NORTHEAST HOUSTON Voters in the Aldine area gathered last Thursday night, at a public forum sponsored by the Texas Together Education Foundation. The event was held at the Pure Light Missionary Baptist Church, at Aldine Mail Route at Vickery. The democratic s primary election for the office of state representative will be held on March 4th.
The two candidates, Kevin Bailey and Armando Walle, were on hand to participate in the question and answer format. About 75 members of the public attended, and seemed to be evenly divided in their support of the candidates, or not committed at all. The format for the evening was opening statements by the two speakers, then questions from the audience with responses, and then closing summary statements.
In his opening remarks, Kevin Bailey spoke about his length of experience in the legislature since 1991, and some his accomplishments. These included chairmanship of several important committees, inception of three management or improvement districts, increased police protection in these districts, sewer and water improvements, sidewalks and streetlighting projects that are a result of legislation worked on and passed with Baileys efforts.
Also mentioned was the establishment of a Sheriffs storefront office on Aldine Mail Route, and this year an expansion of the Childrens Health Insurance Program to include an additional 130,000 children in the state.
Armando Walle, in his opening statement, pointed out that he was a lifelong resident of the district, having been born and raised here, educated at Aldine schools and graduating from MacArthur High School, and still living in the district, as is his family. He emphasized that the economic conditions in which he grew up are similar to many residents who still live here, and that this gives him a unique perspective on the area.
Walle emphsized his experience in work in Congressman Gene Greens office, as a staff member, and other staff work he did for Rep. Rodney Ellis and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
He also mentioned his interest and involvement in the education situation in the area, and specifically mentioned his work at Sam Houston High School as a mentor to the students.
He emphasized two qualities that he would bring to the job, hard work and accessibility by the public.
In the Question/Answer portion of the meeting, the first question was why improvements take so long to happen, and why so many street vendors are allowed on Aldine Mail.
Bailey answered that he also thought that the process was extended, but pointed out that in Texas much of the intiative has to come from the county, not the state.
Walle suggested in his response that many of these issues could be taken to federal and state officials that could be asked to help speed up the process.
The next question asked for more bike and auto patrols. Bailey agreed, but suggested that he had voted for legislation to increase school police, storefronts, and contract deputies.
Walle said we simply need more resources devoted to this issue.
In response to a partisan question from the floor, Walle elaborated on his activities for the district, including work at the NHG YMCA, volunteering at Y.O.U.T.H., on the board at the Health Clinic, worked on the flooding problem while in Cong. Greens office.
On increased police protection, Bailey noted that the task force he participated in during December, actually happens several times a year, and he also recommended that the Sheriffs office use civilians as jailers, to free officers for street patrols.
Immigration was a question that both candidates found difficult to answer, but Bailey noted that it actually needs a national solution rather than a state answer.
On CHIP, Bailey noted that his committee had uncovered fraud in the program, and saved money.
From the floor, Airline I.D. chairman Glenn Nitsch spoke in thanks for the h1elp that Bailey has given to the neighborhoods.
On education, both Bailey and Walle agreed that schools spend too much time on TAKS test preparation. Bailey noted that he passed legislation prohibiting the closing of Sam Houston and Kashmere high schools.
Both candidates expressed support for a statewide smoking ban, if uniform and fair.
In summary, Walle emphasized his relationship to the community, his work ethic and commitment to hard work on a full time basis, and his belief that it is time for a new breed of leader in Dist. 140.
Baileys summary mentioned his experience, his seniority in the legislature which benefits the districgt, and his knowledge of how to accomplish legislation.
Bailey also reviewed his accomplishments since he has been in office, including the management districts and the benefits they have brought to the area, noise abatement, water and sewer projects both accomplished and planned, work at a state and local level to improve DNA crime labs and get them properly accredited, and fighting against lobbyist influence in state government.