IssuesTop
Problem:
Legislators and private
corporations are in discussion about bringing toll roads to Bexar
County, particularly in district 122. They say it is to pay for the
much-needed overpasses at Loop 1604 and US 281. But the money is
available from the taxes we pay at the pump. It will
cost an estimated $10 to $12 per trip just to drive 10 miles on a
toll road.
Solution:
Our roads should be built and maintained with the taxes we pay when
we fuel our vehicles. In 2008-09 alone, $1.6 billion was diverted
for non-transportation uses. When elected, I will propose a bill to
stop this diversion of funds and fight toll roads in Bexar County.
Toll roads are neither an equitable nor economic solution. It puts
an unnecessary financial burden on drivers, especially daily
commuters. We do need congestion solutions, but the money is
available for us to build extensions and overpasses without toll
roads.
 Texas
Dropouts are Out of Control
Problem:
Texas Ranks #36 out of all 50 states in high school graduation with
a dropout rate of about 33%. The dropout rate in Bexar county is
between 40-44%. Our students are not performing well. Dropouts from
2008 class alone will cost us, the TX State and the Tax payer, $30
billions in lost wages.
Solutions:
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Attract
better teachers with higher standards of qualifications by
offering salary that is competitive with the job market.
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Continue to move away from standardized testing that has failed
our children. Course examinations should adopt critical thinking
not critical testing.
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We must
understand and solve the problems students face that encourage
them to dropout.
Higher
Education is the Key for our Prosperity
Problem:
Working to get higher
education opportunities have become a challenge for many young
Texans. Because of the rising cost of education, students get behind
and graduate in 5 to 6 years or simply drop out of college.
Solutions:
I have spent a lifetime
in higher education and worked in universities for most of my adult
career. I see the problems facing college students and I know the
solutions they need to graduate with degrees.
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Reduce
student debt by providing more performance-based grants.
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Provide
work incentives upon graduation by collaborating with private
companies.
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Make
the transfer of course credits from other schools easier.
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Student
loan reforms must be passed to reduce mounting student debt.
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Increase Texas grant funding and expand the Texas Tomorrow Fund
II so more families can buy tuition credits at current prices.
Mounting
State Debt Will Cripple Our Economy
Problem:
The ongoing nationwide
economic recession coupled with mismanagement and uncontrolled
spending has brought us to an $18-billion budget deficit. Your tax
dollars are going to waste.
Solutions:
Socialist
“Retro-budgeting” cuts are not a smart solution. I have managed two
internationally renowned Biotech companies in San Antonio and have
handled my expenses without ever reporting a loss in 17 years. This
is what I know about managing money:
-
Leaders
at the top should cut their own salaries and budgets before they
ask the rest of Texas to follow.
-
We must
use Texas buying power to negotiate and cut 10-15% cost of the
various products and services that we contract out as a state.
-
Set
targets for purchasing cost reduction and make agencies
accountable.
Problem:
In 2009, the Texas
legislature transformed the old “Franchise Tax” into the new “Margin
Tax” that brought 12% of small businesses to pay higher taxes.
Legislature also provided an exemption of $1 million that is due to
expire in 2011. Lowering the exemption to $600,000 will hit an
additional 25,000 small businesses.
Solutions: I will fight to keep
the current $1 million exemptions to provide relief to small
businesses. No more new taxes for new businesses. District 122 has
many new businesses appearing all over the district. I own 2 small
businesses in San Antonio. I know what it means to meet the payroll,
to keep employees and to provide health care. I will make it my
responsibility to see our district only grow in financial
stability—not to be taxed endlessly.
Back to Top
Problem:
Many have lost their
homes because of the corrupt way homeowners' insurance companies
handle your coverage. These companies raise premiums without
approval of the Dept. of Insurance or the consumers. They also use
your credit score to charge more or deny coverage for home
insurance.
Solutions:
Homeowners need
stronger reforms against unfair denials, delays or when claims are
underpaid. I will hold Insurance companies accountable for prices,
coverage and claims handling. It’s also time the Insurance
Commissioner be chosen by voters, not by the Governor.
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Problem:
Parts of district 122
in the Stone Oak area are forced to pay 40% more for water than the
rest of Bexar County that is served by SAWS. BexarMet is
inefficiently managing areas of North Bexar County and still expects
to raise rates. You already pay more in property taxes in district
122. Why should you pay even more for your water?
Solutions:
It’s time for all the
citizens of Bexar County to have fair and equitable access to
water. You should have a choice to select BexarMet or SAWS. Your
elected state representatives are the ones who can make this happen.
Back to Top
Problem:
The United States
cannot rely on foreign oil alone. Other countries have already
taken a lead in developing clean energy. Texas is a state worth
preserving for future generations.
Solutions:
Green energy solutions
need to be a national priority. The technology is available—it is
time we start using it to benefit us. I support all initiatives to
use clean-burning fuels—solar, wind, and electric alternatives to
oil. There is no reason why we can’t be energy self-sufficient. A
green initiative is not only the best energy policy to me; it’s the
only energy policy.
Unlike other
professional politicians, I have always taken “Practice first and
preach later” approach. My company in July 2010 has already signed
$250,000 solar energy project with CPS that will be implemented
shortly.
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