League of Women Voters election survey: Rep. Helen Giddings, candidate for re-election to the Texas House Rep. - District 109

by Staff of League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters of Dallas sent a questionnaire to every candidate running for public office in Dallas County. The election on November 4th features a number of local races to decide state and national Senate and House of Representatives seats.

The responses of Rep. Helen Giddings (D), who is seeking re-election to the Texas House of Representatives - District 109 seat, appear below. Giddings is running against Kevin Jackson (L).

LWV: Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

Giddings: 15 year effective legislator. Successfully authored over 100 important bills on education, identity theft, healthcare, business. Currently chair Business and Industry, Vice Chair Higher education. Post/present community leadership positions include Dallas Planning Commission, VP Transit Board, Chair Dallas Black Chamber, Member Dallas County Grand Jury, State Bar Grievance Committee.

LWV: The Texas Legislature in 2007 overhauled business taxes to provide property tax relief for homeowners, but many small business owners in Texas now claim that their property tax decrease was far less than their business tax increase. What measures should be taken to maintain adequate state tax revenues without unduly burdening individual taxpayers or small business?

Giddings: Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. Many jobs are created through small business. We must be fair and allow for development and growth. The 2007 business tax overhaul must be examined for possible needed tweaking. Generally, some time needs to pass in order to examine its fairness, efficiency and effectiveness.

LWV: Texas deregulated electricity rates with the promise that competition between suppliers would lower consumers’ electric rates, yet rates in Texas remain well above the national average. What measures should be taken to ensure electric power reliability and affordability in Texas?

Giddings: Ideally the market should self regulate based on competition. That has not been the case. The competition that was envisioned has not materialized. Four providers left the market. Electricity prices are tied to natural gas and should be tied to the full range of energy sources used, which would bring the price down. Regrettably some regulatory measures may be needed for residential customers.

LWV: According to the most recent published data of the Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel, insurance industry losses in Texas have decreased by 85%, yet homeowners’ rates have fallen by only 4%. What reforms would you support to lower homeowners’ rates in Texas?

Giddings: Homeowner Insurance Carriers are able to set rates. Rates are reviewed by TDI for excessiveness as well as other issues. TDI can withhold rate increase approval. The legislature needs to visit this issue again to see if additional measures are necessary.

LWV: The Texas legislature has not increased the gas tax since 1991, and also diverts millions of dollars of transportation funds to other areas of the state budget such as education and the Department of Public Safety. The public has voiced much disapproval of toll roads and public/private partnerships to build new roads. How would you fund construction of new roads and maintenance of existing roads and bridges?

Giddings: There is no perfect solution. New roads are needed and existing roads need repair. Some combination of public/private partnerships for new roads may prove viable. A gasoline tax would be devastating to families already struggling financially. This issue requires courage. Some will be unhappy no matter the proposal.

LWV: If diversions from the State’s transportation fund are stopped, how would you pay for those items that are currently funded by gas tax monies?

Giddings: Education and public safety are critical. For that matter so is transportation. Legislators will need to work together and develop a plan that a majority of citizens will approve and will not shortchange any of these critical issues. Legislators along with citizens must make tough choices.

LWV: Currently, sales prices of most residential property are disclosed while those of commercial property are not. Do you support public disclosure of commercial real estate sales prices so as to ensure fair and accurate appraisals?

Giddings: I support commercial property sale price disclosure. This is a very complex issue that must be carefully thought out to make certain that appraisals are fair and accurate. For example, two buildings equal in size, age etc. may be different in value based on upkeep and condition and occupancy rate.