U.S Congressional Special Election,
US Representative, District 18
A U.S. Representative is elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives where they help create federal laws that affect the entire country. They represent their district by listening to the concerns of people in their community and speaking on their behalf in Congress. A U.S. Representative votes on national issues like health care, the economy, and national security. They also work on the federal budget to decide how tax dollars are spent. Representatives serve on committees that focus on different areas like education or foreign policy. They are elected for two-year terms and there is no limit to the number of terms they can serve.
Candidates
Amanda Edwards
Carmen Maria Montiel
Carter Page
Christian Dashaun Menefee
Feldon Bonner II
George Edward Foreman IV
Isaiah R. Martin
Jolanda Jones
Ollie j. Knox
Reyna Anderson
Ronald Dwayne Whitfield
Stephen Huey
Tammie Jean Rochester
Theodis Daniel
Valencia Williams
Vince Duncan
Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Please identify what you believe are the two (2) most important issues directly affecting the 18th Congressional District. Describe your “specific” plans/ideas for addressing these issues.
My career experience includes working as a philanthropist and small business owner. I earned a certification in medical coding & billing from Houston Community College in 2002. I served as a chair of Harris County Precinct 490 from 2008 to 2012 and as a presiding election judge of Harris County Precinct 433 in 2011 and Harris County Precinct 773 and 490 in 2013. In 2013, I authored a Bipartisan International Preventing Under-Aged Child Marriage Act, Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana agreed to adopt & cosponsor my Act. Through my philanthropic efforts with my charitable organization Halloe & Associates Inc, I have been providing critical relief to numerous residents across the Houston Metropolitan area since 2007.
www.valencia4congress.com
I believe income equality and sanitation is frequently disregarded. This is the primary issue I will focus on during my first 100 days in office. In 2017,I presented a proposal to several local Houston politicians, recommending a minimum wage increase to $17.00 an hour, not for comfortable living, but for dignified existence.
How do you plan to improve the quality of life for the people of the 18th Congressional District?
I must work with people across the political spectrum whilst staying true to the values of the district, this requires a mindset focused on building relationships & understanding motivations, rather than prioritizing winning an argument. In order to accomplish this, a foundation of respect must be built, acknowledgment of valid points even if I do not agree with their overall conclusion, I will focus on policy not party labels because discussions become less emotional& productive when they center on specific policy gals rather than attacking party platforms or identities, appealing to shared values is one of the underlying universal held values such as economic fairness, this requires me to lead with listening.
