Blog Special : The Gubernatorial Candidates Part 1 of 4, Chris Bell

Well, it is getting to be that time again.. We are in an election season and the fights are fixing to become heated. In Texas, we have a coveted spot up for grabs (so to speak), Texas Governor. There are a lot of candidates this time around, 2 Independents, a Democrat, and the incumbent. Politics is usually not my thing and I keep at least a good arms length away from it because sometimes politics can be really retarded. However, I feel that this election is important because I feel that we need a change in leadership in the Governor's Office. We as a state have many issues and they are not being addressed by the current administration. In my quest to research candidates for myself, I will share a condensed version of the candidates stances on important issues. FYI... The information is coming directly from the horses mouths, via their respective websites and I will include links to their websites so you can investigate them for yourselves. This year, Election Day is November 7, 2006. In order to vote in this election, you must be registered to vote in the county that you reside in 30 days prior to the general election, which would be October 7, 2006, so please register to vote before then. You can get information about registering to vote here : VoteTexas.

Chris Bell (D)- Houston -- website : ChrisBell.com

Past Service: Houston City Council Member 1997-2002, Congressman 2002-2003 (ousted due to redistricting)

Solutions to problems:

Education: Create a Bi-partisan commission to work on education problems instead of working separately, create some type of tax to assist with School Finance

Higher Education: End tuition deregulation, tax-free textbooks, increase funding to public universities, defend the Texas Grant program to make college more accessible for disadvantaged students

Environment: Strengthen environmental regulations, protect air quality, develop new energy solutions (alternative energy sources), protect water quality, push for smarter land management and conservation

Toll Roads: Stop TranTexas Corridor in its tracks

Immigration: Secure the border with National Guard, crack down on illegal hiring practices

For more information, please visit his website : www.chrisbell.com. You can get more details on plans listed above and how you can get involved in his campaign if you choose to do so.. Please feel free to use the comment section to participate in debates..