In an effort to give voters as much information as possible on each of the candidates running for the Republican nomination in Texas House District 149, I am providing a forum for answers to various questions. These answers are verbatim from the candidates. No endorsement is either intended or implied for any candidate in the series.

In this installment, candidate Jack O'Connor outlines the three issues that he thinks are critical to the district.

Create Opportunities and Jobs

I have spent most of my adult life creating jobs and other opportunities. The Government does not create enterprise and business expansion, the private sector does.  Beyond reasonable and wholesome regulation the Government is a constraint on the Economy.  The US and Texas lost much of its manufacturing base to low cost regions around the world.  Texas must keep its High Tech leadership and bring back heavy and light manufacturing.  I want to reduce the red tape and regulations that slow down business openings and relocations.  I want to increase the small business tax exemption.  I would also support the elimination of the business franchise tax.

Increase Public Safety

Neighborhoods and communities must be safe in order to thrive.  The growth in Super Communities where two or more Home Owners Associations get together and provide the funds to hire an extra deputy has been successful and these are on the rise.  The neighborhoods successful in keeping crime in check communicate with HPD, The Constable, the Sheriff, and their officers and employees.

I will work with local neighborhoods to encourage and enable those groups that want to take the initiative to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.  At the state level we can provide incentives to do this and find ways to offset the expense of increasing public safety to the neighborhoods.

District 149 has many great parks and other places to go outside and enjoy the things that Houston has to offer.  We need to make sure that our neighbors feel safe when attempting to enjoy these opportunities.  By reducing crime and getting criminals off the street, we not only increase public safety, but we also create an environment where businesses will want to be located and where they can succeed, in District 149.

Increase Local Control of Education

I want individual school districts to have more input and decision making capabilities in achieving what should be their main objective: Giving children the education they need to graduate high school and move on to the next step in their lives.

I understand the drop out rate for HISD is 44%.  In the years to come these dropouts will carry the burden of not being able to compete.  Austin cannot watch over all 254 Texas counties in a manner that will lead to increased positive results.  I want the local school districts to have the tools necessary for teachers and administrators to do what is right for our kids.

I support parental choice in education.  The local school districts should be encouraged, and I would be in favor of a pilot program where school districts would decide if they want to participate in such a program where the parents and students have the right to choose where to get their education.  Competition can be threatening but the results are always better.  The number of Charter Schools should be allowed to increase.  I have seen very positive actions and programs growing within the School Districts and I will support those that favor and enhance the success of the students.