Dot Nelson-Turnier for TX House of Representative District 150

Background:

Career in International Banking and small business owner, community activist, board member experience serving several not for profit organizations, started grassroots Lone Star Democratic Club in Republican stronghold of Montgomery county Texas, ran Montgomery County Texans for Kerry, recently attended Democracy for Texas training in Austin and DemFest Austin in June 2005.

Goals:

I have long term goals to stabilize the Texas economy, beginning with my District, by creating new jobs and retraining the work force. Reforming schools, valuing teachers and letting them teach and securing social reforms, and passing livable wage laws are also top priorities. We must hold the legislature responsible for the corruption within the government, and corporations which allow them to raid pension plans, pollute our environment and take advantage of the needy. Heathcare must be for all.

Issues:

Economy- the poor economy is the basis of many of the problems facing Texas. The so called "recovery" has not reached the working class. We need to manage on balanced State Budgets,(excesses are not a sign of good fiscal management either) sustained growth, and creation of new jobs. Education- We need reform in the schools. When we take good education away from our kids we rob our country of its future at the expense of living today. We need to invest in our children's education so that they can be competitive in the global workforce.
Equity--Healthcare should be available for all people. Minimum wage should not put people at the poverty level. We are obligated to take care of all of our people.

Grassroots Support:

To me Democracy equals grassroots. It is the only way to be a truly representative government. All of my staff and close volunteers will be from the Progressive movement. I am a Progressive Leader in my community. Most of my fundraising will also come from individuals. Yet, grassroots is also about a state of mind and general policy approaches as well: about public interests before special interests,

DFA Values:

I have an accounting and banking background. I believe in balanced budgets and long term and short term planning. I also believe however that there is enough to go around if we manage things properly and carefully. People's basic needs need to be met so that they can be fully contributing members of our society. People's rights need to be protected. All people regardless of race, ethnicity, religions, sexual orientation, job, housing, (dis)ability should be treated equally.