Meet the Texas Democrats running for Congress in District 24

Feb. 12--FORT WORTH -- The Star-Telegram sent questionnaires to all candidates. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

Jan McDowell

Occupation: CPA

Age: 66

Website: www.JanMcDowell.com

Public offices you've held or run for, with years: Ran for U.S. House, District 24 (2016 and 2018); Served as Denton County Democratic Party treasurer (approx 2015-2016; Served as Denton County Democratic precinct chair (approx 2010-1015)

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I was inspired by the 2010 documentary "Inside Job," which showed the role of our government in causing the financial and housing disaster of 2008. As a select few people got fabulously rich, government officials knew that the bubble would burst, but they did nothing about it. Watching it with friends, and angry at what we saw, we agreed that nothing would change unless new people run for office, get elected, and do things differently." I've remained focused and committed to winning THIS office, to represent the people of District 24.

What would your top 3 policy priorities be?

In a hopefully post-Trump era, we MUST get started immediately at the beginning of the Congressional term to recover from the devastation to departments and Constitutional government that we are currently experiencing. We must begin to quickly put in motion all available strategies to convert from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources. Our planet is hurtling toward disaster, and we are losing in the race against time to reverse that course.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

As a citizen who stays informed about the issues, and as a CPA with the financial background to find practical solutions, I am determined to put those skills to work to level the playing field for all Americans. Going back to 2014, Democrats were losing District 24 by 32 points. By 2018, my team and I got that margin down to just 3 points! I always Show Up! A few examples: You will see me at Climate Strike rallies, women's marches, Pride parades, workers' rights rallies, anti-hate marches, and events for the Dallas Peace & Justice Center and the NAACP.

The federal government is accumulating record debt, with massive deficits even in a strong economy. What specific steps would you endorse to reduce the deficit?

Everyone benefits from spending on roads, national security, education, etc. Yet not everyone pays their share toward them. We must repeal the Trump tax cuts that benefited almost exclusively corporations and wealthy individuals. Many corporations currently do not pay any taxes. That must change. I favor an "income is income" approach to taxes. The income people make on their investments is currently called capital gains income. That income is taxed at about half the rate charged on paychecks. And there is no Social Security or Medicare tax assessed on it

What changes should be made in U.S. trade policy?

Historically it's removing tariffs that has spurred economic growth. President Trump tweets and acts without a strategy, and without following input from people providing thoughtful guidance. I support The Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019. It would allow the president to act for national security reasons, but require congressional approval to extend enforcement beyond 120 days.

What changes to immigration law do you support? Would you vote to build any additional border wall or fence? Do you support a path to citizenship for those currently here illegally?

It's unacceptable to separate children from their parents. Dreamers have been vetted and should become citizens. We benefit from work done by immigrants, legal and undocumented. Businesses need their labor. They're paying payroll and sales taxes. They'd rather enter the country legally, and it would be better for all if we make that possible. No, we don't need additional border wall. Anyone here illegally who's convicted of a violent crime should be deported. But for most, doing everything right, there should be a path to citizenship.

What steps should the federal government take to combat climate change, if any?

We must transition to renewable energy sources, with negative tax effects, not subsidies, for fossil fuel companies, and incentives for clean energy. Our house is on fire! As I said at an EPA hearing on methane emissions standards, people say we shouldn't be extreme...we should be reasonable. So what's reasonable? Removing all the "pesky regulations" that keep corporations from making more money, even if they're leading our planet toward its downfall? Wouldn't it be more reasonable to uphold protections to keep our planet and people safe?

Richard Fleming

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Age: 52

Website: www.fleming4congress.com

Public offices you've held or run for, with years: In 2009 Richard I was elected as the first African American to serve as School Board trustee for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD which serves the cities of Dallas, Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Coppell, Addison, Irving las Colinas and Valley Ranch. I served three terms from 2009 to May 2018 on the school board for a total of nine years. I ran for Carrollton City Council in 2018.

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: Yes. I was involved in a civil proceeding. On May 9, 2009 I ran and was elected to Place 4 of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD school board. Subsequently after the election CFBISD stated that I did not live in the school district boundaries and thus I was ineligible to serve as trustee. I sued Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD in Cause Number 09-07085, 95th District Court Richard Fleming VS Carrollton -Farmers Branch ISD so that I could be seated as the school board trustee. On September 21, 2009 The Hon. District Judge Molberg ruled in district court Cause Number 09-07085 in my favor.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have a passion for people and a track record of caring for all our community, my years of service in this North Texas community over the past twenty-three years certainly demonstrates that. I have proven myself as a successful innovator who sees problems and implements solutions. I get this done as a supportive, collaborative leader who maximizes advancement and achievements for all. My life growing up here has truly been a living, breathing example of the American Dream.

What would your top 3 policy priorities be?

Build upon the Affordable Healthcare Act; we must provide adequate healthcare with pre-existing conditions to all who want it. Bring back trade's schools to the high schools in America, as the data shows that we are leaving some kids behind. In Texas alone 69% of all high school students are going to college of those only about half return for their second year. There are not enough skilled workers for our current workforce needs. The goal in high school should not be preparing all kids for college, we must make our students workforce ready as well.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

My family having lived six generations in this US Congressional, I not only know about our community and the needs we face, I have a lifetime of living, growing, serving, and raising family in U.S. congressional district. Six generations of my family have lived in this Texas Congressional District 24. I have won more local campaigns than all the other candidates in this race combined. I am the only candidate in this race that has proven that he can beat a Republican in at-large head to head election contest in a mostly Republican district

What changes should be made in U.S. trade policy?

I believe that free trade is good for the US as it allows for the US to exercise soft power with our trading partners and allies abroad as we become joined economically. But free trade does come with some consequences for the distribution of wealth. 1. I will ensure that for US innovators and creators there are no copyrights and patent infringements by having strong protection mechanisms in place and enforced. 2. I will make strong push to ensure that labor standards, environmental provisions and access to medicines are vigorously protected and enforced with our trading partners.

What changes to immigration law do you support?

We should provide a path to citizenship for all under the DACA program. Would you vote to build any additional border wall or fence? No, I would continue with just enforcement of the border. Do you support a path to citizenship for those currently here illegally. Yes, I am for a path to citizenship for Dreamers brought to the US as children. The path also would be open to those covered by the DACA program.

What steps should the federal government take to combat climate change, if any?

1. MITIGATION Impose a price on carbon via a carbon tax. Incentivize corporations to bring carbon emissions down. Carbon scrubbing at the industrial and residential level (pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere). Investing in renewable energy solutions and battery technologies. Continue to invest in natural carbon sinks (reforestation, industrial hemp). 2. ADAPTATION Need to be prepared to deal with the effects of climate change. Need more money for federal flood insurance program. Need more money to fight wildfires and deal with effects of stronger, more frequent hurricanes and storms.

The federal government is accumulating record debt, with massive deficits even in a strong economy. What specific steps would you endorse to reduce the deficit?

Currently, our federal deficit is at $22 trillion dollars and growing at rate of almost a trillion dollars a year. The current deficit being driven by borrowing, unpaid tax cuts and an increase in military spending. We should be paying off debt reducing deficit as we have a strong economic growth and employment. I would look at reducing military spending as it is now at $800 Billion dollars a year. I would Reverse President Donald Trumps unfunded tax cuts. I would not raise any new taxes.

Kim Olson

Occupation: Retired Colonel, USAF

Age: 62

Website: kimforcongress.org

Public offices you've held or run for, with years: I was elected to two terms as an at-large member of the Board of Trustees for Weatherford Independent School District, serving from 2007 to 2010. I 2018, I was the Democratic Nominee for Texas Agriculture Commission in which I received 3.8 million votes (46%).

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal

proceeding? If yes, please explain: No

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please

explain: No

Why are you seeking this office?

When I see a problem, I fix it. That's why I battled the Air Force to open flight school to women, modernized the military's response to sexual assault, and advocated for women veterans struggling to re-enter civilian life. That's also why I want to continue my service to this nation as a member of Congress. At just 21 years old, I joined the Air Force. In my family there is over 200 years of collective military service to this nation. Service is in my blood. Just because I no longer wear a uniform doesn't mean I'm done serving my country.

What would your top 3 policy priorities be?

1) Make healthcare available and affordable to everyone. We should lower the Medicare eligibility age and allow Medicare to negotiate the costs of prescription drugs. 2) Take immediate action on climate change. We must promote job-creating renewable energy, uphold emissions standards, and end corporate welfare for polluters. 3) We must take steps to reduce gun violence in this country. I'm a veteran who served in combat zones and a gun owner.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

I am a proven leader with a legacy of service. Throughout my career, I blazed trails and took the doors off the hinges for women and others to rise up behind me in spaces where they were traditionally shut out. Having served in uniform, commanded troops in combat zones, been elected on a local school board, managed a multi-billion dollar budget at the Pentagon, and served as CEO for non-profit, I believe I have the depth of experience to be an effective leader for my constituents in Congress

What changes should be made in U.S. trade policy?

Trump's tariffs have been a disaster. In response to President Trump's actions, China canceled all purchases of US agriculture products, the fourth largest export market for farmers. Farm bankruptcies have surged and destroyed multi-generational family farmers. This trade war impacts District 24 as the economic hub of the district is the DFW airport. The DFW airport exports billions of dollars worth of produce around the world. Declines in agriculture exports impact the economic prosperity of our District. When elected I will support legislation that supports our farmers.

What changes to immigration law do you support? Would you vote to build any additional border wall or fence? Do you support a path to citizenship for those currently here illegally?

Our current immigration system is broken. Congress must act immediately to address its downfalls and pass comprehensive immigration reform. Putting children in cages and wasting millions of dollars on a border wall that won't prevent border crossings are not the solution--full stop. We have to discourage illegal immigration and people crossing our border illegally by investing foreign aid into their countries of origin. Second, we must provide a path to earned citizenship for those who are working hard and obeying the law, including DACA residents.

What steps should the federal government take to combat climate change, if any?

I strongly disagree with the President's decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Accord. As one of the world's largest polluters, we should not be revoking our commitment to reduce carbon emissions and grow our clean energy economy--we should be leading the charge. Texas is ideally positioned to be a leader in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. We must accelerate our use of clean and renewable energy. This will help us reduce greenhouse gases and slow climate change so that we can mitigate its dangerous effects.

John Biggan

Occupation: Data Scientist/College Professor

Age: 36

Website: www.bigganforcongress.com

Public offices you've held or run for, with years: I ran for this seat (TX-24) in 2018.

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to be the first neuroscientist ever elected to Congress. Given my background as a scientist, I was well aware of the funding cuts to the NIH, NSF, etc... I was also aware that there had never been a neuroscientist in Congress and that there was only one PhD-level research scientist in Congress, Bill Foster (D-IL), who is a physicist. Furthermore, being that my specific area of expertise is interventions to slow cognitive aging, I knew that federal legislation in healthcare would have the biggest positive impact.

What would your top 3 policy priorities be?

1) Addressing climate change by properly funding the EPA, Dept of Energy, and the CDC, 2) Reducing the cost of higher education by expanding Early Head Start and Head Start to provide universal on-campus childcare, and 3) Addressing the rising cost of prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate prices and by allowing consumers to purchase non-narcotic medications across international borders: something that has been supported by Bernie Sanders, Barack Obama, and John McCain, to name a few.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

The professional background of my competitors includes law, business, military, accounting, and board game design. All of these backgrounds, save perhaps the board game designer, are well-represented in Congress, which is currently made up of: 218 Lawyers, 208 Business People, 102 Military Veterans, 101 Educators, 28 Medical Professionals, 26 Farmers, 11 Accountants, 7 Talk Show Hosts, 1 PhD Research Scientist. There is a major lack of scientists in Congress. The other candidates have important backgrounds, but they are already present in Congress.

The federal government is accumulating record debt, with massive deficits even in a strong economy. What specific steps would you endorse to reduce the deficit?

For years under the previous administration the federal deficit was shrinking. This was done by raising revenue, cutting spending, and investing in things like healthcare and education. Now, the current administration has blown up the deficit with irresponsible tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations as well as frivolous spending on stupid things like an unnecessary border wall. The way to reduce the deficit is to set fair tax rates, invest in our future, which will pay dividends, and stop wasting money on things we do not need.

What changes should be made in U.S. trade policy?

First and foremost, we must end this ridiculous trade war that is harming American consumers, manufacturers, and workers. Next, much of the focus on trade policy has been on manufacturing. This is an important area of concern, but it has overshadowed an area that is becoming ever more important, the trade of services (e.g. cloud computing). Our economy has shifted from a manufacturing economy to more of a service-based economy. The vast majority of Americans, approximately 80%, are employed in the service sector.

What changes to immigration law do you support? Would you vote to build any additional border wall or fence? Do you support a path to citizenship for those currently here illegally?

The DREAM Act needs to be passed as soon as possible. In fact, I hope that it is done before I get to Congress. Children brought to this country through no fault of their own, who are contributing members of society and do not have a criminal record, should be allowed a path to citizenship. We have already invested so much time, effort, and money into these children, it is beneficial to both them and us to allow them to continue being contributing members of this great society. Furthermore, we need to return immigration to the DOJ, where it was prior to 9/11.

What steps should the federal government take to combat climate change, if any?

As a scientist, I support the Green New Deal and I know that an all-of-the-above strategy is necessary to achieve energy independence, lower the costs of goods and transportation, and clean our air and water in the face of climate change. Plus, renewable energy is a thriving industry that provides millions of jobs in the U.S. and Texas. Texas is already leading the way as the top producer of wind energy in the U.S. and we should continue to lead.

Sam Vega

Occupation: Project Manager/Art Director

Age: 30

Website: https://samvega2020.com/

Public offices you've held or run for, with years: None

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: I have not.

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: I have not.

Why are you seeking this office?

I think we are at a point in time where bold progressives are needed to help drive the conversation of where we need to go as a nation. Right now, we have a lot of leaders who are ignoring the very real struggles of its citizens. We need big changes to the system to fix the issues and I am fighting to make sure those changes don't forget about the working class.

What would your top 3 policy priorities be?

Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and Wealth Inequality.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

I'm the most progressive and I'm unapologetic about pushing for progressive policies that I believe will be most beneficial for everyone. You can expect transparency from me and a lot less of the typical politician double talk because I can honestly say I'm not good at it anyways.

The federal government is accumulating record debt, with massive deficits even in a strong economy. What specific steps would you endorse to reduce the deficit?

Taxing corporations and the wealthy.

What changes should be made in U.S. trade policy?

I think there need to be efforts to limit corporate influence on trade policy where workers are left jobless and the wealthy are allowed to hoard all the profit. We also need to prioritize human rights and environmental protections.

What changes to immigration law do you support?

The immigration system needs to be reformed. There needs to be a clear pathway to citizenship and humane border policies.

Would you vote to build any additional border wall or fence? No.

Do you support a path to citizenship for those currently here illegally? Yes, I do.

What steps should the federal government take to combat climate change, if any? Launching the Green New Deal should be an absolute priority.

Candace Valenzuela

Occupation: I am a full-time mom and full-time candidate. Prior to that I was an educator, tutoring and mentoring youth and special needs students.

Age: 35

Website: https://candacefor24.com/

Public offices you've held or run for, with years: In 2017, I was elected to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District board.

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for Congress because the opportunities that allowed me to go from a kid in a homeless shelter to the first in my family to graduate college and serving my community on the school board are under attack. Washington needs more public servants who understand their constituents' struggles. I understand, intimately, the impact when a family can't afford a place to live or food to eat. I have also worked across the aisle on my school board to find solutions to issues like these. I will take those experiences to Congress to fight for everyone across the district.

What would your top 3 policy priorities be?

My top priority would be to bring down the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs by giving all Americans the option of buying into Medicare and allowing the public to negotiate prescription drug prices. Next, rebuilding our roads, bridges, and waterways is long overdue and will spur economic growth and ensure safety. Finally, investing in education, especially early childhood education and high-quality childcare is key.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

Our community needs a representative who knows what it's like to persevere, with help from those around me, to become successful and reach the middle class. I beat an 18 year Republican incumbent to serve a fifth of the constituents of Texas' 24th district on the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. This district is young, diverse, and highly educated. As a young woman of color with governaning experience in the district, I am well positioned to put together the diverse coalition necessary to win both the primary and general.

What changes should be made in U.S. trade policy?

Texas benefits from free trade more than most states. We should roll back the Trump tariffs and continue to work on trade policy that values American businesses as well as American workers. In addition to benefiting greatly from free trade, Texas also benefits from a robust manufacturing sector. Protecting our manufacturing sector means valuing workers in our trade deals. I would work in Congress to establish global labor standards, with decent wages and health safeguards, adjusted for the level of development in a particular country.

What changes to immigration law do you support? Would you vote to build any additional border wall or fence? Do you support a path to citizenship for those currently here illegally?

I want to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers as well as the rest of our undocumented resident population so long as they have not committed violent crimes. A common partisan political argument used by anti-immigrant lawmakers is that immigration leads to crime, but data shows this isn't true. That is why I do not believe that investing in the border wall will make our communities safer. We also need to reform our asylum laws so that asylum cases are just, humane and dealt with in an efficient manner. Family reunification should also be a priority.

What steps should the federal government take to combat climate change, if any?

The federal government should focus on investing in renewable energy options while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. In Texas we can provide strong incentives for the business community to help combat climate change, alongside investments from the federal government. Part of this investment must establish programs to train and retrain workers for jobs in the renewable energy industry.

___

(c)2020 the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Visit the Fort Worth Star-Telegram at www.star-telegram.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.