The race to fill new Congressional District 33 features 12 primary clients

By Faith Camp, NDG Contributing Writer

According to the 2010 census the Dallas/Fort Worth area has a total population of approximately seven million people making it the largest community in the South. In fact, Dallas and Tarrant counties experienced tremendous growth during the decade preceding the census.

As a result of this expansion Congress recently added Congressional District 33 to the Texas line-up. On May 29 there is one Republican on the ballot to fill the seat.

The 11 Democrats vying for the seat solicited the support of the District 33 residents during a debate on April 9 at Salon Las Colinas.

Dr. David Alameel said he is running for Congress to restore the American Dream. Dr. Alameel built one of the largest chains of clinics in the DFW area and wants to help Americans achieve their dreams as well.  During the debate on April 9, he said he would work on behalf of the people in CD33 to improve economy, provide jobs and education for the people of District 33. Dr. Alameel said he is a devote Catholic and attributes much is his success to his faith.

Chrysta Castaneda said she would help bring equal access to healthcare, especially for women, and “sustainable development that respects the unique character of the communities of District 33.” She specifically mentioned the importance of helping Texans create and keep jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector.

“We need to bring manufacturing jobs, the ability to make things ourselves, back to America,” Castaneda said.

While she has never held a state or national political office, Castaneda described herself as a successful attorney. She pledges to utilize the same skills to stand up for the needs of her constituents.

Former Dallas City Councilman, Domingo A Garcia, served from 1991-1995 and was elected as the first Hispanic Mayor Pro Tem in Dallas history. Following his career in local politics, he became the voice of his community by serving in the Texas House from 1996-2002.

Garcia described himself as a family man, a small businessman and a man of faith. He believes his political and personal experience has given him the necessary skills to serve District 33 constituents well.

“Having worked my way through college and law school before starting a small business that now employs over 100 people, I know what the families of this district need because I live here, work here and have served as a public service here for over 20 years,” Garcia said.

Garcia said he would support President Barack Obama’s American Jobs Act. He favors hiring more teachers and police officers. He would also employ more construction workers to build America’s infrastructure.

“Getting middle class families back to work should be our priority-–not bailing out the rich Wall Street bankers,” according to Garcia.

Garcia is confident his track record speaks for itself. “As State Representative, I passed the Texas DREAM Act and helped pass the “Top 10%” rule to allow African American and Hispanic students greater access to the top colleges and universities in Texas.”

He promises, “In Congress, I will fight from Day 1 to pass the Federal DREAM Act and for increased funding for education.”

Erin Kathleen Hicks was previously a Fort Worth City councilwoman in 2005 and said she is ready to serve the people again.

“I created an advisory committee while on the City Council, consisting of residents from every neighborhood of the council district I represented.  I was also raised and educated in District 33. I have long worked on a grassroots level to engage residents in our political process,” Hicks said.

Hicks added, “As congresswoman my three top priorities would be fighting for better education, healthcare and jobs for the people of District 33. I pledge to remain involved in the community and not just be visible during election,” Hicks said.

Attorney, JR Molina said he is running for the District 33 office because he feels he has life and career experience in finding solutions for the challenging problems of the nation.

In 1973 he was a Municipal Court Judge in San Marcos and he served as Assistant District Attorney in Tarrant County from 1974-1979.

“My strong understanding of the legislative process in the House and a clear view of the politics of this nation qualify me to serve the residents of District 33,” Molina said. He added, “I have dealt with people and their families of all walks of life–the very poor and some very rich.”

Molina said one of the major issues he would fight for is the creation of jobs. One avenue for job creation is improving the infrastructure according to Molina. “There are 10,000 under code and dangerous bridges in the nation. Bridge building is a demand and only government investment will meet this demand,” Molina said.

President and founder of Accion America, Carlos Quintanilla, acknowledged a lack of political experience. However, points to his experience organizing various campaigns on behalf of the Hispanic community of Dallas and creating programs that helped feed 100,000 meals to minority children in the Dallas.

Quintanilla said he will be a concerned advocate on behalf of District 33 if elected.

“I will use my position as a Congressman to encourage jobs, promote corporate reciprocity. If our community spends money on Sprint, on Verizon, on at McDonalds, at Valero and at El Rancho then they must reinvest back into our community,” Quintanilla believes. “We must ask not what our community has done for you, but what have you done for our community,” he added.

Jason Eric Roberts, although new to politics, said if elected he would develop action based, short-term initiatives to address major issues such as public safety in District 33.

“When communities feel unsafe, everything breaks down including the economic and educational structure,” Roberts said. His other three priorities are fighting for a better educational and economic system and better transportation for District 33 residents.

Roberts said he has the track record and the passion to work towards making District 33 a better place. “I’ve developed Better Block projects in cities around the nation that literally turn blighted and underused buildings and blocks into neighborhood destinations complete with businesses, improved infrastructure and a strong focus on safety,” Roberts said.

Steve Salazar, a lawyer and former Dallas City Councilman from 1995-2001, said he is running to continue to serve the people.  During the debate, Salazar also said he would work to help create more jobs and improve the educational system for the residents of District 33.

According to Salazar his passion for serving people and getting things done make him qualified to serve the citizens of District 33.

Rev. Kyev Tatum said he has never held a political seat but this was a personal race for him because he was born, raised and lives in the district.

Tatum said as a minister he has experience confronting issues and bringing people together. He said he would focus on jobs and education because there is a dire need of these two things in this district.

“My district is 80 percent minority and two-thirds of them have a median income under $25,000. What kind of jobs are you going to bring to those who are uneducated – minimum wage,” Tatum asked?

Manuel T. Valdez currently serves the Justice of the Peace, a position he has held since 1981. Through this position, Valdez has served a diverse community for 30 years. Valdez suggests his service in the Marine Corps as a combat veteran during Vietnam gives him an invaluable perspective on national defense.

Valdez promises to work to improve jobs and economic development, healthcare and restore confidence in the government. “I will work with the President on these issues and not defund and destroy its [healthcare reform] important provisions as has been promised by the Republican Party,” Valdez said.

Chuck W. Bradley is the sole Republican running for the District 33 Congressional seat.

Bradley described himself as a Christian conservative family man with no desire to be a career politician. He feels qualified to run for this position as a retired small business owner he is knowledgeable about the creation of jobs and economics.

Although Bradley has never served in a political office, he promises to help the residents of District 33 by reducing fuel costs through American energy independence. His pledges include getting a gallon of gas below $2.75 and to create private sector jobs through energy development and reduction of federal regulations.

The primary election is May 29 with the general election on November 6.

Editor’s note: The print edition mistakenly did not include the following:

State Representative Marc Veasey who currently serves the 95th House District said he has advocated for North Texas residents since he became a state representative in 2004. Veasey said he has a record of fighting for strong public schools, creating job opportunities, economic development and improving access to quality health care since he became a state representative in 2004 and he would continue to do so if elected to serve the people of District 33.

“I have a proven record of building strong coalitions and being an effective leader. During my freshmen year in the Texas House of Representatives I was recruited to serve as the floor whip. Additionally, I currently serve in a leadership position in the state legislature, as the House Democratic Caucus Chair,” Veasey said.