Joan Huffman for Texas State Senate District 17

Looking ahead

Ryan — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:20:18 +0000

Thank you for the continued opportunity to represent you in the Texas Senate.

The upcoming 82nd Texas Legislature will be presented with numerous challenges and opportunities when it reconvenes in January of 2011. I am currently working with constituents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop proactive solutions to address the concerns and needs of Senate District 17.

Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst released interim charges for each Senate committee to examine, review, and submit recommendations for consideration next session. Interim charges are policy topics concerning various legislative proposals and the role of state government. Committees are beginning to meet in Austin and around the state to discuss charges and listen to testimony; I invite you to actively participate in this process. Links to a complete list of interim charges and committee hearing schedules can be found through my website at: www.huffman.senate.state.tx.us.

Some of the most difficult and pressing issues we will face next session are balancing the budget, redistricting and issues affecting health and human services. The demands from our growing population, required participation in federal programs, and the impacts from the current economic situation are increasing the strains on our state’s limited resources. Ensuring the safety of our borders and neighborhoods from threats, natural and otherwise, remains a priority. I will work with my colleagues to ensure our decisions enable Texas to grow and remain strong.

Through the hard work and tough choices made by all Texans, our state has weathered the economic storm better than most. As families continue to trim their personal budgets, the state too is looking at ways to stay ahead of forecasted budget challenges. State leaders have already asked agencies to submit proposals to cut their current budgets by 5 percent this year, while maintaining essential services. As a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission, which reviews effectiveness and necessity of state agencies, I will be judicious in determining where we can improve state government.

As your voice in the Texas Senate, I will confront these challenges head on by listening, gathering the facts, and standing firm on issues that affect the families and businesses of Senate District 17. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may ever be of service.

I look forward to continuing to serve as a conservative Senator with an independent voice that you can rely on.

Early Voting

Ryan — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:54:01 +0000

Early voting begins on February 16 and ends February 26, 2010.

The primary is March 2, 2010.

For early voting information and locations, click on the link below:

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/pamphlets/earlyvote.shtml

State Senator Joan Huffman files for Re-Election

Ryan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:43:57 +0000

Southside Place- State Senator Joan Huffman officially filed today in Austin, seeking re-election as State Senator for Senate District 17.

“I am excited and energized to continue to represent the citizens of Texas and SD 17. I intend to keep working on finding sensible solutions to our state’s employment, fiscal, transportation, healthcare and environmental challenges,” Huffman said.

Senator Huffman was sworn into office on December 16, 2008 after winning a special election to fill the vacated office of Senate District 17. Prior to serving in the Senate, Huffman served as a prosecutor in Harris County for many years and then was twice elected to serve as Judge for the 183rd Criminal District Court, where she earned a reputation as a fair and tough enforcer of the law.

During the 81^st Legislative Session, Senator Huffman served on several important committees that affect some of the most pressing issues facing Texas families, including the Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Government Organization Committee.

In October of 2009, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst appointed Huffman to serve a four year term on the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission.

Senator Huffman lives with her husband, Keith, and son, Luke, in Southside Place.

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Work in progress…

Ryan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:38:45 +0000

Just letting you know that we’re working to update the website. Please stay tuned and check back for frequent updates.

Walk to Win! - Huffman Campaign Opens 5 Victory Centers

Ryan — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:17:35 +0000

Join Texas Senate Candidate Joan Huffman for a Walk to Win!
When: Saturday, November 22nd and Saturday, November 29th
Where: Huffman Victory Centers

6129 Edloe, Houston, 77005
13509 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, 77478
609 Mason Road, Katy, 77450
117 W Highway 332, Lake Jackson, 77566
110 Gulf Freeway S, League City, 77573

Help Support the Joan Huffman Campaign to win SD 17!!!

Gov. Perry Sets Special Runoff Election Date for Senate District 17

Ryan — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:56 +0000

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today announced a special runoff election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 17 to be held on Dec. 16, 2008. A special election to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Sen. Kyle Janek was held during the November 4 general election; however no candidate received a majority of the votes, as mandated by state law.

Early voting will run from December 8 through December 12.

The winner of this special election will serve out the remainder of Sen. Janek’s term, which expires in January 2011.

Ryan — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:13:36 +0000

“Joan is an outstanding person and served Harris County with superior distinction during her career in my office as a prosecutor and an elected criminal district court judge. She is exactly the kind of lawmaker we need in the Texas Senate.”
Former Harris County District Attorney Johnny Holmes

FURSE ADMITS CAMPAIGN OF LIES WRONG

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:46:29 +0000

HOUSTON, TX - In a move that reads more fiction than reality, Austen Furse, III, a candidate for Senate District 17, asked Joan Huffman to meet under a street light across from the Southside Police station to retract his campaign of lies as his political consultant simultaneously sent an “apology” statement to the press.
Furse admitted to Huffman that he and Best for Texas PAC had made a “mistake” by sending false and misleading advertisements to the voters of SD17 about Huffman’s work as a Criminal District Judge.

“Austen Furse owes an apology to the families of SD17 that he lied to, not me,” responded Huffman. “Mr. Furse has deliberately misled the voters through his reckless conduct and lies, and he needs to apologize to each voter he misled, by our count approximately 55,000. It will be up to the voters to accept his apology, and he will learn their verdict on November 4.”

Remarkably, on the same weekend that Furse apologized for lying about Huffman’s record, his campaign sunk to a new low by mischaracterizing criminal cases brought before Huffman’s court by the district attorney’s office involving child victims.

“It is despicable that Austen Furse would sink to this new low and exploit children for his own political gain. For Austen Furse to drag these children through the mud is beyond forgiveness. This man will do and say anything to get elected,” concluded Huffman.

Joan Huffman, candidate for State Senate District 17, was previously elected twice in Harris County as a Criminal District Court Judge. Prior to her tenure on the bench, she was Chief Felony Prosecutor, Special Crimes Gang Prosecutor and Legal Counsel to the Organized Crime Narcotics Task Force under Harris County DA Johnny Holmes. Joan has also served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Assessment Center Foundation of Harris County and as Co-Chairman of its Advocacy Committee. Joan is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and lives with her husband, Keith, and son, Luke, in Southside Place.

MAJORITY OF SENATE DISTRICT 17 PRECINCT CHAIRS ENDORSE HUFFMAN FOR STATE SENATE

Ryan — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:36:46 +0000

HOUSTON, TX - The majority of the precinct chairs who have declared their endorsement in the race for Senate District 17 have endorsed Joan Huffman for the Texas State Senate. Full listing can be found at www.electjoanhuffman.com/endorsements.

“It is a privilege to be endorsed by the majority of the precinct chairs of Senate District 17,” said Huffman. “It has been an honor to receive their support, not only their endorsement, but also the support they have given me in their neighborhoods, at campaign headquarters and in their words of encouragement. It is a pleasure to work side-by-side with these committed conservative Republican leaders.”

“I have endorsed Joan based on her ability to draw supporters and middle of the road voters who are just wanting a solid candidate who will govern well and keep our state safe and financially solvent, and address illegal immigration and the business tax. She of course has a striking record of accomplishment in her past government service which is a strong drawing card and will stand up very well when compared with Chris Bell and his relatively small list of actual accomplishments in various offices and campaigns over the years,” said Marvin Clede, Senate District 17 Chairman and Harris County Precinct Chair.

“Joan has a reputation among those that worked with her of being more than dedicated, hard working and fair as a judge. She has run a clean and honorable campaign and has the support of those people who worked with her. Joan is a fine example of what our party stands for. She is a dedicated conservative with a desire to serve,” said Dianne Williams, Harris County Precinct Chair.

Frank Yonish, former Missouri City Councilman, Immediate Past Chairman of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and Fort Bend Precinct Chair said, “Joan has demonstrated a commitment to hard work and dedication in every aspect of her life - mother, secretary, prosecutor and Judge. These are attributes that we the people of Senate District 17 need in our next State Senator. I know she will work as hard for us, as she has in every other aspect of her career.”

“Joan Huffman is a person of unquestionable integrity. Her beliefs and statements remain consistent from group to group. She is a good listener and sincerely wants to hear from her constituents. I believe she truly wants to serve others. I trust her completely,” said Mary Kathryn Pickle, Brazoria County Precinct Chair.

To learn more about Joan, please visit www.electjoanhuffman.com and www.youtube.com/joanhuffman.

JEFFERSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN J. SHANE HOWARD ENDORSES SD-17 REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE JOAN HUFFMAN

Ryan — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:01:08 +0000

PORT ARTHUR, TX - Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman, J. Shane Howard, announced today that he has endorsed Republican Joan Huffman for the open Texas Senate seat in SD-17. The seat was formerly held by Kyle Janek who resigned last June for personal reasons.

“Joan Huffman has taken a real interest in the southeastern part of the district. I believe she understands the importance of Port Arthur and the surrounding area to the energy needs and economic future of Texas,” Howard said Friday. Port Arthur is home to the largest petroleum refinery expansion in the United States in the last 25 years and represents a significant portion of the nation’s refining capacity.

In addition to her understanding of the region’s importance, Howard stated that Huffman’s record as a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s office and as a judge in the 183rd Criminal District Court demonstrates a temperament, tenacity and sense of fairness that resonates with residents in Jefferson County. “Respect for and consistent application of the law are important measures of a candidate’s maturity and Joan has demonstrated both in her career,” Howard stated.

He concluded, “Joan has reached out consistently and appropriately to Jefferson County and I am honored to support her. I think she represents the greatest opportunity we have to win against a tough Democrat opponent and govern in an effective, meaningful way for her constituents here in Southeast Texas.”

The SD-17 election will take place in a special election to be held concurrently with the general election on November 4th.

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