htt p://www.berryfortexas.com of the weapon A. My highest legislative priority would on access to and cost of healthcare. What’s Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com A. I want to focus on lowering our prop- be to stop the indoctrination and degrada- more, I’ll ensure that the government can- /Berry4Th eHouse erty tax burden. Texans on fi xed incomes tion in the public schools and return to aca- not mandate specifi c medical procedures, A. We are a representative democracy, and should not fear being taxed out of their demics. I would prohibit graphic sex educa- fi ght for “right to try” legislation, and work I believe our citizens should be able to par- home. Lowering property taxes will help tion and gender confusion and pornography to create a Texas Health Savings Account

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area STATE TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

DISTRICT  in the hands of those elected by the voters, Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com DISTRICT  we maintain accountability to the voters. /TexansForZimmerman/ continued Aaron Reitz (R) ( ) A. I have personal experience with the very A. Th ere is no such thing as “fair and im- Jenai Aragona-Hales (R) option. And I’ll oppose the expansion of real struggles we experience when health- partial redistricting”, which mostly explains Background: Medicaid in Texas. care costs are unclear, full of surprises, and why we’ve had Gerrymandering under both Jenai grew up in Jack- A. At the heart of American gun violence seemingly arbitrary. As the mom of two chil- Democrats and Republicans. sonville, North Carolina are broken families. We need to fi x that more dren and the wife of a husband with chronic A. Healthcare is NOT a “right”, and fed- and has lived in Texas for than anything. Beyond that, fi rst, I want to conditions, healthcare is a top priority for eral meddling is problematic. I support ter- 32 years. She has owned empower law-abiding citizens to arm them- me. I strongly believe we need to restore the minating certain federal mandates, oppos- several businesses in Texas selves. Second, I want to strengthen the primacy of the doctor-patient relationship, ing taxpayer subsidized healthcare benefi ts and is now a Realtor in school marshal program. Th ird, I’d like to that true competition (which must include for illegal aliens, and prohibiting more gov- Austin, Texas. enable school offi cials who are willing and price transparency) will achieve that goal, ernment bureaucratic power as Independent Education: Bachelor of Science in able to arm themselves to do so, but only af- and that we also need to maintain a func- Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) proposed. Biology ter they go through rigorous training and it tioning safety net. I support removing regulatory barriers at Website: htt p://aragonafortexas.com can be ensured that they will not disrupt the A. Education and public-private programs the FDA to streamline generic drug ap- A. We need to work to keep communi- day-to-day teaching environment or endan- that address the root of the violence. I grew proval processes, and insurance compe- ties of interest together and draw districts ger students. up in a time when Texans brought their guns tition across state lines. Choice, competi- as compact as possible ensure that commu- A. A theme of my campaign is reining in to high school in their pick-ups before the tion and price disclosure are required, and nities get to vote for the candidate of their big cities that are taking Texas down the weekend hunt. Guns are not the problem. complex. choice. path LA and SF took California down years Misconceptions about guns are part of the A. Texas needs “constitutional carry” and A. At the state level, we can start by focus- ago. Most of my policies fall under this problem. We need to train people on safety, easier access to fi rearms training for law ing on decreasing medicaid fraud and con- theme: I want to strengthen property tax but we also need to address what leads peo- abiding Texans. Mexico imposes gun continue to push for price transparency from caps, introduce real property tax relief, enact ple to resort to violence. It’s past time for trol, resulting in countless millions of law hospitals and insurers. I will also support ad- a statewide ban on Austin-style homeless or- non-polarizing, data-driven conversations abiding citizens being terrorized by well ditional prescriptive authority agreements dinances, require audits on local spending, about what leads people to shoot others and armed criminal cartels and corrupt po- in rural areas to increase the scope of prac- end taxpayer-funded lobbying, ensure cities what we can do about it. lice, and innumerable unsolved gun mur- tice for certain health care providers, giv- can’t interfere in private employer-employee A. Transportation tops my list because it ders. “Gun free zones” should be eliminated ing them incentive to expand. Furthermore, contracts, and hold cities accountable when matt ers most to my constituents. We need where possible, and government school dis- I support increased accessibility within they fl out state laws. to make sure roads can be built quickly and tricts which demand unarmed schools must healthcare care by utilizing practices such as effi ciently by streamlining the contracting off er choices to those who disagree. Blaming telemedicine. Jenny Roan Forgey (R) process and shortening the environment re- guns for the evil of murder is foolish. A. Th e statistics on gun violence have Background: Former view period. Public-private partnerships are A. Vehicle traffi c congestion in western shown that it has not increased in the state small business owner, na- key. Administrative law is also an important traffi c country is not just inconvenient - it is of Texas for years. I believe that changing tive of Austin, Texas. priority for me because of how it can hin- now dangerous in terms of accidents, fatali- gun laws to adjust the accessibility to pur- Worked on Capitol Hill, der businesses. Finally, I want to take a hard ties, grossly inadequate emergency response chase fi rearms does not focus on the issue worked on redistricting in look at our property tax system to ensure time and lack of evacuation routes; for HD- at hand and will not decrease gun violence 2001, worked in political that taxes are fair, transparent, and as low as 47 I’m proposing a new freeway connec- over time. What we can do to help curb gun consulting in Texas during possible. tion from SH-45 at Lakeline Mall to SH-45 violence is incorporate red fl ag laws that the 2001 cycle. in southwest Travis. Th e $100s of millions would allow the local government or family Education: J.D., Baylor Law School; Don Zimmerman (R) required should come from existing Cap- members to order the temporary removal of B.S.F.S., Georgetown University Background: Fift h gen- Metro taxes, and I will promote a voter ref- a fi rearm from someone who poses a threat Website: htt p://www.jennyroanforgey eration Texan from San erendum to dedicate 50% of existing Cap- to themselves or others. .com Antonio; Former Austin Metro taxes to congestion relief. A. Homelessness in Austin is one of the Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/jenny Councilmember and MUD main issues I will be focusing on within my roanforgey Pres. Over 30 years in pro- Vikki Goodwin (D) platform. I believe this is, fi rst and foremost, A. A fair and impartial redistricting professional soft ware work, Unopposed a mental health crisis. I’d like to create a sys- cess is vital to a functioning, healthy democ- and instrument rated pilot. tem that builds partnerships with mental racy that is by the people, for the people. For Husband and father. DISTRICT  health care providers to promote more in- that reason, I believe redistricting needs to Education: Texas A&M, B.S. and M.S. in tegrated care teams that respond to home- stay in the hands of elected offi cials. While it Mechanical Engineering; Texas Tech Uni- Bill Strieber (R) less calls, incorporate a state version of the is tempting to believe that an “independent” versity UTSA; Highlands High School in Unopposed Job Training Partnership Act, and support commission could do a bett er job, all folks southeast S.A. partnering with organizations like Mobile will bring their bias to the table, whether Website: htt p://texansForZimmerman Donna Howard (D) Loaves and Fishes to engage the homeless as they are appointed or elected. By leaving it .com Unopposed working citizens.

DISTRICT  (continued) Celia Israel (D) to retain doctors who earned their educa- nation and providing Texans with equitable Unopposed tion in Texas and recruit them to serve in property tax relief. Charles Allan Meyer (R) communities across the state aft er they’ve Joshua Sanchez (D) Background: Military DISTRICT  fi nished their degrees; 3) Cost of living ad- Service and Information justment for retired teachers; 4) Allowing No Response Received Technolog y Robert Reynolds (R) highly trained nurse practitioners to provide DISTRICT  A. Begin now by utilizing Unopposed certain common forms of care; 5) Expand- Esri Redistricting: Soft - ing access to telemedicine services; 6) Shor- Lucio Valdez (R) ware for Redistricting Pro- Eddie Rodriguez (D) ing up regulation of freestanding emergency Unopposed cess thereby facilitating Background: State Rep. rooms and the insurance industry to protect complete transparency for online citizen in- Eddie Rodriguez, a fi rst- consumers; 7) Undoing TRA P laws James Talarico (D) A volvement and media participation. generation college gradu- . 1) Ensuring that local/county law en- Unopposed A. Health insurance rates should be set ate from McAllen, has rep- forcement agencies/courts have the re- through free-market forces. resented District 51 in the sources they need to accurately report infor- DISTRICT  A. An armed citizenry is a defended nation. Texas House of Represen- mation that is required to be incorporated A. I have three interrelated highest-level tatives since 2003. into NICS; 2) Requiring gun owners to re- Mike Guevara (R) priorities. First, focus on our homeless Education: B.A., University of Texas at port the loss or theft of any fi rearms they own; Unopposed brothers and sisters who are up and down Austin - 1995 J.D., UT Austin School of Law 3) Making it easier for gun owners who are no John Bucy (D) our streets and in our neighborhoods. Sec- - 2008 longer allowed to possess them to surrender ond, focus on our refugee brothers and sis- Website: htt p://EddieforTexas.com them to the authorities; 4) Passing a “red fl ag Unopposed ters who are up and down our borders and in Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/eddie law”; 5) Universal background checks; 6) As- our wildernesses. Th ird, focus on our human fortexas sault weapons/high- capacity magazine ban; traffi cked brothers and sisters all around us. A. I believe that our electoral system must 7) Safe storage education campaign Solutions and preventions are a community empower voters to choose their elected of- A. Aff ordability: I passed the Homestead RUNOFF ELECTION eff ort. fi cials, not the other way around. I support Preservation Act in 2003 and I intend on up- If a runoff election becomes neces- eff orts to replace Texas’s current system dating the statute in the 87th Legislative sary, it will be on May 26, 2020, with Gina Hinojosa (D) with an independent, bipartisan redistrict- Session to restore Austin’s ability to use the early voting May 18–22. To partici- Unopposed ing commission such as would have been ac- powerful tools the HPA provides to local pate, citizens must be registered vot- complished by State Rep. Donna Howard’s governments for helping people stay in their ers by April 27, 2020. Voting locations DISTRICT  HB 369 (86-R) if it were passed and vot- homes, preserving existing aff ordable hous- will be announced prior to the early ers approved the enabling constitutional ing and investing in increasing the stock of voting period. Larry Delarose (R) amendment (HJR 32). aff ordable housing. I am also committ ed to Unopposed A. 1) Expanding Medicaid; 2) Doing more fi ghting against source of income discrimi- LOCAL TRAVIS COUNTY

CIVIL DISTRICT COURT JUDGES Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com businesses, big and small, in contract dis- Q. What would be your greatest strengths as a judge? /MariaforJudge/ putes. But to overcome obstacles of both A Q. Explain how this offi ce is important to your constituents and provide details of your . I’m the only candidate with real trial time and money that prevent many from plans for improvement. experience, giving me a fi rst-hand knowl- seeking justice, we need engaged judges edge on how rules are applied, and the bal- who are informed, accessible and establish Q. How would you ensure that all individuals who enter your court receive equal opportu- ance between defending your client while clear pre-trial processes. Discovery motions nities for justice? respecting the rights of the other side. I’m should be ruled on quickly, continuances proud my support comes from both sides of should be a rarity, and systems and staff RD CIVIL DISTRICT ters, who both att end local AISD public the bar, including the former president of the should focus on ensuring our courts are ac- schools. Texas Trial Lawyers Association, alongside cessible, welcoming and effi cient. Maria Cantú Hexsel (D) Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence from senior partners in major defense fi rms. Trial A. Equal access to justice requires a cul- Background: Civil liti- Texas Tech University School of Law experience is the foundation to judicial de- tural and systemic change. I will continue gation att orney who gives (1995); Bachelor of Arts in Social Stud- meanor, the trust that the legal process will to advocate for legal aid, support non-profi ts back to the community ies from Our Lady of the Lake University treat all sides fairly. that promote pro-bono work, and promote through service. Wife and (1992) A. Civil courts matt er, from fi ghting for technology that lower costs and increases mom of two young daugh- Website: htt p://www.mariaforjudge.com systemic change, to protecting children, to access. I’ve long volunteered with the His-

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area LOCAL TRAVIS COUNTY

RD CIVIL DISTRICT and by serving on the Board of Directors for currently hears a variety of civil cases, ac- possible, direct pro se litigants to available the Texas Legal Services Center and on the cording to the TX OCA, the majority of resources in the community, and make the continued Maria Cantú Hexsel (D) ( ) Texas Commission to Expand Civil Legal cases involve children and families. My Court open for hearings without unneces- panic Bar Association to mentor young stu- Services. As a judge, I would strive to ensure hope is to create an effi cient, dedicated fam- sary procedural requirements. I will work dents of color seeking a career in the law, equal opportunities for justice by (1) giving ily court that follows national best practices hard to ensure that my decisions are handed because a greater diversity of lawyers is all people a fair shake, regardless of whether with judges who are specialized, passionate down in a timely manner. necessary to advocate for those who face they are represented by counsel; (2) inform- and focused exclusively on families. It is im- A. Everyone who comes into the 200th economic and cultural obstacles to our jus- ing people of low- and pro-bono options; portant because judges make decisions that District Court will have equal consider- tice system. and (3) directing people to self-representa- can aff ect children for life. ation, regardless of whether they have an at- tion tools, like forms. A. One of the reasons I decided to run was torney, and I will ensure that litigants with- Kennon Wooten (D) to bring my personal and professional un- out att orneys are aware of the pro bono and Background: I am a fi fth- TH CIVIL DISTRICT COURT derstanding of issues surrounding poverty reduced fee resources available to them. A generation Texan, fi rst- to the bench. With about 15% of the Travis person’s constitutional rights exist, whether generation lawyer, and Rhonda Hurley (D) County population living below the federal or not they have an att orney, and rights longtime Austinite. My Unopposed poverty line and 25% representing them- should be recognized and enforced by this daughter att ends Tra- selves in family cases, access to justice is and all courts. vis Heights Elementary TH CIVIL DISTRICT COURT critical. I have been recognized and awarded School, where my husband for my work helping our most vulnerable TH CIVIL DISTRICT COURT works as a school nurse. Aurora Martinez Jones (D) populations have access to and be successful Education: I have a B.A. in Psychology, Unopposed in the court system, and I would continue to Jan Soifer (D) with highest honors, and a Business Founda- do so as a district judge. Unopposed tions Program certifi cate, from UT Austin. TH CIVIL DISTRICT COURT I also have a J.D. from the UT School of Law. Jessica Mangrum (D) RD CIVIL DISTRICT COURT Website: htt p://www.kennonwooten Maggie Ellis (D) Background: I grew up .com/ Background: Adminis- in the small town of West, Madeleine Connor (D) Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com trative Law Judge, Child Texas. My dad practiced No Response Received /kennonwootenforjudge/ Welfare and Juvenile Law law helping people in a va- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/wHEXfzxUBns Prosecutor, Child Welfare riety of cases. My mom Tim Sulak (D) A. First, I have an in-depth knowledge of Board, State Bar Juvenile worked as a secretary and Background: District governing procedures, stemming from my Section Board, Supreme later became a teacher. Judge 9 yrs, practicing law- service as the Rules Att orney for the Texas Court Children’s Comm. Education: I graduated from West High yer 32 yrs prior. Past Pres- Supreme Court, my involvement with rule- Dual Task Force. School in my hometown. I have a BA in gov- ident Austin Bar Associa- draft ing committ ees, and my publications Education: AAS Spanish, Austin Commu- ernment from UT and a law degree from UT tion, past Chair Texas Bar of books and articles about discovery proce- nity College; BS Education, University of School of Law. I’m a member of the Texas Foundation, Professional- dures. Second, I have experience handling Texas at Austin; JD, Baylor Law School Bar College. ism Award-Texas Ctr for litigation and appeals covering a broad range Website: htt p://maggieforjudge.com Website: htt p://www.jessicamangrum Legal Ethics of subject matt ers, which is helpful for the Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com .com Education: University of Texas, Austin: bench at hand. Th ird, I have a strong worth /maggieforjudge/?modal=admin_todo Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/jessica4 B.A. Government 1975; U.T. School of Law: ethic. Fourth, I am patient and committ ed to _tour judge J.D. 1978 fostering a culture of kindness. A. I overcame a childhood marked by tran- A. My greatest strengths as a trial judge Website: htt p://timsulak.com A. Civil judges make rulings with tremen- sience, homelessness, and educational depri- would be my 17 years of very active trial Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com dous impacts on peoples’ lives and liveli- vation to become the only one of my eight practice in Travis County and others across /Reelect.Judge.Tim.Sulak/ hoods. For example, their rulings can ter- siblings to graduate from college. I under- the state; my willingness to be patient, a Video: htt ps://youtu.be/0TXrwwtz0kU minate parental rights, dissolve marriages, stand adversity and have incredible compas- good listener, and respectful to all who come A. I have deep roots in this community dissolve business relationships, and require sion and empathy. As an att orney and judge into court regardless of background; and and experience inside and outside the court- the payment of large (and sometimes crip- who has worked to improve the lives of hun- my intention to see that information and as- room. I’ve been a judge for 9 years and am pling) sums of money. Judges do not repre- dreds of children and families in the court- sistance is readily available to all those who the Local Administrative Judge. I’ve resent anyone when presiding over legal dis- room and in the community, and as the only cannot aff ord to hire an att orney. ceived more ratings of “Excellent” for the putes; they serve everyone, and they’re woman in TX nationally certifi ed in child A. Th e 200th District Court is very impor- last 6 years than any other judge in Travis ethically bound to do so impartially. If welfare and specialized in juvenile law, I also tant because it is a court of “of general ju- County by Austin Bar Ass’n members in all elected, I will handle all cases with care and bring experience and expertise. risdiction” under the Texas Constitution, categories: Hard Work, Impartiality, Cor- be fair to all parties in my court. A. One-family, one-judge is considered hearing almost all types of cases that are im- rect Application of the Law, Temperament, A. As a lawyer, I have strived to increase a national best practice for cases involving portant to citizens. I have plans to imple- and Overall. I am Board Certifi ed in Per- access to justice by doing pro bono work children and families. Although this bench ment procedures to expedite cases when sonal Injury Trial Law and att ended con-

RD CIVIL DISTRICT COURT putes. Because Austin is the capital, the outreach and assistance to underserved through adherence to standards of decency district courts of Travis County have ju- populations. and respect for alternative viewpoints. I en- continued Tim Sulak (D) ( ) risdiction over cases involving the state gov- A. Everyone deserves equal access to jus- courage lawyer participation in volunteer tinuing education for judges annually since ernment. All litigants are entitled to due tice. I att empt to determine each party’s programs for underserved populations, and I 2011. process through a dedicated, knowledge- understanding of courtroom procedures, advocate for increased resources for the judi- A. Who we elect as District Court Judge able, fair and impartial judge. I will work making sure everyone’s voice is heard by al- cial branch to bett er serve the public. matt ers and has community-wide eff ects. to preserve access to, and understand- lowing a full presentation of disputed po- District courts hear all manner of dis- ing of, the rule of law through educational sitions. I endeavor to maintain civility

CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGES David Wahlberg (D) Court, which is designed to assist individu- Q. What would be your greatest strengths as a judge? Background: Elected als with substance abuse issues who are re- 2012; Private Practice - turning from a treatment program in the Q. Explain how this offi ce is important to your constituents and provide details of your State & Fed Jury Trials & penitentiary. plans for improvement. Appeals (Crim Def) ’76– Q . How would you ensure that all individuals who enter your court receive equal opportu- ’12; Board Certifi ed/Crim TH CRIMINAL nities for justice? Law (‘88); Austinite since DISTRICT COURT Q. What steps, if any, would you take to reduce the rates of incarceration and recidivism? 1959; US Army ’71–’ 73 Education: JD, UT Law ’76; BA TLU ’70 Albert Amado (D) Website: htt p://judgewahlberg.com Background: I fi rst called TH CRIMINAL for our entire community. We must ensure Facebook: htt p://facebook.com Austin home in the 1960’s. DISTRICT COURT that individual rights are protected while /wahlbergforjudge/ I have experience in crim- keeping our community safe. I will expand A. Experience, empathy, thoughtfulness, inal and civil law, and a Dayna Blazey (D) evidence-based best practices to divert low- progressive outlook, and effi ciency. strong passion for criminal Background: 30+ yrs level, non-violent off enders to treatment or A. Criminal District Courts handle felony justice reform. I am bilin- fi ghting for justice. Felony social and mental health services instead of off enses from minor drug charges through gual, bicultural, and gay. prosecutor investigating jail, improve indigent defense, and person- capital murder. It’s important to our com- Education: My BBA and LLM graduate law abuse of our children, pro- ally review personal bonds that have been munity that our courts faithfully follow the degree, with focuses on international law, tecting survivors of sexual denied. constitution and laws to ensure that every Latin American studies, and confl ict resolu- assaults & violent crimes, A. Th e right to a fair trial is a pillar of our individual is heard. Outcomes should refl ect tion, are from UT Austin and my JD is from & leading diversion programs. justice system. We must reduce the disparity our community values while protecting our Emory University. Education: B.A. Government, Th e Uni- between people who cannot aff ord a lawyer safety. I handle approximately 1,000 cases Website: htt p://www.amadoforjudge versity of Texas at Austin; J.D. South Texas and those who can aff ord to retain an att or- per year and have approximately 1,200 indi- .com College of Law ney. We can improve indigent defense with viduals on probation. I will continue to seek Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Website: htt p://www.DaynaForJudge a fully-funded public defenders offi ce as well local treatment for drug off enses and family /amadoforjudge .com as increased access to investigators and ex- violence off enses. A. Compassion, empathy and understand- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com pert witnesses (allocated by judges). In ad- A. I am committ ed to providing every de- ing for victims and defendants. Th e goal /DaynaForJudge dition, I would follow best practices around fendant with eff ective representation and should be to restore lives, and my diverse ex- A. Over my 30 plus year career practic- witness examination such as allowing chil- the tools necessary for their defense. I reg- perience in criminal defense, dispute reso- ing law exclusively in courts like the 167th, dren to be accompanied by a therapy dog ularly monitor att orneys’ performance and lution, combating transnational crime, and I’ve built a reputation as a fair and honest when testifying. take appropriate corrective action where cross-cultural communication qualifi es att orney who is open and accessible. I be- A. As Director over Diversion Programs I necessary. I support both our CAPDS and me to do that. I lived over 5 years in Latin lieve that each person who comes before the have worked to make these programs more new Public Defender’s Offi ce and will work America working on treatment programs court should be considered as an individual accessible and aff ordable in order to get low- with them to provide legal education and and justice reform. In Ecuador, I helped to and that it’s important to listen to each side level, non-violent defendants treatment and mentoring. develop the fi rst drug diversion program and of a case without prejudgment. I also have a services instead of putt ing them in jail. Th is A. I favor community-based treatment and revamp sexual assault and domestic violence proven track record of working with advo- includes proactively reaching out to eligi- supervision rather than incarceration be- investigation practices. cates, community groups, and nonprofi ts to ble defendants as well as waiving court costs cause the evidence demonstrates that it is A. Th e criminal justice system touches us improve our criminal justice system in ways and program fees. As judge, I would like to more eff ective in reducing recidivism and is all, but it doesn’t treat everyone fairly. It’s that work for real people. continue this work as well as create a mental more cost-effi cient. I continue to work with stacked against people of color and those A. Felony criminal cases, like those heard health docket to address recidivism among individual defendants to assist in their re- with the least money. Outdated models of in the 167th, are serious matt ers for the vic- aff ected persons by providing more access integration into the community through punishment and incarceration only perpetu- tims and their families, for defendants, and to services. my supervision of our SAFPF Re-Entry ate cycles of crime and broken lives. But we

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area LOCAL TRAVIS COUNTY

TH CRIMINAL years ago, I was att acked by a defendant at TH CRIMINAL playing a role as advocates for measures that DISTRICT COURT my home. Aft er only a couple of months, I DISTRICT COURT improve equity and accessibility in our local returned to the bench to ensure that defen- justice system, like indigent defense, diver- continued Albert Amado (D) ( ) dant and victims would have their day in Geoﬀ rey Puryear (R) sion, bail reform, and victim support. With- can fi x these problems and restore hope and court. Even though I was att acked, I believe Unopposed out a level playing fi eld, no Judge can truly dignity to people and our system. I’ll end every person deserves equal access to jus- be impartial and guarantee equal opportuni- money bail, push for more social services for tice, treatment over incarceration for non- Selena Alvarenga (D) ties for justice. victims and off enders alike, and strengthen violent crimes, and compassion. Background: I’ve de- A. End the school to prison pipeline, don’t programs that prevent and address the root A. Th e criminal justice system is impor- fended the indigent and at- use jail/prison as makeshift clinics and shel- causes of crime. tant to the fabric of our community because risk juveniles for 23 yrs. I’ll ters, and don’t detain people just because A. Listening and understanding are key it aff ects the lives of so many people and of- bring my experience and they can’t aff ord bail. Incarceration is for tools. My cultural and professional diversity fers the chance for a second chance. We are my perspective as a gay im- those who pose a safety threat - it does not give me the skill and perspective to apply working to improve our bond system so migrant to run a fair court heal the damage done by crime. Th e fact is them and be impartial. Failure to eff ectively non-violent off enders are promptly released and promote safety and a majority of off enders are eventually re- track statistics and outcomes contributes to on personal bond. I supported the creation justice. leased. If they don’t have a chance to reen- unequal justice. We must identify and solve of the Public Defender Program and in- Education: Worked my way through com- ter society productively, many will go on to these gaps to create the justice system that creased funding for individuals who cannot munity college, earned a BBA from Our reoff end. Prioritize real solutions to these best serves our community. Bold ideas, like aff ord legal services on their own. I believe Lady of the Lake and a JD from St. Mary’s in challenges, and incarceration and recidivism sanctions against offi cers and prosecutors indigent defense deserves additional fund- San Antonio. I also obtained my citizenship rates will go down. with a history of disciplinary issues or Brady ing to ensure a level playing fi eld. while in law school. violations will help ensure equal opportuni- A. If someone enters into a plea agree- Website: htt p://www.selenaforjudge Amy Meredith (D) ties for justice. ment in my court, I confi rm the person fully .com Background: Fought A. Currently, an individual’s wealth largely understands the ramifi cations of the plea. Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/selena for progressive causes for determines the justice that will be served. I work extremely hard to treat every sin- forjudge 20 years in the courtroom For those with the least money, entry into gle person who enters my court equally. Video: htt ps://youtu.be/1fGAZcqISR0 and in our community; I the criminal justice system places them at Th rough the years, I have worked to im- A. Experience, Knowledge, and Empathy. am a community leader risk of job loss, family separation, pretrial prove the court’s indigent legal services be- I’ve been a trial att orney my whole career. I and will bring my exten- detention due to inability to pay bail, or cause I believe every person, whether they have hands-on experience with what works sive courtroom experience agreeing to a plea deal even when they are have retained or court appointed coun- and what doesn’t in our criminal justice sys- to the bench. not guilty. Ending money bail, strong diver- sel, should receive quality legal advice and tem. I will examine each case individually to Education: Bachelor’s Social Work, South- sion and treatment programs, robust indi- defense. help set victims and off enders on a path to west Texas State University, J.D University gent defense, and comprehensive social ser- A. We must prioritize treatment over in- rehabilitation and restoration, instead of be- of Denver College of Law vices lead to lower incarceration and break carcerated. I preside over cases where peo- ing trapped in a system that doesn’t work for Website: htt p://amymeredithforjudge the cycle of recidivism. ple who are ready to make a change in their them. My goal is to work with both the de- .com life, but do not have the necessary per- fense and the prosecution to fi nd the best Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/amy Julie Kocurek (D) sonal infrastructure or familial support. As outcome for the individuals involved and the meredithforjudge Background: Elected Judge, I will continue to advocate for addi- community as a whole. A. I have worked in all aspects of our crim- Felony District Judge for tional resources to be prioritized for treat- A. What happens in the courtroom aff ects inal justice system, as a victim counselor, 20 years. Board Certifi ed ment options, counseling, and medical all of us, whether you or someone you know a staff att orney, a defense att orney and as a in Criminal Law. Advocate help because people aff ected by drug addic- has been in the criminal justice system or prosecutor. I will bring my extensive trial ex- for Judicial Courthouse Se- tion or mental health crises do not belong the victim of a crime, or if you’re a taxpayer. perience, and my social work background curity nationwide. Wife in jail. I believe our community wants our courts to focus on victims, to hold law enforce- and mom to twins. to refl ect our values - that means responding ment to community expectations, to prior- Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence degree TH CRIMINAL to threats to community safety, while tak- itize violent off enses and to deliver justice from St. Mary’s School of Law and a Bache- DISTRICT COURT ing a long-term approach to solving the cy- as swift ly as possible to defendants and our lor of Art in Economics from the University cles of abuse, violence, and poverty. Mass in- community. of Texas Tamara Needles (D) carceration has proven wasteful and cruel, A. Th is court presides over capital murders Website: htt p://www.judgejuliekocurek Unopposed and together, we will change the system for to low level drug cases. I will focus on justice .com the bett er. by instituting effi ciencies to the court docket Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com TH CRIMINAL A. Every individual who sets foot in the and prioritizing violent off enders. I have /VoteforJudgeJulie/ DISTRICT COURT courtroom deserves to be listened to and un- been a chief prosecutor in this exact type of A. I hope to continue implementing pro- derstood, not judged based on race, wealth, court for almost 8 years and will bring that gressive criminal justice reform programs Brad Urrutia (D) or identity - that is how I will run my court- experience to this bench. and standing up for the rule of law. Four Unopposed room. I also believe that Judges should start A. I will ensure that an equal opportu-

TH CRIMINAL essary cornerstone of criminal justice. I will A. My social work background gives me their chances of not returning. Not only DISTRICT COURT treat everyone with the respect they deserve, a unique perspective on the need for re- will I continue to emphasize diversion pro- whether they are lawyers, defendants or vic- sources for a permanent transition out of grams, I will partner with others to facilitate continued Amy Meredith (D) ( ) tims. I will hold law enforcement accountable the criminal justice system. Th ose experi- new programs and to provide additional re- nity justice is aff orded by making it a priority and I will do everything in my power to make encing addictions, homelessness or a men- sources, like the local unions to promote job in my courtroom. Dignity and respect is a nec- sure defendants get quality representation. tal health crisis need programs to strengthen placement or apprenticeships.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER sively to decrease traffi c congestion by alle- ware, constituent meetings, correspondence Q. Explain how this offi ce is important to your constituents and provide details of your viating choke points and by reducing total protocols, community forums, and various plans for improvement. vehicles using our roads. We must partic- media and social media programs. ipate in regional transit planning and in- A. As Commissioner, I will protect our Q. What strategies will you use to ensure open communication between the county gov- vest heavily in shutt les, park and ride, and a open spaces and water resources. Th e Col- ernment and residents? multi-modal trail system for Travis County orado River is the sole source of water for Q . What are your top environmental and land development concerns and how do you plan (a transportation system other metro coun- many. I will take a leadership role in state to address them? ties in Texas have.) We can leverage toll water-supply planning eff orts.Travis County Q. How will you address future transportation needs in the county? funds to invest in trails and transit. has a history of fl ooding - and the frequency is increasing, thanks to climate change. Tra- Ann Howard (D) vis County must adequately engage in fl ood PRECINCT  continue to provide all of our essential ser- Background: I served mitigation planning. Great work has been vices, protect vulnerable citizens and county as Executive Director of done through the use of conservation ease- Solomon Arcoven (R) workers’ pay and working conditions. We the Ending Community ments to protect our lands - and more should Unopposed must do more with less, reform our crimi- Homelessness Coalition be done. nal justice system, conserve land and water, (ECHO), an alliance of A. We must play a leadership role at re- Jeﬀ Travillion (D) and fi x our utt erly dysfunctional transporta- over 50 governmental and gional planning entities to leverage our Unopposed tion system. non-profi t groups dedi- strengths at the state and federal levels. Too A. When I was in the legislature I put a cated to homelessness. many of our roads continue to be danger- PRECINCT  premium on constituent services, which I Education: I entered the University of ous, and it takes too long to get to places we felt was as important as any part of my legis- Texas in 1981, where I earned a Bachelor of need to go. Roads will play a vital part in Becky Bray (R) lative agenda. I will bring that same commit- Arts, a Master’s of Public Aff airs degree, and protecting our communities as people move Unopposed ment to my role as County Commissioner. I Juris Doctorate from the Texas Law School. into the Wildland-Urban Interface, placing will keep an open door policy to make sure Website: htt p://www.annfor more homes at risk of wildfi re than ever be- Valinda Bolton (D) that I am accessible at all times. I believe commissioner.com fore. We need to make sure that in the event Background: Two term that having input from stakeholders who Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com of an emergency, we can move people out of Texas state representative would be aff ected by commissioner’s court /AnnforCommissioner/ neighborhoods to safety. - HD47, nationally recog- decisions is a good way to keep constituents Video: htt ps://youtu.be/jbNWOT21CAE nized advocate for preven- happy and is also the best way to make those A. I decided to run because Travis County Shiloh Newman (D) tion of domestic violence decisions correctly. deserves a leader who is an innovator and a Background: Proud to and sexual assault, rape cri- A. Th e pressures of growth threaten long collaborator. Th e 3.5% revenue cap imposed have been raised in Aus- sis counselor and lifelong term water security and exacerbate dangers on counties by the state, unfortunately, tin. Small business owner Democrat from fl ood, fi re and drought - inevitable con- doesn’t lower taxes in a meaningful way. In- since 1995. Loving hus- Education: I received a Bachelor of Arts de- sidering our climate crisis. While pursuing stead, it reduces the quality of essential ser- band and father. President gree in Psychology from Baylor and Mas- aff ordability we must conserve entire water- vices voters depend on and blocks our ability of LTYA. Numerous non- ter of Science in Human Development and sheds & increase public lands. Th e County to manage growth eff ectively. I will work to profi ts. Love my city. Hate Family Studies from Texas Tech is insuffi ciently prepared for disaster - iso- ensure our priorities are not compromised. the traffi c. Website: htt p://www.votevalinda.com lated developments are not capable of being My top priorities for Precinct 3: transporta- Education: Bachelor of Business Adminis- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com evacuated safely. To increase our capacity tion and safety, climate change, and crimi- tration Texas State University /ValindaBoltonforTravisCC3 for land use planning I would support Travis nal justice reform. Website: htt p://VoteForShiloh.com A. Th e wide range of services the county County pursuing county land use authority A. Eff ective two-way constituent commu- Facebook: htt p://@VoteForShiloh provides are essential to health and wellness. in our legislative agenda. nication will be critical to my offi ce. To pro- A. Austin is a wonderful place to live but Th e next commissioner will face a diffi cult A. Travis County roadways are operating vide proactive opportunities for constitu- an awful city for commuting to work or any- budget w/ the tax revenue caps imposed by beyond their capacity causing gridlock, hu- ents to engage, I will use multiple strategies, where for that matt er. I have spent my life in the legislature. I will work to make sure we man misery and death. We must act deci- including constituent management soft - Austin watching one public transporta-

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area LOCAL TRAVIS COUNTY

PRECINCT  ing or ripe and rott en. We need to grow re- Education: University of Texas School of weekly videos explaining what the county is sponsibly but keep taxes in line or we will Law, JD with Honors, 1984 University of doing and upcoming issues. continued Shiloh Newman (D) ( ) all be looking for somewhere else to live as Texas at Austin, BA Plan II Honors Program A. Hamilton Pool Preserve - I testifi ed at tion disaster aft er another. We need to ad- good people will be forced out of the Austin with High Honors, 1981 Spanish, American Commissioners Court 12/17/19 against the dress the problem of workers gett ing to area. Aff ordable housing is at crisis level in Sign Language plat exceptions for an RV development that work. I have spent a lot of time learning how western Travis county. Website: htt p://sherifortexas.com/ threatens the preserve and the safety of area to work within a budget to create my solu- A. Blow up all the roads and highways and Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com residents. I will continue to work with “Save tion. Th is tool will have great value to the start over. Kidding, sort of. Could there be /SheriForTexas/ Hamilton Pool Preserve” and others to pro- citizens of Travis county as we spend hard a bigger problem facing Travis county right Video: htt ps://youtu.be/YXYnlO tect the Preserve.Requiring developers to earned tax dollars to improve roads and pub- now? I don’t have the answer to this issue KMFUE be responsible for infrastructure, e.g. roads, lic transportation. yet. It is one that will consume me night and A. Th e county builds half the roads and lighting, green spaces.Enforcing restrictions A. I believe in having an open line of com- day should I represent the voters in offi ce. I bridges, manages the jail, courts, and elec- on development.Converting county vehicles munication between local government and can tell you that I will not allow billions of tions. In Pct 3, people want safe roads, to electric, installing solar panels on county residents. Th is is extremely important but dollars be wasted on another Capitol Metro clean water and green spaces, fi rst re- buildings. currently neglected. Town hall meetings plan which seems to be a skipping record sponders equipped to save life & prop- A. Continue to work with the A&M Texas are a thing of the past. I believe we should for the last 25 years. Strategic planning and erty. I base this on the 3500 homes that Transportation Institute (htt ps://tt i.tamu bring them back these meetings on quarterly proper scrutiny is needed when dealing with I’ve canvassed personally. In offi ce, I’ll .edu/) on all facets of transportation. I will schedule and stop blasting our political rants mass transit. be 20% of the vote on all county-wide is- prioritize budgeting for increased law en- on facebook which seems to create a lot of sues. Food justice, fair elections, crimi- forcement to enforce speed limits and ad- hate. We should learn to speak to one another Sheri Soltes (D) nal justice reform and sustainable energy dress reckless driving, esp by commercial face to face with respect as our parents did. Background: I am run- all are compelling issues. Tools: foren- vehicles. I will continue to coordinate with A. I am an outdoors person and spend ning to make our roads sic budget audit, prioritizing safety and the City of Austin to repair roads deemed most of my days working or playing outside. safe, guard our green inclusiveness. “unsatisfactory”, e.g. Old Bee Caves Rd, I am passionate about keeping the world spaces and support fi rst re- A. I will have a staff member dedicated as Travis Cook Rd. Supporting protected left clean and safe for my kid’s children. We can’t sponders. I have 24 years of community liaison, offi ce hours dedicated turns, center turn lanes, reduced speed stop the growth of Austin nor should we. A federal, state and munici- to meeting with and responding to constitu- limit. city is like a person. You are green and grow- pal legislative advocacy experience. ents and monthly town halls. I will also post

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT AT LAW my experience to eliminate the backlog of with misdemeanor off enders, who oft en Q. What would be your greatest strengths as a judge? cases in Court #4 and prioritize rehabilita- need treatment and services rather than in- tion and treatment options for drug, alcohol, carceration. I would work to break the cycles Q. Explain how this offi ce is important to your constituents and provide details of your or mental health cases. of abuse and recidivism. plans for improvement. A. Th is court has the largest backlog of Q . How would you ensure that all individuals who enter your court receive equal opportu- cases of any misdemeanor court, preventing Tanisa Jeﬀ ers (D) nities for justice? justice from being served. Lack of a speedy Background: I am the trial impacts employment, housing, and only candidate that has safety concerns. We need a more productive practiced both family and COURT AT LAW NO.  phy with high honors from the University of pre-trial process and to uphold current law criminal law in Travis and Texas at Austin. around timelines for each side to be ready the surrounding contigu- Margaret Chen Kercher (D) Website: htt p://www.margaretforjudge for trial. I will also work to systematically ous counties, with an em- Background: Criminal .com transfer all non-intimate cases to the other phasis on representing the defense att orney protect- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com courts and advocate to make treatment and mentally ill. ing the rights of the ac- /margaretforjudge/ counseling more fi nancially accessible. Education: B.J. in Journalism University cused with a focus on help- A. I’ve dedicated the last decade of my ca- A. As the daughter of immigrants and an of Texas,1992 B.A. in History, University ing those who cannot reer to breaking the cycle of incarceration att orney for indigent clients, I understand of Texas, 1992 MBA Clark Atlanta Univer- aff ord a lawyer. DWI Court and ensuring my clients, many of whom can- the barriers that exist in the justice system sity,1995 JD University of Texas 1999 & Phoenix Court att orney. not aff ord a lawyer on their own, receive and the need for systemic change. I’ve dem- Website: htt p://www.judgejeff ers.com/ Proud mom of 3. equal access to justice. I have extensive ex- onstrated a commitment to justice through Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Education: J.D. from Baylor Law School. perience practicing in this court on family my work as a criminal defense att orney and /judgejeff ersforcountycourt4/?tn-str=k*F Notes and Comments Editor, Baylor Law violence, protective orders, and other mat- by volunteering to help immigrants in de- A. I am passionate about indigent defense. Review. B.A. in Government and Philoso- ters that regularly come before it. I will use tention centers. County court judges deal It is for my community, that I enjoy my role

COURT AT LAW NO.  needed perspective as the only African Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com out of this court to other county trial courts. American judicial candidate in this race who /Judge-Dimple-Malhotra-County-Court I have also added additional jury dockets continued Tanisa Jeﬀ ers (D) ( ) has handled both family and criminal cases -at-Law-4-107098254062936/?modal so that more cases are able to be tried in a in providing justice as both a practicing At- for twenty years. Th ough, the African Amer- =admin_todo_tour timely manner. torney and aa Associate Judge. I believe in ican population is only 7% in Travis County, Video: htt ps://youtu.be/HU2_1WD4oAs A. I believe a judge is the front line of jus- second chances and I believe that given the African Americans are disproportionately A. County Court 4 is a domestic violence tice. Everyone impacted by domestic vi- right set of rehabilitative circumstances, the represented as they account for 33% of the court. I understand the complexities of these olence, including the accused, deserves a most down and out, can overcome their past misdemeanor cases fi led in Travis County, cases and the dynamics involved. I have the judge who has been in the trenches, who un- and become a contributing member of soci- yet there are no African American criminal tools necessary to identify cases in which derstands the complexity of these cases, who ety. In ‘opportunity court’ together we have misdemeanor judges at the county level. the risk of lethality is high, thereby en- embraces that justice can take many forms, the ‘opportunity’ to resolve any underlying abling me to make accurate determinations and who can balance passion with the neces- issues they may have. Dimple Malhotra (D) about bond amounts and bond conditions. sary impartiality demanded by fairness. As A. In my experience as a Magistrate Judge, Background: I have My trial experience has given me extensive a judge, it is imperative that I evaluate each a large majority of misdemeanor cases fi led worked in the fi eld of fam- knowledge of statutes and laws directly rel- case independently and fairly, and that cases in Travis County involve assault family vi- ily violence for 20 years as evant to DV issues. Most importantly, I un- are heard without unnecessary delay. olence cases. County Court 4 needs a judge an advocate, staff att orney derstand that DV is an epidemic that aff ects who will 1) seek to rehabilitate off enders at a shelter, and chief prose- every member of our community. COURT AT LAW NO.  who suff er from drug addiction and men- cutor of the family violence A. Approximately 4,000 misdemeanor tal health issues; who will 2) implement a di- unit at the DA’s offi ce. family violence cases are fi led in County Carlos Berrera (D) versionary court for fi rst-time off enders, sib- Education: In 1994, I graduated from the Court at Law 4 every year. It is important Unopposed lings, roommates, parent-child cases, those University of Texas at Austin with a de- that the docket move effi ciently but not at with a mental illness, and cases involving gree in Sociology and Government. In 1997, the expense of justice. I have already imple- COURT AT LAW NO.  drugs and alcohol. I graduated from the University of Texas mented changes in this court to reduce the A. I believe in compassion, collaboration School of Law. backlog of cases. I have started the process Kim Williams (D) and community. I would provide much- Website: htt p://www.judgedimple.com of transferring all non intimate partner cases Unopposed

DISTRICT ATTORNEY A. As District Att orney, my offi ce will pri- Erin Martinson (D) Q. Explain how this offi ce is important to your constituents and provide details of your oritize transparency. Providing clear, con- Background: For plans for improvement. sistent, and reliable data will enable our of- 20 years, I have devel- fi ce to work with the Travis Co. community oped an expertise and Q. How will you manage your offi ce in a way that will promote fairness and effi ciency? and ensure that our criminal justice sys- provided training on ho- Q . How can you improve the relationship between your offi ce and law enforcement, vic- tem works for everyone. Right now, our sys- listic legal services for victims, and other stakeholders? tem weighs most heavily against working tims of crime. I am also an class people and people of color. It doesn’t Adjunct Professor at UT, have to be that way. Providing clear, consis- School of Law. Martin Harry (R) Website: htt p://www.joseforda.com tent, and reliable data to the public will pro- Education: University of Incarnate Word, Unopposed Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com mote a criminal justice system that is fair Bachelor of Arts, 1996; University of Texas, /Joseforda/ and effi cient. School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1999. José Garza (D) Video: htt ps://youtu.be/TJkrvmRE2Nk A. Right here in Travis Co., our crimi- Website: htt p://erinforda.com/ Background: I started A. Th e job of the District Att orney is to nal justice system is broken. It weighs most Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com my career as a Pub- keep our community safe and protect our heavily against working class people and /erinforda/ lic Defender, served in most vulnerable. In Travis Co., our most people of color and for too long, it has ig- A. Th e DA’s offi ce prosecutes felonies, ju- the Obama Administra- vulnerable include survivors of sexual as- nored the needs of crime survivors. Th at veniles and civil cases fi led by the Child tion, and currently serve sault, people struggling with substance has eroded the relationship between law Protective Services. When elected, I com- as the Executive Direc- abuse, and working people who are only sit- enforcement, victims, and other stake- mit to creating victim-centered sexual as- tor of the Workers Defense ting in our jail because they can’t aff ord to holders. When I am elected DA, we will sault, family violence and child abuse divi- Project. pay bail. When I am elected DA, we will improve these relationships by using our re- sions and dedicating the resources necessary Education: JD from Catholic University build a system that lift s up working people sources to investigate and prosecute pow- to prosecuting these cases. I commit to be- in Washington, D.C., 2005; Bachelor’s De- and people of color, where substance abuse erful actors who have harmed the pub- ing accountable to and transparent with my gree from the University of Texas at Aus- is treated like the public health crisis that it lic and by prioritizing the needs of crime community and I will seek transformative tin, 2001. is, and where women are believed. survivors. solutions to cases that address the root cause

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continued Erin Martinson (D) ( ) been a leader in our long-standing commu- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com increases diversity within our offi ce, and ex- of criminal behavior rather than contribute nity collaborations aimed at improving our /MargaretForDA/ amines the fairness of our case handling and to mass incarceration. response to crime. As a result, I have built re- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/rUHWl4vqStc dispositions. I created a Director of Diver- A. I will value diversity in hiring and pro- lationships and trust across disciplines and, A. From Day One my mission was to re- sity & Community Engagement to work on moting to ensure that my staff bett er repre- when elected, I will continue to work along- form the Criminal Justice System in Travis projects such as an Expunction Expo to give sent the communities and individuals inter- side these partners to ensure that everyone County. We’ve created new Diversion Pro- people a second chance by expunding their facing with the justice system. I commit to in our community is safe and feels valued. grams; the County’s fi rst Adult Sexual As- criminal records. maintaining a community-centered offi ce sault Unit to increase prosecution and bett er A. I am deeply committ ed to reforming and seek more humane ways of addressing Margaret Moore (D) help survivors; the Family Violence Unit to these relationships. We have established and crime. Understanding that the majority of Background: Former Tra- crack down on domestic abuse, and formed participated in numerous groups with those individuals in the justice system have expe- vis Co. Juvenile Public De- the fi rst Civil Rights Division to address po- goals: the Criminal Justice Coordinating rienced trauma, I believe we need to address fender; Asst. D.A.; elected lice violence and discrimination in the crim- Committ ee, the Interagency Sexual Assault this trauma and provide tools and resources County Att orney; County inal justice system. We are building on those Team, the Reentry Roundtable, Psychiatric in order to help individuals heal and break Commissioner Pct. 3; Asst. reforms and expanding those eff orts. Stakeholders, Behavioral Health Advisory free from the system. Att orney General for State A. As part of my reform program, I have Group, the DA’s Civil Rights Advisory Coun- A. By sett ing a tone that values kindness, of Texas established good management that effi - cil, the Jail Population Management Group, dignity and respect for everyone who inter- Education: BBA UT Austin 1970 major in ciently uses tax dollars to focus on high pri- Center for Child Protection Board, Child Fa- faces with the offi ce, I will set an example Accounting; JD UT School of Law 1972 ority violent crimes, captures data to dem- tality Review Team, Victim Services Coun- for others to follow. In Travis county, I have Website: htt p://margaretforda.com onstrate the eff ectiveness of our programs, cil, Central Texas Crisis Mgt. Team etc

COUNTY ATTORNEY ization in Personal Injury Trial, and Labor & Delia Garza (D) Q. What do you see as the most important function of the Offi ce of the County Att orney? Employment Law; B.A. with Highest Hon- Background: I am the ors, UT Austin, 1986 fi rst Latina elected to the Q. What three areas in the County Att orney’s offi ce need improvement and how will you Website: htt p://electlaurie.com Austin City Council. I’m a address these issues? Facebook: htt p://electlaurie.com mom, a former Austin fi re- Video: htt ps://youtu.be/rTP1gKpXUYc fi ghter, a former Assistant A. Th e County Att orney supervises Att orney General, and an Mike Denton (D) A. 1) Closer coordination and coopera- 230 lawyers & staff on thousands of cases; occasional runner. Background: U.S Army tion being the law enforcement and civil- advises Travis County elected offi cials re- Education: I’m the proud product of K-12 Offi cer (1973–1979); As- ian leadership of the offi ce. 2) Rexamina- garding duties; obtains protective orders for public schools. I received my undergradu- sociate Att orney Austin, tion and possible changes to procedures the domestic violence victims; & obtains invol- ate degree from Texas A&M University and TX (1984–1986); Assis- offi ce follows as it respects to criminal and untary commitments for the mentally ill. I’m my J.D. from Gonzaga University School tant County Att orney, Tra- civil cases. 3) Greater communication from a Progressive Democrat, & I’ll use my expe- of Law. vis County, TX (1986–1998); Judge, County the offi ce to the community to ensure those rience as an att orney & reformer to protect Website: htt p://votedeliagarza.com Court-at-Law #4 (1999–2019) we serve are aware of what we are doing and workers; stop the backlog of domestic vio- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com Education: Graduate of United States Mil- why and to allow them an opportunity to lence cases in Family Court; sue big corpo- /deliagarzaaustin/ itary Academy, West Point, NY. (Class of speak directly to myself and everyone else rations causing climate change; & reform A. Th e County Att orney has several im- 1973) Graduate of the University of Texas who works in the offi ce. the criminal justice system. portant functions. First, she is charged with at Austin School f Law, Austin, TX. (Class A. Travis County has made progress us- the prosecution of misdemeanor-level of- of 1984) Laurie Eiserloh (D) ing Diversion Courts to give people a 2nd fenses, with a focus on positive outcomes, Website: htt p://www.votemikedenton Background: 1st Chair chance & has reduced the use of cash bail. rehabilitation, protecting victims, and eq- .com Trial Lawyer, hundreds of But there’s more to do: establish a Mental uitable compassionate practices. Other im- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com cases; restored AIDS fund- Health Diversion Center; stop the backlog portant functions include protecting our /MikeDentonforCountyAtt orney/ ing in TX; sued Greg Ab- of domestic violence cases in Family Court; natural resources by requiring compli- A. Aggressively enforcing Travis County bott over SB4; wrote laws expand diversion & specialty courts; reject ance with environmental regulations, and laws and ensuring that our community is de- against hate crimes; won cases with police bias at the outset; have rep- advising and empowering Travis County fended from corporate polluters, meddling same-sex benefi ts for City resentation for defendants 24-7; make ex- elected offi cials to fi ght state overreach by a Republican Governor or Legislature employees. punction available to all who qualify; sep- and to more fully address our aff ordability and ensuring freedom and equality for all Education: J.D., UT School of Law, 1990; arate bond review from plea agreements; challenges. under the law. Board Certifi ed by TX Board Legal Special- continue to reform cash bail; and more. A. We must address racial disparities in

COUNTY ATTORNEY Dominic Selvera (D) Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com A. 1) We will end the unjust cash bail sys- Background: I’m a crimi- /dominicselvera2020/ tem, 2) full decriminalization of marijuana continued Delia Garza (D) ( ) nal defense att orney. Most A. Th e most important function of the Tra- cases less than 4 oz, and 3) fi x the backlog our system with reform eff orts that include of my docket involves rep- vis County Att orney’s Offi ce is to set pol- of domestic violence cases that are funneled declining to charge marijuana off enses and resenting indigent clients icy for the prosecution of misdemeanor of- into County Court 4. Our new policy will off enses that are usually a byproduct of pov- who can’t aff ord to hire pri- fenses. Misdemeanor off enses make up the recommend the presumption of release for erty like food theft . Archaic and failed poli- vate counsel. I’m licensed majority of criminal charges fi led in Tra- misdemeanor cases with conditions added cies throughout the system have distracted in state and federal court. vis County. Our misdemeanor policy aff ects when appropriate. We will dismiss all mari- us from what is really a public and mental Education: Bachelor of Arts, Management, victims of crime, defendants, family mem- juana cases and decline to prosecute future health crisis. I commit to bett er collabora- May 2002, Concordia University Austin; Ju- bers, and our community. It’s important that cases. We will advocate to move domestic vi- tion with mental health organizations and ris Doctor, May 2016, St. Mary’s University the policies of the County Att orney’s Offi ce olence cases to all county courts and off er a the Sobering Center. We need bold lead- School of Law refl ect the values of our progressive commu- restorative justice option. ership willing to fi ght state overreach like Website: htt p://www.dominicselvera nity. It’s my priority to focus on programs voter suppression tactics. .com that make Travis County safer.

SHERIFF Sally Hernandez (D) alliances with organizations to decriminal- Q. Explain how this offi ce is important to your constituents and provide details of your Background: Elected ize mental illness and connect families to plans for improvement. Sheriff (2017–Current). resources. Elected Constable, Pre- A. We’re already making a positive impact Q. How would you improve community trust in your offi ce? cinct 3 (2013–2016). in this arena. We’ve partnered with several Q . Describe how your offi ce would improve interactions with people suff ering a mental Chief of Investigations for local organizations including NAMI of Cen- health crisis. the Travis County Dis- tral Texas and Integral Care. Our deputies trict Att orney’s Offi ce and corrections offi cers are receiving spe- (2005–2012). cialized training designed to help them de- Raul Vargas (R) jail and incarceration, alternative programs Education: B.S. Criminal Justice from escalate a mental health crisis and divert the Unopposed for those affl icted with mental health issues St. Edward’s University. Master Peace Offi - patient to care rather than jail. We also off er or addiction. cer Certifi cation. classes to the families of inmates with men- Liz Donegan (D) A. We must begin by reaching out to mar- Website: htt p://www.vote4sally.com tal illness that teach them how to get help in Background: Army Vet- ginalized communites and having conver- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com a crisis and avoid situations that can lead to eran, Travis County Sher- sations of substance. Implementing prac- /Vote4Sally arrest. iff Offi ce Corrections Offi - tice and policy that focuses on community A. I’ll continue to reform the criminal jus- cer, Senior Sergeant Austin collaboration and de-escalation technques. tice system, establish strong partnerships John Loughran (D) Police Department (RET), Looking at the judicial system with eyes to- within the community, and ensure dep- No Response Received Intl’ subject matt er ex- ward progressive approaches that are trauma uties and corrections offi cers are trained pert on violence against informed and heavily focused on diversion and equipped to serve the needs of Tra- women. programs that will end the door of genera- vis County. I have nearly 40 years of law en- Education: BS Social Psychology, Park Uni- tional incarceration. Education, communi- forcement experience and am the only can- DONATE! versity (magna cum laude) West Point / UT cation and collaboration are keys to success didate in this race who has led three law Leadership Academy Master Peace Offi cer in changing the culture within TCSO. enforcement agencies. I’ve been a chief ex- Support the Voters Guide production and Trainer A. I will introduce an evidence-based, pro- ecutive since 2005, balanced county agency Website: htt p://lizforsheriff .com gressive approach to help end the revolving budgets, and have a proven record of leader- with a contribution to the League of Facebook: htt p://Lizforsheriff door of incarceration for those affl icted with ship and earning trust. Women Voters Austin Area, a non- A. As a long-time law enforcement offi - mental illness and addiction. We will work A. I’ll build trust with the community by cer and nationally recognized expert in the with community leaders and implement continuing and expanding upon the initia- partisan nonprofi t 501(c)(3) organi- area of sexual violence, I bring the knowl- eff ective programs that address the root tives we implemented over the last three edge and expertise required to successfully causes, such as trauma, and provide a path years that are achieving great results. Th ese zation. 3908 Avenue B, Austin, TX execute on our most important initiatives. I out of repeat incarcerations to a productive include, but are not limited to Building 78751 or make a secure donation on- will bring best practices to key areas of the and fulfi lling life. Th rough my leadership, Bridges Town Hall meetings, crime initia- Travis County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, including re- and new policy and practice we will ensure tives that respond to citizen reports and sta- line at LWVAustin.org. sponse to and investigations of sexual as- that every community members are treated tistical trends, a robust community out- sault, ongoing challenges with the womens’ with dignity and respect. reach team, involvement in our schools and

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area LOCAL TRAVIS COUNTY

COUNTY CONSTABLE healthy relationship with the Judge and staff livering papers and/or a failure to properly Q. Explain how this offi ce is important to your constituents and provide details of your helps the offi ce operate effi ciently. I plan to research locations resulting in invalid at- plans for improvement. continue to maintain a strong working re- tempts. I need to evaluate processes, deter- lationship with the court as we work to dis- mine whether processes are duplicated or Q. How would you improve community trust in your offi ce? mantle the school-to-prison pipeline and can be streamlined. Q . How can your offi ce improve the effi ciency of the court system? provide the citizens of Travis County the best customer service. PRECINCT 

PRECINCT  Sam Holt (D) Janie Serna (D) Adan Ballesteros (D) No Response Received Background: I want to Background: I am a Cer- Michael Carter (D) earn your support in my tifi ed Master Peace Offi - Background: Retired police offi cer. Retired Tonya Nixon (D) race to become the next cer with 41 years of Law Code Compliance Offi cer. Texas Army Na- Background: Native Constable of Precinct 1. Enforcement experience. tional Guard.12years. Past Community Re- (44yrs old) of Austin, I’m a life-long Democrat 21 of those years in the sources offi cer. Member of the E.S.D. board. TX. Mother of one son. and long-time resident of Constables Offi ce, 12 of Volunteer various 15 years law enforcement Precinct 1. I’m a career those years as Constable of Education: Master police offi cer certifi cate. exp. TJCTC Education public servant. Precinct 2 Graduate Old Anderson High School. At- Comm., Member ILEETA Education: Associates Degree, Criminal Education: Att ended Del Mar College - tended various Colleges with over 100 hours Assc., Eastern Travis Justice; Associates Degree, Corrections Corpus Christi and UT - Austin Graduated of college credits. Over 3000 hours of police County Colony Park Advisory Comm Website: htt p://www.votejanie.com from Texas DPS Law Enforcement Acad- training. Education: Austin Community College, Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com emy. Many Various Certifi cations including Facebook: htt p://michaelcartercampaign Virginia College, and Colorado Tech. Ex- /votejaniepct1 LEMIT Leadership Course @yahoo.com tensive training Advanced Tcole Cert and A. Since Constable’s offi ces are not “call Website: htt p://adanballesteros.com A. Th is offi ce has built the trust of the com- Civil Process Profi ciency Certifi cation driven,” there is a genuine opportunity to Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com munity, Offi cers of this unity have been and Website: htt p://tonyaforconstable.com develop police-community partnerships, a /TCConstablePct2/ will have a support for the community as Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com foundation for communities that are safer A. My offi ce provides a necessary ser- provided by its leader.Th e elected constable /tonyaforconstable/ and [ultimately] more caring places to live. vice in that our mandated duty is to serve must have support from all of its offi cers who A. In addition to our primary function of We will focus on issues important to the civil process and we serve it with compas- will get bett er training of community, val- executing civil process, we provide protec- community, including investing in our chil- sion and respect to all parties aff ected. My ues, responsibilities, vision, self awareness tion, enforce laws, and participate in com- dren. Estimates show that children are 1/3 of plan for improvement is to continue to pro- of community needs and keeping all citizens munity outreach services. We are licensed our population; they are 100% of our future. vide increased training to my Deputies to safe. As a leader i must understand the im- peace offi cers and we must exercise due dil- I will create a Constable’s Veterans Advisory ensure they are knowledgeable to new or re- portance of being seen as a person who cares igence while being courteous and mindful Board, providing a bridge for veterans need- vised procedures. With the population ex- about the citizens, by doing the right thing. at all times. I plan to revisit policies to en- ing assistance. ploding exponentially in Travis County, A. Trust must always be obtained by hon- sure the constable’s offi ce is providing the A. Th e community expects that all law en- I am also planning to allocate more re- esty and integrity. Truthfully communica- best service possible. I will lead the eff ort to forcement offi cers: 1. be knowledgeable in sources towards our Civil Department to tion will build greater good for the commu- create a Crisis Intervention Team and en- their job, 2. exercise compassion in the per- keep up with the increasing amount of civil nity. Regarding the offi ce, law enforcement sure all deputies have their Mental Health formance of their duties - treating every per- process. is critical to our community but it can be a Certifi cation. son they encounter with the respect and dig- A. Outreach is very important to me and partnership. We need to be in the commu- A. Th e only way to eff ectively serve your nity that they deserve, 3. use common sense I believe that is the main building block to- nity more. I’d like to see a youth leadership community is by having a direct connection when working. I will ensure that these ex- wards achieving the trust of the community. program with the schools so students who without an offi cial request or directive. Have pectations are met. We, as a department, will We participate in many community events may be interested in the fi eld learn about law presence. I want to bring peace of mind to ACT - accountability, collaboration, and in our precinct, providing visible safety and enforcement. More information to commu- those frightened by police through commu- transparency - in a way that the community security for our citizens. I have also insti- nity organizations and churches about our nity education, awareness, and involvement. does not doubt us. [Portion of response re- tuted an outreach program that provides services and invite community leaders. By being transparent, increasing patrols in moved; does not meet criteria.] benefi ts to our youth, elderly, homeless, A. Improvement can only be achieved residential areas, and working alongside citi- A. Th e fi rst step to fi xing a problem is iden- and military veterans. I am also planning with some changes in the law as it deals with zens in activities with housing developments tifying the problem, so, to fi x any problems, to bring back my Constable’s Board of Citi- communication from the diff erent court sys- and neighborhood associations, we can elect me. Once elected, I will meet with the zens that will bring together members of the tems, municipal, county and Justice of the achieve a safer and more-informed commu- existing team, fi nd out our equipment needs community to discuss issues. Peace. Th ere needs to be a study into the nity while building trust. - are the computers old and slow, for exam- A. We have improved our effi ciency by Truancy court systems, to fi nd out the root A. Constables are the chief process serv- ple. Team engagement is key. I will meet moving towards being mostly paperless in causes as to why kids are not in school. ers for the Justice of Peace Court. Having a with the JP, fi nd out if there is a delay in de- our offi ce. We have also introduced a new

PRECINCT  Education: 2019 Graduate FBI/LEEDA three decades in law enforcement, I can say PRECINCT  Trilogy 2005 Graduate with Honors - Asso- that I have always been very proud of my ca- continued Adan Ballesteros (D) ( ) ciate of Applied Science Degree in Business reer choice. Law enforcement is a profes- George Morales (D) entry program called CivilServe that allows Administration. 1992 Graduate of the East sion few can understand if they are not actu- Unopposed our staff the ability to enter a civil paper and Texas Police Academy ally a part of it. It is a career I chose because assign it to a Deputy in seconds. CivilServe Website: htt p://www.votedeke.com I wanted a job that I enjoyed and one that I PRECINCT  also provides real-time updates that is acces- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com felt would make a diff erence. To do the right sible to anyone wanting to know the status /votedeke/ thing all of the time not just when people are Carlos B. Lopez (D) of civil process on a particular case. We are A. I am here before asking for your support watching. Unopposed working towards the goal of completing the and vote for Travis County Pct. 2 Constable. A. By being a good steward of taxpayer entire process of entering, serving, and fi ling Th e constable’s offi ce does not write laws, dollars and working with the courts to bet- COUNTY TAX in 48 hours. nor does it interrupt laws. Th e constable is ter serve each of their offi ces will only en- ASSESSORCOLLECTOR elected to a constitutionally created offi ce hance the performance of the court systems Deke Pierce (D) for a four-year term within each justice pre- and will bett er serve the people of Travis Marilyn Jackson (R) Background: I am off er- cinct. Th e constable is an authorized peace County. It’s about building relationships and Unopposed ing over 30 years of solid offi cer and is the chief process server of the working collaboratively with others for the military, correctional and precinct. Plans for improvement consist of good of the people. Bruce Elfant (D) law enforcement experi- treating the people and employees with the Unopposed ence; of which just over dignity and respect they deserve. PRECINCT  22 years have been as a A. Public trust is extremely important, dedicated and proactive you must trust your law enforcement to do Stacy Suits (D) law enforcement. their job and do the right thing. With nearly Unopposed

LOCAL WILLIAMSON COUNTY

DISTRICT COURT JUDGES DISTRICT ATTORNEY COUNTY COMMISSIONER

TH DISTRICT TH DISTRICT PRECINCT  SAVE TIME USE OUR INTERACTIVE Donna King (R) Shawn Dick (R) Nikki Gonzales (R) VOTERS GUIDE . . . Unopposed Unopposed Unopposed At VOTE411.org, fi nd your per- Brian McConnell (D) COUNTY ATTORNEY Terry Cook (D) Unopposed Unopposed sonal ballot and Voters Guide infor- Dee Hobbs (R) mation for the candidates. Don’t see TH DISTRICT Unopposed PRECINCT  a question that meets your burn- Ryan Larson (R) Stan O. Springerly (D) Valerie Covey (R) ing need? Candidate campaign web- Unopposed Unopposed Unopposed sites on VOTE411.org make it easy Lucio Del Toro (D) Sharon Cummings (D) to delve deeper too. Make your de- Unopposed Unopposed cisions, then print them out to take TH DISTRICT SHERIFF with you to the polling place. Remem- Betsy F. Lambeth (R) Robert Chody (R) ber, no mobile devices are allowed in Unopposed Unopposed the voting booth, but printed Voters Mike Gleason (D) Guide info is. Unopposed

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area LOCAL WILLIAMSON COUNTY

COUNTY CONSTABLE A. Th rough mentor programs in area Gregory Papst (D) Q. Explain how this offi ce is important to your constituents and provide details of your schools and by serving the community with Background: As a resi- plans for improvement. honesty, integrity and accountability. Get- dent in the Williamson/ ting involved in community activities and Travis County area for Q. How would you improve community trust in your offi ce? interacting with citizens is important for 49 years, I have served as a Q . How can your offi ce improve the effi ciency of the court system? them to see that we are them and they are deputy constable for over us. I will be transparent and available to the 25 years. citizens. Education: Graduate of PRECINCT  oratively work with us to make our commu- A. Our offi ce is involved with every level Round Rock High School in 1981 and sub- nity united as a whole. We do not want to be of the court system and is responsible for ef- sequent graduate of the police academy Vinnie Cherrone (R) good, we strive to be great. We must be ini- fectively communicating with private att or- in 1989 Unopposed tiative driven, striving to cultivate a safer neys, prosecutors, court clerks, plaintiff s and Facebook: htt p://Papst2020 and stronger community. defendants. Our job requires a clear under- A. Having lived and served this commu- Mickey Chance (D) A. A problem seen within the court system standing of what must transpire with each nity since 1969 along with my 25 years of ex- Unopposed is the number of defendants that fail to show document. perience with the service of civil process, up for scheduled court appearances. When Communication and a strong working re- warrant service, juvenile law and apprehen- PRECINCT  this happens, it not only disrupts the court lationship with the courts, clerks, att orneys, sion and community policing, I believe in docket, but it also contributes to additional and parties involved increases effi ciency. taking my many years of knowledge and Jeﬀ Anderson (R) court actions such as failure to appear or Th is ensures court process is dealt with in a working with you, the community, to bridge Background: I am a busi- contempt of court proceedings. Th e Consta- timely manner and to the satisfaction of all the gap between law enforcement and the ness owner, and a real es- ble’s Offi ce assists the court system by help- parties. public. Th e best way is to get into our com- tate agent. I am also retired ing the court locate persons whose presence from the Travis County in court is required. More personnel added Sheriff ’s Offi ce, and the to the constables as the county grows is vital retired from the US Air to help with this. Force Reserves. VOTING BY MAIL Renee Harrell (R) Education: College studies: Commu- Any registered voter may vote by mail for the March 3, 2020 election if they meet at nity College of the Air Force,Liberty Background: I’ve been a least one of the following eligibility requirements: University,and American Military Univer- licensed Texas peace offi - ➤ Are 65 years of age or older; or are sick or disabled (eligible for mail ballots for an sity. Master Peace Offi cer, Master Correc- cer since 1994, working in entire calendar year, all others must apply before each election) tions Offi cer,Training Instructor. dispatch, jail, patrol, tacti- ➤ Expect to be absent from the county during the entire early voting period includ- Website: htt p://www.jeff forconstable cal/undercover operations, ing Election Day, AND provide an out-of-county address where the ballot can be .com/ narcotics investigations, mailed, AND include dates they can receive mail at the out-of-county address* Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com criminal and civil law. ➤ Confi ned in jail, but otherwise eligible to vote /Jeff AndersonForConstable/ Education: 1989 graduate of Copperas Video: htt ps://youtu.be/kEJ3ajFNlXA Cove High School; 1994 graduate of Cen- *Voters who are absent from the county because they are active duty military or be- A. My plan is, create increased visibility tral Texas College 60th Regional Po- cause they reside overseas should complete a Federal Post Card Application. Informa- for both the courts and citizens. I want to lice Academy. Hold a Master peace offi cer tion and forms are available from the counties or state offi ce. make sure the deputies are fully equipped license. Th e procedure: and staff ed so they can work in school zones, Website: htt p://reneeharrell.com 1. Request the application from the county, which is available for download from the and other high traffi c areas needing att en- Facebook: htt p://facebook.com/renee county elections or secretary of state websites, or by calling or emailing the ap- tion. I also understand Integrity within Pre- harrellforconstable2 propriate offi ce. Th e application is known as an ABBM (application for a ballot cinct 2 Constables offi ce is of major impor- A. Constables are peace offi cers that serve by mail). tance. We as an offi ce cannot gain the trust civil process, enforce environmental laws, 2. IMPORTANT—Th e application MUST be completed and received by the early of the community for which we serve if we conduct traffi c initiatives, respond to calls voting clerk in Travis or Williamson County Elections Division offi ce by Febru- do not serve the highest moral and ethical when requested or when a crime is observed ary 21, 2020. NOTE: If you submit an Application for a Ballot by Mail by fax or standards. Integrity within our organization and perform all related law enforcement du- email, it must also be submitt ed by mail and received in our offi ce within four busi- is paramount. ties. As constable, I will work to provide ness days of your electronic submission. A. Leading with transparency, experience, a mentor program in area schools and en- 3. Once received, the mail ballot MUST be completed and received back by the and integrity. We don’t want to forget about sure immediate access to area schools in the appropriate early voting clerk no later than Election Day, March 3, 2020, or accessibility. We want an offi ce where citi- event of a critical incident. I will ensure dep- postmarked on March 3 and received by March 4, or by March 9 if mailed out- zen’s voices can be heard. Meeting with citi- uties receive advanced training in response side the US. zens and citizens groups to share with them to active threats and dealing with those in what we do, and empower them to collab- mental health crisis.

PRECINCT  of new technology to receive, serve and re- Facebook: htt p://www.facebook.com fi cient service of civil process. When de- turn all civil process. Th is will ensure effi - /HobyforConstablePct4 fendants, witnesses, and plaintiff s are in continued Gregory Papst (D) ( ) cient use of tax payer dollars. A. Th e constable’s offi ce performs duties court for their proceedings it is more likely munity and continue to work together as a related to civil law and process which are to be sett led and the case disposed making team, with an open mind. Robert Tijerina (D) constitutional requirements set out in the room for new cases to move forward on the A. Our team will be a positive contribu- No Response Received Texas Constitution. Constable’s and depu- docket. tion to Williamson County by maintaining ties commissioned under the offi ce are certi- an open mind and transparent communica- PRECINCT  fi ed peace offi cers and licensed by the Texas Perry Travis (D) tion. We will provide mental health train- Commission on Law Enforcement and de- No Response Received ing for all offi cers to include de-escalation Kevin Stoﬂ e (R) rive their authority from the Texas Code of training to keep all parties involved safe. Unopposed Criminal Procedure. COUNTY TAX Our offi cers will be proactive while in your A. Hoby believes in a “WE” mindset when ASSESSORCOLLECTOR neighborhoods serving civil process always PRECINCT  it comes to public service. Elected offi cials watching and willing to help a community are in offi ce to serve the community they Larry Gaddes (R) member, working traffi c in school zones or Paul Leal (R) are elected to represent. Hoby believes com- Unopposed stopping to talk to a parent or homeowner Unopposed munication and collaboration is the key to about their concerns. solving problems. Hoby will be accessible A. Our mission is to provide a professional Hoby Smith (D) to those he is elected to serve and will pro- and knowledgeable Constable’s offi ce. We Background: Retired vide an ear to listen and collaborate with the will ensure profi ciency for our deputies in peace offi cer with 30 years community to solve problems and will com- the service of civil process, state laws and experience. municate eff ectively with all constituents. community contact and policing. We vow to Website: htt p://hoby A. Th e constable’s offi ce can improve the provide exceptional service through the use forconstable.com court system by providing eff ective and ef-

NEW VOTING SYSTEM

Th ere is a new voting system in place for Tra- VOTE vis County and Williamson County elec- At check-in you will receive a blank ballot. Insert this ballot into any tions. Both counties are now using an Ex- ExpressVote BMD. Follow instructions on the screen for making your pressVote Ballot Marking Device (BMD), selections. Poll workers will be available if you need assistance. which uses touch-screen technology but produces a paper-based ballot for tabulation.

It’s modern, secure, and allows you to verify REVIEW your selections before casting your vote. When prompted, print your ballot. Carefully review all the selections printed on the card to be sure it accurately reﬂ ects your choices. For more information, please visit: htt p://traviscountyclerk.org/eclerk /Content.do?code=meet-your-new SCAN -voting-system You MUST then scan your ballot into the DS to cast your or vote. Do NOT leave the polling location with your ballot. www.wilco.org/wilcovotes

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: VOTERS GUIDEPRIMARY ELECTION  ©  League of Women Voters Austin Area CENSUS AND REDISTRICTING

THE  CENSUS IMPACTS REDISTRICTING IN TEXAS!

What is the Census, and how does it impact you? ➤ Th e Census is a count of all persons living in the U.S. It is conducted every 10 years by the federal government, and it is mandated by the Constitution. ➤ Resources for the Community: We track changes in our population in order to know where to send resources and federal services. Census data is used to distribute over $800 billion in federal funds annually. States use this money to pay for services and programs that are absolutely vital to the community, such as healthcare, highway funding, and education. Each person counted in your community means additional federal dollars in your community. ➤ Basis for Representation: Th ese population changes also have an aff ect on our democracy. Th e Census count is used to determine how many seats each state gets in Congress and how district lines are drawn at every level of government. ➤ Community Development: Census data impacts planning and development in your community. It guides decisions on where to build businesses, subdivisions, schools, and roads. It is used by healthcare offi cials to plan resources and appropriate care for the surrounding population. REDISTRICTINGNEW DISTRICT MAPS When will the Census be conducted? TO BE DRAWN AFTER  CENSUS Starts: March 2020 Once we know how many people live in Texas, the state legislature will start the redistricting Ends: July 2020 process and redraw the boundaries of the state legislative and congressional districts so that they are equal in population. Th ese election maps will be used for the next decade. How can people complete the Census questionnaire? Because of partisan gerrymandering, the way the district boundaries are drawn deter- ➤ Online mine the power of your vote. Th e boundaries determine how you are represented, which ➤ Over the phone other communities are included in your district, and ultimately, who will be elected to rep- ➤ Th e paper form resent you. Th ose elected offi cials then go on to make important decisions that impact you ➤ Or, by responding to a Census worker at your home and your family on a daily basis, such as the quality of the air you breathe, the quality of your child’s school, and how much you pay in taxes. What the Census will send you in the mail What Can You Do to Inﬂ uence the New District Maps? On or between You’ll receive Th e Legislature has already begun the process for the 2021 redrawing of state and federal March 12–20 An invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census. legislative districts. In the fall of 2019, the Texas House Redistricting Committ ee started (Some households will also receive paper questionnaires.) holding Public Input Hearings for the 2021 redistricting. Th e Texas Senate Redistricting Committ ee will begin holding hearings in March of 2020. (Schedules can be found below.) March 16–24 A reminder lett er. Public comments at the committ ee hearings will be used to assist the Legislature when it If you haven’t responded yet: draws district boundaries. March 26–April 3 A reminder postcard. Public Input Hearings Schedule April 8–16 A reminder lett er and paper questionnaire. You are invited to att end a local public hearing to let your state legislators know your con- April 20–27 A fi nal reminder postcard before the Census follows up in person. cerns, where your community is located and encourage them to conduct a transparent process. You can fi nd guidance for how to testify on the League webpage, see below. Are Census Responses Conﬁ dential? Yes. If you are unable to att end a hearing and would still like to provide testimony, you may email or call legislators on the Redistricting Committ ee. A list of committ ee member infor- ➤ All Census data are protected by federal law to be kept confi dential for 72 years. mation can be found here: htt p://bit.ly/2KrYk0N ➤ Th e Census Bureau cannot share data with any other federal agency. Th e League of Women Voters of Texas, working with Fair Maps Texas, is providing train- ➤ All Census Bureau employees swear to a lifetime oath to protect respondent informa- ing in advance of many of the hearings. tion and will be fi ned $250,000 and/or face up to 5 years imprisonment for wrongful disclosure. More Information: “It is your right to be counted! Filling out the form is fast, easy, and secure.” Th e League of Women Voters of Texas: htt ps://my.lwv.org/texas/advocacy —Grace Chimene, President, League of Women Voters of Texas -issues/redistrictingcensus Fair Maps Texas: htt ps://www.fairmapstexas.org/ For more information about the 2020 Census: htt ps://www.census.gov/library Th e Texas Legislative Council: htt ps://redistricting.capitol.texas.gov /visualizations/2019/comm/2020-everyone.html Texas Legislature’s website: htt ps://capitol.texas.gov