Pegasus News election survey: Chris Harris, candidate for Texas State Senate District 9

Pegasus:What drew you to run for office?

Harris: concern over economic development and transportation in Texas and the local area

Pegasus: What are the concerns of people in your community?

Harris: economic development, quality schools, safety

Pegasus: What are the sources of conflict in this election?

Harris: none; opponents are not actively running

Pegasus:How do you differ from your opponents?

Harris: positions on tort reform and frivolous lawsuits. Democrat opponent was named a vexatious litigant for representing himself, pro se, in over two dozen frivolous, losing lawsuits.

Pegasus:Do you have a favorite Presidential Candidate?

Harris: John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee

Pegasus:How do you feel about the following Issues from the area?

*Convention center hotel

Harris: I will support whatever Dallas voters decide.

*Freeways from free to toll-based roads

Harris: I oppose switching free (gas tax) roads to toll roads. I support new tollroads, such as 121 an 161, as a part of our transportation needs.

*HOV lanes

Harris: I will support these, provided they reduce congestion.

*DART rail

Harris: I will work with local cities on regional transportation expansion. I want to require that citizens approve any tax increase and expansion, and would want to see sufficient rail line density to justify the expansion.

*Barnett Shale drilling

Harris: Cities should be able to set reasonable regulations on drilling distances from businesses and residences, such as up to one thousand feet, where city governments feel that is warranted.

*Cellphone use in cars

Harris: I would want to see more studies before adding new regulations.

*Open Internet access in public libraries

Harris: This is a matter for local library boards to resolve.

*Green buildings

Harris: I support increased conservation efforts and more reliance on alternative energy fuels, both for cost and environmental reasons. State buildings should increase their energy efficiency dramatically in the next few years.

Pegasus: How do you feel about the following national issues?

*War in Iraq

Harris: We are rapidly coming to the time when U.S. troops can be reduced, and Iraqi forces can provide the greater part of military security and economic development.

*Immigration

Harris: I support efforts to reduce illegal immigration, and to remove those who cross our borders illegally. In particular, I favor state agencies, such as DPS, cooperating with ICE federal authorities.

*Energy sources

Harris: Texas should increase its energy sources, including natural gas, wind, and solar sources, as well as more reliance on nuclear energy, where safe and efficient.