Maris Blair
Republican | Texas
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Maris Blair
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 15
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of North Texas, Denton, Bachelor of Science in Education, 1994
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law), Fort Worth, Juris Doctorate, 2003
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
The Woodlands First Baptist Church, Member, Contributor, Volunteer attorney, Conroe ISD Education Foundation
Executive Director, The Woodlands Republican Women, Member
Montgomery County Republican Women, Associate Member, Greater Fish Creek Area Republican Women
Associate Member, Winter Park Christian Church, Contributor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
None yet.
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Republican Women's Organizations (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
None.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should not be used for abortion.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The tax code should be carefully reviewed each legislative session. I support the current ban on a state income tax, a cap on property appraisal values, and exemptions for certain people in higher need such as seniors, active and retired military. Exemptions should be broadened.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Budgeting for law enforcement and securing Texas to protect Texan families is first priority. Then, government expenditures should be applied for constitutionally government-provided services.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Our nation was founded to achieve separation of church and state. The government should not interfere with religion.
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.
C.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
None.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Support Israel.
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 Disagree
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The border catastrophe in South Texas is a major cause of so many other crises in our state and nation. Our federal government has failed in its duty. The border emergency inflames human trafficking, violent crime, illegal gun possession, illegal immigration, voter fraud, and it stresses our law enforcement and healthcare and educational systems. It is the source of our deadly illegal drug crisis which destroys so many families.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Immigrants who utilize the proper channels and procedures, with merit-based measurements.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Our nation was formed on the foundation of "one nation under God".
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
History cannot be erased or changed, and traditional fundamental teaching methods should be used.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a dedicated, baptized Christian who believes in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I hold close to my heart my faith, my family, my community, and the great State of Texas. I will truly represent the people in District 15 with these values.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Voter fraud must be prevented to insure honest elections.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Tighten voting practices and procedures to avoid election fraud. For example, no exceptions to photo identification requirement to vote.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Domestic security is of top priority. Yet, extremism in any situation, including extremism motivated by racism, can become an issue when it results in violence.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Over the history of our nation, treatment and attitudes on nationalities, races, genders, etc. have evolved. We should move forward with equality and unity.
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.
A
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
I will represent The Woodlands Area. It is the home of George P. Mitchell who invented and then gave away the method known as fracking, in order to better the oil and gas economy of Texas.
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Government is necessary to protect the constitutional rights, freedoms and liberty of the people, without needlessly enlarging governmental powers or increasing taxes on the citizens.
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?
Very Conservative
No one in this race for District 15 is more conservative than me.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
www.facebook.com/voteformaris; https://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=71809&fbclid=IwAR3u2L8NaIbOEmQgx4IAynOK4VUaZR4uGaIfmPCOa0htv5PSkmDbPsv2EC0; https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=130573212668153&set=pb.100071464240667.-2207520000..&type=3
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I am conservative to the core. No one in this race is more conservative than me. I stand against bigger government and higher taxes, such as my efforts in the 2021 fight against incorporation of The Woodlands Township which was defeated by nearly 70% of voters. As the only Native Texan in this race, my passion for the well-being and future of the great state of Texas and all Texans is genuinely inborn, as Texas is my home state. As a former teacher and an education foundation executive director, I am a committed education advocate. I believe in traditional methods of teaching to achieve excellence for all students. As an 18-year attorney, I am highly experienced in legal matters and the making of laws, so my training will be invaluable in making sure Texas laws serve Texans and not the government. I am a known consensus builder. My natural process to achieve goals for my community is by influencing and encouraging people of different opinions to work together in partnership. Most importantly, my Christian values will guide the decisions I make for myself, my family and our community. District 15 needs this type of leader, one who reflects the same opinions and needs of the people. My legislative priorities are the safety and security of our border and support of law enforcement, education and the use of traditional methods of teaching, limited government with laws to protect constitutional rights such as gun ownership, voting and prevention of election fraud. The border catastrophe in South Texas is a major cause of so many other crises in our state. Securing our border must continue to be a focus of our state government, due to its devastating effect on human trafficking, violent crime, illegal gun possession, illegal immigration, voter fraud, law enforcement, healthcare and educational systems, and the illegal drug crisis. It must be a priority in order to address all of these problem areas. The people of District 15 deserve and want representation that preserves their quality of life and protects their rights and values. I am Maris Blair, and I am that representative.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly 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?
As stated in the Gun Carry and Possession Restrictions plank of the Republican Party of Texas Platform, restrictions to gun ownership should be limited to persons convicted of a crime or found mentally incompetent by a medical psychiatric professional.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Agree
