Houston-Area Texas SBOE Candidate Forums Set for April 25 and 26

The Texas Freedom Network Education Fund has agreed to serve as a co-sponsor for two forums for State Board of Education candidates in the Houston area. The forums will be hosted by Houston’s KPFT Pacifica Radio (90.1 FM). The Woodlands Coffee Party is also a co-sponsor.

A forum for SBOE District 8 candidates is set for 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 25. Republican candidate Linda Ellis of The Woodlands and Democratic candidate Dexter Smith of Friendwood have accepted invitations to participate in the forum. Republican incumbent and SBOE chairwoman Barbara Cargill, R-The Woodlands, and Democratic candidate Rick Soliz (campaign website unknown) of Humble have not yet responded to requests from KPFT.

A forum for District 6 Democratic candidates is set for 6-7 p.m., Thursday, April 26. Candidates Traci Jensen, Patty Quintana-Nilsson and David Scott, all of Houston, have accepted invitations to participate. Republican Donna Bahorich, R-Houston, is unopposed  in the GOP primary and will not participate in this forum. KPFT plans to invite Bahorich to participate in a forum for general election candidates in the fall. The winner of the November general election will replace outgoing SBOE District 6 member Terri Leo, R-Spring.

If you’re not in the KPFT broadcast area, you can listen to the forums online at www.kpft.org and the station’s Apple App.

The Texas Freedom Network Education Fund is a nonpartisan organization that conducts research and promotes civic education in support of strong public schools, religious freedom and individual liberties. The TFN Education Fund does not endorse candidates for elected office. The TFN Education Fund’s co-sponsorship of these forums is intended solely to help voters learn more about candidates for the State Board of Education.

A list of State Board of Education candidates, links to campaign websites, SBOE district information and election news are available at www.tfn.org/sboe2012.