Tag Archives: Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire

Houston Politics, Politics, Texas, Texas Politics

2018 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire

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Remember when we said that in 2018, the goal is not to “Get Ready”, but to STAY Ready??

Such is the case with the TLCQ 2018:  The Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire.  This year, we are focusing on the March 6th 2018 Democratic Primary, and depending on those results, may do a second cycle for the General Election.

 

1. What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?

2. Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

3. As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

4. If elected, name your top 3 priorities you hope to accomplish for the upcoming legislative session. Describe how you plan to accomplish them.

5. In the coming years, the state of Texas is on course to have an unprecedented boom in the state’s population. But with more people and more opportunities comes an ever-increasing strain on Texas roads and infrastructure. Describe your thoughts on what needs to be done to improve Texas infrastructure now so we can plan for a bright future for the state.

6. Even as impressive growth continues in around the state’s urban centers, rural Texans are faced with a healthcare crisis.  According to Laura Garcia of the Victoria Advocate, rural communities across the state have lost 18 hospitals in less than five years, and this was before any additional challenges worsened by natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey.  Without hospital services in or near their local communities, the medical and emergency care is at an increasing risk our citizens.  As a legislator, how would you plan to address this issue and help Texas’ vital rural healthcare facilities stay open?  

7.  In 2017, the Federal Communications Commission voted to overturn an Obama-era rule which classifies internet service providers as public utilities, and thereby governed under the 1934 Communications Act.  This decision essentially erases the principle that Internet Service Providers should treat all online content equally without giving preference to particular sources, otherwise known as Net Neutrality.  Please describe your views on this decision, and whether or not you would support legislation at the State or Federal level to uphold the principle of Net Neutrality.

8. What makes you the best candidate for this office?

9. When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

 

And there you have it… the questions for TLCQ 2018.

Houston, Houston Politics

2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire

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Now that we’ve officially made it to the hot, yucky part of Houston summer, it’s time to add to the list of indoor activities and hone in on this year’s municipal elections.

As time gets closer to Election Day (being held November 3rd, 2015 for the Houston Municipal elections) it is important that voters have a variety of resources with which to research candidates and make informed decisions when they go to the polls.  One of the best ways to obtain that information is to ask the candidates directly. Not only  do these questions help voters in their choices, but they also help inform politicians of what their legislative priorities should be.  Sometimes they even influence policy directly.

For all of these reasons, I am happy to announce the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire (TLCQ).  Questions have already been sent out to several candidates, with a goal of covering even more in the near future.  As responses are received, they will be published on Texas Leftist.

Here’s the 2015 Questionnaire, in format for the Municipal races for Mayor and City Council.  The Questionnaire will be amended for City Controller, HCC and HISD races…

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1.  What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?

2.  Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

3.  As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

4.  If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.

5.  After decades of deferred maintenance and neglect, Houston’s infrastructure is in a critical state of disrepair. Ask any driver, cyclist or pedestrian, and they can readily tell you that city streets and sidewalks are crumbling… some to the extent that they pose significant danger to those that would traverse them. The Parker Administration has attempted to address the problem by the voter-approved ReBuild Houston program. Knowing that the next Mayor has no choice but to invest in city infrastructure, do you support the continuation of ReBuild Houston?  If yes, please explain why.  If no, please explain how you would address our copious infrastructure needs differently.   

6.  At present, the city of Houston has one of the strongest forms of “strong-Mayor governance” in the state of Texas, to the point that the Mayor alone decides what business comes before City Council. If elected, would you support an amendment to the City Charter that would allow any coalition of 6 Council Members to place items on the Council Agenda without prior approval from the Mayor? Whether yes or no, please explain your answer.

7.  If elected, would you support and seek to continue the current administration’s Complete Streets policy, which establishes that any new or significant re-build of city streets will work to prioritize and incorporate safe access for all road users, including pedestrians, persons with disabilities and cyclists?  

8.  What makes you the best candidate for this office?

9.  When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

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With a plethora of strong candidates across several races, voter information is more important than ever for 2015.  Check here for the responses as they come in, and for endorsements closer to election time.

Along with Texas Leftist, be sure to check out the Off the Kuff 2015 elections page, as Kuff has already begun his interview series.

Ok Houston voters, y’all know what to do. It’s your municipal government, so…

come and take it houston3

 

#KnowBeforeYouVote!!

Houston Politics, Politics, Texas Politics

2014 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire

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It’s happening!!

As time gets closer to the November election, it is important that voters have a variety of resources with which to research candidates and make an informed decision when they go to the polls.  One of the best ways to obtain that information is to ask the candidates directly. Not only  do these questions help voters in their decision-making, but they also help inform politicians of what their legislative priorities should be.  Sometimes they even influence policy directly.

For all of these reasons, I am happy to announce the 2014 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire.  Questions have already been sent out to several candidates, with a goal of covering even more in the next few days.  As responses are received, they will be published on Texas Leftist.

Here is an example of the TLCQ 2014…

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1. What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?

2. Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

3. As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

4. If elected, name your top 3 priorities you hope to accomplish for 2015 legislative session. Describe how you plan to accomplish them.

5. A 2013 survey found that 54 percent of Texas voters support Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Expansion is also supported by the Texas Hospital Association. Without Medicaid Expansion or an alternate solution, Texas Hospitals are having to provide over $5 billion dollars annually in uncompensated care to patients who lack insurance. This leaves Texas taxpayers paying not only for the uncompensated care of our residents, but also paying for expanded healthcare benefits in other states. If elected, would you support Medicaid Expansion or an alternate solution for the state of Texas, so we can bring our tax dollars back where they belong? If not, please explain why. If so, please explain how you would work to pass such a measure.

6. In the coming years, the state of Texas is projected to have a population boom of historic proportions. But with more people and more opportunities comes an ever-increasing strain on Texas roads and infrastructure. Describe your thoughts on what needs to be done to improve Texas infrastructure now so we can plan for a bright future for the state.

7. What makes you the best candidate for this office?

8. When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

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The above format is going to be used for legislative races, but formats will vary for the other statewide offices.  There are a lot more races to cover than in last year’s municipal elections, but I’ve decided to give it a try.

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TLCQ 2013: Ellen Cohen

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In the Twelfth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Hon. Ellen Cohen, incumbent Houston City Council Member for District C. She is running for reelection.

Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted ver batim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but will be considered during the endorsement process.

TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?

EC: Ellen Cohen

TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

EC: I previously represented HD 134, including Meyerland, Bellaire and the Rice U areas, in the State Legislature from 2007-2010. I’ve represented City Council District C, which overlaps with many areas in HD 134, since January 2012.

TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

EC: Government is a place where everyone can come together to solve our communities’ problems. Everyone should have a voice and a seat at the table so we can make progress as a group instead of going it alone.

TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.

EC: Public Safety is always my first priority and to that end I’ve been working to come up with innovative solutions to deter crime. Currently, I’m working to install security cameras in Fourth Ward. Once this is complete, I intend to look at other areas which might benefit from this. Additionally, parking remains a major concern in District C communities. Now that the Washington Ave. Parking Benefit District is underway, I will begin conducting stakeholder meetings in other parts of the district so that we might come up with solutions to address unique concerns in those neighborhoods. Additionally, I want to pursue a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance in the next two years.

TL: With the exception of city government and some other select businesses, Houstonians can still be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender because we do not have a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for general employment. This lags behind other Texas cities such as Dallas, Austin, and Ft. Worth. Do you support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for the city of Houston? If not, please explain why. If so, please explain how you would work to pass such a measure.

EC: I absolutely support a comprehensive non-discrimination measure a consider it to be a major civil rights priority. Demonstrating community support and dispelling misconceptions will be critical in getting such a measure passed.

TL: There have been an alarming number of complaints filed against officers in the Houston Police Department, accused of unwarranted police brutality towards citizens. A disproportionate amount of this violence occurs in minority communities, and in the vast majority of these cases, officers have gone unpunished. As a result, these incidents cause a cycle of mistrust between Houstonians and the very officers sworn to protect them. What can you do to increase oversight of the Houston Police Department, and help ensure that these incidents do not continue?

EC: Police brutality must not be tolerated. Even one rouge officer is one too many. When such incidents come to light we must act swiftly and transparently in order to ensure the matter is handled appropriately. Education and training play a vital role in preventing these instances, and in-vehicle cameras are a critical part of transparency and citizen protection.

TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?

EC: Over the past six years I have proven myself as a problem-solver both in the State House and on Council. I believe that solving our communities’ problems is the first job of an elected official, and I feel up to the job for another four years.

TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

EC: I like to work out, spend time with my family and socialize with my friends. I also love enjoying the many beautiful parks around our city.

Thanks to Ms. Cohen for her participation.

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TLCQ 2013: Andrew C Burks Jr.

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In the Ninth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Hon. Andrew C Burks Jr., incumbent Houston City Council Member At Large Position 2, and running for reelection.

Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted ver batim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but will be considered during the endorsement process.

TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot? 



AB: Andrew C. Burks Jr.

TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)? 


AB: I am currently the Houston City Council Member At-Large 2


TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important? 



AB: Local government is the first line of communication between the citizen and its government. Local government ensures trash is collected, responds to citizens needs, improves the quality of life for all individuals in the city, creates jobs while growing the economy and continues infrastructural improvement. Local government is vital because we respond immediately to the needs of the citizen.

TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it. 



AB: Continue to work with the EPA for funding toward Brownfield clean up, hiring of veterans and disabled individuals, improving the economy of the city and increasing property tax homestead exemption for senior citizens.

TL: With the exception of city government and some other select businesses, Houstonians can still be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender because we do not have a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for general employment. This lags behind other Texas cities such as Dallas, Austin, and Ft. Worth. Do you support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for the city of Houston? If not, please explain why. If so, please explain how you would work to pass such a measure. 



AB: I support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for the city of Houston. I will continue to publicly advocate for and vote in favor of a non-discrimination ordinance, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing, and public accommodation.

TL: There have been an alarming number of complaints filed against officers in the Houston Police Department, accused of unwarranted police brutality towards citizens. A disproportionate amount of this violence occurs in minority communities, and in the vast majority of these cases, officers have gone unpunished. As a result, these incidents cause a cycle of mistrust between Houstonians and the very officers sworn to protect them. What can you do to increase oversight of the Houston Police Department, and help ensure that these incidents do not continue? 



AB: Through my work as Houston City Council Member and community activist I have strongly advocated to ensure that Houston Police Officers receive more training in dealing with diverse communities. The job of a police officer is a high stress position and there has to be a stronger dialogue between the citizens and the police department. We should also improve the neighborhood policing policies and ensure police officers do more policing in their communities. I also strongly support town hall meetings collaborating with community leaders and civic club presidents to combat this issue. It is also vital that the Houston Police Department conduct extensive background checks based on all police officers.

TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office? 



AB: I am extremely qualified for this position because my visible leadership as Houston City Councilmember At Large Position 2 and my experience as an activist and long history of involvement in the Houston community. I have taken the lead on many imperative issues facing the citizens of this great city such as, increasing senior citizen property tax exemption, ensuring our youth have more quality summer jobs, adding more ambulances to the Houston Fire Department and investing in quality after school programs for our youth but there is still a great amount of work to be completed. I also have a strong passion for making Houston the best city in the country to live, do business and raise a family. I also have a great amount of experience working with the cities budget, understanding how the city operates and how all departments’ function.

TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

AB: Free time is merely a dream. In my spare time, I think of how I can help improve, beautify, promote and better the quality of life for all our citizens and businesses.

Thanks to Mr. Burks for his participation.

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The Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire (TLCQ)

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After lots of consideration, I have decided to develop a candidate questionnaire, with the possibility of endorsements for some races. It’s important for voters to have as much information as possible when they go to the polls, and this blog is a way to add to that body of information. The questions will be emailed to all candidates, and responses will be published on the blog as they are received.

Along with the questionnaire, Texas Leftist will also issue endorsements once the responses are received, though I may not endorse for all races. For readers, here is what will be sent to the political candidates…

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1. What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?

2. Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

3. As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

4. If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.

5a. (For Houston municipal candidates) With the exception of city government and some other select businesses, Houstonians can still be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender because we do not have a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for general employment. This lags behind other Texas cities such as Dallas, Austin, and Ft. Worth. Do you support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for the city of Houston? If not, please explain why. If so, please explain how you would work to pass such a measure.

5b. (For Houston municipal candidates) There have been an alarming number of complaints filed against officers in the Houston Police Department, accused of unwarranted police brutality towards citizens. A disproportionate amount of this violence occurs in minority communities, and in the vast majority of these cases, officers have gone unpunished. As a result, these incidents cause a cycle of mistrust between Houstonians and the very officers sworn to protect them. What can you do to increase oversight of the Houston Police Department, and help ensure that these incidents do not continue?

5c. (For Houston Community College district candidates) As our nation’s educational and professional landscape continues to evolve in the 21st century, institutions like HCC stand to be a critical part of that important process. In your opinion, is HCC ready for the monumental changes coming to education? What can the system do to best prepare?

6. What makes you the best candidate for this office?

7. When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

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Responses will be published as they arrive, and will be considered during the endorsement process. In the mean time, I highly recommend similar work already being done by Off the Kuff and Texpatriate, which will factor into the Texas Leftist endorsement decisions as well.