Election
BY DANICA LLOYD
KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent
How would you ensure residents are prepared and protected when facing natural disasters? CenterPoint LLC must be held accountable to the lack of electric grid resiliency in the transmission and distribution system in their service area. A recent Category 1 hurricane in Florida showed Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light restoring 90% of their customers’ service in 24 to 36 hours.
What are the biggest challenges in the public education system? How will you address them? In 2021, I passed Senate Bill 1365 that restored the A-F public accountability system in Texas. Unfortunately, a few dozen ISDs have led a lawsuit in Travis County to block TEA from releasing the results. It is critical to any public school system to have a transparent accountability system for everyone involved.
Texas Senate, District 7
Paul Bettencourt* Occupation & experience: Current Senator District 7 from 2015 to present; former Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, 1998-2008
R
I will introduce a bill to make it easier for residents to receive funds after a disaster. Small business owners will be required to complete paperwork before the storm. Public utilities will give automatic credits. Curfews will help law enforcement protect businesses and homes from looters.
The biggest challenge in the public education system is funding and school safety. Article 7 in the Texas Constitution requires the Legislature to support and maintain public, free schools. I will amend the Texas school nance laws to raise the basic allotment per student.
Michelle Gwinn Occupation & experience: Mediator; resident of Texas, resident of district www.gwinn4txstsenatedistrict7.org
D
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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