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Murphy focused on ed funding, transit
EDITOR’S NOTE: Randy Weber, Republican candidate for District 29, was provided with identical questions last week. On Tuesday, as the Pearland Journal was going to press, Weber’s campaign called and said no answers could be provided by deadline. The Journal will attempt to secure Weber’s answers for publication on its website, www.hcnonline.com.
Pearland Attorney Kevin Murphy is running as the Democratic candidate for State House District 29, which includes Matagorda and the northern end of Brazoria County.
What are your top three priorities if elected? And what are some realistic expectations for a first-term representative?
My top three priorities are working to fix the education funding crisis, reform of property and margin taxes and transportation/transit infrastructure. As a first term representative I would hit the ground running. I have already been in discussion with leading members of the House about these issues. These are issues that we all agree need to be addressed. However, as a first-term representative neither my opponent nor I would have the seniority and the influence that goes with it.
What will you do to improve local infrastructure – especially when it comes to mass transportation and ways to clear up bottleneck roadways like FM 518?
-We need more roads. FM 518 becomes blocked because it is the only main east/west artery in Pearland. We are putting too many people in too few lanes. Highway 6 in Manvel is not far behind on this problem and as it grows will face the same gridlock.
-We also need to think regionally. Too often our solutions to transportation gridlock stop at the city or county line. Most of district 29 is in what could be called the great Houston area and is directly affected by its traffic patterns.
-We need to encourage development of walkable, bikable communities. The new Pearland Town Center development is an exciting step forward but also a return to past models of community. The ultimate plan would be an environment where a resident could live, work and play within walking distance.
-Transit solutions. The Houston Light Rail line has exceeded projected use and become a regular part of Houston transportation. The use of a combination of rail and bus to move people should be explored. There is a proposal for government to work with railroads to develop existing freight rail lines for use as commuter lines at certain times of day.
What are your views on state taxes? What reforms are needed?
Texas currently hangs a lot on the county and local property taxes. We need to look at doing the hard work in Austin by not creating new programs without funding that push up local property taxes. For too long we have been given tax cuts with one hand and tax increases with the other. It is a shell game and it is time to stop. I will work to make the tax code more fair and to ensure that the burden does not fall too hard on any citizen or industry.
While it’s too soon to tell if the economic downturn will directly affect District 29 and to what degree, what measures can be taken in the state legislature to help families and small businesses that are hurting financially?
I am hearing from people that they are feeling the downturn. In Austin, we need to focus on opportunity by
1. Ensuring that our schools are funded, both public k-12 and higher education.
2. Providing assistance and some funding for transportation/transit infrastructure
3. Reforming our tax code so that Texans are not over burdened
4. Providing a safety net that helps families bridge the gap.
Considering how divided the electorate has become, how would you work across the aisle in Austin?
Some of my strongest supporters are Republicans who are disenchanted with the GOP in Austin. I’m proud to say that one such supporter told me that I am not like a politician—the anti-politician. A core belief for me is that we are all Americans driven by a love of this country. We may disagree on the details of how to best ensure the blessings of this land for ourselves and our children, but ultimately we are working for the same goal. We have too much work to do to allow partisan rancor to divide us.
Hurricane Ike taught everyone in the Greater Houston Area what works and what needs improvement in emergency management. In your opinion, what needs improvement and how would you work with local officials to make sure we’re better prepared?
I was moved in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike to see so many people who got work helping their neighbors. I am grateful that the damage to the district was not more severe. Some things I observed.
1. We need better communication. There were problems with telephone and internet connections in some government agencies that prevented getting important information out. Also, at a time when many residents were without power television and internet communications were not effective.
2. We need better coordination. There were some real success stories where agencies worked together. However, I have also received calls regarding conflicting information from different entities.
With your experience and background, what unique qualities do you offer as a leader and legislator that set you apart from your opponent?
As a teacher I worked hard to bring together diverse groups of students into a cohesive ensemble. One of my favorite performances was at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis where a group of my inner city elementary music students performed with a group from an up-scale private Jewish school in the suburbs. What they taught me is that kids are kids. They were having too much fun working together to notice the small differences between them.
I went to law school because I was mad about the state of Texas politics. Lawyers write the laws so I needed to understand how laws work. As a practicing attorney, I have represented big businesses and individuals. I have fought for working Texans. I have seen what works and what does not. I am prepared to get to work as a legislator. I have the training and the experience to serve.
As a leader, I follow the teachings of Jesus who taught “servant leadership.” Too often politicians forget that they are public servants and focus on exalting themselves. I ask for your vote and the opportunity to serve you.
Pearland Attorney Kevin Murphy is running as the Democratic candidate for State House District 29, which includes Matagorda and the northern end of Brazoria County.
What are your top three priorities if elected? And what are some realistic expectations for a first-term representative?
My top three priorities are working to fix the education funding crisis, reform of property and margin taxes and transportation/transit infrastructure. As a first term representative I would hit the ground running. I have already been in discussion with leading members of the House about these issues. These are issues that we all agree need to be addressed. However, as a first-term representative neither my opponent nor I would have the seniority and the influence that goes with it.
What will you do to improve local infrastructure – especially when it comes to mass transportation and ways to clear up bottleneck roadways like FM 518?
-We need more roads. FM 518 becomes blocked because it is the only main east/west artery in Pearland. We are putting too many people in too few lanes. Highway 6 in Manvel is not far behind on this problem and as it grows will face the same gridlock.
-We also need to think regionally. Too often our solutions to transportation gridlock stop at the city or county line. Most of district 29 is in what could be called the great Houston area and is directly affected by its traffic patterns.
-We need to encourage development of walkable, bikable communities. The new Pearland Town Center development is an exciting step forward but also a return to past models of community. The ultimate plan would be an environment where a resident could live, work and play within walking distance.
-Transit solutions. The Houston Light Rail line has exceeded projected use and become a regular part of Houston transportation. The use of a combination of rail and bus to move people should be explored. There is a proposal for government to work with railroads to develop existing freight rail lines for use as commuter lines at certain times of day.
What are your views on state taxes? What reforms are needed?
Texas currently hangs a lot on the county and local property taxes. We need to look at doing the hard work in Austin by not creating new programs without funding that push up local property taxes. For too long we have been given tax cuts with one hand and tax increases with the other. It is a shell game and it is time to stop. I will work to make the tax code more fair and to ensure that the burden does not fall too hard on any citizen or industry.
While it’s too soon to tell if the economic downturn will directly affect District 29 and to what degree, what measures can be taken in the state legislature to help families and small businesses that are hurting financially?
I am hearing from people that they are feeling the downturn. In Austin, we need to focus on opportunity by
1. Ensuring that our schools are funded, both public k-12 and higher education.
2. Providing assistance and some funding for transportation/transit infrastructure
3. Reforming our tax code so that Texans are not over burdened
4. Providing a safety net that helps families bridge the gap.
Considering how divided the electorate has become, how would you work across the aisle in Austin?
Some of my strongest supporters are Republicans who are disenchanted with the GOP in Austin. I’m proud to say that one such supporter told me that I am not like a politician—the anti-politician. A core belief for me is that we are all Americans driven by a love of this country. We may disagree on the details of how to best ensure the blessings of this land for ourselves and our children, but ultimately we are working for the same goal. We have too much work to do to allow partisan rancor to divide us.
Hurricane Ike taught everyone in the Greater Houston Area what works and what needs improvement in emergency management. In your opinion, what needs improvement and how would you work with local officials to make sure we’re better prepared?
I was moved in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike to see so many people who got work helping their neighbors. I am grateful that the damage to the district was not more severe. Some things I observed.
1. We need better communication. There were problems with telephone and internet connections in some government agencies that prevented getting important information out. Also, at a time when many residents were without power television and internet communications were not effective.
2. We need better coordination. There were some real success stories where agencies worked together. However, I have also received calls regarding conflicting information from different entities.
With your experience and background, what unique qualities do you offer as a leader and legislator that set you apart from your opponent?
As a teacher I worked hard to bring together diverse groups of students into a cohesive ensemble. One of my favorite performances was at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis where a group of my inner city elementary music students performed with a group from an up-scale private Jewish school in the suburbs. What they taught me is that kids are kids. They were having too much fun working together to notice the small differences between them.
I went to law school because I was mad about the state of Texas politics. Lawyers write the laws so I needed to understand how laws work. As a practicing attorney, I have represented big businesses and individuals. I have fought for working Texans. I have seen what works and what does not. I am prepared to get to work as a legislator. I have the training and the experience to serve.
As a leader, I follow the teachings of Jesus who taught “servant leadership.” Too often politicians forget that they are public servants and focus on exalting themselves. I ask for your vote and the opportunity to serve you.
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Reader Comments
skmiddleton1 wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:38 AM:
" I am excited at the prospect that this intelligent, caring young man may soon be representing us! Best wishes to Mr. Murphy, who actually did care enough to respond, and responded in such a thoughful manner. "
Steven1078 wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:15 AM:
" It is clear that District 29 is in need of change. Kevin Murphy is the candidate that will bring the change we have been waiting for and the representation we desperately need. I'm proud of the campaign he has run and even more proud to call him my friend! "
SamD wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:54 PM:
" Just checking through Weber's campaign reports; he has taken $4000 more from big business PACs but most importantly, he took $2500 the last minute from James Leinenger. Leinenger is the San Antonio conservative who pushes candidates that support the vougher system. He is an adament opponent of the public school system and only supports those who believe like he does. "
SamD wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:59 AM:
His opponent on the other hand took $20,000 from anti-consumer advocate Bob Perry and thousands more from big business PACs. He didn't even bother to return the Journal's questionaire in time for publication which is reflective of his arrogance and sense of entitlement for the position. He doesn't seem to realize that just winning the primary is no longer the same as winning the actual election. In addition, Randy Weber's record on the City Council was marred by favoritism and divisiveness. At a time when we need real solutions and not just more of the same old scare tactics, Murphy is the clear cut winner. "