Chris Bell - Democrat Speaks: TAYLOR: How important is good leadership during times of crisis? BELL: Strong leadership in a crisis is critical. A vast majority of Texans are dissatisfied with the lack of leadership they see in the state legislature on vital issues such as school funding, health care reform and spending transparency. TAYLOR: Do you consider yourself to be a leader? If so, in what way? BELL: I do consider myself a leader. In my time in public office, I worked with members of both parties to accomplish real reforms on the important issues. On the Houston City Council, I chaired the Ethics Committee and passed landmark reforms that closed the revolving door, enacted lobby reform and closed soft money loopholes. I also worked with a bi-partisan coalition to lower property taxes for the first time ever in Houston and even got an award for that-from the Harris County Republican Party. Those are just two examples of leadership. TAYLOR: Other than yourself, who is the most effective leader you know alive today? BELL: I think Mack Brown is the most effective leader I know today, but don't tell my wife. She's an Oklahoma alum. And though he has never defeated Oklahoma, Texas A&M or USC, Mayor Bill White has shown incredible leadership skills through times of crisis here in Houston. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-area voters choose you on Tuesday, November 4th? BELL: A lot of families were facing serious challenges even before Hurricane Ike and the Wall Street meltdown. Gas prices, college tuition, utilities, property taxes, and health care are getting more expensive, and my family's going through the same struggles that yours is. The big difference in this race is that I'm the only candidate who's ever worked with Republicans and Democrats to do anything about these issues. That's the kind of leadership you can expect from me as your next state senator. | 
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