Efficiency and Integrity in Government Environment – I want clean water and clean air just like all of you. I believe that environmentalists play an important role in our community. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the need to protect our planet. The problem arises when the true agenda isn’t environmentally responsible growth, but no growth. Most Austinites are happy with the quality of life here, believing that we have struck a good balance between allowing our economy to grow and protecting our community. I agree. We can provide much needed infrastructure and continue to protect and even improve our creeks, rivers and air with appropriate regulation and oversite. Health Care - It is vital that Texas address not only the earth care needs of the poorest of the poor but also the working middle class and small businesses that can't afford coverage.  Too many Texas working families are without health care insurance.  Two main factors of rising health care costs are the lack of price transparency and excessive state mandates.  I support a "Patient Bill of Rights" which includes both price transparency and electronic medical records.  More information.... Property Taxes – The legislature's intended property tax relief is being quickly eroded by rising property appraisals. The legislature must address both sides of the equation - both property tax rates and appraisals. At the current 10% appraisal cap, property taxes can double every 7 1/2 years. There are several possible solutions that should be addressed next session. More information... Public Education – We must provide our children with a first-class education so they can become independent, productive citizens. This goes hand-in-hand with the philosophy of teaching someone to fish instead of giving him a fish. I support more funding for education where it will make the most difference – directly into the classroom. I support performance pay raises for teachers because excellence should not only be encouraged but also rewarded. Just as important as more money for education is seeking more education for our money through reduced overhead, accountability, and transparency. More information... Transportation – Infrastructure is a primary responsibility of government. Traffic and road construction are serious issues for District 47, affecting our health, safety, and quality of life. Postponing needed road improvements only increases fatalities along Highway 71, runoff pollution into Williamson Creek at the Y, and the stress and anxiety for everyone. We must move forward to secure funding for critical road projects and stop raids on the Texas Highway Fund for non-road projects. Last year, $1.57 billion in gas tax revenue was diverted from Texas highways for other purposes. More information... Toll Roads – Austin absolutely needs to improve its infrastructure, particularly at the Y in Oak Hill. These improvements should be paid for with existing funds. I would only support tolls as an absolute last resort, never on existing roads or bridges (double taxation), and never as a source of revenue in perpetuity. Once a road is paid for, the toll should be removed. More information... Truth in Taxation – Government must be transparent in financial matters, including budgets, expenditures, and financial statements. Likewise, all revenue raised from a dedicated fee or tax must be used for its intended purpose only, or the money should be refunded to taxpayers. Texans deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent without subterfuge or distortion. Anything less is a violation of public trust. Voter Integrity – As an auditor, I know that proper internal controls must be in place to preserve the integrity of the voting process. Not only does Texas not require photo identification to vote, we do not verify citizenship, age or felony status when registering voters, despite the fact that these are legal requirements. I want to safeguard elections by ensuring that only qualified U.S. citizens are allowed to vote. More information...