In a continuing effort to allow voters to hear directly from the candidates, the candidates for Texas House District 149 were offered the opportunity to outline their issues and plans.

Texas House District 149 lies on the Western edge of Harris County. The district has been represented in the Texas House by Rep. Hubert Vo (D) since a contentious election in 2004 with incumbent Talmadge Heflin.. Economically, the district fares slightly better than most in Texas, with poverty rates about 1/3 below the state average and per-capita income about 15% above the state average. Rep. Vo has twice won re-election, with a 13% victory over Republican challenger Greg Myers in 2008.

There are three candidates vying for the seat in the Republican primary: Jack O'Connor, Bryan Le and Dianne Williams.

I sent the following to each candidate:

In an effort to get more candidate information out, I have been doing a series on different races, asking the candidates about their top three issues.

I would like to do the same for your race in 149.

Could each of you briefly list the top three issues that you see for your district and your plan to address those issues? You can see an example by clicking here.

I received the following in return.

Jack O'Connor - Thank you for the opportunity to talk with the voters about my campaign message.

To specifically answer your question, my top three priorities as State Representative in District149 would be:

• Create Opportunities and Jobs
• Increase Public Safety
• Increase Local Control of Education

Click here to read Mr. O'Connor's full response.

Bryan Le* - No response received.

Dianne Williams - No response received.

I would like to thank Mr. O'Connor for his response. Since I haven't had the opportunity to meet Mr. O'Connor, it was very informative. I hope you find that it was as well.

* Photo of Bryan Le courtesy of Alvin Walker