A Guide to Help Voters Make Informed Choices in the General Election the League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area Is a Strictly Nonpartisan Organization

2020 Voters Guide Early Voting: October 13-30 Election Day: November 3

A Guide to help voters make informed choices in the General Election The League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area is a strictly nonpartisan organization. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Table of Contents A Letter to Voters...... 3 About This Guide...... 3 How the League Gathered the Data ...... 3 Registration Deadline Ballot Tracking...... 3 To vote in the November 3 election, you MUST have registered Other races on the ballot...... 3 by October 5. Voting Information...... 4 Vote safely...... 4 Vote Centers for Election Day...... 4 District Judge Criminal...... 28 The Voting Process...... 4 District Judge Criminal, 175th Judicial District...... 28 Voting Machines...... 4 District Judge Criminal, 379th Judicial District...... 28 Other Important instructions:...... 4 District Judge Criminal, 399th Judicial District...... 28 Accessibility, Languages...... 4 District Judge Criminal, 144th Judicial District...... 29 Showing Identification...... 4 District Judge Juvenile...... 30 Provisional Balloting...... 4 District Judge Juvenile, 386th Judicial District...... 30 Vote by Mail...... 5 District Judge Civil...... 30 Helpful Information and contact numbers ...... 5 District Judge Civil, 37th Judicial District...... 30 About the League...... 5 District Judge Civil, 57th Judicial District...... 31 U.S. President...... 6 District Judge Civil, 73rd Judicial District...... 31 U.S. Senator...... 6 District Judge Civil, 131st Judicial District...... 31 U.S. House of Representatives...... 7 District Judge Civil, 166th Judicial District...... 31 Texas U. S. Representative District 20...... 7 District Judge Civil, 407th Judicial District...... 31 Texas U. S. Representative District 21...... 8 District Judge Civil, 408th Judicial District...... 32 Texas U. S. Representative District 23...... 9 District Judge Civil, 438th Judicial District...... 32 Texas U. S. Representative District 28...... 10 Bexar County Sheriff...... 32 Texas U. S. Representative District 35...... 10 Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector...... 33 Texas Railroad Commissioner...... 11 Bexar County Commissioner...... 33 Voting for Judges...... 12 Bexar County Commissioner Precinct 1...... 33 Texas Supreme Court...... 13 Bexar County Commissioner Precinct 2...... 34 Texas Supreme Court, Chief Justice...... 13 Bexar County Commissioner Precinct 3...... 34 Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 6 (Unexpired Term)..... 13 Bexar County Justice of the Peace...... 35 Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 7...... 14 Bexar County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2...... 35 Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 8...... 14 Bexar County Constable...... 35 Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3...... 15 Bexar County Constable Precinct 1...... 35 Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4...... 16 Bexar County Constable Precinct 2...... 35 Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9...... 16 Bexar County Constable Precinct 3...... 35 State Board of Education...... 17 Bexar County Constable Precinct 4...... 36 Member, State Board of Education, District 5...... 17 Vote! It is in your best interest...... 36 Texas State Senator...... 17 Propositions...... 37 Texas State Senator, District 19...... 17 City of San Antonio – Proposition A...... 37 Texas State Senator, District 26...... 18 Propositions...... 38 Texas State Representative...... 18 City of San Antonio – Proposition B...... 38 Texas State Representative District 116...... 18 Advanced Transportation District – Proposition A ...... 38 Texas State Representative District 117...... 23 Find Out Where to Vote/Early Voting Locations...... 40 Texas State Representative District 118...... 23 Texas State Representative District 119...... 24 Texas State Representative District 120...... 25 Texas State Representative District 121...... 26 Texas State Representative District 122...... 27 Vote Early, Texas State Representative District 123...... 27 Texas State Representative District 124...... 27 Texas State Representative District 125...... 27 Justice Court of Appeals...... 28 Texas Chief Justice, 4th Court of Appeals...... 28 Vote Safe

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition Voters Guide layout and design by hmt3design.com 2 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area A Letter to Voters Dear Voter, You will be casting your ballot this general election under unprecedented conditions. Stakes in this election are amazingly high and so is the health anxiety surrounding us. In spite of all the efforts to tame the pandemic, it continues to be a public health crisis. The League not only wants you to be an informed voter but also a safe voter. Being prepared with your voting choices is always helpful but it is even more critical this election, especially for voters who will be voting in person and who would prefer to spend minimum time at the polling booth. The ballot this election will be long since it will include municipal races that were postponed in May and also referendum questions. This is the first time you will not be able to vote a straight ticket. Getting informed about down-ballot candidates is also critical because these are the races that impact your day-to day-lives the most. To help you, this Voters Guide includes unedited responses from the candidates themselves to questions posed by the League. This should help you find the candidate who best represents you. The Guide also provides arguments for and against for each of the referendum questions. For municipal races, we ask that you check with your municipalities and school boards for information about the candidates and issues there. Our electronic Voters Guide – https://vote411.org – includes responses to additional questions posed to the candidates. Elections are about choices. Make your informed choices and let your voices be heard. Help shape America with your vote.

Madhu Sridhar President, League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area

About This Guide No More Straight-Ticket Voting This Voters Guide is put together by the League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area, a strictly non-partisan organization, to fulfill Because of a change in Texas law, there is no straight-ticket its longstanding commitment to promote an active and informed option on this ballot, although that is currently in dispute in electorate. The League neither supports nor opposes any political party the courts. You must pick a candidate in each race in which you or candidate. This public service effort is designed to provide the voters choose to vote. The party affiliations are listed on the ballots. with the information they need to help them make informed choices about the candidates and issues in the November 3 Election. In addition, to ensure that the Bexar County voters are aware of their Ballot Tracking voting rights at the polls and are empowered, this Guide also includes the Texas Voters’ Bill of Rights in both English and in Spanish. It lists Track your mail ballot application and your completed mailed ballot at 15 voters’ rights in simple language that includes voter identification the Bexar Elections website: bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department requirements, provisional balloting, complaint process and more. How the League Gathered the Data Other races on the ballot In compiling information for this Voters Guide, the ALL- In addition to the races whose candidates were sent questionnaires in VOLUNTEER League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area this Voters Guide and the San Antonio referendums, the November sent questionnaires to all candidates in contested races. To follow up, 3 ballot includes races in many small Bexar County municipalities, candidates were contacted by email or phone. school districts and utility districts. Please check with these entities for information about the candidates and issues. The League formulated all questions asked of the candidates. Candidate replies are printed without editing or verification. Due They are: Alamo Colleges District, Alamo Heights, Converse, to space restrictions, candidates were given strict word limits. The Fair Oaks Ranch, Helotes, Hollywood Park, Kirby, Leon Valley, software truncates answers at the limit in a form that candidates can Sandy Oaks, Schertz, Selma, Somerset, Terrell Hills, Universal City, Windcrest, Edgewood Independent School District, Medina Valley see. All candidates were informed of this process. ISD, North East ISD, SAISD bond, Somerset ISD, South San ISD, The League assumes no responsibility for replies not received or Southwest ISD, Green Valley Special District, and Trinity Glen Rose received after the deadline. Replies received after the deadline are District. available on VOTE411.org, the League’s online resource for upcoming elections.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 3 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Voting Information To vote in the November 3 election, you must have registered by October 5. Vote safely J Once the tabulator has registered your vote, the card drops into the locked bin underneath. To protect yourself and others from COVID-19: J Wear a mask Other Important instructions: J Maintain social distancing J You can use the screen as it is, make the type larger or adjust the J Follow sanitation instructions from poll workers contrast for comfortable viewing. J Make a list of your choices ahead of time and take it with you to J You may switch between English and Spanish on your ballot at any allow you to spend minimum time at the voting site. time by pressing the “language” button. J The machines are also capable of selecting an audio ballot for the Vote Centers for Election Day blind. J Voters will be allowed to vote at any open voting site on Election J Special machines can be taken outside for disabled voters who need Day, just as they do in early voting. to remain in their cars. J Early voting locations will also be open on Election Day. Accessibility, Languages J In response to COVID-19, two mega centers in large facilities will be open for early voting and on Election Day with multiple All polling places must be accessible to people with disabilities. People check-in tables and more room for social distancing. Find the mega with mobility problems are allowed to move to the front of the line. center closer to you in the Early Voting Locations list on the back Ballots are provided in English and Spanish. People who are not page of this Guide. proficient in either language may select as an interpreter anyone who is Wherever you go, you will not be turned away if you are registered not the voter’s employer, an agent of the voter’s employer, or an officer in Bexar County. Polling sites will be listed on the Bexar Elections or agent of a labor union to which the voter belongs. The interpreter Department website, http://www.bit.ly/bexelex.com, after early voting must take an oath of interpreter. ends, and in the Express-News immediately before Election Day. A person who is physically unable to mark the ballot or read it may ask for assistance from anyone who is not the voter’s employer, an agent of The Voting Process the voter’s employer, or an officer or agent of a labor union to which When you enter the polling place and reach the front of the line, hand the voter belongs. The assistant must take an oath of assistance. Two your identification to the election official at the computer, who will poll workers can also assist. check you in and have you sign the register. A poll worker will escort you to a voting machine. If you need instructions, you can ask the poll Showing Identification worker then or at any other time. All voters must show identification before voting. The preferred Make sure you follow the instructions to finalize your vote. Once method is to show one of the seven acceptable forms of photo you have done that, you may leave. (See instructions under Voting identification. They are listed on the back of the Texas Voters’ Bill of Machines below) Rights, on Pages 19-22 of this Voters Guide. If you have one but did If you make a mistake on your ballot, you can ask for a new one before not bring it, and you cannot return to the polls with it before closing, you walk away from the booth. Do not wait, because once someone you can vote a provisional ballot. If you take your ID to the elections else’s ballot is loaded, your ballot cannot be retrieved. office within 6 calendar days, your vote will be counted. If you do not have one of the acceptable IDs and cannot reasonably Voting Machines obtain one, you can fill out a Reasonable Impediment declaration Instructions for the Machines (they were updated last year): explaining why and show a document from another list, which is also on the back of the Texas Voters’ Bill of Rights. J Feed the card given to you by the poll worker into the machine. The machine will display your ballot. Make your selections. Provisional Balloting J Once you have made all your choices, press a button and the card is In most circumstances, anyone who comes to a polling site to vote ejected. and does not appear to meet the requirements – whether because of J Check your card carefully to make sure what is printed is what you identification, not being on the rolls, or any other circumstance – can chose. vote a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is sealed in an envelope J Take the card to the tabulator, which looks like a large bin with a with a signed affidavit by the voter, who swears that he or she is eligible laptop on top and has a poll worker next to it. to vote. After the election, a panel studies each provisional ballot J Feed the card into the slot. This is VERY IMPORTANT – that is and rules on whether it should be counted. Each provisional voter is when your vote is registered. notified of the final status. J Don’t leave with your card or you have not voted. More information about your voting rights is in the Texas Voters’ Bill of Rights, Pages 19-22.

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 4 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Vote by Mail Use the following two sites to: J In Texas, you can request a mail-in ballot if you are: Download an application to register to vote J Download an application to register name and address changes J Going to be away from your county on Election Day and during early voting J Find Early Voting locations and hours of operation J Sick or disabled J Download a Ballot-By-Mail Application J 65 years of age or older on Election Day J View a sample ballot J Confined in jail, but eligible to vote J View the election calendar Application process J View election results for previous and current elections Bexar County Elections is sending applications to all registered voters Bexar County Elections Department: over age 65 with postage-paid return envelope. If you still want to Phone: 210-335-8683 request one or you meet any of the other criteria for voting by mail, Website: bit.ly/bexelex, or Google Bexar elections contact Bexar County Elections, 210-335-8683, to request one, or download an application from webservices.sos.state.tx.us/forms/5-15f.pdf. Texas Elections Department Website: votetexas.gov You can fill it out online but you cannot submit it online. You must download it, sign it and mail it. Completed applications must be About the League mailed, with an original signature, so they are received by the Bexar County Elections Department no later than Oct. 23, or personally The League of Women Voters is a grassroots,ALL-VOLUNTEER delivered by the voter before Early Voting begins on Oct. 13. organization that promotes the informed and active participation of If delivering in person, you will be asked to show an acceptable photo citizens in government. The League is strictly nonpartisan; we never ID. (See a list on the back of the Texas Voters’ Bill of Rights, Pages support or oppose any political party or candidate. Born a century 19-22.) Faxed or emailed applications will be accepted only if followed ago out of the national movement to get women the right to vote, the by a paper application with an original signature within four days of League is open to everyone. The women and men who belong to the sending the electronic application. League share a commitment to encourage political responsibility. Ballot submission The League is widely known and well respected for our nonpartisan and fair work in voter education. We also hold forums on important Once you have received your ballot, you must complete it, seal it in the public policy issues, organize voter registration drives, sponsor white envelope and then seal that in the self-addressed carrier envelope. candidate debates, conduct get-out-the-vote campaigns and work with Sign the envelope as instructed – that signature will be compared with area schools and universities. the signature on your application for the ballot to make sure both were signed by you. Many citizens, unsure of their rights at the polls, choose not to participate. In 2018, the San Antonio League prepared the landmark Mail the ballot back as soon as possible. If your ballot is one page, one Texas Voters’ Bill of Rights in both English and Spanish (included stamp is sufficient. If it is two pages, it may take two stamps. It must be in this Guide) to close the participation gap. The League has also postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, and received by put together a brochure, Frequently Asked Questions about Voting 5 p.m. the day after to be counted. You can also deliver it, sealed in the and Elections, in English and Spanish that is available and can be envelopes, in person at the Elections Office, any time during business/ downloaded from our website, lwvsa.org. The League’s newest polling hours. Deadline is 7 p.m. on November 3. You must present an brochure, Steps to Voting by Mail, is also available. acceptable photo ID. The League of Women Voters operates at national, state and local levels through more than 800 state and local Leagues, in all 50 states Helpful Information and contact numbers as well as in DC, the Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. At all three League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area levels, we encourage informed and active participation of citizens in Phone: 210-657-2206 their government, educate citizens on major public policy issues and Web site: lwvsa.org influence public policy through education and advocacy. League of Women Voters of Texas Phone: 512-472-1100 Web site: my.lwv.org/texas League of Women Voters of the United States Phone: 202-429-1965 Website: lwv.org

VOTE! It’s in your best interest. The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 5 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area U.S. President Duties: The President is: the head of state of the United States of America; the Chief Executive Officer; and the Commander in Chief of all military forces. The powers of the President are prescribed in the Constitution and federal law. The President appoints the members of the Cabinet, ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations, Supreme Court Justices, and federal judges, subject to Senate approval. The President, along with the Cabinet and its agencies, is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States. The President may also recommend legislation to the United States Congress. Term: Four years. Limit of two terms. Base Salary: $400,000 per year. For more information on the candidates and responses to more questions, go to VOTE411.org.

What is the most important issue facing our country and how do you plan to address it How will you address racial injustice in our What will you do over the long term to ensure Candidate during your first 100 days in office? country on day one of your administration? access to quality healthcare for all?

Donald J. Trump (R) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. Pandemic. Recession. Racial injustice. America is at an inflection point. It’s past This pandemic makes clear: All Climate change. We’re facing historic time to end our inequities and deal with Americans need access to quality, crises; we have to tackle them all at the denial of our nation’s promise to affordable health insurance. That’s why once. Character and experience count. too many for too long. I’ll fight to end I’ll protect and build on the Affordable I’ll listen to scientists, tell the truth, and the health inequities that COVID-19 Care Act. I helped to secure the final make sure we’re never so unprepared amplifies; and give every child the same key votes to pass that landmark law, for a pandemic again. I’ll expand the strong start in life by offering universal protecting 100 million Americans who Affordable Care Act, lowering costs and Pre-K, tripling funding for Title I can no longer be turned away or denied making health care a right for all. I’ll schools, and making public college debt- coverage for pre-existing conditions, and build our economy back better, and make free for most families. I’ll make racial bringing coverage to 20 million more. racial equity central to recovery. In these equity central to our recovery, closing the As President, I’ll build on that progress crises, we have an enormous opportunity, racial wealth and income gaps, boosting with a public option and lower health if we come together. As President, I’ll home ownership, and investing in care and prescription drug costs. I’ll draw on the best of us, not the worst. communities and entrepreneurs of color make all COVID-19 testing, treatment, Joseph R. Biden (D) I’ll work as hard for those who don’t – building a stronger, more inclusive and vaccines free; double funding for support me as for those who do. That’s middle class for the future. And, I’ll community health centers that are so a president’s job: to represent us all. To work for real police reform and invest in often on the frontlines of care; and much take responsibility. To protect the nation. shifting our criminal justice focus from more. To unite and to heal. incarceration to prevention. Jo Jorgensen (L) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. Howie Hawkins (G) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. U.S. Senator Six-year term. One of two members of the U.S. Senate from Texas. The Senate has the exclusive power to advise and consent on presidential nominations to executive and judicial offices, to ratify U.S. treaties, and to try impeachments. With the U.S. House, the Senate adopts budgets, levies taxes, borrows money, regulates interstate commerce, provides services, adopts regulations, and declares war. Current annual salary: $174,000. For more information on the candidates and responses to more questions, go to VOTE411.org.

What actions, if any, do you believe are What actions, if any, would you take to What are your priorities regarding the needed to address the health and economic ensure that all eligible voters have equal Candidate immigration system? impact caused by COVID-19? access to safe and fair elections? Recognizing we are a nation of Sen. Cornyn voted for the CARES Act, Sen. Cornyn believes that any Texan who immigrants, Senator Cornyn has voted which sent stimulus checks to individuals wants to vote safely can do so under in support of a permanent legislative who – through no fault of their own – existing law. If you’re over 65 or you’re solution for Dreamers who call Texas were unable to work and earn a paycheck, disabled, you can vote by mail. Or if their home. The Senator cosponsored the and established the Paycheck Protection you are not going to be present in your Secured and Succeed Act in 2018, which Program – a critical lifeline that helped county on Election Day, Gov. Abbott has proposed a solution for DACA recipients ensure businesses could bridge the gap extended the early voting period. that provides a pathway to citizenship for without laying off employees. 1.8 million young adults. John Cornyn (R)

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 6 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What actions, if any, do you believe are What actions, if any, would you take to What are your priorities regarding the needed to address the health and economic ensure that all eligible voters have equal Candidate immigration system? impact caused by COVID-19? access to safe and fair elections? We need comprehensive immigration We need to listen to experts, not Having served 12 years in the military reform that reflects our core American politicians, when it comes to solving the I’m committed to defending our values – the right to life, liberty, and the public health and economic crisis. We constitutional rights. I’ll work to expand pursuit of happiness. We must streamline must provide adequate testing that is fully access to registration and voting, fight the process for applying for and covered, protect our frontline workers, against voter suppression tactics, and receiving citizenship, create a pathway and improve contact tracing capacity. support the John Lewis Voting Rights to citizenship for those here, protect The economic recovery must center Act, restoring protections which have DREAMers, permanently end child around supporting small businesses and been weakened by the Supreme Court. separation and secure the border with workers, while enforcing transparency Mary ‘MJ’ Hegar (D) effective procedures & technology. and accountability measures. Our first priority is that no child is I think politicians are damned if they do The Voters Rights Act has been a huge left in a cage or separated from their and damned if they don’t in a pandemic success. So much so that preclearance family, reforming immigration policy situation. What we can do is get the at the federal level is rarely needed to means making it as simple as have the government out of the way of treatment ensure the right to vote. One way to same policy for all immigrants from all and care. It is difficult to say who is and ensure eligible voters can access equal, countries. More judges and caseworkers who is not essential. For the individual safe, and fair elections is to stop the are needed to determine if those seeking working that is now not essential by the gerrymandering that currently occurs asylum can be allowed in, because an government for them that paycheck is from both old parties. individual in a detention facility for three essential to feed their family, to have Kerry McKennon (L) year is unacceptable shelter, etc. Make immigration policy humane, at Our 4% of the world’s population has 1. Propose a Constitutional Amendment last. The US has helped make much of about quarter of its COVID-19 deaths. guaranteeing voting rights for all US Central and South America unsafe for If we had shut down public spaces, citizens 18 and up, including convicted poor and indigenous families for decades; suspended rent and mortgage collections, felons, and prohibiting states and this must stop. Let our neighbors in and and given US residents a livable income counties from purging voter rolls. 2. give them a path toward citizenship. If for a few months, like New Zealand and Enact automatic voter registration and the flow of capital is globalized, with other countries, we would have saved a federal database (which I know scares national boundaries practically irrelevant, thousands of lives and billions of dollars. some people). 3. Approval voting makes the movement of workers should be just We could easily pay for this by redirecting elections much fairer by avoiding the David Collins (G) as unrestricted. defense funding. third-party “spoiler” problem. U.S. House of Representatives Serves two-year term. Primary duties: Writing bills and resolutions, offering amendments and serving on committees. How do they impact you? By answering directly to the relatively small group of people they represent and running for election every two years, as opposed to senators, who represent an entire state and have six-year terms. For more information on the candidates and responses to more questions, go to VOTE411. org. Texas U. S. Representative District 20

What criminal justice reform do you What changes to our immigration system Candidate recommend, if any? would you propose or support? What is your position on climate change? I believe all representatives of our We must have strong, walled borders I believe we are blessed with a beautiful government should be held to the so that we can direct and welcome landscape and it is our responsibility highest standard. This includes our good people to enter through our to be a good steward of that blessing. police, but also administrators and ports. Many of the appropriate laws are I am pledged to pass on a better, more other workers. Joe Biden’s crime bill has already in-place, but are not enforced beautiful land to my children and I will disproportionately harmed communities for political reasons. We must fully- not let political movements deter me and deterred rehabilitation for those fund and support our immigration and from that pledge. whom it affected. We must have stern border patrol organizations so they can law and order while also working to fully execute their job of protecting the rehabilitate and release those who wish to American people and welcoming the Mauro Garza (R) reform their lives. legal immigrant. vote411.org All the candidates on your ballot answer additional questions on the issues.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 7 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What criminal justice reform do you What changes to our immigration system Candidate recommend, if any? would you propose or support? What is your position on climate change? For far too long, too many Americans Our immigration system is broken, and Protecting our environment and have lost their lives to police brutality, we must have the moral courage to fix it. combatting climate change are some of and for far too long, the government The United States of America has always the most pressing issues of our time. Our has failed to protect the people. I was been a nation of immigrants, but the first priority should be rejoining the Paris honored to co-sponsor the George current administration has demonized Climate Accord. Here at home, we must Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address asylum seekers and those wishing to invest in renewable energies, especially in systemic racism in our criminal justice come to America to build a better life Texas where we are leaders in wind and system. The bill would also ban the for themselves and their family. We solar – industries that will provide not police from using chokeholds and no- need to immediately end the practice of only clean energy, but good-paying jobs knock warrants and would limit qualified separating families at the border and we in the decades to come. I’m proud to immunity laws and create a national need to provide a pathway to citizenship have the endorsement of the League of Joaquin Castro (D) registry for police misconduct. for DREAMERs and those under Conservation Voters’ Action Fund. deferred action programs. End the failed “War on Drugs” and Make it easier for highly educated and The climate is fine as it is. I am against release those imprisoned for simple skilled immigrants to come to this changing it. possession of small amounts of drugs. country, as they make us economically stronger.

Jeffrey Blunt (L) Texas U. S. Representative District 21

What criminal justice reform do you What changes to our immigration system Candidate recommend, if any? would you propose or support? What is your position on climate change? No response received by print deadline. No response received by print deadline. No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later See VOTE411.org for any later See VOTE411.org for any later responses. responses. responses.

Chip Roy (R) While I do not support defunding the We can secure our borders while I feel a profound responsibility to my police, I support ending choke-holds, no- also comprehensively reforming our granddaughters — and all children — to knock warrants, qualified immunity, and immigration system, put an end to family do my part to deliver a sustainable future criminalization of low level marijuana separations, stop caging asylum seekers for them. We must invest in clean energy possession. We should increase resources and provide a path to citizenship to jobs and transition from reliance on fossil to mental health/drug addiction & Dreamers. fuels. We should restore environmental homelessness. protections that the Trump administration decimated, constrain use of eminent domain for placement of private energy pipelines and give communities a voice in environmental Wendy Davis (D) consequences of permitting activities impacting their air and water. The federal government encourages the Immigrants are our friends, not our Climate change is a complex scientific militarization of police by providing enemies. I want to make it much easier question, and I am not a climate scientist. military equipment to them. I want to for foreign nationals to come live and However, I oppose efforts by the end that. I also want to end federal drug work in the United States. federal government to control or restrict prohibition, which is connected to many Americans’ energy choices. of the problems with police abuse we see today. There is a lot of evidence that our criminal justice system is filled with racial inequity, and that is wrong and needs to Arthur DiBianca (L) end.

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 8 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What criminal justice reform do you What changes to our immigration system Candidate recommend, if any? would you propose or support? What is your position on climate change? Our nation’s criminal-legal system My wife is from Mexico. Most of her This is a CLIMATE EMERGENCY. denies the rights & dignity of all human family still live in Mexico & as such, Ice sheets are melting, the West coast life, harms both victims & offenders, immigration is an important issue for is burning. It is only a matter of time & disrupts communities. New policy me. I would support a 5 year pathway before a 75,000 year old carcass thaws must re-envision & reform our current to permanent status & citizenship out somewhere & releases a deadly system, while restoring the common for the 11 million unauthorized pathogen that will make COVID-19 good. The three areas of reform I immigrants currently living, working, seems like the sniffles. As tillable land & would recommend are: 1. Ending CIVIL and contributing in America today. I fresh water disappear around the world, FORFEITURE – The practice that would also support removing old or low- local conflicts will turn into regional let’s the police cease a person property level contacts with the criminal justice conflicts & war. I’m the only candidate even if they have never been convicted system, such as marijuana possession, on the ballot for TX21 that understands Tommy Wakely (G) of a crime; 2. Ending QUALIFIED that currently prevent undocumented that we must act now & that is why I IMMUNITY which shields police & 3. immigrants from attaining citizenship. support a ban on fracking & flaring. LEGALIZING MARIJUANA; Texas U. S. Representative District 23

What criminal justice reform do you What changes to our immigration system Candidate recommend, if any? would you propose or support? What is your position on climate change? I support law enforcement, and I am I support legal immigration and oppose I support an all of the above energy proud to have earned the support of illegal immigration. I support increasing policy. We cannot shut down fossil fuels, police officers association around this border security in urban areas where the not should we. The Green New Deal district. I will be a constructive member foot traffic is highest. I support labeling would destroy our economy and kill of Congress helping work toward a drug craters as terrorist organizations. I millions of jobs. I support clean energy bipartisan police reform bill, including support closing loopholes in our asylum sources and they will power the future. banning chokeholds, requiring officers laws. I will support sensible reforms to But today our emissions in the US are to render aid, and requiring criminal our legal immigration system. falling due to the increased use of natural investigations whenever someone dies in gas from fracking. That’s a very good police custody. The job of police officer thing. Tony Gonzales (R) is incredibly difficult and 99% of police officers are good and honorable people. Ending mass incarceration in the United As a proud first-generation American, I Failing to address climate change, means States begins with sentencing reform. know that immigration strengthens our we’re failing to address the national Our current criminal justice system economy and contributes to our national security and public health risks it leaves Americans who live in poverty security. I’ll advocate for common-sense poses, as well as ignoring the economic at a tremendous disadvantage, many of immigration reform and fight to protect opportunities that clean energy presents. whom are people of color. I also support DACA and pass a clean Dream Act. We I’m proud that Texas is a leader in anti-recidivism education and training need to honor the promise we made to clean energy, and in Congress, I’ll work programs to ensure that everyone has these young people, over 100,000 of to create more good-paying, clean a chance to contribute meaningfully to whom call Texas home. These young energy jobs here in South and West their communities. people have become a crucial part of our Texas by ensuring we’re investing in workforce, economy, and communities, the infrastructure and advanced-skills Gina Ortiz Jones (D) and I support ensuring they have a path training needed to compete. to full citizenship. A crime requires a victim. If there is The act of immigrating produces no I am a proponent of free market no victim, then no crime has occurred. victim. Therefore, any act of immigration environmentalism. It is not the role of I would reform legislature with this in is not a crime. I propose to legislate with government to care for the environment. mind. this in mind. That is a private issue. It would certainty help if federal agencies reduced their own level of pollution. I would labor to do so by helping reduce or eliminate them.

Beto Villela (L)

“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” – Susan B. Anthony

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 9 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Texas U. S. Representative District 28

Sandra Whitten (R) I was proud to vote for the George Floyd As one of eight children born to I support real action to protect our Justice in Policing Act. This legislation is migrant farm workers in Laredo, Texas, environment. I was proud to introduced a comprehensive approach that will hold finding a solution to repair our broken the Launching Energy Advancement and police accountable, end racial profiling, immigration system is always a top Development through Innovations for empower our communities, and build priority. I have a long history of fighting Natural Gas (LEADING) Act of 2019. trust between law enforcement and our for long-term solutions which is why I The legislation prioritizes research and communities. We must make necessary have supported legislation protecting development funding for technology that reforms to our policing system, not DACA recipients, DREAMers. I have captures carbon emissions. Ultimately, defund or disassemble it, but rebuild also fought through my role on the the bill seeks to develop more carbon trust between our law enforcement and House Appropriations Committee to capture technology. More needs to be our communities. Ending racial, religious secure funding for migrant workers and done to reduce America’s emissions. Henry Cuellar (D) and discriminatory profiling and improve jobs programs allowing migrants access transparency in the system. to jobs and education. First, we must end qualified immunity. The free movement of peaceful people I believe that climate change is a very Police need to be held accountable for should not be infringed. real concern. The US Government has their actions as much as any other citizen. been one of the greatest polluters of all We need to demilitarize law enforcement time. They should hold themselves to a return the standard of policing to higher standard, set a better example, and protecting and serving. allow the market to demand better of companies and businesses.

Bekah Congdon (L) Texas U. S. Representative District 35

What actions, if any, would you take to What legislation would you support to What criminal justice reform do you ensure that all eligible voters have equal address the health and economic impact Candidate recommend, if any? access to safe and fair elections? caused by COVID-19?

Jenny Garcia Sharon (R) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. Better security with fair, just treatment. Vote by mail option for all. Resist Trump Assistance for virus testing, small Black Lives Matter since too often postal service sabotage. Restore Voting businesses, unemployed. I am devalued. Sponsored George Floyd Rights Act. Overrule Citizens United helping hundreds of Texans access Justice in Policing Act, blocked by GOP, and secret corporate money polluting aid. Supported extensive assistance to ban abusive practices, racial profiling; our democracy. Replace outrageous obstructed by Trump enablers: more create new training, empower federal gerrymandering with nonpartisan COVID testing & treatment, food misconduct review; limit qualified redistricting panel. I sponsored H.R. 1, security, another relief payment, school immunity. Condition federal funding For the People Act, to limit SuperPAC safety, postal service, and state/local on local compliance. Adequately fund spending, improve voter registration government assistance, which Senate many good officers providing effective and access, limit voter purges, provide GOP Leader irresponsibly willing to Lloyd Doggett (D) community policing. alternate financing. bankrupt. Overcome ongoing Trump deception.

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VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 10 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What actions, if any, would you take to What legislation would you support to What criminal justice reform do you ensure that all eligible voters have equal address the health and economic impact Candidate recommend, if any? access to safe and fair elections? caused by COVID-19? I devised progressive school choice To ease access, I favor making federal Except to vet aliens for dangerous to empower parents, especially poor election days holidays. For elections communicable diseases, I oppose health parents, to reject mediocre schools and with more than two candidates, I favor limits on liberty without proof that a choose safe schools that better serve the instant-runoff voting. To promote person is dangerous. To improve health individual needs, abilities, and interests accurate results and deter fraud in federal care and lower costs, I favor unlimited of their children. Such choice would elections, I favor photo IDs, recountable competition, with public access to track- greatly improve education and job skills, ballots, public access to photos of cast record and cost statistics of treatments reduce disruptive behavior and numbers ballots and chain-of-custody records, and practitioners. I oppose bailouts that of children who turn to drugs and crime, federal rules and payment for mandatory would reward lavish spending, poor and is essential to criminal justice reform. recounts, and severe penalties for fraud. planning, and mismanagement by state Mark Loewe (L) governments. I will work to reform the Juvenile system Due to COVID-19 I would support I would support legislation that ensures in an effort to allow Juvenile offenders Vote By Mail with protocols in place to that essential workers are secured and an opportunity to overcome barriers and minimize voter fraud. I will also work to protected. I would support legislation not repeat offenses. I will work to close assure that there are enough voting sites that protects vulnerable children and to pipeline of Juvenile to County Jail to available in all areas (rural, urban, and elderly individuals who may be more Prison incarceration. Every year, America suburban) to have reasonable access to At-Risk of contracting the COVID-19 spends millions of dollars treating the voting sites. I will also push for Texas to virus. I would support legislation that symptoms of instead of prevention and modernize the election process ensuring focuses on a vaccine and that assures that intervention of Juvenile delinquency fair and just election results. Voters there would be more than enough PPE which may lead to long term jail respond well to a fair process. supplies, hospital beds, and ventilators Jason Mata Sr. (I) are available Texas Railroad Commissioner Six-year term. The railroad commissioner is one of the three-member Texas Railroad Commission. The commission has no regulatory authority concerning railroads. Instead, it regulates the oil and gas industry, gas utilities, pipeline safety, safety in the liquefied petroleum gas industry, and surface coal and uranium mining. Current salary: $137,500. For more information on the candidates and responses to more questions, go to VOTE411.org.

What can the Texas Railroad Commission do What can the Texas Railroad Commission What, if any, further regulations or limits are to further ensure compliance with pipeline do to promote the reclamation and reuse of needed to address the impact of flaring on the Candidate regulations to avoid environmental harm? water resources used in fracking operations? environment?

James “Jim” Wright (R) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. The Commission should increase A reclamation and reuse program If the Railroad Commission would safety and emissions monitoring to would ensure less fresh water is used simply enforce the laws on the books, we end catastrophic failures and eliminate and would reduce the need for disposal would dramatically impact greenhouse methane leaks. It should implement a wells. Program guidelines, informed by gasses and pollution. Flaring and venting more robust information system to know experts, could provide best practices of natural gas are illegal activities and where all smaller intrastate and gathering for operators. Updated permitting and the Railroad Commission should enforce lines are located and permitted. The reporting requirements would ensure those laws, which Texans enacted long legislature must assign oversight authority operator compliance. To work, oversight ago to protect our natural resources and for pipeline permitting, right-of-way must be provided by adequately trained our environment. Chrysta Castañeda (D) acquisition and condemnation. and compensated professionals. Punt the responsibility to the courts. As a Libertarian, I believe in strong I’m against Flaring on the grounds that Texas is a litigious state. I think the Texas private property rights. I also don’t it’s *wasteful*. We have a limited amount courts have broadly supported property believe in expanding regulators activities. of natural resources. In the past, when rights. As a Libertarian, I believe in If / when environmental harm is done, we’ve had to import, it has meant foreign strong private property rights. I also don’t I’d rather is be settled in a court than a policy that led to wars. Title 3, Sub- believe in expanding regulators activities. government agency. chapter B Sec. 91.015 of the TX Natural If / when environmental harm is done, Resources Code (statutes.capitol.texas. I’d rather is be settled in a court than a gov/Docs/NR/htm/NR.91.htm) calls to government agency. “prevent waste of oil, gas”. The RRC has Matt Sterett (L) not upheld this.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 11 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What can the Texas Railroad Commission do What can the Texas Railroad Commission What, if any, further regulations or limits are to further ensure compliance with pipeline do to promote the reclamation and reuse of needed to address the impact of flaring on the Candidate regulations to avoid environmental harm? water resources used in fracking operations? environment? First, no new pipelines. Second, properly Ban Fracking Period. There is no need There are solutions, we just need to inspect and review existing permits for such a highly wasteful, unsafe, and require them: power oxidation process, for compliance and safety. Third, hold unsustainable practice. All water used in flare gas power generation, flare gas corporations accountable for violations these operations is no longer potable and reinjection in secondary oil recovery, including restoration of & restitution in because it is chemically altered, scientists feedstock for petrochemical plants, areas already harmed. Fourth, stop taking believe it may never be returned to the LNG, CNG, & a small reactor that political contributions from those they state of water – h2o. The emerging inexpensively breaks water and methane are regulating. Fifth, enforce new 2020 tech of onsite carrier gas desalination into carbon monoxide and hydrogen in regulations, including updating existing plants could become a valid option if the field (syngas), which can then be used Katija Gruene (L) pipelines. successful. for energy and industrial products

Voting for Judges Although in some states judges are appointed, most judges in Texas are Unlike candidates for most political offices, judicial candidates cannot elected. Voting decisions in judicial races are among the most important make promises about decisions they would make when certain issues that a Texas voter makes. For more information on the candidates or types of cases come up in their court. Questions posed to judges, and responses to more questions, go to VOTE411.org. therefore, focus on improvements they would make to their court, the District Judges, pages 28-32. need for impartiality and how they would increase access to justice. Why are judicial elections important? How is the Texas court system organized? The Texas court system is made up of a statewide network of trial courts Judges make decisions about fundamental issues that affect all of us and appellate courts. In trial courts, judges and/or juries evaluate the – family life, education, health care, housing, employment, finances, facts and the law and make a decision in a civil or criminal legal dispute. discrimination, civil rights, public safety, and government actions. When decisions in most trial courts are appealed, they are sent to an Those decisions can have long-lasting impact on individuals, groups, appellate court where judges consider what happened at the trial court, and the public as a whole. It is critical that our judges make fair evaluate legal arguments, and then decide if a mistake was made. See decisions based upon open-minded and unbiased consideration of the www.courts.state.tx.us/pubs/ court-overview.pdf for a chart of the Texas facts and the law in each case. Judges must know the law and not be court structure. influenced by any external political and economic factors. The state’s two highest courts, the Texas Supreme Court and the What should voters look for when electing judges? Court of Criminal Appeals, have both administrative and appellate responsibilities. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeals within According to the American Bar Association, principles to consider in Texas for both civil and juvenile cases. The Court of Criminal Appeals selection of judges include: hears criminal cases that are appealed from one of the 14 Courts of J Judges should uphold the rule of law. Appeals and death penalty cases that by law go straight to the Court of J Judges should be independent and impartial. Criminal Appeals. J Judges should possess the appropriate temperament and character. All members of each court are elected for six-year terms, with three J Judges should possess the appropriate capabilities and credentials. elected every two years. Any vacancies are filled by gubernatorial J Judges and the judiciary should have the confidence of the public. appointment until the next general election. J The judicial system should be diverse and reflective of the society it serves. J Judges should be constrained to perform their duties in a manner that justifies public faith and confidence in the court. Keep up with the latest news about voting in San Antonio. Visit lwvsa.org

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 12 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Texas Supreme Court Six-year term. A member of the court that hears only civil cases. The Supreme Court issues final decisions on civil and juvenile appeals, issues writs of mandamus/ habeas corpus, and has jurisdiction over orders or judgments of trial courts if the Supreme Court determines them important to the jurisprudence of the state. Current salary: $171,000. For more information on the candidates and responses to more questions, go to VOTE411.org. Texas Supreme Court, Chief Justice

Texas is one of the few states that elects judges in partisan elections. What changes, What changes, if any, do you think are What training and practices do you if any, in the judicial selection process would necessary to improve public confidence in the recommend for trial judges to guard against Candidate you recommend? legal profession? implicit biases? Voters should decide who their judges Judges and lawyers should engage Training Texas judges on issues of race are, but in partisan elections, they don’t with community leaders to ensure the and fairness has been required for many get to, because there are too may judges justice system is seen as fair to all, as the years. Implicit bias training is conducted on the ballot to know their qualifications. Supreme Court and I did in a “Beyond annually for new judges and by the Texas It’s not voters’ fault. Party politics and the Bench Summit” in Dallas. Civics Center for the Judiciary in many other campaign fundraising are poisonous. education in schools should be stronger courses and conferences. The Supreme Judges must follow the law. Appoint on and more creative. A great example is Court’s “Beyond the Bench Summit” qualifications, then voters elect to retain the South Texas program for students featured implicit bias training. The based on performance, holding them to enact mock trials in a real courtroom, Judicial Council that I chair is preparing Nathan Hecht (R) accountable. playing different roles. other training. The State should help voters by sending Texas should increase public membership We need to require every judge and an information packet to each voter and and participation on the Committee lawyer in the state to take implicit bias providing that information at polling on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda, training. This is simple and achievable. locations. The packet should contain which recommends proposed changes When I am elected Chief Justice this background information, qualifications, in legal ethics rules in Texas. Currently, fall, we will make this part of the Texas and a statement of judicial philosophy under Texas Gov’t Code § 81.0872, just justice system’s mission on Day 1. We for each candidate. That information 2 of 9 members are public members. need to add a pledge of “Equal Justice would assist voters to make an informed Also, members of the public who under the Law” to the lawyer’s and selection and would reduce campaign file grievances should be allowed to judge’s oaths. It is past time to create a Amy Clark Meachum (D) costs for candidates. participate in some parts of the process. more fair system. Elections for judges should not be The public needs access to more data Judges should be required to attend based on political party affiliation. At from the state bar. The public needs to a minimum number of hours of a minimum, judges should be in good know how many clients the lawyer has continuing legal education. Information standing with the state bar and have represented in the criminal or civil courts. about the courses/classes that the actively practiced law in Texas for a Many times, clients are not aware of the judges attended need to be available minimum time period of 5 or 10 years. limited experience a civil lawyer may have online for the public to view. Also, user Also, term limits for judges should be in criminal court and a criminal lawyer friendly access to campaign contributor seriously considered limiting judges to no may have in civil court. Also, malpractice information needs to be made available more than 2 or 3 terms per court. insurance information needs to be to the public. Mark Ash (L) disclosed.

Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 6 (Unexpired Term)

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 13 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Texas is one of the few states that elects judges in partisan elections. What changes, What changes, if any, do you think are What training and practices do you if any, in the judicial selection process would necessary to improve public confidence in the recommend for trial judges to guard against Candidate you recommend? legal profession? implicit biases? The beauty of democracy is that citizens As time evolves, the means of Raising awareness of the existence of can vote for individuals who they believe disseminating the rules and standards implicit bias through regular meeting reflect their values, which in the State of for the legal profession shall also evolve. discussion can debias the years of Texas includes the election of judges. If With the ease of digital accessibility, there exposure to cultural stereotypes, that choice turns out to be a bad choice, should be more educational information narratives and/or systemic policies. In being able to vote elected officials out available to the general public by digital addition, implement a mandatory annual of office is a mechanism to hold said means of the rules and standards implicit bias training for judges and staff officials accountable. As such, I see no governing said profession so that the members. need for change at the present time. general population are better informed as Cathy Cheng (D) to their rights.

Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 7

William Bryan Strange, No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. III (L)

Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 8

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 14 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Texas is one of the few states that elects judges in partisan elections. What changes, What changes, if any, do you think are What training and practices do you if any, in the judicial selection process would necessary to improve public confidence in the recommend for trial judges to guard against Candidate you recommend? legal profession? implicit biases? This is a legitimate discussion if there I believe that in today’s racially and There are several continuing legal was a nonpartisan way to select judges politically charged climate, lawyers and education courses that deal with the that Texans could trust. The issue is judges should be at the forefront and psychology behind our unconscious the timing: after the party that has been lead by example by requiring mandatory bias, how to identify it, and how best in power and benefited from partisan implicit bias training for all members to combat it. Such courses should be election of judges for decades begins to of the Bar. We all have implicit bias and compulsory for all Bar members. Project lose that power. It makes the concern some even explicit bias. We need to learn Implicit has several online tests that can seem self-interested. Texans have clearly how to identify it and work diligently to be startling, yet should also be required shown a preference for electing judges, I overcome it. I try to do this on a daily for all judges. Gisela Triana (D) support that. basis. The problem is not the partisan nature An open system that treats all parties I am not sure how to answer this of the elections. The problem is the with an even hand, regardless of race question. You cannot train bias out of massive amount of money given to these or socio-economic status would be a someone, it is part of human nature. We candidates by the very firms that will be good start. Too often a litigant’s chances all favor our family over our neighbors, appearing before them. If a firm wants depend more on who their lawyer is our neighbors over our community and to give funds to a candidate that is their and what connections they have with our community over the community right. However when that firm appears the judge than on the actual facts of the down the road. We must recognize our before that same Judge appropriate dispute. An honest recognition of that bias and constantly guard against it. A conflict of issue standards should be fact by our profession would be a good difficult task indeed! Tom Oxford (L) applied. start.

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3

How should the Court of Criminal Appeals What opportunities are there, if any, to address mental health issues of those who improve the state’s indigent defense system What other issues do you believe will be most Candidate come before the court? in criminal cases? pressing for the Court of Criminal Appeals? Mental health issues are litigated at the There are opportunities to improve In light of the current COVID crisis, one trial level. As an appellate judge, in cases the system, but that requires additional of the most pressing issues will involve with mental health issues, I write legal funding and that assistance has to come getting the courts across the State back to opinions that determine whether a trial from the legislature and individual work. I anticipate several legal challenges court properly admitted, or excluded counties, not the courts. In order to will follow the “new normal” including mental health evidence. If evidence of attract qualified lawyers to represent speedy trial claims, jury selection issues, mental health is improperly excluded, the indigent defendants, the State will have to witness testimonies and jury deliberations Court has the authority to grant a new compensate those lawyers, or create more that result in fair verdicts. trial. public defender offices. Bert Richardson (R) The Court of Criminal Appeals should The State Bar should require internships Disparate sentencing, wrongful ensure that trial courts examine mentally similar to internships in the medical field convictions, and death penalty cases. ill defendants for their capacity to know where newly licensed attorneys work for the difference between right and wrong non-profit organizations, government as well as whether a mental illness agencies, and firms doing trial work and affected their judgment and was properly appellate work for at least one year prior asserted and applied for sentencing to becoming licensed. This will give purposes. non-profit and pro bono agencies more attorneys to handle an increased caseload. Elizabeth Davis Frizell (D)

Vote safely: To protect yourself and others from COVID-19: J Wear a mask J Maintain social distancing J Follow sanitation instructions from poll workers J Make a list of your choices ahead of time and take it with you to allow you to spend minimum time at the voting site.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 15 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4

How should the Court of Criminal Appeals What opportunities are there, if any, to address mental health issues of those who improve the state’s indigent defense system What other issues do you believe will be most Candidate come before the court? in criminal cases? pressing for the Court of Criminal Appeals? The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, The Texas Indigent Defense Commission The Court must follow the rule of law along with the Texas Supreme Court, “provides financial and technical support and ensure that the written law provides recently established the Texas Judicial to counties to develop and maintain the even playing field that all citizens Commission on Mental Health “to quality, cost-effective indigent defense should expect from our judicial system. engage and empower court systems systems that meet the needs of local Judges must not be policy makers, but through collaboration, education, and communities and the requirements of the should instead decide disputes between leadership, and to thereby improve the Constitution and state law.” parties to litigation, guided by reference lives of individuals with mental health to the constitution and laws, which are needs and persons with intellectual and written by others. Kevin Patrick Yeary (R) developmental disabilities (IDD).” The CCA is an appellate court so issues First, review cases of ineffective (1) To help answer and educate members of mental health raised on appeal are assistance of counsel closely. One can of the legislature on where bail reform the issues that may be addressed. The be ineffective not merely by not doing is currently in Texas. (2) Review staffing CCA also funds education programs something they should have done but needs for additional lawyers on writs and grants for judges, lawyers and also for the lack of time they have that come into the CCA. (3) To consider prosecutors. Expanding the funding for based on carrying too heavy of a case using differing platforms to increase additional education on mental health load, based on ABA standards. Second, transparency to the public. (4) Diversify in criminal cases would make a vast indigent defense attorneys must be given internships to give access to law students difference in the entire criminal justice adequate resources for investigators, that have not traditionally been given Tina Clinton (D) system. experts and other tools. access.

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9

How should the Court of Criminal Appeals What opportunities are there, if any, to address mental health issues of those who improve the state’s indigent defense system What other issues do you believe will be most Candidate come before the court? in criminal cases? pressing for the Court of Criminal Appeals? It can adopt dynamic standards to allow Creation of more regional public Mental health issues, mentioned above, non-dangerous citizens suffering from defender’s offices could help ensure are obviously pressing. Wrongful mental illness who commit a crime to a standard level of competent convictions based upon junk science or easily transfer out of the criminal justice representation. Additionally, the Court police misconduct are also very serious. system from a jail bed to a hospital bed of Criminal Appeals could pro- Additionally, reforming bail practices so they can get the help they deserve. actively set out minimum standards for so that the indigent are not incarcerated Violent offenders should also be treated representation of indigent defendants in for extended periods of time prior for their illnesses, but in a secure facility serious cases to conviction unless there is a flight for the safety of the community. or safety risk is another significant to David Newell (R) address. My experience has taught me how Justice shouldn’t depend upon a person’s From allowing a verdict to stand while important properly addressing mental access to resources-lessons we’ve learned a lawyer slept in court, to letting politics health issues are to reducing recidivism. from the Dallas County exonerations. impact decisions, or reversals by the The CCA should help increase training We must increase funding through United States Supreme Court in death for lawyers on these issues, and where the legislature to help counties pay penalty cases, rulings from the CCA have appropriate, work to increase funding for reasonable and necessary costs of contributed to the public’s skepticism of for courts across Texas for worthwhile providing indigent defense. Second, we our criminal courts, and illustrate very mental health programs. have to establish state-wide best practices clearly the need for change. If we don’t to define and manage the case loads of learn from history, we are doomed to Brandon Birmingham (D) indigent defense counsel. repeat it.

“There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter.” – President Barack Obama

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 16 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area State Board of Education 4-year term. The 15-member SBOE sets policies and standards for Texas public schools, oversees the Texas Permanent School Fund, provides final review of rules proposed by the State Board for Educator Certification and reviews the commissioner’s proposed award of new charter schools, with authority to veto a recommended applicant. For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. Member, State Board of Education, District 5

What changes, if any, do you recommend What is your philosophy for setting curriculum to prepare students for their civic What is your position on charter schools in Candidate standards? responsibilities? the public education system? I believe curriculum standards should I believe students should have civics Having worked in an inner-city school be historically and scientifically accurate in their junior year in high school. district, I can see the benefit of charter and age appropriate. We need to foster Thus if they are 18 in the fall of their schools for students who are more socio- critical thinking skills so students are able senior year, they will have an adequate economically disadvantaged. We need to actively debate and question instead of understanding of our constitutions and to make sure we are properly vetting being passive recipients of information. the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities charter schools, holding them to the We need to discontinue requiring a single therein. I believe students should have to same standards as other public schools. process for math calculations and allow demonstrate competence in this area by We also need to safeguard parent choice students to use a variety of processes. answering questions from our citizenship and must always promote the academic Lani Popp (R) test. success of the student. Restore respect for teachers, public Teach history of voting rights, SBOE must use better judgment. I schools. Teach data-based science, governmental branches, variety of saw SBOE approve a proposal for a technology, literature, art, music, history, governments, include democracies, etc. charter in a strip mall alongside toxic vocations, civics, financial, statistical variation among counties, states, nations, businesses; luckily Abbott nixed it. Some literacy, sex ed, SpEd, critical thinking. worldwide, and basic principles of charters, like Ann Richards school, are Show leadership, stop costly high- voting, jury duty. Note U.S. ranks 26th great models, admitting by lottery; some stakes testing, ideological influence on in eligible voter participation at 56% in charters don’t admit all students, siphon education; listen to students, teachers, 2016. Use mock debates and voting to tax dollars from public schools, & aren’t parents; find common ground, equity, develop civil discourse and constructive made to operate by same equitable Rebecca Bell-Metereau voice for diversity engagement/register all over-18 standards as public schools (D)

Stephanie Berlin (L) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. Texas State Senator Elected to serve 4 years. Primary Duties: Creating, debating and voting on legislation that can become new laws or change existing ones. How do they impact your life? Taxes, funding for schools, redistricting. For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. Texas State Senator, District 19

Peter P. (Pete) Flores (R) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. I am completely in support of medical Yes, I would use rainy day funds to help I am a small business owner myself and adult use of cannabis. I plan on with our expected budget shortfall for and understand the struggles that these filing legislation on this issue. I have public education. We made a promise industries are facing. Priorities will be been extremely vocal in my intention with the last education funding bill we finding relief for all who are suffering to file and support the legalization of passed last session. I am also looking into with the pandemic because we are cannabis. I co-sponsored the Hemp using alternative ways to raise revenue expecting lasting effects. legislation during the 86th legislation such as the legalization of cannabis and session. I believe we have many in jail possibly a limited number of destination that really should never have gone there. gaming. In that I mean, the mass incarceration of Roland Gutierrez (D) those who had low level cases involving marijuana. Jo-Anne Valdivia (L) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 17 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Texas State Senator, District 26

What are your priorities to support the many segments of the business community – including small businesses, the hospitality, With the expected revenue shortfall, would travel and tourism industry, and others – that you consider using the state’s “rainy day have been significantly impacted by the What criminal justice reform do you fund” to help finance education and/or other pandemic and are deeply concerned about Candidate recommend, if any? programs? Why or why not? liability? We need to have a common-sense Yes. We need to protect our investment The pandemic has hit everyone but we approach to reform. I advocate for more in the children of our state. We made must acknowledge that some industries community policing and integration a promise last session with a more were impacted more than others. We between the community and law equitable and robust funding system and have spoken to many of them who are enforcement. I have visited with many we cannot move backward. I also feel struggling to maintain their workforce. who believe that with cooperation and that investments in Higher Education We need to find ways to accelerate their José Menéndez (D) training we can work together to rebuild and Health are critical and that we progress toward the economic conditions trust and safety. I do expect that we will cannot just cut programs that will impact prior to the pandemic. As a son of look to outlaw some practices such as our citizens by limiting their access to small business owners, we went through chokeholds. healthcare, education, and workforce some tough times but these times are skills. We will also offer solutions for unprecedented. I will do what I can to more revenues such as removing STAAR protect businesses who were doing their test. best to comply with pandemic rules. We must end the cash bail system that Yes, we must draw from the rainy day The best way to support business is to keeps poor people in jail though they fund to support already underfunded support workers. The impact of the have not been convicted. We must end programs. We should also end taxpayer pandemic has been especially acute qualified immunity for police officers subsidies for the oil and gas industry on low-wage hourly workers, many of and hold responsible those who have which could generate billions more in whom were already struggling to make committed misconduct. I advocate for revenue. The state needs a complete tax ends meet. We need paid sick leave for repeal of Chapters 143 and 174 of the overhaul to ensure equity and fairness for workers and more protections against Texas Local Government Code. We must the working class. The climate crisis will unemployment and evictions. I support legalize marijuana and expunge all past devastate communities from flooding as the right of workers to unionize. The convictions. We must repeal SB 4. Far happened after Hurricane Harvey and state could subsidize some payrolls. too much taxpayer money is spent on leave many without water due to extreme I support additional grants for small Julian Villarreal (G) policing with little to no action to address drought. We should create a climate businesses struggling to stay afloat, the root causes of crime. action fund to support communities. especially in the Black and Latino communities. Texas State Representative Serves two-year term. Primary Duties – Introducing and voting on bills that will benefit the people in their district. They make new laws, change or update existing laws and serve on research committees. How do they impact your life? They make decisions about school funding, funding for improvements in their district, how to address mental health issues. For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. Texas State Representative District 116

Robert Litoff (R) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. In addition to the George Floyd Act and Unequivocally, yes. The state has stowed I am grateful for public and private the Botham Jean Act, both of which away billions of dollars in case of programs that have provided relief to I will proudly support, I am interested emergency, and that money is not helping small businesses in our community this in additional transparency measures to anyone sitting untouched in the Texas year, but these funds are not enough ensure that officers’ complete personnel Treasury Pool. I can think of no wiser to sustain businesses in perpetuity. The files, including disciplinary records, are investment than supporting our children’s Legislature should consider using the accessible to the public and to other futures and helping our state recover Rainy Day Fund to provide economic police departments in the state, even if from the COVID-19 pandemic. relief to small businesses impacted by an officer steps down before disciplinary the pandemic. Governor Abbott also has determinations are made. billions of dollars in CARES Act funding Trey Martinez Fischer (D) at his disposal, which will expire at the end of this year if not allocated.

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 18 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 19 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 20 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 21 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 22 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Texas State Representative District 117

Carlos Antonio Raymond (R) Criminal justice reforms should be a The “rainy day fund” or Economic Many small businesses in District 117 top issue for the next legislative session. Stabilization Fund (ESF) should be have been impacted negatively by the Locally in District 117, there was a in discussion for use during the next COVID-19 pandemic, and it is my COVID-19 outbreak in the Dominguez legislative session. As the name implies, priority to assist in creating a strong facility and many public health issues the ESF was created for use during environment for businesses to thrive. I impacting the inmates and prison staff economic downturn years in the state. will continue to advocate for our small were uncovered. Various reform issues, The COVID-19 pandemic has created businesses and the tourism industry at to include improved communication the exact scenario that was envisioned the state level by facilitating discussions procedures, access to health care, and when the ESF was created. Due to the between state agencies and business improved air quality for inmates (via shortfall in revenue predicted for the owners. If there are opportunities to AC units), are issues to be discussed upcoming fiscal year, it is critical that the remove bureaucratic red-tape and fees Philip Cortez (D) with TDCJ with the goal of statewide legislature employ all sources of revenue to assist small businesses during the implementation. to avoid cuts to our public services. pandemic, I will advocate for them. I believe in properly funding and No, fiscal responsibility is the only way. Limit any and all legislation that places focusing law enforcement towards the Decrease government spending on nonsensical regulations on businesses. primary purpose of protecting the superfluous programs and then reinvest Free market and buyers choice should public, not helping generate revenue those funds towards meaningful ones. dictate success of a business, not for their county or city. I also believe in larger corporations that have the funds decriminalizing non-violent drug related necessary to lobby politicians towards crimes. making small businesses have to jump through hoops.

Tony Quinones (L)

Texas State Representative District 118

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 23 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What are your priorities to support the many segments of the business community – including small businesses, the hospitality, With the expected revenue shortfall, would travel and tourism industry, and others – that you consider using the state’s “rainy day have been significantly impacted by the What criminal justice reform do you fund” to help finance education and/or other pandemic and are deeply concerned about Candidate recommend, if any? programs? Why or why not? liability? As a current member of the Legislative Yes I support the use of the Economic District 118 is the most diverse legislative Criminal Jurisprudence Committee I have Stabilization Fund, (Rainy Day Fund) for district in Bexar County; from the city championed many reforms to correct specific programs that support impacted of San Antonio, to small rural cities social injustice in our state. The United citizens, small business, education and adjacent to San Antonio and vast farms States has 691 prisoners per 100,000 medical programs impacted by the Covid and ranches. District 118 includes large, population. Yet Texas exceeds the US 19 pandemic. Texas has the largest rainy- small, “mom and pop” establishments. with 891 prisoners per 100K population. day fund in the United States, estimated I will not support legislation that allows In Texas prisons, 67% of prisoners are at $10 billion dollars. In 1988, the citizens liability or frivolous law suits that hurt Hispanic or Black. This metric clearly of Texas approved a constitutional small businesses in my district. shows something is not right in Texas. As amendment that created the rainy-day a member of the legislature I will work fund for downturns such as recessions, Leo Pacheco (D) hard to look at legislation to reverse this or in this case an economic downturn model. cause by COVID 19. When criminals are incarcerated, they I do believe that teachers do not get paid Support with resources is a big one. need to have access to programs to help enough for what they do as well as get In my district alone very few small them either get jobs once they are out the support they need. My suggestion businesses applied to grants. Mostly due or experience. Almost like a transition is to set up teacher boards with an to the fact that many either did not know program that helps line up ex inmates outside mediator to help bridge the about them or felt like they would not with companies that are willing to hire divide between what is needed and what receive anything. Forgiveness on permits them. Decriminalization of marijuana. is working. Our public schools need or specific licenses or delay or payments Support expungement of criminal help with curriculum, resources and would be helpful. Allow businesses history for marijuana crimes. other items. We might need to see what to modify their business in a quicker funding we can either cut from other timeframe so that they can navigate the avenues instead of tapping into the rainy day to day changes of this issue. Some Eric Jason Velasquez (L) day fund. There is a lot of government bars have converted to actual restaurants wasteful spending. just to stay open. Texas State Representative District 119

Elizabeth “Liz” Campos No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. (D) “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” – Thomas Jefferson

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 24 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What are your priorities to support the many segments of the business community – including small businesses, the hospitality, With the expected revenue shortfall, would travel and tourism industry, and others – that you consider using the state’s “rainy day have been significantly impacted by the What criminal justice reform do you fund” to help finance education and/or other pandemic and are deeply concerned about Candidate recommend, if any? programs? Why or why not? liability? Stop allowing the criminal justice system The money is intended for emergency Remove any burdens that punish to be a profit center for private industry use. I, of course, think of education as businesses for saving or protecting to lobby and grow from. End qualified important, but it is simply not a sudden themselves by preparing for emergency immunity and civil asset forfeiture. Quit emergency. The legislature needs to learn events. The state should inform people militarizing the police. Support fully how to make more reasonable long term about things but not dictate outcomes informed juries. Stop racial profiling in budget choices. If anything, the money as it has done. Unclear and inconsistent voir dire. should go back to taxpayers and parents mandates were given instead of would have more financial resources to meaningful information. Businesses deal with schooling as they had to in the should absolutely be liable for how they most recent COVID situation. conduct business as that will add pressure on them to make reasonable choices. Arthur M. Thomas IV (L) However, the state should not restrict those choices in a way that gives them none. Our criminal justice system is fractured Most definitely but we also desperately This year has been especially hard for and ineffective. We spend way too need reforms to budgeting and taxation. small businesses and the people who much money on policing and this does This pandemic has revealed the fact work within these industries. They are nothing to address the problems at that our normal ways of operating and what power our economy. We need hand. Convicting people often does institutions are not effective in a crisis. to support them by strengthening not solve the root cause and can even We need comprehensive strategies that unemployment benefits, providing makes matters worse by ignoring the will prepare us for the future i.e. moving resources for job training, making the effects that outdated punitive “solutions” away from funding public schools workplace safer and providing tax have on our communities. We need to through property taxes and finding a relief where appropriate. The state is zoom in and understand how to fix the more equitable path, allotting more funds accustomed to providing bailouts for big causative issues. One solution is to invest to public transportation to support both corporations and industries. What we Antonio Padron (G) in communities so that people do not get urban and rural communities, tackling the need is a rescue package for the People: caught up in the system. climate crisis. communities, small businesses, and workers. Texas State Representative District 120

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The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 25 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What are your priorities to support the many segments of the business community – including small businesses, the hospitality, With the expected revenue shortfall, would travel and tourism industry, and others – that you consider using the state’s “rainy day have been significantly impacted by the What criminal justice reform do you fund” to help finance education and/or other pandemic and are deeply concerned about Candidate recommend, if any? programs? Why or why not? liability? Put forth the Equity and Justice Act of Yes, I would consider using of the I would work with the local chambers 2020 with a goal of transforming the rainy-day fund to assist in helping finance of commerce’s as well as the city and law-enforcement apparatus to include public education and other critical county to identify needs. Provide support the courts, DA office, Judges, Attorneys programs. I would use these funds to to these industries to determine what and law enforcement officers. Re-file my ensure the state takes care of critical is needed to bring them back on-line. restorative justice bill enabling people needs while we identify other long-term As well as ensuring businesses have the to earn their way back to full citizenship funding mechanisms. support and access to capital they need. after completion of a get-well period where they prove themselves worthy of a second chance. This bill will allow Barbara Gervin-Hawkins a citizen panel to review low non- (D) violent offenders’ records and make a recommendation for expungement. Major changes need to be made with I would prefer that we instead focus I would remove all limitations on what how criminal justice is handled in this on cutting spending anywhere we can private actors can and can’t do. People country. The current model punishes and enabling private individuals to use should be free to take precautions for poverty while letting those of means their own money and resources for the COVID-19, and private business owners pay to get away with things, while also services they want. The purpose of should be free to require masks or take criminalizing behaviors that harm no government is to protect the right to any other measures they deem suitable one. I would advise that we scale back life, liberty, and property of the people, for protecting their customers, but the militarization of police forces, end but right now, government engages in none of this would be enforced by the qualified immunity, and decriminalize many functions that fall well outside state. Once that is done, liability should victimless crimes. In particular, ending that. I would also say that government be handled like any other contagious the drug war by decriminalizing drugs, education of children is an active harm respiratory illness. You can’t really sue Shawn Huckabay (L) and ending the prohibition against sex to them and should be abolished. a business if you get a flu there and it work. should be the same here. Texas State Representative District 121

Steve Allison (R) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. We have inequities in our criminal justice I support a one-time use of the Small businesses employ almost half system that we must address immediately. “rainy day fund” to help finance of all private-sector employees in the This means taking action: reforming our public education, but we need a state and are the lifeblood of our local bail system, ending the death penalty, more sustainable solution for school economies. Preparing for the future and not using prison as the first resort finance. We need a complete review means investing in career-training for people that commit low-level, non- of our antiquated and imbalanced tax programs and a 21st century mentality. violent crimes. We can support our local system. For years, the state has saddled Texas needs leaders that will fight for law enforcement and demand changes homeowners with taking on the burden equal pay for equal work, protect workers to police culture and union contracts. of funding our schools while relieving from discrimination, and support a I support limits to qualified immunity itself of the same responsibility. We need living minimum wage. San Antonio laws, a database to track officers with leaders who are committed to delivering is a community that relies heavily on Celina Montoya (D) a history of misconduct, and tougher real property tax relief by holding the hospitality and tourism, and we must do accountability in contracts state accountable to its most important everything in our power to help them functions. recover.

VOTE! It’s in your best interest.

Lyle Larson (R) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. There is growing awareness of the urgent Yes, I support using the rainy day fund Our economy has been devastated, need for criminal justice reform due to help finance education, health care, not just by the pandemic but by the to systemic racism, mass incarceration, and other programs for those affected mismanagement and leadership failures at the school-to-prison pipeline, minimum by COVID-19 and associated job losses. the state level. Reopening too soon and sentencing mandates, and the growth of A once in a century pandemic is exactly delays in mandating masks prolonged the for-profit prisons. I support reforming the kind of disaster the rainy day fund economic crisis and caused many small cash bail, decriminalizing marijuana, is intended for, and Texans should businesses to have to close a second and reducing penalties for low level, receive the support they need to weather time. Following public health guidelines non-violent drug offenses and other the storm. Schools need funding for is paramount to economic recovery. The mandatory minimums. I also increased technology for online school and safety state must also step in to provide small funding for drug treatment and mental measures for in-person school. Those out businesses the support they need to Claire Barnett (D) health programs and elimination of of work need financial support for rent, survive while infection rates are brought private prisons. food, and health care. under control. Texas State Representative District 123 Diego Bernal (D) – Unopposed Texas State Representative District 124 Ina Minjarez (D) – Unopposed Texas State Representative District 125

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 27 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Justice Court of Appeals 6-year term. Must be age 35-74 years, a U.S. Citizen, a Texas resident, licensed to practice law in Texas, a registered voter, and have at least 10 years experience as a lawyer or judge. Hears appeals on civil and criminal cases from lower courts in its district. See Voting for Judges, Page 12. For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. Texas Chief Justice, 4th Court of Appeals

Texas is one of the few states that elect judges in partisan elections. What changes What changes, if any, do you think are What training and practices do you in the judicial selection process would you necessary to improve public confidence in the recommend for trial judges to guard against Candidate recommend, if any? legal profession? implicit biases? I suggest the following: (1) Modify the I suggest the following: (1) Change the DEI training is imperative for all trial selection process to require judicial judicial selection process so candidates and appellate judges, enabling judges candidates have at least 10 years of must have deeper experience and run to recognize implicit bias and modify litigation experience and be board without party affiliation. (2) Develop their courtroom procedures. As Chief certified. (2) Judicial candidates run required mentorship programs for new Justice, I am committed to expanding without political affiliations and during attorneys with experienced attorneys. DEI initiatives at the court of appeals an apolitical election cycle. (3) Incentivize more attorneys to and will launch by February 2021 a represent those who cannot afford legal “listening tour” to obtain feedback from representation. all participants in the appellate process. Renee A. Yanta (R) Since the Republic in 1836, Texans Indeed, both bench and bar must Mandatory judicial education is essential. have grappled with this issue and, reaffirm its commitment to the fair Every judge struggles against admitting after thoughtful debate, have fought administration of justice; to keeping to bias, and we are often unwilling to to guarantee fair and equal access to justice transparent, equitable and explore and identify our own prejudices the courts. Twice, by constitutional accountable; to be of service to those from our own life experience. As an amendment, we have returned our system in need; to remove conscience and institution and individually, we must from an appointed to an elected selection unconscious bias from the justice system; install strategies to address unconscious process, and I believe Texans should to acknowledge that institutional racism biases, provide formal education, remain trusted to select and remove their exists and, per our Oath & Code, commit promote regular discussions with others Rebeca Martinez (D) judges. Thank you for your trust. to policies that actually combat it. and practical training. District Judge Criminal Elected to 4-year terms. Handle felony cases involving murder, assault, theft, drunk driving. For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. District Judge Criminal, 175th Judicial District Catherine Torres-Stahl (D) – Unopposed District Judge Criminal, 379th Judicial District Ron Rangel (D) – Unopposed District Judge Criminal, 399th Judicial District

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 28 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What do you think about the functioning of the justice system during the pandemic? Are How should a party’s financial situation be there any parts of that process you would like Candidate What are your thoughts about plea bargains? considered in regard to pre-trial release? to see continued when the pandemic is over? There are so many cases in criminal It is considered along with a person’s I believe the Bexar County justice system courts that I believe they are a good criminal history & future risks of danger is truly doing a great job in making & efficient way to resolve many cases. to the victim & community, however, sure cases are moving so that victims & Not every case should go to a jury & finances should only be considered to defendants can have their cases heard plea bargains are sometimes a way to ensure a person will show up to court & in a safe manner. Online hearings on have a defendant avoid prison & get not as a means to hold one in custody. Zoom have been convenient for some mental health counseling, drug & alcohol I preside over felony cases, however, a attorneys, victims, and defendants so this treatment or anger classes. A defendant majority of misdemeanor cases could is something I will consider continuing in always has the option of a jury trial probably do without the cash bail system appropriate situations. In addition, being but as a current judge, former defense but that is something for lawmakers to able to sign documents online by Adobe attorney & prosecutor I can assure you consider. As a former defense attorney sign has allowed work to be done more Frank J. Castro (D) both the State & Defense have risks by sadly I have seen some clients plead efficiently and this will be something I going to a trial & not working it out. guilty just to get out of jail. will continue to use. District Judge Criminal, 144th Judicial District

What do you think about the functioning of the justice system during the pandemic? Are How should a party’s financial situation be there any parts of that process you would like Candidate What are your thoughts about plea bargains? considered in regard to pre-trial release? to see continued when the pandemic is over? Plea bargains are a necessary part of the Judges must follow the law. As is During the COVID-19 pandemic, efficient administration of justice in the proscribed by the law in the State of we have struggled to move the Criminal Justice System. Every defendant Texas, a person’s financial situation Justice System forward despite many has the right to take responsibility for should be considered along with the obstacles and with a view towards criminal offenses and waive a trial by jury circumstances of the alleged offense, the safety. Therefore, instead of in person in order to move towards disposition. It assurances of the defendant’s presence proceedings, we have conducted most is incumbent upon the judge to accept to answer to the allegations, as well as of our business by Zoom. We can or reject a plea bargain and, it should be the safety of any victim and the safety effectively continue some hearings by rejected if, after a review of the offense of the community. At no time should a this method if the parties agree and the and the history of the defendant, it is person’s financial situation be used as an proceeding is open to the public as is apparent that the plea bargain does not instrument of oppression. required. However, in order to protect Melisa Skinner (R) serve justice. the constitutional rights of criminal defendants, some proceedings must be conducted in person. As judge of the 144th Judicial District In our system, a person is presumed Bexar County adapted to the pandemic Court, I will scrutinize every plea bargain innocent until proven guilty. Judges remarkably well. As a sitting State to make sure that justice is achieved are required to weigh many factors in District judge, I am proud of the way in each case. I will never shirk my determining the proper conditions of we all continued to work hard to achieve responsibility to assess a sentence that pretrial release. Among those factors is justice in both the civil and criminal takes into account the rights of victims a person’s financial situation. We cannot arenas. Remote hearings were the means and enables restorative justice for the permit a system in which those with by which we accomplished the resolution victim and rehabilitation for the offender. financial means are released pretrial while of many matters. I would like to see the While plea bargains are essential tools for those without means are not. As judge, continued use of remote hearings in effecting efficient disposition of cases, a I will see to it that all individuals are appropriate circumstances. judge’s primary responsibility is to work given an equal opportunity for pretrial Michael Mery (D) for justice. release, regardless of their race, gender or financial situation.

“Voting is as much an emotional act as it is an intellectual one.” – Monica Crowley

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 29 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area District Judge Juvenile Elected to 4-year terms. Juvenile court judges are criminal judges. They hear mostly juvenile delinquency cases, which deal with conduct that would be criminal if committed by adults but are dealt with differently for people under age 17 charged with the crimes. They also hear criminal cases of juveniles who have been charged as adults. For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. District Judge Juvenile, 386th Judicial District

How many times have you participated in What do you see as the major factor(s) juvenile cases as the lawyer for a party? bringing juveniles before a juvenile court? What opinion, if any, did you form as to how Do you think the judicial system can counter When, if ever, do you think a juvenile should the judges or our juvenile courts could have Candidate those factors? In what way? be handled as an adult in the criminal courts? improved the process? Impulsivity, lack of supervision, oversight Juvenile court addresses crimes Thousands, representing either an and guidance. Many juveniles are good committed by 10-16 year olds. If the accused juvenile, or the interests of kids who’ve made a poor choice. We actor isn’t caught until they’ve already a crime victim as a prosecutor. Time offer a multitude of services to get those aged out of the juvenile system, they management is crucial. Juvenile matters kids back on track. In addition, we have must be addressed in adult court. For require the presence of the accused, a created mentor programs already in place serious crimes, a judge hears about parent, who has to get off work and to reach younger siblings of juvenile the egregiousness of the offense, arrange childcare for other children, delinquents, school children at risk for prior services offered the accused, the probation officer, defense attorney, truancy, and children in the child welfare receptiveness for rehabilitation, and a prosecutor, and sometimes other team system who haven’t yet gotten into projected propensity for future criminal staff members for a specialty docket. trouble. activity prior to making the case by case Showing up, starting on time and Daphne Previti Austin (R) decision to certify a juvenile as an adult. respecting all of their time makes the process more efficient for everyone. One of the major factors bringing When the State files a Petition for As a prosecutor in Bexar County juveniles before the juvenile court is Waiver of Jurisdiction and Discretionary assigned to the Juvenile Section for the need for additional support and Transfer to Criminal Court, the court has over 10 years of my career, I have supervision at home. The children that the discretion to grant the Petition after participated in countless juvenile cases come before the juvenile court come a hearing, only if certain requirements as the lawyer for a party. This experience from all walks of life, each having varying are met. The statute requires the court gives me keen insight into our juvenile degrees of hardships. It is important to take into consideration certain justice system and the youth that come for the court to consider all factors in factors regarding the offense and the before the court. As a judge, I would be a child’s life when making decisions juvenile. As judge, I will abide by the dedicated to helping the children before and be attentive to each child’s needs statute. The Code of Judicial Conduct the court get the resources they need Jacqueline “Jackie” Valdes in an attempt to provide a relevant and prohibits candidates from making public for their rehabilitation while taking into (D) effective treatment plan. comments which suggest the candidate’s consideration the safety of the children probable future decisions. and the community. District Judge Civil Some of the different case types heard in civil courts include malpractice, damages, breach of contract and personal injury.For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. District Judge Civil, 37th Judicial District

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 30 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What do you think about the functioning of the justice system during the pandemic? Are In what areas of the law do you have the there any parts of that process you would like most experience? How many trials have you What makes you the most qualified candidate Candidate to see continued when the pandemic is over? participated in as an attorney? for this position? As our courts have been forced to 20 years of civil litigation and trial While I possess the experience required innovate and use technology in creative experience in handling claims like the to efficiently assist in the administration ways during the pandemic, we have seen ones that come before the 37th Judicial of justice, what qualifies me most is the its effect on travel, time and expenses. District Court. My legal has been belief that access to equitable justice However, we know that not everyone dedicated to these types of cases and should be a reality for every resident of has access to this technology and we also I have tried many cases to jury verdict: this county. Justice is inclusive and should know that in some cases, it just is not an family law, labor, general negligence, not be based upon how much money adequate substitute (as is the case during product liability and medical malpractice. someone has or the color of their skin. a trial). Technology should not become The court belongs to the people it serves, yet another impediment to the access of not the inverse. Nicole Garza (D) justice for our county’s most vulnerable. District Judge Civil, 57th Judicial District Antonia “Toni” Arteaga (D) – Unopposed District Judge Civil, 73rd Judicial District David A. Canales (D) – Unopposed District Judge Civil, 131st Judicial District Norma Gonzales (D) – Unopposed District Judge Civil, 166th Judicial District Laura Salinas (D) – Unopposed District Judge Civil, 407th Judicial District

What do you think about the functioning of the justice system during the pandemic? Are In what areas of the law do you have the there any parts of that process you would like most experience? How many trials have you What makes you the most qualified candidate Candidate to see continued when the pandemic is over? participated in as an attorney? for this position? The judiciary stepped up and met the As a 35 year attorney, Board Certified Experience matters and I surpass my needs of the people in responding to in Family Law since 1996 with four opponent on all measures with my years and creating a virtual courtroom setting years of tenure as a civil district judge as an attorney, my years as a judge, the in an emergency situation. Is it ideal? I have adjudicated cases in all areas type of judicial experience in that the NO. A return to “in person” judicial of civil law however my experience is court over which I presided for four system is necessary as “appearances primarily family and personal injury years is the same type of court currently and testifying” in court virtually has as those were the types of cases that sought and I am Board Certified in a lack of transparency and allows for I handled as a solo practitioner and at Family Law, the largest part of the civil manipulation. Many of the hearings The Law Offices of Pat Maloney As an docket. My emergency room nurse involving only attorneys can continue as attorney 29 years before election to the experience provided me with an unique virtual without concern as well as long bench I participated in numerous jury skill set which helped me immensely Stephani Walsh (R) distance testimony in non-jury matters trials involving auto accidents, medical while presiding as Judge of the 45th saving costs of travel and time. negligence, custody & divorce. District Court from 1-1-15 to 12-31- 2018. The justice system got rattled during I have vast experience in the area of I am the most qualified candidate for the pandemic. Technology, thankfully, consumer and commercial litigation (on this position because of my diverse created opportunity and great advances which I focused my practice during my experience in many areas of civil for the legal world. Platforms like Zoom first ten years as an attorney) but also litigation — from consumer and brought efficiency and money-saving have extensive experience in the area of commercial litigation to small business remedies for attorneys, litigants, and the family law, including custody, divorce, defense to family law. This diverse Courts. However, of utmost importance and modifications, which I’ve focused experience equips me with a broad is due process for all individuals, and that my practice on for the past 14 years. As understanding of the issues that come due process cannot be compromised. We a civil litigator, I tried more than 100 jury before the 407th District Court on a must carefully consider many issues when and non-jury cases. As a judge, I presided daily basis. I am also the most qualified implementing technology in the future, over 100 jury and non-jury cases. candidate for this position because of my Tina Torres (D) including digital inclusion to digital judicial temperament for which I received literacy to name a few. high marks when I served in County Court 10.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 31 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area District Judge Civil, 408th Judicial District Angelica Jimenez (D) – Unopposed District Judge Civil, 438th Judicial District Rosie Alvarado (D) – Unopposed Bexar County Sheriff The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer for unincorporated Bexar County. The sheriff investigates, enforces judgments, is responsible for how the county jail operates, and needs to have a good working relationship with the city police, the FBI and the District Attorney. For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. What is the biggest challenge facing the Do you think reforms are needed in the Bexar County jail, and how would you How do you understand the slogan “defund training of sheriff’s deputies, and if so, what Candidate address it? the police,” and what do you think about it? kind? The Bexar County Jail suffers from “Defund the Police” is a mantra that Yes, there has been an exodus of mismanagement and a lack of leadership undermines the already overworked and deputies at the BCSO, leaving 238 that has resulted in 238 vacant positions underpaid law enforcement officers in unfilled positions in the ranks. This in the Bexar County Sheriff ’s Office. our nation, state, and county. I believe is a direct failure of the incumbent’s The incumbent sheriff ’s failure to recruit we must properly compensate officers leadership. By failing to adequately new cadets and attract veterans from for their hard work. I also think we recruit and properly train new deputies, other agencies has led to as many as must perform a comprehensive review the incumbent is forcing deputies who three overtime shifts per week for some of our local law enforcement practices remain to work up to three overtime officers and morale at an all time low. and determine the best way to utilize shifts per week. We must help all deputies I would implement steps to increase our resources including out of the box succeed by giving them the necessary Gerard C. “Gerry” community recruitment outreach to thinking to how we deal with individuals training, provide mentoring to new Rickhoff (R) fully staff the Sheriff ’s Office and create suffering from mental health issues. deputies and focus on the continuous training that utilizes mentoring. improvement of the entire BCSO. Law enforcement agencies across the I appreciate the call for reallocation of Reforms are needed and I’m proud nation are facing attrition and staffing resources, and agree that government of what my administration has shortages, and the Bexar County Jail is functions should be reviewed regularly accomplished in that regard. I doubled affected. This, plus a worsening mental for inefficiencies and outdated practices. the number of annual in-service hours, health crisis in which jails are being However, cutting funding when crime instituted a mandatory ethics training, over-used to house people who would be is rising is not in the best interest of alcoholics anonymous and family better served in mental health facilities. public safety. As Sheriff, I have instituted violence prevention in an effort to COVID-19 has made the issue worse. mental health resources and training. proactively use training to curb negative While our cases are minimal, it has had I have revamped use of force policies, off-duty behaviors by deputies. an effect. Proactive recruitment, working stopped no-knock warrants, instituted with mental health stakeholders, and body cameras and increased training and Javier Salazar (D) implementing COVID-19 best practices accountability. have worked well for us.

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VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 32 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector The tax assessor-collector assesses and collects taxes on property. Other responsibilities include registration of motor vehicles and boats.For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org.

How would you inform senior citizens, disabled citizens, and disabled veterans of the special tax payment plans available What aspect of the tax assessor-collector’s for them other than on the tax assessor’s Candidate duties would you like to see improved? What are your priorities for this office? website? – Incentivizing homeownership though – Modernize online systems, including In addition to automatically enrolling valuation lock zones – Elimination of the ability to complete basic (most) senior citizens, disabled citizens, and personal property tax for businesses with transactions online – Simplify appeals disabled veterans for their appropriate under $1.18 million in gross revenue (in process for property valuations exemption, Mr. Pennington will establish line with state franchise tax threshold) – (Online with one-click or via postcard) monthly payment plans that will be Exploration of commercial “homestead” – Online appointment scheduling – available to ALL taxpayers and citizens. exemption for businesses based in Bexar Establish portal for bank auto-drafts Stephen will partner with community County for accounts not paid in escrow – stakeholders including homeowners Automatic enrollment for homestead/ associations and neighborhood coalitions senior exemption for most taxpayers not only to communicate information – Dedicated service area for active duty but obtain regular feedback on how Stephen David Pennington military/veterans/first responders – the tax office can better serve our (R) Build Precinct 4 substation – Better constituents. employee training We are improving internet and phone Our priority and public mission is, We have the most property tax payment options and want to allow all transactions “Working to Help Keep Families plans, including the only 10-Month to be done online or by phone from the In Their Homes” with an emphasis Payment Plan in Texas for our Senior comfort of your home. We also want to on helping our Senior Citizens, our Citizens, Disabled Citizens, and Disabled allow all transactions to be done at any Disabled, our Veterans, and ultimately Veterans. We received a national award of our four locations. We continue to our Children”. This commitment led from NACo in 2019 for our strong make improvements to ensure the safety to the only 10-Month Payment Plan in outreach program designed to inform the of our citizens and employees against the Texas, a plan we received awards for three groups above about the special tax Coronavirus when conducting business from the National Assn of Counties payment plans and incentives available at the Tax Office. We built the the (NACo), the Texas Assn of Counties, to them. Our outreach includes media, County’s only Drive-Thru in 2019 and and LULAC. We also want to remain the mass mailings and emails, research, Albert Uresti (D) want to build another one. We want to #1 Tax Office in Texas by providing the citizen screening, community events, improve accessibility for citizens. best customer service possible. Safety will homeowner associations, and personal remain a high priority. visits. Bexar County Commissioner Elected to 4-year term. Each of the four commissioners represents a quarter of the population in Bexar County. The court makes decisions about the budget, tax and revenues and also handles personnel decisions. They are responsible for building and maintaining roads and bridges.For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. Bexar County Commissioner Precinct 1

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 33 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area What are your ideas for dealing with the huge What, if any, additional measures should the population growth expected between now county take against the spread of COVID-19 What are the biggest issues in the precinct Candidate and 2040? in the county? you want to represent? Half of the expected population I believe strongly in partnerships to I’ll focus on community economic growth is due to new births; therefore, better use funding and utilize what we development by ensuring small, minority, we need to ensure that social service already have. We are Military City, USA. women, and veteran owned businesses organizations have adequate funding Our local military members are engaged know how to bid for contracts and for quality education, access to health citizens of our community and would partner with large companies. I’ll also care, and affordable housing. We need stand ready to serve if asked and if work on property tax relief for small to support job training and professional available. Many special units have medical businesses and residential homes. advancement for the parents to be able training. We should partner with them Commissioners are over mental health to maintain their families and be civically to help as lab techs for testing and for and jails. In Texas, jails are the number engaged. We should plan walkability processing the results quicker. One major one provider of mental health services. for neighborhoods in order to be good complaint has been receiving results up The school to prison pipeline must end Rebeca “Becky” stewards of land and development, which to two weeks later. By then, it may have by investing in education and mental Clay-Flores (D) will help with congestion and traffic. spread and be too late. health rather than in correctional facilities. Bexar County Commissioner Precinct 2 Justin Rodriguez (D) – Unopposed Bexar County Commissioner Precinct 3

What are your ideas for dealing with the huge What, if any, additional measures should the population growth expected between now county take against the spread of COVID-19 What are the biggest issues in the precinct Candidate and 2040? in the county? you want to represent? TRISH’S INFRASTRUCTURE To help Bexar County recover from Bexar County Commissioners Court AGENDA Our roadways are economic the COVID damaged economy, we isn’t a blank check or an ATM for special arteries moving people and goods — need leaders with real world experience. interests. I know every dollar spent they will be my first priority. We have to Businesses are over-regulated with too belongs to you. As your next Precinct keep pace with road building and road many fees and taxes. If we want small 3 County Commissioner, I will fight to expansion. To do that, we will put our businesses to grow and create jobs, we ensure your tax dollars are used for basic transportation dollars where they matter must limit the burden of restrictions on services including: Public Safety, Property most, and Precinct 3 must get its fair how they run their businesses.To bring Tax Reform, Debt Reduction and Budget share. We need better coordination and businesses to Bexar County, and to help Controls. PROPERTY TAX REFORM resource allocation between the local existing businesses expand, we must offer PLAN Reduce the County Tax Rate. transportation entities (MPO and RMA) incentives. However, I will ensure any Fight for fair and accurate property Trish DeBerry (R) We should not be not be working against incentives offered are tied to ensuring a valuations. Demand County Appraisal each other or performing redundant clear return on our investment. Board be elected, not appointed. functions. In order to meet the growing demands Bexar County should be working with the Supporting small businesses must be one of an expanding population, we as a public and private sector to increase the of our top priorities as we move toward community need to find innovative ways availability of rapid testing. With results economic recovery during and after the to travel within the City and the County. available quicker, residents will have the pandemic. These businesses make up the It is crucial that we guarantee that most up-to-date information regarding economic backbone of our community, resources are adequately reserved and their COVID-19 status and are thus able creating meaningful jobs and career distributed to create new infrastructure to take immediate steps to quarantine, opportunities, and serve as the engines that alleviates traffic and drainage issues. alert those that they have come in contact that drive local spending. Also, addressing Together, we must also work to ensure with, and make informed healthcare the cause of skyrocketing property tax equitable, affordable housing is available decisions. bills is crucial. Educating the public as for all, especially for our senior citizens to why their tax bills are so high lays the Christine Hortick (D) so they can age in place. groundwork for developing a plan to reduce our tax burden.

vote411.org All the candidates on your ballot answer additional questions on the issues.

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 34 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Bexar County Justice of the Peace The Justice of the Peace presides over the justice court in cases involving misdemeanors, small civil disputes, landlord/tenant disputes and more. They also conduct inquests and may perform marriage ceremonies.For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. Bexar County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2

What do you think about the functioning of Do you think citizens are able to adequately the Justice of the Peace courts during the represent themselves in the Justice of the pandemic? Are there any parts of that process Peace court? What, if anything, should the you would like to see continued when the Justice of the Peace do to facilitate self- What makes you the most qualified candidate Candidate pandemic is over? representation? for this position?

Roberto Robbie Vazquez No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. (D)

Rhett R. Smith (L) Using the internet (online) to serve Bexar We could ask law students and Because I’m well educated and I have County professionals to start volunteering more experience Bexar County Constable Elected to 4-year term. A county constable in Texas has the following duties: Serves as a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions, including issuing traffic citations. Serves warrants and civil papers such as subpoenas and temporary restraining orders; Serves as bailiff for Justice of the Peace Court.For more information on the candidates, go to VOTE411.org. Bexar County Constable Precinct 1 Ruben C. Tejeda (D) – Unopposed Bexar County Constable Precinct 2

Charlie Pena Jr. (R) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses. The Constable is a Peace Officer that I have over 26 years of law enforcement I believe Deputy Constables and Deputy has statewide jurisdiction to execute experience combined with the Bexar Sheriffs should receive the training any criminal process and countywide County Sheriff ’s Office and the required to complete their duties. jurisdiction to execute any civil process. Constable’s Office. I have a Master These duties are similar by serving as A Constable also has duties related Peace Officer License and specialized licensed Peace Officers by which Texas to keeping accounts of the financial in D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance mandates each role of the two agencies transactions of the office and is Education) program as an instructor. to be parallel. However, the Sheriff ’s responsible for property seized or money I have been certified as a Crisis Office focuses more on the Criminal collected by court order. A Constable Intervention Officer for the last 10 years. aspect and the County Jail, County and supports all elected officials and stands During my tenure as a Peace Officer I District Courts. The duties of a Deputy behind the decisions, laws, and works of have been assigned to the Detention Constable focus more closely on Civil Leticia R. Vazquez (D) the organizations and stand up for what Center, Court Security, and Patrol Processing and court security for the is right for the citizens. Division with a specialty in Community Justice of the Peace Courts. Policing. Bexar County Constable Precinct 3 Mark Vojvodich (R) – Unopposed

“Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender.” – Keith Ellison

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 35 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Bexar County Constable Precinct 4

In what way, if any, do you think a deputy How do you see the role of the constable in What law enforcement experience and other constable’s training should differ from that of Candidate Bexar County? qualifications do you have for this position? sheriff’s deputies? Constables were the first Peace Officers I served as a Special Forces Officer in As I stated before, we have the same in America. We have the same training as Viet Nam as a commander. I served training as all other Peace Officers plus any Peace Officer and also our primary 20 years in the Elevator trade as a we do civil process. job is civil process. We do warrants, superintendent. I was a Captain at patrol, and arrests. Because we are Precinct 4 under the previous Constable, already in our areas we can respond more with 23 years experience. I already have quickly than other agencies. We also the knowledge about how and what to do save taxpayers a tremendous amount of as a Constable. money because of the pay differential. Precinct 4 has a large amount of rural Larry Ricketts (R) area and depends on Constables and Sheriffs. Kathryn Brown (D) No response received by print deadline. See VOTE411.org for any later responses.

Vote! It is in your best interest This election is not about someone else. This election is about YOU J Campaigning for a seat on the Massachusetts Governor’s Council and YOUR family. The decisions made by your elected officials in on the day of the primary in 1988, Herbert Connolly lost track of Washington, in Austin, and in Bexar County affect us all: time – and got to his polling place too late to vote. When the ballots When the issue of downsizing the economy comes up, remember, it’s were counted that night, he’d lost by one vote. not somebody else’s job they are talking about – it’s YOUR job. J A Lansing, Michigan, school district bond issue was defeated in When the issue of pre-existing conditions comes up, it’s not somebody 1989 when the final recount produced a tie vote. As a result, the else’s health care coverage they are talking about – it’s YOUR health school district had to reduce its budget by $2.5 million. care. J Marcus Morton was elected governor of Massachusetts in 1839 by When the issue of tuition tax credits comes up, it’s not someone one vote out of 102,066 cast. else’s education they are taking money from – it’s YOUR children’s Important decisions that affect us all have been made education. because of very few votes. If you care about your neighborhood schools, potholes on your street, J Congress voted to admit Texas to the union in 1845 by a two-vote the safety of your communities….VOTE!!! margin. AND then hold your elected officials accountable. In the past five years, J Women won the right to vote in 1920 by the passage of the 19th Bexar County elections have averaged a turnout of between 11-16% of amendment to the Constitution. Tennessee was the last state voters for municipal elections. Runoffs and special elections attract even needed to pass the amendment. One 24-year representative, Harry lower numbers. Most other elections come closer to the lower range, Burn, changed his vote, and the Tennessee legislature ratified the though presidential elections draw more voters. That means 84-89% of amendment by a vote of 49-47. voters are opting out of most elections. Will you allow a fraction of the J A tie vote in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1997 registered voters decide your and your family’s future? defeated a bill to reinstate the death penalty. The tie came about Your vote makes a difference whether in a national, state when one representative, who had voted earlier for the death or local election. So don’t think one vote doesn’t matter. penalty, changed his mind. J One vote in the U.S. Senate saved President Andrew Johnson from J Ingram Mayor James Salter won against Twanda Brown in May impeachment conviction in 1868. 2014 by one vote. Brown sued over her 63-62 defeat in May, claiming irregularities on election day – when a tie was logged – and J In 2003 Vice President Dick Cheney, as president of the Senate, in the recount that gave Salter a one-vote lead. The suit was settled cast the deciding vote on a Senate tax-cut package amendment that by an agreement to conduct a new election which Salter won 105 reduced income taxes on capital gains and corporate dividends. votes to 86. J In November 2016, two Bandera City Council candidates, Jim Hannah and Justin Knight, each garnered 89 votes. Knight beat Hannah in the runoff with Knight’s 49 to Hannah’s 32 votes.

VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 36 lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Propositions How the League gathered the data The information about the propositions was researched, written, and edited by League volunteers who contacted supporters and opponents for each proposition. City of San Antonio – Proposition A Sales and Use Tax for the “Pre-K 4 SA” Early Childhood Education Program “Renewed adoption of a sales and use tax at the rate of one-eighth of one percent for the purpose of continued financing of authorized programs of the San Antonio Early Childhood Education Municipal Development Corporation for a maximum period of eight years.” Explanation Proposition A will renew funding for San Antonio’s Pre-K 4 SA for another eight years. A one-eighth of a cent sales tax has funded the program since voters first approved it in 2012. The goal of Pre-K 4 SA is to improve the education of San Antonio’s youngest learners in order to improve the knowledge and skills of the San Antonio workforce within one generation. The four program elements include: J Demonstration schools serve over 2,000 four-year-olds in full-day J Grants sharing successful teaching methods with public, private and prekindergarten programs with well-researched content and teaching parochial San Antonio schools have increased preschool access to methods. 13,000 additional students and improved programs and facilities. J Parent trainings help parents to engage with school staff and build Impact on Taxes leadership skills. If not approved: J Professional learning is offered free to all San Antonio early childhood teachers (birth through 3rd grade). J The existing sales and use tax would be reduced by 12.5% or one eighth of one percent (1/8 of 1¢). In May 2022, there would be an opportunity to consider another ballot measure. ARGUMENTS FOR ARGUMENTS AGAINST J Pre-K 4 SA earned top honors in the two most recent national J The one-eighth of a cent sales tax could be used to address other studies of 40 large city prekindergarten programs, one of only three pressing needs facing the city as determined by city government or cities to have met all quality benchmarks, and is studied by other through a local referendum. cities. J Most Bexar County traditional public school districts offer full-day J Pre-K 4 SA students have been studied through third grade. Study programs for eligible students now. There were very few area schools findings show graduates: offering full day pre-K when voters first approved funding this J Exceed national norms for kindergarten readiness. program with tax dollars. J Exceed state averages in reading and math. J The tax dollars could be spread to serve more prekindergarten J Have significantly better attendance. children by supplementing existing programs, thereby improving educational outcomes for all San Antonio children. J Are significantly less likely to need special education services. J Pre-K 4 SA goes beyond programs like Head Start and the state- funded half-day pre-K programs.

“It is not the hand that signs the law that holds the destiny of America. It is the hand that casts the ballot.” – President Harry S. Truman

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 37 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Propositions City of San Antonio – Proposition B Advanced Transportation District – Proposition A Ready to work SA workforce program for job training and scholarships, (Previously Created with Voter Approval by VIA Metropolitan Transit a reallocation of an existing sales and use tax resulting in no net tax Authority) increase. To provide enhanced public transportation and public transportation “For the purpose of financing authorized programs related to job mobility options, the Advanced Transportation District (“District”) training and the awarding of scholarships of the San Antonio early will utilize a one-eighth of one percent (1⁄8 of 1¢) sales and use tax. childhood education municipal development corporation, an increase The one-eighth of one percent (1⁄8 of 1¢) sales and use tax proceeds of one-eighth of one percent of sales and use tax not to extend beyond shall be used for advanced public transportation services, operations, December 31, 2025 and commencing upon the full collection of the passenger amenities, equipment and other innovative, advanced sales and use tax previously authorized by the voters for the Edwards public transportation purposes or public transportation mobility aquifer protection venue project and the parks development and enhancement purposes. expansion venue project. “ The District’s local sales and use tax will increase by a rate of one-eighth This is a reallocation of an existing sales and use tax resulting in no net of one percent (1⁄8 of 1¢) to a rate of three-eighths of one percent tax increase. (3⁄8 of 1¢), with such increase to begin on January 1, 2026. This is a reallocation of an existing sales and use tax resulting in no net tax increase. “The increase by one-eighth of one percent (1⁄8 of 1¢) of the local sales and use tax rate to three-eighths of one percent (3⁄8 of 1¢) to begin on January 1, 2026.” Background information: Voters decide how 1% of the sales and use tax is used.

Current Use Fraction Comments VIA 1/2 Permanent use already approved by voters. To support public transportation. Advanced Transportation District 1/4 Permanent use already approved by voters. (ATD) To support transportation improvement projects carried out by VIA, City of SA, and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Half of these funds go to VIA. Edwards Aquifer & Greenway Trails 1/8 To support Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan and Greenway Trails programs. Pre-K 4 SA 1/8 To support full-day, prekindergarten for over 2,000 four-year-old children, teacher training, and grants to expand the programs citywide.

J Since 2000, 1/8th of the 1% sales and use tax has been dedicated to the Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP) and Greenway Trails programs. Voters reauthorized continued funding for these programs in 2005, 2010, and 2015. The funding cap of $100 million authorized by voters in 2015 is estimated to be reached in 2021. J In San Antonio – Proposition B, the City of San Antonio is asking voters to approve the redirection of 1/8th of 1% of the sales and use tax away from funding Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan and Greenway Trails programs toward funding job training programs to improve the skills of the San Antonio workforce. The tax dollars would be collected by the municipal corporation that manages Pre K 4 SA, and the funds would be managed and distributed by the City of San Antonio. J The amount of money raised for the job training programs does not include a cap. Rather, the program will use whatever dollars are collected through the sales and use tax until December 31, 2025. J In ATD – Proposition A, the 1/8th of 1% sales and use tax would be appropriated permanently to the Advanced Transportation District, beginning January 1, 2026. This would be in addition to the 1/4th of 1% of the sales tax that is already permanently allocated to ATD to fund transportation improvement projects carried out by VIA, the City of San Antonio, and the Texas Department of Transportation. J VIA receives half of the ATD revenues. This is in addition to 1/2 of 1% of the San Antonio sales and use tax permanently allocated to VIA. J On September 17, 2020, the City Council approved a 10-year, $100 million funding plan for the Edwards Aquifer, retaining the same objective and processes of the Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP). The funding mechanism includes the sale of municipal bonds secured by a portion of SAWS’ payment to the City as well as other funding alternatives, such as cash and grants. A future City Council may adjust the annual amount based on EAPP needs or the future financial capacity of the City or other budget needs.

Proposed Use Fraction Comments Requiring Voter Approval Work Force Development 1/8 Use funds redirected from Edwards Aquifer and Greenways Trail programs. To improve the skills of To end 12/31/2025 San Antonio workforce. (San Antonio – Proposition B) Advanced Transportation District 1/8 Permanently use funds redirected from Edwards Aquifer and Greenways Trail programs. To start 1/1/2026 To continue to support transportation improvement projects carried out by VIA, City of SA, and (ATD – Proposition A) TxDOT. This is in addition to the existing 1/4th of 1% permanently allocated to the ATD. Half of the proposed 1/8th of 1% will also go to VIA. Pre-K 4 SA Reauthorizing for 8 years 1/8 To continue to support full-day, prekindergarten for over 2,000 four-year-old children, teacher (San Antonio – Proposition A) training, and grants to expand the programs citywide. Permanent Use Already Approved by Voters VIA 1/2 To support public transportation. Advanced Transportation District 1/4 To support transportation improvement projects carried out by VIA, City of SA, and TxDOT. Half of these funds go to VIA. San Antonio Proposition B Arguments Advanced Transportation Proposition A Arguments

ARGUMENTS FOR ARGUMENTS FOR J Program offers opportunities for skills training, certifications, and J Plan expands late night and weekend service and increases frequency academic degrees for workers in low-skill, low-paying jobs. on most-traveled routes. J It provides support for workers displaced by economic downturn J Improved schedules and expanding the reach offer reliable and lack of skills. transportation for workers, especially front-line workers and J A skilled labor force will benefit local businesses and attract new essential employees during this pandemic. Improved service benefits businesses to the city. all Bexar County residents whether or not they use the transit J Skilled jobs with healthcare benefits offer workers income stability, system. which will translate to better quality of life for the entire city. J Improved public transportation to support anticipated population increase offers hope of reduced congestion on area highways. ARGUMENTS AGAINST J VIA is underfunded compared to other cities in Texas. J Program offers insufficient support for workers wanting to enter program but also needing an income during training. ARGUMENTS AGAINST J Program makes no provision to retain successful trainees in San J This permanent allocation of tax dollars has no time limit or Antonio. Taxpayer investment would be lost as trainees move to maximum dollar amount stipulated in the proposition. places with the highest paying jobs, which may be outside the city. J Proposition does not include reauthorization by voters; therefore, J The rush to bring the program to the voters raises concerns that there is no accountability. adequate consideration has not been given to oversight and J VIA ridership is low, and this calls into question the need for more management of the tax dollars. tax dollars. J The EAPP funding is not secure or guaranteed because the J Proposed uses for collected dollars are vague. funding can be adjusted based on City financial capacity or other budget needs. Also, the future of linear parks is threatened by lack of commitment from any governmental body to continue maintenance and planned expansion of Greenway Trails program. Impact on Taxes: City of San Antonio Proposition B & Advanced Transportation District Proposition A

City of San Antonio Proposition B, Advanced City of San Antonio Proposition B Approved, Advanced City of San Antonio Proposition B Not Approved, Transportation District Proposition A – Both Not Approved Transportation District Proposition A Not Approved Advanced Transportation District Proposition A Approved The existing sales and use tax would be reduced The existing sales and use tax would be reduced The existing sales and use tax would be reduced by 12.5% or one eighth of one percent by 12.5% or one eighth of one percent (1/8 of by 12.5% or one eighth of one percent (1/8 of (1/8 of 1¢). In May 2022, there would be 1¢), beginning January 1, 2026. In May 2022, 1¢) through December 31, 2025. On January an opportunity to consider another ballot there would be an opportunity to consider 1, 2026 the sales and use tax would increase measure. another ballot measure. by 12.5% or one eighth of one percent (1/8 of 1¢) and be redirected permanently to VIA Metropolitan Transit to provide an improved transportation service.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes VOTERS GUIDE • 2020 General Election Edition 39 candidates for office or political parties. lwvsa.org • © 2020 League of Women Voters, San Antonio Area Find Out Where to Vote/Early Voting Locations You can vote at any polling location, both during Early Voting, Oct. 13-30, and on Election Day, Nov. 3. Signs will be posted at each polling site listing the four other nearest sites, so if the one you selected is too crowded, you can easily choose another one nearby. Election Day voting sites will be posted on the Bexar County Elections website, bit.ly/ bexelex, after Early Voting is completed, and in the San Antonio Express-News the day before the election. Early Voting Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday October 13 October 14 October 15 October 16 October 17 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. October 18 October 19 October 20 October 21 October 22 October 23 October 24 Noon – 6 p.m. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. October 25 October 26 October 27 October 28 October 29 October 30 Noon – 6 p.m. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Early Voting Locations

Bexar County Election Department 1103 S. Frio Leon Valley Conference Center 6421 Evers Road (Deaflink Available) Lion’s Field 2809 Broadway Alzafar Shrine Auditorium* 901 N. Loop 1604 W Maury Maverick, Jr. Library 8700 Mystic Park AT&T Center* 1 AT&T Center Parkway Memorial Library 3222 Culebra Brookhollow Library 530 Heimer Road Mission Library 3134 Roosevelt Ave. Castle Hills City Hall (Community Room) 209 Lemonwood Drive Northside Activity Center 7001 Culebra Claude Black Center 2805 East Commerce Northwest Vista College (Mountain Laurel 3535 N. Ellison Drive Cody Library 11441 Vance Jackson Hall) Collins Garden Library 200 North Park Our Lady Of The Lake University 411 S. W. 24th St. Cortez Library 2803 Hunter Blvd. Palo Alto College (Performing Arts Center) 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. Copernicus Community Center 5003 Lord Road Parman Library at Stone Oak 20735 Wilderness Oak Old Converse City Hall 405 S. Seguin Road St. Paul Community Center 1201 Donaldson Ave. Encino Park Library 2515 East Evans Road San Antonio Community College (Victory 1802 N. Main Fair Oaks Ranch City Hall (Council 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Center) Chambers) Schaefer Library 6322 US Hwy 87 E Frank Garrett Multi Center 1226 NW 18th St. Shavano Park City Hall (Council Chambers) 900 Saddletree Court Granados Adult And Senior Center 500 Freiling Somerset City Hall 7360 E. 6th, Somerset Great Northwest Library 9050 Wellwood Southside ISD Admin Bldg (Board Room) 1460 Martinez-Losoya Harlandale Civic Center 115 W. Southcross Southside Lion’s Community Center 3100 Hiawatha St. Helotes City Hall 12951 Bandera Road Southwest ISD Admin Bldg 11914 Dragon Lane Henry A. Guerra, Jr. Library 7978 W Military Drive Thousand Oaks/El Sendero Library 4618 Thousand Oaks John Igo Library 13330 Kyle Seale Parkway Tobin Library at Oakwell 4134 Harry Wurzbach Johnston Library 6307 Sun Valley Drive Universal City Library 100 Northview Drive Julia Yates Semmes Library at Comanche 5060 Judson Road University of Texas at San Antonio (Main 1 UTSA Blvd. Lookout Park Campus) Kirby City Hall 112 Bauman St. Windcrest Takas Park Civic Center 9310 Jim Seal Drive Las Palmas Library 515 Castroville Road Wonderland Mall Of The Americas at 4522 Fredericksburg Crossroads *Voting Megacenter