Delayed Texas primary gives voters few choices

Timothy Delasandro, resident of College Station, is a graduate of Texas A&M and a critical care registered nurse and nursing supervisor. Delasandro was a delegate to the 2010 Republican Party of Texas Convention, a leader in a group that successfully opposed a transportation tax in College Station and a leader in a group that opposed the forced annexation of Wellborn. On his website, he says that the next representative must stand up for our rural property and water rights.

Delasandro says he would work with the new House Seat 14 Representative to best represent Texas A&M and Blinn in Austin. He also says he will review automatic admissions policies at state universities.

Kyle J. Kacal, resident of Bryan, Kyle Kacal, lives and works on his 2,400 acre ranch in Brazos County. Kacal earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M and a graduate certificate in ranch management from Texas Christian University. He is a supporter of independent liberties and personal freedom. Kacal serves the community with his involvement with the Texas Beef Extension, the Brazos Valley Farm Bureau and the Allen Academy School Board.

Chris Scotti, resident of College Station, co-founded and eventually sold his own information technology company, which made him familiar with the issues that small business owners face, he said in an article published by “The Eagle” earlier this month. Scotti served on the College Station City Council from 2005 to 2008.

In the article, he said he is willing to make hard -- but necessary -- decisions, even when they aren't initially the most popular. That is a vital quality in the Texas Legislature these days, he said, as lawmakers push difficult decisions on education and transportation funding down the road to avoid political pain.

Scotti has been endorsed by the Texas Restaurant Association, the College Station Homebuilders Association and the Texas Apartment Association.

Josh Tetens is an attorney and resident of Waco. On his website, he says that this district will need effective leadership to represent the varied interests ranging from agriculture and water rights, to higher education funding for Texas State Technical School and Baylor and Texas A&M Universities. Tetens says that keeping the Texas business climate prosperous and regulatory climate fair and simple will be a challenge as the next legislative session will have several financial challenges to overcome.

Robert Stem, resident of Marlin, attended Baylor University and is an attorney running on the Democratic ballot for this position.

Candidates for State Senate, District 5:

Ben Bius, a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a degree in finance and a minor in agribusiness, was the Republican nominee in 1998 and 2000 and formed the Home and Landowners Association in 2004. Though not a graduate of Texas A&M himself, Bius said his grandfather was in the corps in the 1930’s and taught him how not to lie, cheat, or steal.

Bius said he feels like the people of this district need conservative representation, not moderate-centrist.

“Our campaign today is based on truth, enlightenment and fact,” Bius said. “I have promised to serve two terms. I believe in term limits. I have promised to return home and live under the laws I have helped pass or free from those I helped repeal.”

Bius said that his opponent voted for cutting $84 million out of the budget for SHSU and TAMU. A&M went from 34% funded by the state to 24% during the last legislative session.

“Our state institutions might as well be private at the rate the legislature is going,” Bius said. “Here’s the problem- healthcare and entitlement spending are consuming more and more and more of our tax dollars. If we get a handle on this, we can adequately fund education. There is plenty of money to fund the good and right functions of government in Texas, if we first secure our borders.”

Charles Schwertner, a resident of Georgetown, is managing partner and practicing physician of Georgetown Orthopedics, LLC, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin. Schwertner is a member of the Williamson County Republican Party, Texas Right to Life, National Rifle Association and Texas State Rifle Association.

Having served in the House of Representatives during the last legislative session, he is an active member of the Texas House Republican Caucus. Schwertner was endorsed for state senate by the Conservative Republicans of Texas. While in the House, Schwertner was on the Texas House Committees on Appropriations and Public Health.

On his campaign website, Schwertner says that he will work to protect the best interests of Senate District 5 community colleges and institutions of higher learning. Additionally, he says he will work to protect Texas A&M University’s standing as a world-class institution and local economic driver for the Brazos valley.