Alena Berlanga
Republican | Texas
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Alena Berlanga
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 31
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Pfeiffer University, Charlotte, Business, 2004
University of Guam, Mangilao, Business, 2002
San Antonio College, San Antonio, Nursing, 2018
WORK & MILITARY
Emergency Medical Technician, EMT, 9
AFFILIATIONS
Floresville Independent School District, Board Trustee, Wilson County No Kill Animal Shelter, Inc.
President, Fisher House, Volunteer
Red Cross, Volunteer, Center for the Visually Impaired
Volunteer, Citizen Tax Advocate, Community Lead
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Floresville ISD School Board Trustee, 2019-present
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate completed the Abolish Abortion Texas Candidate Survey source
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
In cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening risk, this is a private healthcare decision between a patient and her doctor. I believe that thru God, what is meant to be, will be. It is not our place to decide the fate of another human being.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Neutral
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Property taxes are out of control. The entire tax system in Texas needs to be overhauled.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Adopt term limits. Reduce or remove certain perks/benefits among all elected politicians. Evaluate all government "services" and terminate programs that do not have a proven record of success.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
None
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
None. Parents should be the only people making healthcare decisions for their children along with their family doctor.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Cease all forms of financial aid to the governments of foreign countries that harbor terrorists or those that fund terrorism.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Agree
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Law-abiding individuals who immigrate legally should be welcome. There should be full vetting of each person before allowing them to immigrate.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am an American wife and mother. I am a conservative Christian patriot. I firmly believe in the constitution as our founding document. I understand the importance of our second amendment rights, which shall never be infringed upon by the government. I believe in small government. I support LEGAL immigration. I am PROUD of my country and my heritage. I live my values every day. I will fiercely protect my children from manipulation and evil.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Strengthen election laws to eliminate loopholes that allow for manipulation of votes, voters, and mail-in ballots. Strengthen penalties for those that break election laws. Require 24/7 audio/video recording where election workers and machines tally votes. Require identification for every voter.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
No. Racism was defeated decades ago thru legislation and societal relations. It is only an issue when it feeds the desired media narrative.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The general purpose of government is to provide the parameters for behavior of citizens and to protect us from foreign interference. It is not the place of government to dictate any other aspect of our individual lives (eg mandates).
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
See my political Facebook page.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
Never
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I am the oldest of 6 children. My mother was a stay-at-home mom and my dad the breadwinner working in a manufacturing plant. I saw the financial and emotional struggles of my parents trying to raise 6 kids on one blue collar income. This was my motivation to further my education and make a better life for myself and my family. After graduating from high school, I moved to Guam and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Guam. I then moved from Guam to North Carolina where I earned a Master's degree from Pfeiffer University in business. I worked in Human Resources for 18 years and also worked about 8 years developing grant proposals for the University of Guam through the Department of Education. Once we moved back to Texas, I went to work as a Senior Consultant for an international military consulting firm, took three years of American Sign Language Interpreting, obtained my EMT certificate, and earned an AAS in Nursing through San Antonio Community College. During this time, I also launched my own small business doing biohazard decontamination services. I currently work part-time with a county 911 EMS provider and work PRN in nursing. I worked both EMS and nursing throughout COVID. I cared for my husband prior to and after he was hospitalized for COVID. As for my community work, I have volunteered with the Center for the Visually Impaired, Red Cross, and Fisher House. I am a founding member and volunteer at a local nonprofit animal shelter where I have been serving as the Board President for the last 6 years. I have volunteered nearly 1,000 hours over the last 3 summers to serve as the Director for summer camp with children ages 6 to 18 years. In 2019, I was elected by parents and taxpayers in my district to serve as a School Board Trustee with the Floresville Independent School District. I advocated for taxpayers and worked to reduce the property tax rate to the lowest it’s been in more than 15 years. I organized and facilitated two large (and free) property tax seminars with over 700 property owners in attendance where my brother in Christ, Michael Berlanga, presented the information. I, along with several friends, also conducted numerous property tax workshops to help property owners file their tax disputes. I also assisted County Commissioner Knowlton with organizing a property tax seminar in Atascosa County. I firmly believe volunteer work — SERVICE TO OTHERS — develops the foundation for good character and is a critical component of a healthy, compassionate community. As you can see, I am heavily invested and involved in my community. I don’t just talk the talk – I walk the talk. I really don’t like talking about myself because I am humble and modest. I would much rather talk about the impact of the hard work WE each do in our communities. I'm not a politician, but I am a concerned patriot who is not happy with the trajectory of our country right now. I can no longer sit on the sidelines watching our constitutional freedoms slip away. I’ve realized that many of the things I’m passionate about — our children, their education, property taxes, individual autonomy and freedom — must be properly addressed at the state level. This is why my campaign is focused on FAMILY first, SERVICE to others, and FREEDOM for all. The only way to effect change is to BE the change. I humbly ask for your support and vote on March 1st.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
