2016 Voters Guide: Congressional candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot

The Star-Telegram sent a Voters Guide questionnaire to all the candidates appearing on the Tarrant County ballot in contested races this year.

Take a look at Tarrant County’s sample ballot.

And here’s what candidates with ties to Tarrant County — who are running for seats in the U.S. House — had to say.

District 6

Republican

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (I)

Age: 67

Occupation and/or main source of income: U.S. Representative

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Ennis, Texas. I have lived in the Texas 6^th Congressional District for nearly my entire adult life.

Campaign (public) phone number: (972) 875-8688

Your campaign (public) email address: bartonforcongress@gmail.com

Campaign website: joebarton.com

Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Science (Engineering) – Texas A&M University 1972; Master of Science (Industrial Administration) – Purdue University 1973

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I currently serve as the Chairman Emeritus on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. I continue to lead the fight against ObamaCare, work toward a balanced budget, advance a rational energy policy that lowers costs for consumers and promote legislation that will protect the private information of online consumers

Offices you have sought and/or held before: U.S. Representative (1985-present)

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I’m a consistent conservative voice for Texas and the Nation in Congress. I have a proven record of achievement and responsible representation for the district. I understand the values of the people who live here and we share many of the same core conservative beliefs. I’ve been a leader on free market based health care reform and energy policy. As Chairman and now senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I turned my conservative ideals into legislation, while at the same time building bipartisan support. My commitment to hands-on, face to face constituent service is unquestioned.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. This election comes at a pivotal time for our nation; the disastrous policies implemented by the Obama Administration must be dismantled. I will fight with my colleagues in the House to reverse course on as many of these harmful, job killing initiatives as we can. We must commit to keeping America safe with a strong military and an actual plan to defeat ISIS and root out radical Islamic terrorism. We must also reign in government spending everywhere possible and make sure your hard earned tax dollars are not wasted.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. ObamaCare has proven a failure time and time again since it was passed by Democrats in 2010. It must be replaced with market based solutions. Needed reforms include expanding health savings accounts, allowing people to purchase health insurance across state lines, expanding state high-risk pools so that people with pre-existing conditions get the coverage they deserve, and much needed medical liability reform (something that is already helping Texans). One of the primary goals of my plan will be to lower health care premiums for all Americans. I will continue to use my voice on the Energy and Commerce Committee to aid in this fight.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. My work is not done. The decisions made in Congress over the next few years will have a profound effect on the future of the country. I think I have the conservative credentials and the leadership ability to make sure the views of the people in the 6th District are properly represented in Washington. Washington ebbs and flows with trendy political gimmicks and fixes, I am a constant defender of conservative ideals and values, and if reelected will continue this fight. I have and will continue to get things done, big things.

Democrat

Ruby Faye Woolridge

Age: 68

Occupation and/or main source of income: Retired Educator/part time field organizer

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: I have lived in Arlington, TX for 32 years.

Campaign (public) phone number: (817) 779-2107

Your campaign (public) email address: woolridgeforcongresstx@gmail.com

Campaign website: www.voteforruby.org

Education background, including all degrees: B.A. Education-Northeastern State College M.Ed. Guidance Counseling/Admin. Northeastern State University Master’s in Diaconal Ministry- Perkins School of Theology, SMU-Dallas, TX

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: President Norwood Neighborhood Association, Board of Directors Arlington Parks and Recreation, Outreach Coordinator Tarrant County Democratic Party, Tarrant County Election Judge, 2181 Precinct Chairwoman Tarrant County, The Potter’s House Hospital & Bereavement Ministry, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Arlington Chapter NAACP, Member of Retired Texas Teachers Association and Arlington Retired Teachers Association. 2008, 2014 Delegate to District and State Democratic Conventions, State VIP Guest to 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado. Member of Arlington Independent Schools Partner and Insider Committees. I was elected Secretary/Treasurer 2006-2014 of North Texas Higher Education Authority Board of Directors, Arlington Human Service Planners Board of Directors, Ft. Worth Star Trailblazer, Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Policy Forum, Leadership Arlington, UTA Women Oral History Program Honoree, Co-founder of the ACE Foundation, District 10 State Democratic Executive Committee member and former President of Arlington Area Democratic Club.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Arlington School Board, Tarrant County District Clerk, State Representative District 94, State Democratic Executive Committee and Precinct Chair 2181

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best-qualified candidate for this office. My leadership and commitment to service has been demonstrated in many areas of the district for many years. I have started a non-profit education foundation, founded a neighborhood organization and been appointed to school and city boards /committees. In a district as diverse as Congressional District 6, residents need a representative who will serve ALL of them-rural and urban: rich and poor; all races and ethnic groups; and those who care about healthcare, the environment, education and transportation.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The first problem facing this office is bringing back good paying jobs to District 6. Our communities are stronger when incomes are higher. My solution is to collaborate with the chamber of commerce, mayors, UTA Urban Affairs and Business Schools and economic development departments to devise a strategy that will encourage businesses to relocate to district 6. Our second critical need is to develop a comprehensive immigration plan. I will review the current immigration laws and author legislation to revise or replace it with a plan than is beneficial to our district, state and nation. The third critical issue is affordable healthcare.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. No answer

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I believe that my experience and background qualifies me to deliver the Democratic message in the fall general election. I am running for this office because it is time for those people who have given up on politics and gone silent to have their voices heard. It is time to provide quality education for all children regardless of where they live. It is time for us to close the economic gap between hard working families and the wealthiest Americans. It is time for us to show we value our military veterans, senior citizens and immigrants. Let’s stand up for our belief in the greatness that is America.

Green Party

Darrel Smith Jr.

Age: 33

Occupation and/or main source of income: media coordinator

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Arlington, Tx. I've been back for 2 years, however I lived here previously from the ages of 5-23 and from 28-31. Longtime resident!

Campaign (public) phone number: N/A

Your campaign (public) email address: darrel@darrelsmithjr.com

Campaign website: darrelsmithjr.com

Education background, including all degrees: Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, Associate of Arts from Tarrant County College

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: No answer

Offices you have sought and/or held before: No answer

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. We should get back to real citizens being in control of our government. I understand the problems of ordinary citizens because I live with them every day. I have student loans, I have to worry about my insurance co-pays and premiums for my family, I worry about what bills I'm going to pay with this paycheck and what has to wait. Joe Barton has been in elected office for over 30 years. When was the last time he had to worry about paying his electric bill late so that he could put food on the table for his kids?

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The most critical problem I can see is that partisanship is at an all-time high. We have to work together to create solutions to problems. Sometimes that means we compromise. I know that’s a dirty word in Washington these days, but we have to get back to common sense legislating, meaning we come together where we agree on issues and work together to find solutions we can all live with to more divisive problems.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I would listen to my constituents and work for them. The purpose of a congressman is to work for the people; not for donors, not for a political party, but for the people in your district. And not just the people you agree with, but all of the people.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I want to work for you. I want to listen to your ideas and your opinions. Let’s work together. Email me at darrel@darrelsmithjr.com with your ideas on what we can do to work together. Let’s talk.

District 12

Republican

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (I)

Age: 73

Occupation and/or main source of income: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth. I have lived there since I was four weeks old.

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-870- 5000

Your campaign (public) email address: Kay@KayGranger.com

Campaign website: www.kaygranger.com

Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Wesleyan University.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Keeping the Air National Guard C-130s in Fort Worth; helping get the Chisholm Trail Parkway and Tower 55 built; working to end the poaching of endangered animals that funds terrorism; chairing the task force to address the surge of unaccompanied minors at the southern border; working to fund the Trinity River Vision flood control and economic redevelopment project; reducing crime by 49 percent as Mayor.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Fort Worth Zoning Commission, Fort Worth City Council, Fort Worth Mayor, Member of Congress

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I am a former school teacher and small business owner. I never intended to get into politics, but I was brought up to try and solve problems. When some local issues were impacting the community, I got involved. As mayor of Fort Worth during difficult times, I focused on safety and bringing economic development and jobs to the city. I continue that same focus in Congress: from fighting the modern-day slavery of human trafficking, to helping grow a healthy American economy for workers and their families - and everything in-between.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Our country faces serious challenges on a variety of fronts and Americans are frustrated. They want to elect people who can solve problems and get good results. I have always thought that is what we should look for in those who we elect. Having served as mayor through some very difficult times and having been recognized for my influence and legislative ability in Congress, I know how to bring people together and get things done.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Keeping America safe in these dangerous times. We’ve never been threatened by so many different, complex threats at once. As vice-chair of Defense and chair of State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittees, I make sure our men and women in uniform have the weapons and equipment needed to do their jobs – and that their families and our veterans get the care they deserve. Talented workers in the 12th District make many of the most advanced weapons in the world, and I look out for these jobs because our military needs the best technology to fight adversaries overseas and keep our nation safe.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I return home to the district every weekend to meet with constituents in person and talk with them about what is going on in Washington. It is vitally important that I hear the thoughts and concerns of the people of the 12 th District. That is why I attend events in the communities throughout the district - so I can hear from the people who live here - and represent us in Congress by working constructively to find solutions.

Democrat

Bill Bradshaw

Age: 32

Occupation and/or main source of income: Machinist

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth. About 25 years. My family moved here when I was 7.

Campaign (public) phone number: None

Your campaign (public) email address: BradshawForCongress@gmail.com

Campaign website: www.billbradshaw.org

Education background, including all degrees: 2 years of college, dropped out to help family's small business.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: None

Offices you have sought and/or held before: None

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I know what it's like to make a starvation wage, to lose your job to China, to not be able to attend college without going into massive debt, to work hard and be rewarded with an economic recession and layoffs, and to watch friends and coworkers struggle to raise families in a rigged economy. I haven't been corrupted by our political system and I refuse to be bought, refuse corporate donations, billionaires, and super PACs. I'm following in the footsteps of Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, fighting for a government that works for all Americans, not just a few at the top.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Wealth inequality: make corporations and the top 1% pay their fair share of taxes, end tax havens and tax loopholes, and end corporate welfare. End the "free trade" export of millions of good paying American jobs to China and Mexico. $15/hour minimum "living" wage by 2020. Universal, tuition-free, pre-K and public college education. Universal, single-payer, healthcare. End the failed war on drugs and legalize/tax/regulate instead. Break up the "too big to fail banks" and reinstate Glass-Steagall... These aren’t new or radical ideas. Many other countries are doing this and America is falling behind because our politicians are bought.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. As long as money is “free speech” the rich will always have the only voice in our government. For example: 71% of Americans agree with a medicare-for-all healthcare system but we've been talking about it for almost 50 years. That’s because hundreds of millions of dollars pour into our political system from the healthcare industry and until this stops we'll never see any real change. The same is true for every single problem Americans face today. What we need is a constitutional amendment that says, “Money is not free speech and Corporations are not people.”

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am a working class man who is sick and tired of the problems in our country going unaddressed. A vast majority of Americans agree on progressive solutions to the problems we face: they support increasing the minimum wage to a living wage, a single-payer healthcare system, ending free trade deals that export jobs to Mexico and China, investing in our future by providing tuition free public college... the list goes on. And yet, where is the change we keep asking for? Congress has sold our democracy to corporations and billionaires and it's time we vote out the corruption and reclaim our democracy.

Libertarian

Ed Colliver

Age: 49

Occupation and/or main source of income: System Engineer

City of residence and how long you've lived there: Fort Worth, Texas lived here 9 years

Campaign (public) phone number:817-721-5517

Your campaign (public) email address: ed@edcolliver.com

Campaign website: www.edcolliver.com

Education background, including all degrees: Graduate of Tina-Avalon High School

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I have been involved with the Tarrant County Libertarian Party for last four years, including serving on the Executive Community the last three years. I have also served on the Texas State Libertarian Executive Committee in 2011 and 2012.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: 2014 US House TX District 12

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. Being a Veteran and a citizen, it is difficult to watch Congress step all over our Constitutional rights in the name of keeping us safe. Having served in the US Air Force, I understand and will take seriously the oath Congress takes to uphold and defend the Constitution.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The most critical issues are government overreach in economic markets. I would support a complete audit of the Federal Reserve and the repeal of legalization that effectively picks "winners" and "losers" in the market.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My first priority would be to work with the House Liberty Caucus to find reasonable and bi-partisan supported ways to end federal overreach into people's personal lives.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. My approach to legislation is very straight forward. Any bill should be Constitutional allowed, not restrict people's personal liberty and be supported by my constituents. I am committed to staying in touch with District 12 citizens by hosting regular town halls around the district. to me?

District 24

Republican

U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant of Coppell (I)

Age: 65

Occupation and/or main source of income: Member of Congress

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Coppell, Texas, 50+ Years in District

Campaign (public) phone number: (972) 242-7211

Your campaign (public) email address: MarchantCampaign@gmail.com

Campaign website: www.KennyMarchant.com

Education background, including all degrees: B.A. Southern Nazarene University, Honorary Doctorate Southern Nazarene University

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Received “Champion of Healthcare Innovation” Award from the Healthcare Leadership Council • Accepted the American Conservative Union’s “Award for Conservative Excellence” in recognition of work to promote limited government and preserve conservative values • Recognized for earning the “Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award” for his strong commitment to seniors by The 60 Plus Association • Recognized with the Guardian of Small Business Award by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) • Received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce • Received the Family Research Council’s “True Blue” Award for defending pro-life values • Named to NumbersUSA’s “Top Ten Members of Congress” for fighting against illegal immigration • Ranked as the third most conservative member of the House of Representatives by the National Journal in 2014 • Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Member of Congress, 24^th District of Texas, 2005-Present, Texas State Representative, Texas Legislature, 1987-2004, Mayor of Carrollton, 1984-1987, City Councilmember, City of Carrollton, 1980-1984

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As a resident of the 24th Congressional District for more than 50 years, I understand the concerns of the residents in the district. I work hard each day to make sure that all people who live in the 24th District are represented and have an effective voice in Congress. I have a strong record of fighting for my constituents - from helping veterans obtain medals they never received for their service to our country, to fighting against excessive federal regulations that harm our economy and small business owners. Voters in the 24th Congressional District deserve a responsible, experienced representative in Washington, DC.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Over the last eight years, President Obama has used the threat of veto to force the Congress to make laws, pass budgets, and fund our military through crisis negotiation. The American people have witnessed this brinksmanship mentality which has evolved into political gridlock. In January 2017, Congress must return to regular order. Legislation voted out of committee should receive a full House vote regardless of the executive branch’s position. This will help restore the American people’s confidence in our nation’s legislative process, our nation’s political leaders, and our nation’s future.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I am running for Congress because I believe that government should be limited and accountable to the American people. I have a consistent record of fighting for lower taxes and the elimination of wasteful government spending. My priorities are to: balance the federal budget, secure our borders and oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants, while strengthening our national security.

Democrat

Jan McDowell

Age: 63

Occupation and/or main source of income: CPA

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Carrollton, 37 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 972-741-3635

Your campaign (public) email address: Jan@JanMcDowell.com

Campaign website: www.JanMcDowell.com

Education background, including all degrees: Texas Tech University, BA in Journalism/Public Relations undergraduate and graduate-level classes in Accounting and Business at UT-Dallas

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I have recently been speaking to many groups across District 24...from an Asian Festival and an Iftar with Muslim Americans, to the Texas State Democratic Convention, to an event sponsored by Protect Colleyville. I’ve been involved in attending events like Earth Day, the Dallas Festival of Ideas, and the Dallas Dinner Table, a conversation about race. Meeting people throughout the district has been a wonderful experience! I served as treasurer of the Board at my church for four years and continue to be active in various committees and projects. I was on the PTA Board at Carrollton McCoy Elementary for seven years, as treasurer, fundraising chair, and newsletter editor. I served as Girl Scout Leader for seven years, including stints as Cookie Mom! I have been a volunteer “builder” with Habitat for Humanity.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Denton County Democratic Precinct Chair

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As an informed citizen, and as a CPA with the financial background to find practical solutions, I will use those skills to make our Congress work. Issues must be discussed and resolved. My opponent has been in Congress for 12 years, and in that time, Congress has become famous for its inaction. An unwillingness to displease donors should not be the yard stick that determines how your representative will vote. I believe that “All Together We’re Better.” That means helping the 99% to reach their full potential, not prioritizing the ever-increasing wealth of the 1%.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Ozone is a major cause of asthma and respiratory problems in children and adults. It’s created from pollution in our area when it’s hot and the wind doesn’t blow. Many jobs are held hostage to variable oil and gas prices. Climate change represents both a challenge and an opportunity. We want to be innovators, rather than in the group struggling to catch up. To address all three issues, wind and solar energy need to be seen as the revolution of our time. They can provide great STEM jobs, and jobs in all areas during the planning, building and implementation phases.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My “Day 1” agenda would include meeting Rep. David Jolly (R-FL) and signing on as a co-sponsor of his STOP Act. That bill, which has bi-partisan support, would prohibit members of Congress from soliciting donations. That would free their time to get back to work, which is what voters elect their representatives to do. I would also begin building relationships with my colleagues to build trust and encourage dialog on the issues that will arise during the two-year session. We’ve seen what happens when members of Congress just dig in their heels and refuse to think, and it’s not helpful.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I believe that our nation will be better when every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Just because a child is born in “the wrong zip code” shouldn’t mean that the world loses the benefit of whatever he or she might have accomplished...the music he might have composed, the medical breakthrough she might have achieved, the students he might have inspired as their teacher. “All Together We’re Better!” means that our country is indeed better when we value the gifts of all. Our government must keep that yardstick top of mind in all they do.

Libertarian

Mike Kolls

Age: 53

Occupation and/or main source of income: IT Project Manager (problem solver)

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Lewisville

Campaign (public) phone number: please use email

Your campaign (public) email address: talkwithmike2014@yahoo.com

Campaign website: http://tellwashington.us OR http://tx24.us

Education background, including all degrees: Accounting, B.S.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I have not previously served

Offices you have sought and/or held before: 2014 candidate for US House, District 24

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. Since 2009 I have been a serious student of government. My sources of truth are The Constitution of the United States, The Federalist Papers, and “The Law” (1850) by Frederic Bastiat, and “Economics in One Lesson” by Henry Hazlitt. I believe that governments are instituted to staunchly defend Life, Liberty, and Property. We The People have ultimate authority. Professionally I have been a problem solver for 30 years as a Computer Programmer and a Project Manager. I am adept at spotting patterns and then solving the problem. I am NOT a career politician. I have no allegiance to “the system”.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Government is too BIG, and tries to do too much. What it does, it does poorly. Our problems can be solved by reducing the size, scope, and reach of government. All social and economic issues belong to THE PEOPLE and the Sovereign State, NOT the federal gov’t. Action by the people directly involved will always yield optimal results. Outsiders and ideologues create expensive, ineffective bureaucrazy. By reducing federal spending, difficult issues will be forced to be addressed. Individuals and local communities will develop sounder strategies than ideologues. Get the federal gov’t out of our personal decisions. Let The People decide!

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. WE THE PEOPLE should do much more; the federal government must do much less. 1. Personal Liberty must be what gov’t talks about. Laws that restrict personal decisions are bad for everyone. 2. Public debate and politics is too adversarial; we need to intelligently debate ideas and take action on common interests. On some topics a common interest may not be found (and no action should be taken). 3. Government needs to play a smaller role in everybody’s life. Ideologues do NOT have better “solutions” than each individual. I would relish repealing the “Affordable” Care Act.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I have been serious about my vocation. I will be just as serious about public service. I work for you; not the other way around. To make government work again for The People, I will make myself available. It is important that we have a dialog about what action needs to take place in Washington, DC.

Green Party

Kevin McCormick

Age: 61 years

Occupation and/or main source of income: Retired

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Carrollton, TX. 3 years

Campaign (public) phone number: N/A

Your campaign (public) email address: kevgpdal@fastmail.com

Campaign website: http://kmm2016.org/

Education background, including all degrees: J.D. University of Houston Law School; B.A. University of Texas San Antonio

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I have not previously run for office or been involved in civic affairs. I did speak in favor of bicycle paths and bus service at the Carrollton City Council, but they have not done anything new on this issue.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: None

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. The most important feature of my background is that I do not accept contributions and am not beholden to any special interest. My education and experience give me an understanding of economics, politics, and society. I have the skills to understand legislation and to negotiate effectively. There is talk about voting strategies to favor undesirable candidates. The best strategy for the voter in this election is to choose the challenger. As the only populist party candidate, I am the candidate for change. I am committed to the public interest and will seek solutions which prioritize the benefit to the public.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The U.S. House of Representatives has become overly controlled by special interests and lobbyists. The political establishment is losing legitimacy because the sponsored politicians do not serve the public interest. Critical issues such as adapting to climate change, health care, social justice, student debt, and energy transition cannot be solved by establishment politicians because the effective solutions do not favor special interests or government bureaucracy. I believe the Green Party plan is the best plan being proposed now. In American history third parties, like the Green Party, have lead the way when the establishment parties have failed.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. The tangled, inefficient, unbalanced, and overly polluting transportation system would be my top priority. For this district, I will propose a $10 billion grant to fund 10 thousand buses and operating cost subsidy over a ten year period, with private or worker owned companies and government agencies eligible to apply. My proposal includes an extensive park and ride system with shuttles for commuters and frequent and connected service throughout the DFW metroplex. The amount may seem high, but we have a big transportation need and the transportation value here is much more than the same money for highway systems.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. The great issue we face is adapting to climate change. This means transition in energy, agriculture, consumerism, transportation, and economic policies. We should accomplish this transition with policies that are effective and provide public benefit. Also, we are only one recession, injury, or upset away from crisis -- personal, economic, or social. There is no security or resiliency for us with this establishment. We are fully optimized for maximum corporate gain, but we still lose. Since I am not a sponsored politician, I am able to address these issues objectively and remain focused on effectiveness and the public interest.

District 25

Republican

U.S. Rep. Roger Williams (I)

Age: 67

Occupation and/or main source of income: United States Congressman

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Austin, Texas

Campaign (public) phone number: 888-797-6437

Your campaign (public) email address: info@rogerforcongress.com

Campaign website: rogerforcongress.com

Education background, including all degrees: Texas Christian University

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: No answer

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Texas Secretary of State, appointed by Governor Rick Perry 2004-2007

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As a principled conservative Republican with over 40+ years of small business experience I understand the struggles that Texans and Americans are going through in the current economy. And I have a plan to fix it.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Fixing our national debt and Obama economy.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Fixing the Obama economy.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am traveling the district talking with voters about issues that are important to them.

Democrat

Kathi Thomas

Age: 63

Occupation and/or main source of income: Special Event Designer & Planner

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Austin, 33 years in Austin, the last 16 of those years at our current home in Hays County.

Campaign (public) phone number: 512-860-2325

Your campaign (public) email address: Kathi@KathiForCongress.com

Campaign website: KathiForCongress.com

Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Music from University of Texas at Austin; Attended Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, for 2 years on full music scholarship, then transferred to UT; Graduated high school from Kirby High School, Woodville TX

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Memorial Day Chair and Conservation Chair; Pan American Round Table (PART); Dripping Springs Middle School PTA (past); Dripping Springs High School PTSA (current), was the PTA Reflections Council Chair for 2015-16; Hays County Democrats, Precinct Chair from ~2008-2015; Central Presbyterian Church, active member; volunteer coordinator for CPC ThursdayNoonday Concert; head wedding director, and dinner coordinator for All Church Committee Nights, Elder (non-serving)

Offices you have sought and/or held before: 2006, ran for Texas State Senate against (then) Sen. Jeff Wentworth; Hays County Precinct 443 Chair, 2007-2015 (resigned to run for office)

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As an educator, I can explain things in different ways, until people understand. As an event planner, I dig deep for details, examining every angle, so that there are no surprises. Working with diverse people who sometimes don’t like each other, I am able to help them find common ground to work together for that goal, no matter what they think otherwise. I’ve served on the Session of our church, and that experience helped to find a way forward that helped the most people, often when funds were tight. As very small business owner, I understand how regulations impact.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. 1. Campaign Finance Reform: Big money is a cancer on our democracy. The uber-rich finance politicians get their laws passed to detriment of middle & lower income folks. The source of every dollar spent in any kind of political “speech” should be revealed. No more anonymous Super PACs. 2. Immigration: Bring common sense to laws. Stop flow of money to drug cartels. Businesses can have legally registered workers, who can maintain ties to home countries because they can visit and know they can come back to jobs. 3. Economy: Give folks the chance to move up with laws that don’t favor top 1%. Capital Gains taxed as regular income once it exceeds $50,000 (encourage middle class investment.) Estate taxes modified- $10.4 million exemption/individuals OR couples. More affordable colleges.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Comprehensive Immigration Reform and getting big money out of politics (I can multitask.:) We need to bring businesses, such as agribusinesses, (plants, poultry processing, etc) together with Republicans so they can understand how important immigrant labor is to these businesses. Bring in people who work with refugees fleeing for their lives, so that maybe the hearts of the GOP hardliners will be touched, and work together to craft legislation that is compassionate, fair and good for business, American workers and immigrants.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I was raised in a small town in SE Texas, and I've never forgotten the lessons my parents taught me- "Short term gain at the cost of long term good is seldom a good idea" and "if you've got integrity, you don't need anything else, if you don't have it, nothing else matters."

Libertarian

Loren Marc Schneiderman

Age: 58

Occupation and/or main source of income: Businessman

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Austin/Wimberley TX 15 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 512.888.3358

Your campaign (public) email address: Schneiderman.texas25th@gmail.com

Campaign website: www.lorenfortexas25th.com

Education background, including all degrees: Associates of Arts/Journalism... Bachelor of Science/Journalism... Master of Business Administration... Professional licenses/certificates

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Over 20 years in business including: education management, sales and marketing, public relations, creative services, media/broadcasting, and financial services. Travis County Libertarian Parry Executive Chairman, Chamber of Commerce, Department of Education, Cultural Arts Commission, Public Access Television and Community Affairs.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Travis County Libertarian Party Executive Chairman.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. There is much at stake this election. This District and Congress requires new directives and insights. My background, personality and methods are fresh. The problem solving and team building process used in business translates to working with residents and politicians alike towards a successful end. My professional experience and world view works, and resonates with people. The current political bullpen is not working, today we need ideas that make sense.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. I seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others. I believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized. We are operating under the opposite theory. A free market can solve all issues and offer a more prosperous life.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. They key to any successful platform is to increase our freedoms and limit the size and power of an over reaching government: end crony capitalism contracts, revamp our foreign policy, downsize government institutions, localize education, reconsider many of our social welfare programs, impose term limits, restore individual property rights, balanced budget, free market healthcare, eliminate income tax, revisit the Constitution and reestablish the truths and limits of government for the freedoms and prosperity of all citizens. This is never ambitious enough to protect our families and reverse the damages we see today.

District 26

Republican

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (I)

Declined to fill out the questionnaire

Democrat

Eric Mauck

Age: 40

Occupation and/or main source of income: Retail Store Manager, Verizon Wireless

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth, 1.5 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 972-837-5822

Your campaign (public) email address: Mauck2016@gmail.con

Campaign website: Www.mauck2016.com

Education background, including all degrees: No answer

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: No answer

Offices you have sought and/or held before: None

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I’m a retail store manager and host an online radio program. I've done some comedy in DFW. I’m an average guy and I would represent all the other average people in Congress.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Wages are too low, taxes are too high and the cost of healthcare is out of control!

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Wages, taxes, healthcare.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I'll donate half my salary to charity and will only serve two years. My opponent has made over 2 million from the tax payers and is a career politician. I will not repeat this.

Libertarian

Mark Boler

Age: 56

Occupation and/or main source of income: I’m a computer software and electronics hardware engineer.

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: I live in Oak Point, Texas and have since 2008. Before that I lived in Richardson, and have lived in Texas all of my adult life.

Campaign (public) phone number: I do not have a campaign phone number, but I do put my personal cell phone number on my web site. Since I work a full time job during the day, I sometimes take a while to call someone back. But I will if they leave a voicemail. 972-896-0047

Your campaign (public) email address: bolerforcongress@markboler.com

Campaign website: http://bolerforcongress.org/

Education background, including all degrees: I was trained as an electronics engineer and then switched over to software engineering. I've also taken a little bit of law.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I’ve run my own businesses before and try to do whatever I can to provide jobs for as many people as I can.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: I’ve run for this same US House seat in Texas' 26th district in 2010, 2012 and 2014.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. No one that goes to Washington to represent the people should be professional politicians. I have run my own businesses, worked as an employee as a worker and as a manager. I believe that I know more about what the average person wants to see happen in Washington than any politician who's beholden to lobbyists and special interests. I will not go to Washington in order to become a fixture there. I will go there to represent the people and then come home. I believe the people want Washington off of their backs and out of their every-day lives.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The most critical problem the people have with Congress is that they intrude into their lives far too much and exist to make themselves and their donors richer. I will make government less restrictive to the people. Congress has a very low approval rating yet for some reason most congress critters seem to get re-elected time after time. I plan to give as much control from the federal government back to the states and the people. Government needs to stand out of the way, protect the rights of the people, and let free enterprise and free trade flourish.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My priority would be to end federal over-regulation. When businesses cannot start anew because the barriers to entry are too high, no one wins. We will only get larger corporations who have no new competition so there are fewer good jobs and less opportunity. I would do everything I could to have government stand out of the way of people creating jobs and the economy would drastically improve. I would also do everything I can to relieve the average person of the over burdensome taxes. Once we do that, and the economy improves there is nothing that can't be done.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Computers are everywhere now, and the people who design them have to know and understand the systems that computers are solving. I've written software in energy, healthcare, travel, finance, automotive, legal and many other industries. I've learned how each industry worked in order to improve them with computers. I've learned that the largest obstacle to overcome is the burden of government. Some regulation helps, but we're past the point where it helps now. Regulation now is done to make politicians richer, make large corporations richer, and to keep smaller competitors out of the way.

For local and legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, are local governments doing all they can to provide property tax relief? If so, how? If not, what should be done? I am not running for a local government but I believe that taxes in general are too high. Government tries to do too much. People can better spend their own money.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? The federal government should only do what is allowed in Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution. Everything else should be handled by the states. But in my opinion, the owners of the establishments should be the ones deciding who should use which restroom. I believe that adults should be able to engage in anything which is voluntary in nature. If an adult wants to gamble the government should not prevent it. It is not government’s responsibility to protect adults from themselves. Government’s should exist to protect the rights of the people.

District 33

Democrat

U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (I)

Age: 45

Occupation and/or main source of income: Member of Congress

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth, 45 years

Campaign (public) phone number: (817) 446-8222

Your campaign (public) email address: campaign@marcveasey.com

Campaign website: www.marcveasey.com

Education background, including all degrees: Texas Wesleyan University, Bachelors in Mass Communications

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: As the lead plaintiff in Veasey v. Abbott, I challenged the state of Texas in a lawsuit proving that Texas’ voter photo ID requirements discriminate against minority voters. I am proud that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit agrees, and have taken the steps towards ensuring that all Texans have unfettered access to the ballot box.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Texas House of Representatives House District 95 2005-2012

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. Voters should choose me to represent the 33rd Congressional District because I have a record of fighting for all Texas families- one which has stood the test of time. Whether it was as a staffer for former Congressman Martin Frost, as a Representative in the Texas House of Representatives or as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I have never quit fighting for the constituents of North Texas. In addition, as a longtime resident of DFW I have a deep and unique understanding of the actual needs of my constituents.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The 33rd congressional district was the highest uninsured district in the country. We are fighting this problem by providing assistance to enroll and educate constituents on healthcare related issues wherever possible. Additionally, I often hear of concerns around jobs and the economy. I believe that some of these issues can be alleviated by increasing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education initiatives, which in turn will better prepare our workforce for the future.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I believe that putting more money into the pockets of hard-working families should be priority number one. Whether it’s raising the minimum wage to support current needs due to inflation and a rising cost of living or creating and sustaining new jobs in DFW, I will continue to fight hard for the economic success of every North Texan.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I believe enacting and enforcing legislation is a key element of affecting change. My position on the Armed Services committee allows me an opportunity to protect and promote jobs in North Texas- home to dozens of defense companies and related industries. In addition, Space, Science, and Technology allows me a chance to exercise the same role for the many tech companies in DFW, reinforcing my goal to provide young people with training and education in STEM fields to better prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

Republican

M. Mark Mitchell

Age: 60

Occupation and/or main source of income: Physician and attorney services remains my main sources of income. However, my construction company builds an average of 1 home per year and my investigation and security business is small but active

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: I have lived in DFW almost all of my life.

Campaign (public) phone number: (817) 235-MARK or (817) 457-4777

Your campaign (public) email address: monte.mitchell@charter.net

Campaign website: www.mmarkmitchell.com

Education background, including all degrees: My public school education began at Lily B. Clayton Elementary School in Fort Worth. I attended McLean Middle School and Paschal High School in the FWISD system. I enrolled at University of Texas at Austin and subsequently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of Texas at Arlington. I received a Master’s degree in Biology and Public Health from North Texas State University. I graduated in 4 years with a medical degree from NTSU TCOM. I completed a rotating internship at Dallas Fort Worth Medical Center and began a surgical residency at Phoenix General Hospital. I then entered Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and graduated after serving as Managing Editor of the Law Review. I then enrolled at Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology and received my Master’s of Theological Studies degree after 3 years. I studied and graduated as a Health Policy Fellow from Ohio University Heritage and New York Institute of Technology 2013-2014.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Current civic involvement include husband of Hannah. Father of 10.5 month old son. Member of Emmanuel Church. Member of missionary team to Uganda with Emmanuel Church. Business owner of Sentinel, LLC. and Mark 1 Homes. Member of the Lincoln Council of TCGOP. Member of TriCounty Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; HEB Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Past civic involvement highlights include: Candidate for State Representative, Republican Primary, 1997-1998, 1999-2000, 2011-2012. Republican Primary winner for State Representative in District 95; candidate in general election 2012. ...

Offices you have sought and/or held before: I ran for State Representative against incumbent Bill Carter for state district 91 in 1998 and 2000 and got 40 percent and 46 percent of the vote, respectively. I also ran for State Representative against Nicole Collier in state district 95 for an open seat in 2012.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best-qualified candidate for this office. The voters should choose me to represent them in Washington, DC for my knowledge, skill, philosophy, and integrity. As a physician, I understand public service, the healthcare industry, and insurance. I also have been trained in health policy and grasp the dilemmas of healthcare policy questions and solutions to the complex issues. As an attorney, I comprehend the vast nature of the legal and legislative system and have learned how to navigate the waters of the systems of man. As a custom home builder, I also realize what it is to work hard, get my hands dirty, and fix a problem. And as a small business owner, I am acutely aware of the problems that small businesses face with taxes, regulations, and paperwork as well as payroll. In my business, I have a budget and comprehend the importance of a budget. I understand debt and the problems that it brings. I know the difficulties of running a payroll and managing a small business. Finally, I understand the fiduciary responsibility inherent in a leader and representative and grasp the fine details of Congressional office.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. #1 Better stewardship of the Peoples’ purse (Taxes). I will not raise taxes and will lower taxes when possible. The institution of a flat tax or fair tax is one way to help families and businesses and reduce the burden on our economy and our families. #2 Safer communities (Urban turnaround). Our communities suffer because our citizens need jobs. Improvement of our economy with lower taxes and regulation stimulates business. This will create jobs and put our nation back to work. #3 Mobility (Transportation). I call it the 3T’s. Our infrastructure suffers from disrepair and disorganization. The drainage systems in some cities are easily overwhelmed and need help. We must maintain our infrastructure so commerce can grow.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. The creation of jobs for all Texans in District 33. Jobs follow from the success of small businesses and small businesses flourish from lower taxes, decreased regulations, and tax credits to help employees with childcare. I am the candidate for change that the American people envision in their hour of need that will work tirelessly for better conditions for our families, a better economy, and a better life for our children. I will listen to my constituents at home. I support legal immigration, keeping families together, and for protecting our citizens by vetting immigrants completely.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. My grandfather always told me that if I got a good education and worked hard, I could do almost anything in life. My heart is to become a good public servant, work hard, read every bill, keep in touch with my constituents, remain humble, give back to my community, and always do the right thing. There are many issues in this race and the issues should decide the winner, not slurs or personal attacks. I believe as statesmen that we should focus on the issues and avoid the temptation to lower ourselves to individual assaults.

This story was originally published September 30, 2016 at 10:59 AM with the headline "2016 Voters Guide: Congressional candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot."