More than 1,700 viewers tuned-in to the Chamber’s Texas House District 121 Facebook Forum featuring candidates Celina Montoya (D) and Steve Allison (R), moderated by the Chamber’s 2018 Chairman of the Board Shaun Kennedy. Both candidates are vying for a chance to replace the longstanding Texas Representative and Speaker of the House, Joe Straus. In an effort to engage a broader, more diverse audience, the Chamber streamed the forum via Facebook Live.
While the Chamber does not endorse candidates, we understand the integral role our elected leaders play in ensuring Texas and San Antonio maintain a business friendly environment and a thriving economy. The purpose of the forum was to inform the community about the candidates and their positions on issues most important to the business community.
Montoya touched on her experience helping to run her family’s small business and involvement within the community, which she believes will help her if elected. Given her small business background, Montoya wants to be a voice for small businesses at the Capital and ensure that other small businesses can thrive as well. She also mentioned the need to develop a 21st century workforce and ensure we look at the collective needs of the community to develop a multimodal network that will address the needs of the community.
Allison stressed that his experience as a lawyer representing businesses and serving on various boards, will help him if elected. Allison believes the two biggest barriers to growing business are overregulation and taxes. He would like to see the state highway fund be fully funded to help address the needs of our growing community. Allison expressed support for economic development incentive tools like the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), Chapter 313 and Chapter 312 of the Tax Code.
Both candidates agreed on the need to adequately fund public education and take necessary steps to protect and grow the military missions here in San Antonio.
The Chamber urges you hit the polls. Early voting starts October 22 and Election Day is November 6. If you are not registered to vote, the Chamber team can help you get registered. Just stop by our downtown office or call the Chamber at 210-229-2100.
