2016 Voters Guide: Legislative 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 the legislative candidates who responded had to say.

Texas Senate

District 12

Republican

State Sen. Jane Gray Nelson (I)

Age: 64

Occupation and/or main source of income: Former teacher, businesswoman.

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Flower Mound. Denton County resident since 1979.

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-488- 7400

Your campaign (public) email address: info@janenelson.org

Campaign website: www.janenelson.org

Education background, including all degrees: B.S. Education/English, University of North Texas

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I served two terms on the State Board of Education before being elected to the Texas Senate, where I am the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, a member of the Senate State Affairs Committee and Dean of the Republican Caucus. I authored legislation to provide over $4 billion in tax relief; protect victims of domestic violence; establish the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas; dedicate lottery proceeds to education; and create grant for veterans mental health. As the chief Senate budget writer, I sponsored a budget that ended transportation diversions, prioritized education, strengthened border security and increased funding for women’s health. My work has been recognized by the Texas Conservative Coalition, Texas Association of Business, Texas CASA, Texas Council on Family Violence, the American Cancer Society and the Coalition of Fast Growth School Districts.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: State Board of Education, Texas Senate

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 conservative Republican who gets the job done for my constituents. As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I drew on my experience as a businessperson to write a balanced budget that provided tax relief and prioritized transportation, education, border security and other issues important to Senate District 12. As a former teacher, businesswoman, and grandmother who cares deeply about our children’s future, I will fight to uphold the conservative principles that keep Texas strong and successful.

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 am developing a conservative budget that meets the growing needs of our state while protecting the successful formula driving our state economy. We will make smarter use of our resources, understanding that every dollar we spend is a dollar earned by a taxpayer. I am also working on a legislative package to improve public safety, stop abuses of emergency leave policies and address issues of concern brought to my attention by constituents.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I will pass a conservative budget that limits the growth of government while maintaining our commitment to transportation, border security, education and other priorities for the people of Texas.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am working diligently to ensure that our children grow up in a state with good schools, safe neighborhoods and an economy that provides jobs and opportunities to succeed.

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? Homeowners are shouldering a disproportionate share of the tax. We need to provide relief at all levels of government. At the state level, I passed a bill last session that increased the homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000. More must be done at all levels.

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 not be dictating bathroom policies to our local school districts, and I strongly disagree with policies that keep parents in the dark. I oppose the expansion of gambling in Texas.

Libertarian

Rod Wingo

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

District 22

Republican

State Sen. Brian Birdwell (I)

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Democrat

Michael Collins

Age: 79

Occupation and/or main source of income: Bank VP 20 year then Forensic Documentalist—35 years

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Granbury, TX – 4 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 682-936-2455

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

Campaign website: Michael Collins for Senate

Education background, including all degrees: University of Colorado, Boulder (1968) Graduated Finance

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Participated and leader in Civil Rights beginning in 1955. Served as juror on 112 trials. Selected Outstanding Young Man in Eastland, Co-Chaired Campaign for John Kennedy 1960.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Never sought or held any office. Campaigns only

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. Strong dedication to helping people, honest, hard worker, accomplish goals/objectives, headed Salvation Army for 16 years. Single handedly accomplished obtaining a one hundred year convention for an undeveloped island from Dictator “PaPa Doc” in Haiti. I have written a non-fiction book, Cornucopia of Evil, which sold over thirty thousand copies. Good Book! I’ve sold enough that I give them . Just a fw left.

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. Most critical problem is the lack of education for everyone. One of my solutions to this problem is the face to face meetings I want to have all across the district. Perhaps an online newsletter. Thirty-five years as a Forensic Documentalist put me in more courtrooms than any lawyer in the country. That is where I learned about intentional lack of education.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. There is a group of billionaires (none from Granbury) who are building a secret institution that can be dangerous for out Granbury. I have already started getting help from Austin to plug that loop-hole. Once I have accomplished that I will move on to providing more education.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I single handedly sought and found the person who murdered my 10 year old daughter. That town had a very corrupt criminal justice system. It has cleaned up considerably. Granbury has its problem also so I want to encourage leadership to clean it up.

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? (1) NO (3) Lets stop kidding ourselves. Granbury is far behind on improvements needed throughout the county. Instead of reducing taxes Granbury must increase taxes on those who can easily afford to pay more.

Texas House

District 92

Republican

State Rep. Jonathan Stickland (I)

Age: 33

Occupation and/or main source of income: Oil and Gas Consultant

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

Campaign (public) phone number: 817 437-9184

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

Campaign website: www.jonathanstickland.com

Education background, including all degrees: He attended schools in the Birdville School District before getting his GED. He spent time at Tarrant County College and Parkland College studying sales and marketing.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Jonathan has been a grass roots activist since 2008.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Jonathan has served 2 terms in the Texas House of Representatives during the 83 rd and 84 th legislative sessions.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As a grassroots activist for the last decade, I have had the ability to connect with the people of my district and represent them well. Being in business for myself has also given me a knowledge of how important deregulation is to industry, and how regulation can destroy innovation. After 2 successful legislative sessions I am looking forward to headed back to Austin to fight big government and the Austin establishment.

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 always seek in every way to limit the size and scope of our government. I will oppose all new tax increases and regulations that Austin insiders will seek to implement at the expense of the people of my district. I believe we will be looking to regain our 2nd amendment rights through constitutional carry. Place further restrictions on the abortion industry, and my office has personally taken up the restructuring of our DFPS foster care system.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My top priority will be to pass constitutional carry in order to restore the 2nd amendment rights of Texas citizens. I want to make sure that no legal gun owner will have to pay a fine or take a class in order to exercise their God given rights. I was happy with the passing of open carry last session, and I look forwarding to fully restoring our rights.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Those who know me in my district know that I am a man of my word. I have consistently voted for smaller government, lower taxes, and more individual liberty. I will continue to stand on conservative principles and fight for more freedom and less government if my constituents decide to send me back.

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? No answer

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? I do not want my two girls having to deal with allowing men into their restrooms. Especially in places like our schools. It is a travesty that our society has arrived here and I am extremely concerned that ISDs like Fort Worth decided to take it upon themselves to move without parent’s consent. I oppose casino gambling in Texas and I will not vote to allow it.

Democrat

Kim Leach

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Green Party

Travis Christal

Age: 29

Occupation and/or main source of income: Senior Financial Analyst

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth, 5 years

Campaign (public) phone number: (210) 343-9818

Campaign (public) email address: travischristal@gmail.com

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/staterephd92

Education background, including all degrees: BBA and Masters in Accounting from University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business (ranked #1 accounting program in the nation)

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Interned at Taxpayers for Common Sense, active in the effort to get the TRE to run on Sundays, volunteer with Wolf-PAC

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. As a certified public accountant who spent more than 3 years auditing entities including HEB-ISD, Tarrant Appraisal District and FWISD, I have the financial expertise, integrity and objectivity required to make informed decisions in the best interests of our 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 corrupting influence of big money in politics is the first issue that must be addressed before we can expect our elected representatives (who in fact represent the interest of their donors) to do their jobs properly. Also, we waste billions on mass incarceration of nonviolent offenders—and in doing so, ruin lives and create psychologically-damaged violent criminals. Finally, the radical anarcho-capitalist extremism embodied by the oversimplified austerity policies championed by my opponent—who voted against free breakfast in schools and against service dogs for veterans diagnosed with PTSD—is a scourge to our society and an impediment to economic growth.

In 100 words or less, please outline the priority you would address first if elected to office. Texas should join the other states who have called for an Article V convention of the states to pass the 28^th amendment to the Constitution, which will address the corrupting influence of big money in politics. This amendment will overturn Citizens United, and abolish the court-created legal fictions of rights for corporations and “money = speech”. See movetoamend.org and wolf-pac.com. I would also push for Texas to pass the Anti Corruption Act so special interests can't use job offers and donations to influence politicians: anticorruptionact.org

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am a moderate. I am running on the only party that does not accept donations from corporations, lobbyists, or Super-PACs. I am the only candidate in this race who truly stands for liberty, including ending prison slave labor, mass surveillance, border militarization, and civil forfeitures by police. I strongly oppose the Republican and Democratic Parties. I am a proud member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

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? No. A house is the only substantial asset that normal people own. Multi-millionaires and billionaires, on the other hand, hold astronomical, morally obscene and economically useless amounts of wealth in myriad forms, including financial securities and cash. Obviously there are problems with attempting to tax wealth that can easily flee the state to escape taxation, but we should certainly be taxing incomes that exceed, say, $1 million and estates/inheritances that exceed $5 million.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Let’s make decisions based in reality. We are told hypothetical tales about transgender people assaulting children in restrooms. Meanwhile, in reality, we know transgender people are murdered disproportionately, so there is a real danger with forcing a transwoman of color to use the men’s restroom. This bathroom bill phenomenon is nothing more than craven wedge-issue politics. Casino gambling has genuine pros and cons—my vote would depend on the specifics, and of course I would have to consult the special interests who fund my campaign to see what they wanted. Just kidding! I would consult my constituents.

Libertarian

Leah Sees

Age: 58

Occupation and/or main source of income: Medical Revenue Cycle Management Business Owner

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Euless, TX – 22 years continuous, 26 years total

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-358-1940

Your campaign (public) email address: lsees@sbcglobal.net

Campaign website: n/a

Education background, including all degrees: HS, four years college

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Current: lobbying City of Euless to revise animal control policies to allow more volunteer (and therefor less costly and more effective) intervention on feral cat control

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 taxpayer

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. Citizens are taxed to death in order to pay for programs that either benefit a few and/or are ineffective. Costs need to be reduced and taxes proportionately reduced – and the first place to start would be to repeal all crimes on the books that have no victim, and thereby reduce the need for such huge law enforcement, adjudication and penal industries.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Repeal any and all laws that have no victim

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. No answer.

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? No – they have not even BEGUN. You can’t lower taxes until you cut spending. And I don’t mean cut the growth – I mean CUT the spending. Any program that does not benefit all citizens should be examined and most cut. Victimless crimes should be appealed

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? When the legislature has finished repealing special-interest laws and victimless crimes, then maybe they can entertain this sort of thing.

District 93

Republican

State Rep. Matt Krause (I)

Age: 36

Occupation and/or main source of income: Business transition and benefit consultant

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth - Almost 9 years

Campaign (public) phone number:

Your campaign (public) email address: matt@mattkrause.org

Campaign website: www.mattkrause.org

Education background, including all degrees: JD '07 (Liberty Univ School of Law); BA in History/Social Science '03 (San Diego Christian College)

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Completing my second term as State Representative, Sunday School teacher, former precinct chair and president of Northwest Fort Worth Republican Club, Board of Trustee at SDC

Offices you have sought and/or held before: State Rep District 99 in '10, District 93 '12, '14, '16

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I have been honored to represent District 93 the last four years in the Texas Legislature. I feel as though our office has done a great job of representing the interests of those in District 93. We have been able to protect the taxpayer and advocate for policies that benefit all Texans.

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. Due to the volatility in the oil markets, the state will have about $1 Billion less in revenue than anticipated. This drop comes in the wake of increased healthcare costs and more questions on education funding. I would like to see the Texas Legislature adopt a zero based budgeting approach that forces us to prioritize appropriately.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I think there are two issues of critical importance for the state - the first is preparedness. Whether we are reinforcing and protecting our grid, or looking for ways to bolster our coastal barrier system, or taking steps to protect Texans against a potential federal economic collapse, Texas' leaders should be forward thinking enough to anticipate problems and address them before a catastrophe happens. Secondly, we have more work to do on the criminal justice reform route. I look forward to working on this issue in the 85th Legislative Session as well.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Once again, thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Austin. It is such an honor. I hope to earn your vote and trust again so that I can continue the good work started the prior two sessions. Texas is still the greatest state in the greatest nation in the world - I want to continue to work on your behalf to keep it that 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 think the taxpayers can answer that better than the elected officials. At the state level, I think it is imperative we look at appraisal reform. That is where the real savings and relief will come to homeowners.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Since coming into the legislature, I have been against the expansion of gambling in Texas. That is still true and I do not support allowing casino gambling in Texas. On the restroom issue, all we need to do is use common sense. Unfortunately, some school districts and local governments have eschewed that principle. Because of that, I am sure you will see some discussion on this issue in the upcoming session.

Democrat

Nancy Bean

Age: 61

Occupation and/or main source of income: Counselor/Educator

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Arlington since 2007.

Campaign (public) phone number: 682-207-BEAN

Your campaign (public) email address: Campaign@NancyBean4TX.org

Campaign website: www.NancyBean4TX.org

Education background, including all degrees: Master of Arts-Counseling: West Texas A&M; Master of Divinity: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Bachelor of Science-Human Development & Family Relations/Early Childhood Education: University of Kentucky

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Candidate for TX State Board of Education, 2014; Past Board Member of Tarrant County Democratic Woman’s Club; Founding Board Member of Friends of Justice (faith-based non-profit); Member of Broadway Baptist Church, Fort Worth

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Candidate for TX State Board of Education in 2014

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I have the compassion, courage, and conviction to fight for the people of Texas. I have a lifetime of experience serving my community as a public educator, as a minister, as a community organizer, and as a mother. As a public educator for over 22 years, first as a teacher and now as a counselor for special needs children, I fight for the success of my students every day. My husband, Rev. Dr. Alan Bean, and I taught our three children to serve the community by fighting for justice and mercy. Send me to Austin, and I will fight for you and your family.

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. Public schools are under attack from extremists in the Texas Legislature, who would privatize and resegregate our community schools. I will fight for full funding of Public Education, universal pre-kindergarten and technical/vocational training. I will work to reduce high-stakes testing and to re-establish respect for the teaching profession. 2. I will advocate for the dignity of Work and Wages: a living minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, Worker’s Compensation as a requirement, enforcement of Contract Labor laws, and the right of workers to organize for a just workplace. 3. I will fight to expand Medicaid and work for universal access to Healthcare.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. As a minority member of the house (Democrat), my first priority will be to ally with others of good will to prevent extreme legislation which further threatens public education, which further threatens the dignity of the worker, and which further threatens the protections of the rights of women and minorities. On a positive front, I will ally with others to introduce legislation strengthening public education, expanding Medicaid, and increasing the minimum wage and basic worker rights.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am a proud native Texan. My grandparents were dustbowl farmers. My mother and father were first generation high school and college graduates. I’m running because it’s time for those of us who love our families to take back our state from a Legislature who has sold us out to corporate billionaires. They are assaulting public education, voting rights, minority rights, and the safety of our community air, water, and public spaces. I’m running because I believe that the people of Texas are ready to rebuild our Texas house with dignity and opportunity for ALL our neighbors.

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? Without an alternative source of income, property taxes remain a primary source for funding of schools and other community infrastructure. Property taxes could be made more equitable by replacing the current flat tax rate with a progressive rate. Property taxes could also be made more equitable by reducing the abatement incentives provided to business.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? The initiative for restroom legislation is political posturing which avoids the real legislative issues of healthcare, the dignity of work, and public education. Casino gambling, while distasteful to me personally, should be legislated as a market commodity to be carefully regulated and taxed. While we continue to allow other forms of gambling (horse, lottery, fantasy football, etc) and usury (payday loans, title loans, etc), any moral argument is hypocritical. The real moral issues facing our state are child poverty, the assault on public education, the attacks on voting rights, and a starvation minimum wage.

District 94

Republican

State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (I)

Age: 46

Occupation: Director, Training and Recruiting and retired military officer

Residence: Arlington, TX 8 years

Email: tony@tonytinderholt.com

Website: Tonytinderholt.com

Education: Masters of Education K-12, Educational Leadership

Explain background: I have spent my entire adult life in service of others and continue to do so while representing district 94. I have a proven track record of quality leadership and success throughout my 21 year military career, my education and work during the 84th Legislative session.

Outline critical problems: An unsecure power grid. I authored the house version last session which will most likely pass during the 85th Legislative session. Imagine Texas with no power whatsoever which is a reality considering that it would only take a solar flare which is past due or an EMP device near an electrical grid soft target. Next is the continuing battle of illegal immigration which polls very high in the district as a threat to Texas and Texans. We need to also work hard on infrastructure in Texas which includes education, roads, water and power. Lastly are issues that protect life, liberty and property.

My priority: Protecting the rights of legal citizens as explained in the U.S and Texas Constitutions and the Bill of Rights. Freedom and these rights are inalienable, government does not grant them, government’s job is to protect them. I will continue to make the protection of these rights one of my highest priorities.

Other things voters need to know about me: I am ranked the third most Conservative Republican in the Texas House. I am a very humble servant, son, husband, father and grandfather. I am a 21 year military veteran and one term State Representative. I knock thousands of doors to meet voters and find out what is important to them at the legislative level. I work for the people of Arlington, Dalworthington Gardens and Pantego. I vote according to the discussions we’ve had on the voter’s doorsteps. Our team has built quality relationships within the community to keep our fingers on the pulse of the district which pays huge dividends during session. I know my place, it’s to represent the people of the district.

Local government tax relief: Taxing of your property is done at the local level, State Legislators don’t set these rates. It’s important for cities, counties and school districts to mitigate excess tax revenue collection by decreasing the tax rates when home values increase at a level in which they are currently doing. In the instances a taxing agency over collects because they neglected to decrease tax rates, it’s imperative to return the excess to the tax payers versus growing government more and spending in excess. Some are doing a good job by decreasing tax rates while others are not. It’s important for voters to contact their locally elected officials to voice their opinions concerning tax rates. It’s even more important to have your voice heard at the polling stations by voting those who over tax you out of office.

Libertarian

Jessica Pallett

Age: 34

Occupation and/or main source of income: Process Improvement Manager

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Arlington- 16 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 682-556-6346

Your campaign (public) email address: 1609 W. Lovers Ln. Arlington, TX 76013

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/PallettontheBallot

Education background, including all degrees: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt- University of Texas at Dallas

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Active with Libertarian Party of Tarrant County, Volunteer Youth Sports Coach, Active with Toastmasters International

Offices you have sought and/or held before: None, this is my first time as a candidate for office!

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills, and experience make you the best-qualified candidate for this office. In my profession, it is my job to investigate the way things are done, and discover better, faster, and more financially responsible ways to execute tasks to make the business better. After I sell this new way to the decision makers, I have to work with the people doing the daily work to implement the solution. It takes listening, clarifying, understanding, common sense, intuition, strong verbal communication, and trust in others, and responsibility to deliver on time. I know these skills will bring me great success as a public servant.

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. Arlington citizens are on the verge of having to act as a bank once again, as we help fund yet another professional sports team stadium with our tax dollars while we remain the largest city in the United States without public transportation. I think our legislature in Austin, the Mayor of Arlington, and Arlington City Council should seek ways to decrease programs and taxes, not look for shiny new opportunities to add more regulating bodies and increasing the taxes to fund them.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Arlington, Pantego, and Dalworthington Gardens have some top-notch private and free market schools who serve their community well without Austin or worse DC orchestrating their decisions. I would like to see some solutions to begin to change the way local education is regulated and funded. There is value in keeping the directional leadership where it really should be- with the educational professionals, the parents, and the students.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Being outside of the old two-party system, I think less is known about the goals of the Libertarian party. I am a mother, my daughter attends school and plays sports, my husband and I work full time to pay for our home, cars, and utilities. I teach yoga, we ride bikes, and we have pets. I stand for less government and more individual liberty. Libertarians are productive and law-abiding citizens who think that we can be trusted to decide the best guidelines for our bodies, our family, and our property.

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? Unfortunately, pending a vote in November, Arlington citizens could be used to fund another Ranger Stadium after publicly funding Cowboy Stadium. I think the local government could do more and examine some solutions using the market for schools, infrastructure, and other related taxes and work harder to reduce the cost of living for Arlington citizens.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Since these two issues seem to be more about personal morality and financial gain for the government respectively, I respectfully suggest that Federal Legislature does nothing in these areas. Under the 10th Amendment, state legislation is where regulations if any would fall. I believe that businesses with restrooms are just as concerned and responsible for the safety of their patrons and can be trusted to make the right decision on these matters so they can stay open and profitable. Casino gambling dollars from Texans are going to Oklahoma and Louisiana. The money could serve Texans better in Texas.

District 95

Democrat

State Rep. Nicole Collier (I)

Age: 44

Occupation and/or main source of income: Attorney

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: I have been living in Fort Worth for more than 24 years.

Campaign (public) phone number: (817) 330-9095

Your campaign (public) email address: nicole@votenicolecollier.com

Campaign website: www.votenicolecollier.com

Education background, including all degrees: B.S. University of Houston, JD; Texas Wesleyan University School of Law

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I have served as a precinct chair and election judge prior to being elected the first African-American woman to represent House District 95. I was elected Second Vice-Chair for the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and currently serve as a member of the Southeast YMCA Board of Managers and on the board of the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District for the City of Fort Worth. In the 84th Texas Legislature, I served as Vice-Chair of the General Investigating and Ethics Committee and a member of the Public Health, Business and Industry, and Select Committee of Federal Environmental Regulation.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: State Representative for House District 95 2013-present.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office: I am dedicated to ensuring that the residents of District 95 have a progressive leader who is not afraid to speak out as their best advocate. As an attorney, I have been involved in building relationships with opposing parties and in working to reach positive resolutions for those whom I represent.

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: We must improve Child Protective Services, which faces high turnover for case workers who are often underpaid for the amount of work they perform and overloaded with too many cases. The State’s budget will likely be less than in years past which means there will be less money to fund our agencies. Access to quality healthcare, how we fund the public education system, rising costs of a college education, and property tax reform are all critical issues as well.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office: As mentioned above, there are many issues that will need to be addressed, however the Child Protective Services system is one that comes to mind today. Too many children are suffering within the system and are not receiving the proper care they need. There are children being removed from their homes only to be placed in an unstable system meant to protect them, but in reality often subjects them to further trauma, abuse, and neglect. We must address the breakdown within this organization and develop ways to improve the delivery of care and protection for these children.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you: It is an honor to be a public servant and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I believe that it is important to listen to the concerns of the residents to develop policy that reflects their views. I have done this through the numerous Town Halls I have hosted on issues ranging from Domestic Violence, Mental Illness, Transportation and Career Building. One thing residents of HD95 want to see is economic development and last session I passed legislation that made way for new residential development in HD95 which will bring new commercial development and additional jobs in HD95.

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? Unfortunately local governments are often the “catch all” for underfunded necessities that have previously been subsidized by the State and Federal governments. Since my arrival in the House I have fought to restore the funding cuts in Public Education that have forced local school districts to raise rates and cut services. I have also fought to expand Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act which will provide much needed relief to Tarrant County and other local health providers.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? I do not believe that the State legislature is the best arena to address restroom regulation. I can see the economic benefit of allowing casino gambling in Texas because every year millions of dollars flow to Louisiana and Oklahoma that could be used to fund vital programs for Texas residents. However, I am not yet completely convinced that casino gambling is the right fit in Texas at this time and will continue to study the opportunities as they arise.

Republican

Albert G. McDaniel

Age: 62

Occupation and/or main source of income: Entrepreneur & Professional Engineer, Texas License

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth, for more than 50 years altogether

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-705- 6344

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

Campaign website: http://www.agmtexas.com/

Education background, including all degrees: BS Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, A.I.B. certificate, American Institute of Banking, and additional studies at Tarrant County College

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Research I funded and participated in, along with associated medicines, were presented at the Rare Disease Conference hosted by National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, resulting in identifying and listing a new disease in the registry of Rare Diseases. I was honored for my efforts by being named Champion of Hope 2013 Nominee by Global Genes | RARE Project and by grateful users worldwide. Persons I have never met in person have told me they are alive because of my inventions.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: 2014 Candidate for State Rep, Texas House District 95

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I’ve not encountered an obstacle yet that I did not conquer. The incumbent, a mere lawyer, fights Republican leadership and therefore has accomplished nothing during her 2 terms. She lied about where she lived 2 years ago and now she works at her lawfirm in Dallas. What’s a mere lawyer going to do anyway; file a lawsuit forcing employers to hire more employees? I know how to design and build things like houses, coiled tubing injectors, wireline logging tools, and the list goes on. I will cooperate with Tarrant County and statewide Republican leadership to attract employers to SEFW.

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. Employment and education are both sub-standard in SE Fort Worth. All problems result from the shortage of good jobs and poor education. I just checked ratings, and Texas is 42, with 50 being the worst. It’s not just my opinion; public education in Texas is a disgrace. Why hasn’t this embarrassment been fixed? Who’s to blame? I don’t care who you are, you need to leave and let someone smarter have your desk. Once I have the authority of the office, I will remedy both. I’ll start companies and charter schools myself if I need to.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I will rebuild SE FW 1, 2, 3 houses at a time, hiring local labor that is willing to learn a new skill. I will help locals start their own businesses manufacturing, building and selling items we see a need for, making sure everything we build is properly designed and to code. Fact is, I’ve started working toward this end in Stop 6. Also, you will remember that I have already formulated and mass produced the only supplement in the world you take internally that helps repel biting bugs like Zika mosquitoes. Idle talk is for lawyers, not engineers.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. People in Stop 6 have started calling me Eastside Albert because I am from here. I grew up in Poly, Meadowbrook, Eastern Hills and live now in the house my granddad bought in the 1940’s. So I’m a local, but I’m also an inventor, entrepreneur, engineer, businessman, past bank VP, CFO, and I’m offering to work for you. IF dems had done a good job during the past 25 years, SEFW wouldn’t need me. If you elect me, I will make myself available to you if you. But if you keep voting straight stupid, nothing will change.

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? Property tax allows government lawyers to take your property away from you. Think about that; you do not own your house or land after all, even if it is paid off. If you did truly own it, no one could take it away from you. I will fight government lawyers who always legislate to take what’s your away from you, and that means I will always oppose property tax.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Really? I thought it was bad when our esteemed government lawyers told us we couldn’t buy incandescent light bulbs, but this is a new low, even for democrat lawyers. God determines a person’s sex at birth and it cannot be changed, no matter what operations an idiot can afford. The pagan dems in DC must be rejected. I would allow casino gambling if regulated. Remember, Jesus never forced anyone’s behavior, but he did punish the swindlers in the house of the Lord.

District 96

Republican

State Rep. Bill Zedler (I)

Age: 73

Occupation and/or main source of income: Consulting & Investments

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Arlington, 38 Years

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-478- 7295

Your campaign (public) email address: Bill@billzedler.org

Campaign website: www.billzedler.org

Education background, including all degrees: BBA, MBA, Sam Houston State University

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Arlington Chamber of Commerce Wrangler, President of the Board Arlington Pregnancy Center, Elder & Board Chairman, Park Springs Bible Church, Advisory Board Metroplex Women’s Clinic.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Precinct Chair, State Representative

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. After graduating with an MBA, I served as an officer in the U.S. Military earning The Army Commendation Medal during a tour in Vietnam. I went on to have a long successful career in the medical industry earning many awards along the way. In the legislature, I am known as a principled conservative that has upheld the ideals of free enterprise, limited government, limited taxes, and family values, because those are the ideals that have made us the greatest country in the World. I have been married to my wife for 45 years, raising 3 children and 8 Grandchildren.

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. Address the unfair process that allows 2 or 3 LOCALLY elected legislators that happen to be Committee Chairs or Speaker, to control what bills get to the floor and what bills don’t. Power should be dispersed so that the legislation that gets to the floor is influenced by a majority of the members of the Texas House of Representatives. The current process thwarts the will of the People.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Keeping the Texas Economic Engine roaring should be our top priority. That keeps job creation high and wages going up. That can be done by balancing the budget without raising taxes and keeping the regulatory environment reasonable and fair. That means securing the border and enforcing our immigration laws in order to reduce the amount of tax dollars that are spent on illegal immigrants. Currently the State of Texas spends billions of dollars providing an education, healthcare, and other benefits to illegal immigrants.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I have gone to Austin as a conservative warrior and a citizen legislator who comes home after each session to live under the laws I helped pass for a more efficient and lean state government that promotes job growth and opportunity for all.

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? The legislature should pass legislation that insures that the appraisal process is fair and that appraisal boards are transparent and responsive to the taxpayer. Furthermore, legislation should be passed that make roll back elections easier when property taxes increase more than 5% in any given year.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Bathroom: The legislature should act to protect children from the danger of men, who simply choose to self-identify as a woman, from accessing woman’s restrooms or showers. When there is an expectation of privacy access should be limited to the gender the person was born. Casino’s: Numerous studies indicate that casino gambling creates a net loss of revenue for states that allow them to operate. Studies show that for every dollar of revenue from casinos, the state spends 3 in increased social services. We do not have revenue problems — we have spending problems. Casinos exacerbate those problems.

Democrat

Sandra D. Lee

Age: 54

Occupation and/or main source of income: District Attendance Officer for Mansfield ISD

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Kennedale 2 years but I’ve lived in Kennedale ISD attendance zone for 20 years.

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-291- 4798

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

Campaign website: www.leeforyou.org

Education background, including all degrees: Associate of Arts TCC 2006

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Board of Managers for McDonald Southeast YMCA. I’ve been on boards for PTA and Site Base Management Teams. Sunday school teacher and coach for Special Needs students. I’ve also volunteered as a coach for Youth Associations.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: 2014 I ran for Justice of the Peace Pct. 7

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I believe my position as a Truancy Officer and member of the Board of Managers for the Y has afforded me the opportunity to engage with families of Tarrant County and understand their needs. You have to have a relationship with the constituents before you can effectively represent them. I feel that I have that relationship. A representative that votes negatively against Education, Healthcare and Veteran issues is a representative who has no idea what’s needed in HD96.

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 believe our most critical problem is elected officials who pander to their donors. I can’t understand how a doctor from Houston and special interest have control over Representative Bill Zedler votes. My solution is to elect Sandra D. Lee as the next Representative for HD96.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My top priority fluctuates between Education and Affordable Healthcare. Education is no longer just about teaching our students. We deal with multiple issues that affect our kids every day, from hunger to mental illness. We have to give the school districts resources to deal with students ever changing needs. I believe we need to incorporate health clinics and food pantries into the schools in our poorest communities. Affordable Healthcare - If we are not going to expand Medicaid, we need to focus on improving the existing program.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I had my struggles. As a child I was molested, as a teenager I was arrested. It took a long time for me to understand the first 19 years of my life. Those previous years were preparing me for the person I am today. There are times when God takes you to your knees, but when he let me up I was ready to represent. If you are looking for a Christian to represent you with actions and not just words, you should cast your vote for Sandra D. Lee.

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? No, our mortgage increased $1700. $2500 to $4200 a month because of the incompetence of our Tax Assessor Collector’s office. Studies show that we can entirely eliminate the property tax burden by replacing it with a reformed sales tax.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Restroom regulations are a farce. Are we supposed to carry our birth certificates around just in case we have to use the restroom? Will there be a guard at the door to check our certificate and pat us down? If you really want to keep kids safe, keep predators out of school districts, daycares and foster parenting programs. There are more rapes and molestations going on in those programs than there are in restrooms. I would vote to allow casino gambling. It would create jobs and tax revenue.

District 97

Republican

State Rep. Craig Goldman (I)

Age: 48

Occupation and/or main source of income: Real Estate Investments

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth and Fort Worth has been home all of my life.

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-312- 0386

Your campaign (public) email address: craig@craiggoldman.org

Campaign website:www.craiggoldman.com

Education background, including all degrees: University of Texas, Major: Government/Political Science

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I have in the past served on the boards of the Cowtown Executive Association, The Tarrant County Community College Foundation and the Women’s Center of Tarrant County.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: 2007, State Representative for House District 97

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As a 5th generation Texan and 4th generation native of the City of Fort Worth, I know this area well and I know my district well. I feel I have represented the values of the people who live in District 97 for the last 4 years by helping to pass legislation to reduce unnecessary occupational licensing regulations; provide funding to help secure the Texas and Mexico border; provide extensive tax cuts to our citizens and to find needed funding for infrastructure to improve mobility across the State.

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) The Texas Supreme Court ruled the public school finance system “technically” constitutional, which should be a red flag for legislators and educators alike. The state needs to develop a system that provides adequate, equitable funding mechanisms to keep state dollars in the classroom and out of the pockets of education bureaucrats. 2) We must continue decreasing the tax burden at both the state and local level, for individuals, families, and independent businesses alike. I will continue to fight to eliminate the unfair and confusing franchise tax and support efforts to reduce the property tax burden on taxpayers.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. The top priority this upcoming session is going to be the budget. The most recent report from Comptroller Hegar reported the state fell short of predicted revenue forecasts by $1 Billion dollars, leaving the Legislature with far less flexibility when it comes to increasing funding for specific programs. The Legislature will have to be disciplined and maintain or reduce funding where it can in order to address the areas that are in need of additional funding, like education and health care.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. The 84th Legislative Session was about finding solutions to some big problems and I was proud to be part of the House membership who came up with some of those solutions. We stopped unnecessary diversions in our state’s budget, providing more dollars to projects on our highways and byways, and provided much needed tax relief to businesses and homeowners across the State by reducing property and franchise tax rates. I look forward to serving in the 85th Legislative Session and continuing my involvement with House members who recognize the problems our state is facing and actively work to provide the necessary solutions.

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? The Texas property tax, only second to the Personal Income Tax, is the largest levied tax in the country with nearly $52 billion collected in annual revenue. Property tax relief is subject to the budgets and tax rates adopted by local government, not from adjusted appraisals. Property taxes rise and fall depending on the rate set by local governments - cities, counties, school districts and special districts - each year. Local governments need to ensure the information provided to the public regarding rate setting is relevant, accurate and understandable, and taxpayers need to engage in not only the appraisal appeal process, but also in the annual property tax rate setting process by attending the public meetings and communicating their position on proposed property taxation plans.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? When Fort Worth was made the bulls-eye for national coverage and debate over public school bathroom policies, I made a point to meet with FWISD Superintendent, Dr. Kent Scribner, directly. I wanted to hear from him - not the activists, protestors and politicians - and discuss the issues and arguments that had been raised. We do not need the State dictating to each school and ISD across Texas what their specific school policies will be, period. Once the media frenzy died down and the dust settled, you will recall that FWISD quickly and quietly addressed the issues and concerns, leaving policy development to their respective campuses to address and handle in a manner that best fit the school’s need and community. I have yet to hear from one FWISD Principal who feels they need the State’s direct involvement in mediating their school’s own policy. I sit on the Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee in the House and any proposed casino gambling bill would come through our committee. I firmly believe there is no appetite for casino gambling into our State at this time.

Democrat

Elizabeth Tarrant

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Libertarian

Patrick Wentworth

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

District 98

Republican

State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (I)

Age: 43

Occupation and/or main source of income: Private equity manager.

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Southlake, TX - 8 years.

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-601-5446

Your campaign (public) email address: gio@votegiovanni.com

Campaign website: www.votegiovanni.com

Education background, including all degrees: B.S. Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute MBA, Santa Clara University

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: It has been my pleasure to have supported the following organizations: Mercy House, Pregnancy Help For You, Kids Matter International, District 98 STEM Scholarship Foundation, Metroport Meals on Wheels, Community Storehouse, Colleyville Lion's Club, Keller Lion's Club, Metroport/Southlake Rotary Club, Colleyville Woman's Club, Southlake Women's Club, Greater Keller Women's Club, Grapevine Chamber Women's Division, Friends of the Keller/Colleyville Library, GCISD Education Foundation, Carroll Education Foundation, Keller Education Foundation, Northwest Education Foundation, Neuro Assistance Foundation, ALTRUSA, Keep Colleyville Beautiful, North Texas Special Needs Assistance Partners, Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce, Southlake Chamber of Commerce, Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce and other great local organizations.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Texas State Representative for House District 98 since 2013

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As a husband, father and small business owner, I believe that my personal and professional background will help me continue to represent the residents of NE Tarrant County, and I humbly ask for your vote. I currently serve on three committees in the Texas House: Appropriations (Budget), Investments & Financial Services and Local & Consent Calendars. I have served on select committees dealing with public transparency, real property, and the lottery. During the 84^th session, I was appointed Chairman of the Sub-Committee on State & Local Debt, and I was also elected to be the Secretary of the House Energy Caucus.

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. In the next session the state budget will be of utmost concern. With lower oil & gas prices, state revenues have come in below expectations. There are several significant issues that I believe we must address, some of which will be tied to budget negotiations: reform of Child Protective Services, foster care redesign, improving our mental health programs, addressing a broken public education finance system, reducing over testing in public schools, retired teacher healthcare costs, lowering the tax burden, analyzing and evaluating government contracts, protecting data from cyber security attacks, and maintaining the integrity of our elections.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Accountability in government is of fundamental importance. That accountability starts with the ability to see how the government spends your money. Justice Brandeis once commented that “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” I have worked on, and helped pass, legislation that provides the public with more access to government data and contracts and the first pieces of legislation I file in the next session will be transparency related – you have the right to know.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. My direct line is 817-601-5446. If you live in District 98, please call me any time, and I’d be happy to meet you at my office, your home or a local coffee shop. Thank you!

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? For a variety of good reasons, Tarrant County has become one of the best places to live in America. With increased demand, home prices, especially in NE Tarrant County, have soared. The valuation and appeals process is an area of concern for many and one that I think should be looked at for reform. Many of our local governments have responded to higher valuations and new construction by either lowering the tax rate or increasing the homestead exemption. Property tax is one of the largest annual bills for many of us and something we all want to be assessed and spent as conservatively and efficiently as possible.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? The conversation on restroom regulations took a dark turn recently when a male suspect, hiding in a woman’s bathroom, allegedly assaulted a female. The suspect was arrested but is now free on bail. Since this happened in North East Tarrant, this has now, unfortunately, become an issue that has hit too close to home. One idea is to look at increasing penalties for those individuals who use those publicly available facilities to commit heinous crimes. We should look at restrictions and other measures that would help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Casino Gambling: little to no support on this issue from constituents.

Democrat

Maricela Sanchez Chibli

Age: No answer

Occupation and/or main source of income: Occupation: My husband, Eduardo , and I have owned and operated a masonry company in this area for 30 years, Chibli Stone Works, we are currently # 1 on Angie's list. I'm the bookkeeper.

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Colleyville, 15 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 817 239 0967

Your campaign (public) email address: mschibli@maricelafortexas.com

Campaign website: www.maricelafortexas.com

Education background, including all degrees: B.S. in computer science from University of Texas at El Paso. Worked as a junior analyst for an oil and gas company in El Paso. Worked as a marketing rep. for the Texas Dept. of Agriculture during Commissioner Hightowers era. She was a realtor in NE Tarrant County for 17 years. She started the NE Tarrant Lulac along with other civil rights activists in 1996, served as President. Currently is a member of Lulac # 4782. Comes from a political background, her father Commissioner Rogelio Sanchez was elected office in 1960 and served 36 consecutive years in El Paso, he was an educator before that. Maricela comes from a long line of educators, her uncle David Sanchez, Sr. has an elementary school named after him in California, his son David was Nat'l president of Teachers Assoc. in California, Several uncles and cousins have been and are teachers. One serves as assist. supt. near the El Paso area. Currently, along with her husband owns and operates their company of 30 years Chibli Stone Works.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: President of L. D. Bell Soccer Club, on the board of L.D. Bell Theatre, member of PTA's from elementary school thru high school

Offices you have sought and/or held before: I, along with other civil rights leaders started the NE Tarrant Lulac in 1996 , I was the president. I come from a long line of educators. My father was the first Mex/Am. elected office in the state of Texas 1960, he served 36 years as an El Paso County Commissioner. He taught me to be humble and honest.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I am the best candidate because I will be a true public servant , I will not sell out to PAC $ , I will be a voice for the poor and the middle class, for women, for minorities, for public education for veterans for the LGBT communities , for raising the minimum wage, mental health, Medicare, dispelling the myth that terrorists are crossing the border ,Texas has an unprecedented amount of money going to secure the border with Mexico.

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’m running for office because of the quagmire the state of Texas is in. The Republicans ideological and philosophical extremists agenda are my greatest concern in that civil and human rights violations are occurring in the name of their platform.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Biggest issues or challenges facing the 85th session is Public Education, women’s rights, economic opportunity for all, and social justice which includes the undocumented ,the Hispanic, Muslim and LGBT communities.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I will not sell out my vote to corporate or PAC $

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? Each of the cities in district 98 need to reassess where they can cut back on their budgets so perhaps taxpayers can get a decrease in their tax rate. The other entities such as Tarrant County, Colleges, Hospitals and schools districts are set and mandated by commissioner court and city councils.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Protecting the rights of transgender men, women and children i.e. access to public bathrooms should be treated with the same dignity and respect as other persons. As a state representative, I will stand with my transgender brothers and sisters in our joint fight to end discrimination they have endured for far too long. On the issue of casinos, I find it ironic how many of the legislatures including the incumbent in 98 are receiving a lot of monies from the casinos in Oklahoma. An enormous amount of money is leaving Texas by not having this industry. Maybe hundreds of millions . There would also be thousands of jobs created from this industry. The new revenue could maybe be ear-marked for education or property taxes, etc.

District 99

Republican

Charlie Geren (I)

Age: 67

Occupation and/or main source of income: restaurant owner, rancher

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth, all my life (except for college).

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-624-9999

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

Web site: charliegeren.com

Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University, 1971.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I am a current TCU trustee and I have served on numerous charitable boards, including those for the Lena Pope Home, Junior Achievement, and ... on the Stockshow Board for 40 years. ... I have served on several different bank boards, as board member for the Tarrant Regional Water District and for the Texas Water Development Board.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: I was elected to the House in 2000 and sworn into office in 2001. Before that, I served on the Tarrant Regional Water District about 20 years ago. I was on there for four years.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. Obviously my experience on the water board and the Texas Water Development Board gives me great insight into water issues for the state that obviously are very important issues. ... We need to develop more water resources. ... My tenure in the Legislature has shown me how to get things done.

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 biggest crisis facing the state of Texas is reform of the foster care system. That’s going to take not only money but major changes. Tarrant County is managed by a not for profit and ... is managed the best. We need to look further at the model being used here ... and try to apply that across the state. ... Also, there needs to be reform in school funding. Property taxes is a big issue. If the school district lowers the property taxes, the state cuts the funding. We penalize our school districts and we need to fix that. (Another issue) is our budget. Obviously we have to balance the budget. We need to make the appropriate cuts where we can. We need to make sure all of our agencies are not wasting money.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Child protective services and foster care. I look forward to working with Chairman Four Price, who has been traveling around the state holding hearings on the issue, on that.

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 think at least the city of Fort Worth is proposing to lower the property tax. That’s good because of the new increased values in property taxes. But not all cities are doing that. You have to look at each one. When you get into some cities and school districts, a penny is not a lot of money. ... School districts get penalized if they lower their tax rate and that needs to be fixed so we don’t disincentivize our districts from lowering the rate. Right now we do.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Casino gambling isn’t going to happen. I’ve been there long enough to know not to waste my time on that. The restroom issue will come boiling up and come to the House from the Senate. I want to take a good look at it. If it’s reasonable, we can move forward with it. If it’s not, we can fix it. But there’s more pressing issues than what restrooms people should use.

Libertarian

Dan Hawkins

Age: 50

Occupation and/or main source of income: I’m a software support technician. I also write and model part time.

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: I’ve been in my current house in Blue Mound for a year and nine months.

Campaign (public) phone number: N/A

Your campaign (public) email address: Hawkinsfor99@gmail.com

Campaign website: http://electdanhawkins.weebly.com/

Education background, including all degrees: I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Science in library science from the University of North Texas.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I served as the Republican County Precinct Chair from 2010-2011, was a Libertarian Party candidate for state representative in 2012, and am currently active in the liberty movement.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: I was a candidate for this office (state representative) in 2012.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I am the only candidate who believes in individual freedom, that people are the best judges of how to live their lives, spend their money, etc.

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 Federal government's expansion of its powers is the most pressing issue. Texas needs to pass legislation "nullifying" Federal law which exceeds its constitutional authority. We also need to stop adhering to the conditions placed on the State by the acceptance of Federal funds (funds which partially came from the taxes of Texans).

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Reform property taxes, especially the method in which properties are appraised. I would also outlaw red light cameras; the current code allowing the cameras is blatantly unconstitutional, allowing cities to fine citizens via "civil cases" in order to deny them jury trials. And if these cases are civil, why is the judge, the person deciding the case, an employee of the plaintiff (i.e., the city bringing the case)?

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I believe that each person has the right to life, liberty, and property, and that as long as a person does nothing to violate others' rights to those three things that government ought to leave him or her alone.

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? No, the system is unfair. These taxes are based on an appraised value that may or may not be what one could sell the property for. I would ultimately like to eliminate property taxes altogether and have the government fund itself in some other way. If the government can take property from someone for non-payment of these taxes, do we really ever own property? Or are we just leasing it from the government?

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? We need fewer regulations, not more. Let local municipalities administer their own restroom rules and allow casino gambling for those who wish to partake in it.

District 101

Democrat

State Rep. Chris Turner (I)

Age: 43

Occupation and/or main source of income: Communications Consultant

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Grand Prairie, 4 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-561-4900

Your campaign (public) email address: chris@votechristurner.com

Campaign website: www.votechristurner.com

Education background, including all degrees: B.A., University of Texas at Austin

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: It is an honor to serve the people of House District 101, a diverse area of southeast Tarrant County. During my three terms in office, I have focused my attention and efforts on expanding educational opportunity for Texans, increasing access to affordable health care, improving the economic well-being of Texans, and broadening civic participation. I look forward to continuing to represent the district and engaging constituents effectively and in as many ways as possible.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: I am currently serving my third term in the Texas House of Representatives. Prior to being elected to represent the people of House District 101, I represented House District 96 for two years beginning in 2009.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. In Austin, I have represented our district by supporting public schools, higher education, local jobs, veterans benefits and increased health care access. I have written and passed legislation benefiting Texans, including the law that has raised more than $60 million to help veterans, a ban on the “double dipping” of a pension and salary by politicians and tougher laws on child pornography. At home, I have worked hard to provide constituents with resources to help our families, including seminars on paying for college, saving on utility and water costs and veterans’ benefits, as well as town hall meetings.

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. As I visit with constituents in House District 101, I find that their priorities are strengthening public education, making college more affordable, attracting better-paying jobs and expanding access to health care. I will continue to advocate for more classroom funding in public schools and work in partnership with our education and workforce stakeholders to ensure there is even better access to college, including increased financial aid and career training. I will also continue to work to expand access to healthcare and insurance coverage. I’ll also continue to work for new transportation improvements in our community.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I take very seriously the privilege of serving as an effective voice for my constituents on legislative issues in Austin, as well as on an individual basis by providing constituent services and serving as a resource for our local community. My top priority is to always provide constituents with good service. When the legislative session begins in January, we should immediately address the failure of Child Protective Services to protect abused and neglected children, as well as reforming our broken foster care system. I expect that the governor will declare this an emergency so we can address it right away.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Being a state representative is about being responsive to those I represent. There are 150 people in the Texas House of Representatives, but only one elected to represent House District 101 – this is a commitment I take very seriously and is reflective by my office as we work hard and consistently for the district.

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? More than half of our property tax bills are dedicated to funding public education, so the way to most meaningfully address property taxes is for the Legislature to reform public education finance. I believe this should be a top priority, as our public schools are inadequately funded. Local governments should have a degree of autonomy in how they govern. I encourage all citizens to be actively involved with their local government’s actions so they can make the most informed decisions about their own communities.

For legislative candidates, in 100 words or less, should the Legislature act on restroom regulations or allow casino gambling? What should be done? Restroom regulations are a non-issue, so the Legislature should do nothing. I support allowing limited casinos with voter approval.

Republican

Carlos “Charlie” Garza

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

This story was originally published September 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM with the headline "2016 Voters Guide: Legislative candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot."