2022 VOTER GUIDE
COMPILED BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Texas Senate, District 15
GEORGE BRIAN VACHRIS
JOHN WHITMIRE
Occupation: state senator Experience: incumbent johnwhitmire@johnwhitmire.com
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
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R
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Why are you running to represent Texas Senate District 15?
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
I am running to continue to be the voice for Senate District 15 constituents and all Texans. Public service is a calling, and it has been my calling for decades. I would like to continue to use my seniority, experience and knowledge to advocate for good policies that will make our lives better.
Texas Senate, District 4
Texas House of Representatives, District 150
BRANDON CREIGHTON
Occupation: paralegal Experience: Harris MISTY BISHOP
Occupation: state rep- resentative, District 150 Experience: state rep- resentative (2017-pres- ent), former State VALOREE SWANSON
GINNY BROWN DANIEL
Occupation: minister Experience: pastor of a Spring church; served on the board for Northwest
Occupation: attorney, business owner, rancher Experience: state
County District Attor- ney Grand Jury Pros- ecutor Division; Lone Star College General Counsel Oce; Berg & Androphy; Jackson & Lewis PC; D.Miller & Associates 832-703-3242 | misty4txsenate.com D
representative, District 16 (2007-14); Texas At- torney General’s Oce general investigator; Oklahoma Attorney General brief writer Criminal Appellate Division 936-900-9982 | brandoncreighton.com R
Assistance Ministries, the Ministerial Alliance groups for Klein ISD and Spring ISD, and the Spring Interfaith Dialogue Council; CEO of a multimillion-dollar nonpro¦t 713-244-6699 | www.texansforginny.com D
Republican Executive Committee member, precinct chair and election judge for 22 years www.valoreeswanson.com R
Why are you running to represent Texas Senate District 4?
What motivated you to run for District 150?
In just the last few years, SD 4 has been named one of the best places to live and work in the nation, established a new medical school, and outpaced the rest of the nation in economic growth. As your state senator, I want to continue to deliver pro-Texas policies that make our continued success possible.
Although I’m a paralegal by trade, I’m also a public administrator who is a community advocate, an advocate that is willing to go against the grain of salt and get out of my lane to do whatever it takes to protect the rights for all people and implement policies that will ful ll their essential needs as human beings who are living day by day.
I ran for state representative in 2016 to lower our property taxes, protect individual liberties, and protect the economic “Texas Miracle.” As vice chair of the Committee on Ju- venile Justice & Family Issues and the author of the Save Girls’ Sports Act, which protects 712th-grade female athletes from competing against biological males in female-only sports, I am running for my fourth term to ensure that our female college athletes are given that same privacy and safety.
My faith tells me we are to love our neighbor, which has not been reected in recent Texas bills like the abortion ban and permitless-carry bills. I have attended the monthly school board meetings for all four school districts as well as the three area Chambers of Commerce and Public Safety Forum meetings. I know how to meet with community leaders, listen and develop bills that will make a positive impact for my neighbors.
What are the biggest challenges facing District 4?
The economy in our region is strong, but as a nation, we are experiencing record ination, a fentanyl crisis and a looming recession. That is why I am focused on keeping Texas the most pro-business, pro-family state in the country, and [that] begins in the state Senate. In my next term, I will work for additional property tax relief; expanding educational and workforce opportunities; and strong, secure borders.
District 4 covers ve dierent counties, and each county has its own issues. For instance, the industrial plants in Jeerson County are causing constituents to have mental and physical health issues, especially in Beau- mont, while in Chambers County the constit- uents face ood mitigation issues because rural areas like Anahuac is considered to be a “swamp land.” So, as an elected o«cial I will implement and execute the plan of action with leadership in each county.
How would you address ooding concerns in District 150?
In 2019, I voted for unprecedented state re- sources to assist local governments with ood infrastructure funding. I also voted to create the “Coastal Spine” to help the communities of the Gulf Coast remain resilient against hur- ricanes. I will continue to support any state aid that will responsibly assist the Harris County Flood Control District and the city of Houston to ensure the safety of our communities.
Flooding to Cypress and Spring creeks will happen again. The question is what ood mitigation we have developed to prevent future ooding. I met with the (now retired) principal of Lemm Elementary, which ood- ed during Hurricane Harvey, to better under- stand the challenges facing this area. I will work with local/county/state task forces on ood mitigation solutions. More importantly, I will advocate for District 150 business and homeowners for ooding solutions.
How would you support the state’s public education system in the upcoming legislative session?
How would you help District 150 residents through a recession, should one occur?
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, I believe the future begins in the classroom. I have met with teachers around the state and introduced a Texas Teacher Bill of Rights that creates nancial incentives and inuence in their schools. I’m also working on a Texas Parental Bill of Rights ensuring parents are the chief decision makers in their children’s education. Working together, we can make positive changes for the 5 million students in Texas schools.
Implement a budget to increase teacher salary range to $70,000-$100,000 based on the size of the district and give them a 25% increase in their classroom supplies stipend, fund all campuses libraries with full-time sta, advance technology and books so students could have adequate resources. Then provide inclusive ne arts programs, mentor and peer tutoring programs, and college readiness and trade programs that will inspire students to be leaders.
I believe the best way we can protect Texans against the destructive, reckless scal policy of the federal government is ensure that taxes remain low and unnecessary regulation is avoided. I will ght to keep the state from adding unnecessary economic burden to Texans already struggling with ination and economic downturn.
Business owners have shared with me how hard the past two years have been due to the pandemic, supply shortages, and labor retention in this volatile market. Given the ination and high gas prices of this summer, HD 150 is not out of the woods. If there is a recession, I will meet with business, social service and government leaders to secure resources necessary for economic stability.
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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022
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