Claudio Gutierrez

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

I am an Industrial Engineer by degree, so I solve problems that involve industrial equipment, systems of machines, but above all, teams of people.

I have a high level of empathy and always approach problems with the end-user in mind.

In addition to English, I'm fluent in Spanish and Italian.

Article 7 of the Texas Constitution states that “it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.” What is your interpretation of what this clause requires of the legislature?

That the State Legislature is responsible for funding a high quality public school system in Texas.

How will you ensure that Texas remains a leader in the energy sector through innovation and reliability?

As an engineer in Houston, it's impossible to not be involved in the oil and gas industry, so I've worked in different sectors of the industry for almost 2 decades. I know that competition drives innovation, so we should be open to ideas from all industries and even other countries. However, as a legislator, it is my moral responsibility to always prioritize Texan companies, technologies, and initiatives with incentives such as tax breaks and ease of entry to markets, as necessary.

What do you believe is the appropriate role of the State of Texas in ensuring that Texans have access to reproductive healthcare, family planning, and pregnancy care and postpartum services?

All families should have access to healthcare to ensure a healthy and strong family.

What other issues are high priorities for the people of your district? Please give specific examples of measurable actions that you will take to address these issues.

When I talk to people in District 147, crime and the local economy are always the biggest concerns for them. For that reason, I want to remove as much government regulation and permitting requirements, so that entrepreneurs can easily open businesses and hire people. Additionally, I want to make sure that Centerpoint and other utility companies have to undergo bidding processes from time to time so that they never become complacent in their services.