Texas State Representative District 117 Choose 1
2-year term. Legislative authority and responsibilities for the 150 representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, originating spending bills, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.Representante EstatalMandato de 2 años. Las responsabilidades y la autoridad legislativa para los 150 representantes incluyen aprobar proyectos de ley sobre asuntos de política pública, proponer proyectos de ley de gastos, aumentar o reducir impuestos, y votar para mantener o anular los vetos del gobernador.
Biographical Information
Experience
Combat Veteran with over 30 years of management experience. DOD Certified Master Instructor, Management Consultant & Analyst; graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona & holds a Masters in International Security. To learn more, visit MostynForTexas.com // Veterano de combate con más de 30 años de experiencia en gestión. Instructor maestro certificado por el Departamento de Defensa (DOD), consultor y analista de gestión; graduado Summa Cum Laude de la Universidad de Arizona y tiene una Maestría en Seguridad Internacional. Para obtener más información, visite MostynForTexas.com
Campaign Phone
2103797117
Campaign Email
Info@MostynForTexas.com
Contact Name
Ben Mostyn
Website
http://MostynForTexas.com
Facebook
http://facebook.com/VoteBenMostyn
Twitter
@BenMostynTX
Instagram
http://instagram.com/MostynForTexas
YouTube
youtube.com/@MostynForTexas
What background and/or education do you have that would make you an effective House member?
As a combat Veteran, I have extensive experience in crisis management; not only combat, but also natural disasters & civil matters. Undergrad/Grad degrees are in Political Science. Served as Staff for elected officials, on government funded programs in economic development, TANF programs, & defense projects. Created a regional organization to mitigate illegal immigration, counter-narcotics, & to build economic stability. Served as Precinct Chair in local politics & Government Affairs Committee.
What issues do you see as the most impactful to Texans and how do you plan to address them?
Secure the border by deterring crossings; fixing public schools by raising the standard of expectations, paying teachers, standardizing basic curriculum, & restoring respect in the classroom; lowering property taxes by paying for public education from other State revenues; quickly completing roads/highways & electric grid via efficient management & ensuring that projects are completed before new projects/development; & lowering crime by keeping criminals in jail & fixing the education system.
Regarding women’s reproductive health, please state and explain your position on each of the following: Abortion, contraception, IVF, and mailing of reproductive medications.
Abortion: I support women's rights as well as protection of the unborn. Contraception, IVF, and mailing of reproductive medications are not the State's business - these are personal matters.
What are the top three issues you would like to address if elected? Why?
Secure the border, fix our public schools, & complete our infrastructure before the Good Lord returns. They have a direct impact on our communities, our daily lives, & our future. The border issue brings crime, trafficking, drugs, & homelessness. We are 43rd in the Nation in education, we are failing the next generation. Out taxes go up, but we sit longer in traffic; we are crushing small businesses & do not have enough electricity to support our modern way of life & the growing population.
What do you believe the Texas legislature should do to ensure efficient and humane responses to power grid failures?
Build more power-plants, immediately; and ensure that any and all resources needed are in place and ready when inclement weather is coming. Use the National Guard swiftly and efficiently to assist. Work with power companies and standardize disaster relief operations.
What legislation, if any, would you support on border issues? Why?
The Constitution of Texas as well as the US say "repel" - not catch-&-release, not ship to Martha's Vineyard - it says repel. We must prosecute the cartels & the drug/human traffickers. We must work with our Mexican parterners at all levels to enforce the law & ensure border security. Collectively, we must secure the border region and I support any legislation if needed to achieve this result.
What would you suggest, if anything, on the state level to increase affordable housing?
Lower/eliminate property taxes. Mitigate the price gouging by insurance companies, HOAs, and developers. Allow the free-market to thrive, but tamper the greed, and ensure that consumers are not overpaying due to lackadaisical appraisals. We will soon be the 7th largest economy in the world; there is no reason why we cannot have a Texas banking system, insurance program, & an industry that does not rely on a failing and corrupt American or foreign system.
How do you think books should be selected for public school libraries?
Books in each school library should be the same at every school and should support the school curriculum. They should be available for research to write papers and to educate - it is a school library, not a bookstore.
Biographical Information
Experience
Two terms as San Antonio City Councilman for District 4, and five terms in the Texas House of Representatives. // Dos mandatos como Concejal de la Ciudad de San Antonio para el Distrito 4 y cinco mandatos en la Cámara de Representantes de Texas.
Campaign Phone
2105388201
Campaign Email
information@philipcortez.com
Contact Name
Philip Cortez
Website
http://philipcortez.com
Twitter
@CortezPhilip
What background and/or education do you have that would make you an effective House member?
I served as the City Councilman for San Antonio District 4 from 2007-2011. As a councilman, I prioritize the development of my district’s neighborhoods and improvement projects citywide. I fought to improve police and fire departments, clean up parks, and modernize libraries throughout the community. Upon completing my term, I ran as the State Representative for my lifelong community known as House District 117 in 2012.
What issues do you see as the most impactful to Texans and how do you plan to address them?
House District 117 residents and local advocates assisted our office in identifying the most critical issues in our district: prioritizing our seniors, veterans, education, and job creation.
Regarding women’s reproductive health, please state and explain your position on each of the following: Abortion, contraception, IVF, and mailing of reproductive medications.
One of my top priorities is to ensure that all Texans have increased access to effective health services. I have consistently opposed legislation that imposes additional restrictions on reproductive health services. I will always advocate for a woman's right to choose the best option for herself.
What are the top three issues you would like to address if elected? Why?
Children and seniors are some of the most vulnerable populations. Texas should explain Medicaid coverage since our state has the highest number and percentage of uninsured children in the country. I will continue to advocate to ensure that all Texans have access to adequate healthcare. I would support using the rainy day fund to support a cost of living adjustment for retired teachers, expand health care for the elderly and children, and increase safety measures for our local schools.
What do you believe the Texas legislature should do to ensure efficient and humane responses to power grid failures?
While Texas needs to maintain its grid, we should take proactive steps to prepare for failures resulting from the system being overwhelmed or not properly weatherized. The shortcomings in Houston following Hurricane Beryl underscore the need for the legislature to issue stronger directives for improvement. I also advocate for ensuring that prisons can install climate control systems within their facilities to provide a humane response to the challenging experiences of both inmates and employees.
What legislation, if any, would you support on border issues? Why?
I fully support my congressional colleagues at the federal level in their efforts to humanely address immigration reform. All immigrants should be treated with dignity and due process under our current immigration laws.
What would you suggest, if anything, on the state level to increase affordable housing?
As the former Chairman of the Urban Affairs Committee, I am aware of the increasing difficulties that more Texans are facing due to the lack of affordable housing. I believe it is essential to prioritize the development of affordable housing to improve the quality of life for Texans throughout the state. Ensuring this significant population has access to quality housing is the first step in making a positive impact on their lives. Therefore, I will continue to partner with housing advocates.
How do you think books should be selected for public school libraries?
I believe that while the State Board of Education establishes the parameters for acceptable books, emphasizing local control to ensure the needs of the community are reflected in book selection is important.