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Home » 2018-03-06 Republican primary » Montgomery County » District Clerk » Cynthia Jamieson

Cynthia Jamieson
Party Republican
Website https://cynthiajamieson.com/
Born
Education BA UH - Communications
Occupation MoCo Office of Emer. Mgt.
Religion Christian
Marital Married
Children 2

Cynthia Jamieson

declared

Grew up in Montgomery County, graduated from Willis High School, and received my B.A. in Communications-Public Relations from the University of Houston. I have worked for Montgomery County for 10 years. 

Spent most of young adult life in Houston. After my father died, I found myself wanting to stay close to my family and began looking for employment in or near Montgomery County. I was hired as the administrative assistant to the Commissioner of Precinct 3.   It was during Hurricane Ike that I realized how much I enjoyed being a public servant. I felt like I was good at helping people and truly wanted to make a difference.  This, coupled with meeting my husband, Chad, is when I decided that I would probably never leave Montgomery County.

After several years in that position, I had the opportunity to move to a different department. I was hired as the administrative assistant for the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  Shortly thereafter, I was promoted to the Community Preparedness Planner.  As the Community Preparedness Planner, I worked to market the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. I enjoyed and excelled in community outreach and again felt like I was making a difference in people's lives. My accomplishments did not go unnoticed and I was offered the opportunity to advance in my career again. I accepted the position of Homeland Security Planner and to be the Public Information Officer for the office.  In my day to day activities, I work for the citizens of Montgomery County by maintaining public awareness and  encouraging preparedness. I also collaborate with local and regional partners to maintain Emergency Operation Plans and to build relationships that are vital during a disaster.  With the devastation and need that Hurricane Harvey has left in its wake, I have had the privilege to help people once again. I am proud to have been a part of the response and recovery efforts that the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has been instrumental in providing.  

I'm ready to take these skills and use them to continue to serve the citizens of Montgomery County. I promise to be the leader that the District Clerk's office deserves. I will work hard to make the changes needed for the District Clerk's office to be more efficient; not just for Montgomery County employees, but for the public as well. 

My husband, Chad, works for the Sheriff's Office as their Facilities Supervisor.  We have two children; Harper and Fischer who ensure our life is never dull. We are proud to call Montgomery County our home. It is where we have built our life and where we choose to raise our children.   

 

Campaign Finance Reports Source

Submitted by kenneth vaughn on 2018-02-28 22:57:20

 

    2017                           2018

                                                    

   Jul - Dec                 30 Day Report     8 Day Report

 

MCTP PAC Rating of: 51 Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2018-02-18 05:21:06

 

Pros:

  • Claims to be Christian conservative
  • Is a mediator. Looks at all perspectives. Seeks opinions. Plays “devil's advocate.”
  • Brings a “fresh perspective.” 
  • Has county experience in Office of Emergency Mgt. (though no supervisory/management experience).

Cons:

  • Though affable, wasn't prepared for IV
  • No direct experience with the office being sought. 
  • Doesn't have skillset nor much related experience for the position
  • Has had embattled political boss Marc Davenport, accused of sexual abuse, as her consultant.
  • Seemingly important  campaign finance violations, including potentially false reports
  • In planning for OEM(Office of Emergency Mgt.), it's apprerent that office had not prepared low-lying areas for flooding during Hurricane Harvey, though it happened twice before in previous 18 months.
  • Not familiar about positions' inner workings
  • Jamieson’s campaign finance...  More

Video Interview Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2018-01-16 05:38:39

 

Questionnaire

General

This is a Republican primary race.  Do you promise, if elected, to abide by the RPT platform? And if not, please enumerate what problems you have.

Yes

What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?

I'm a hard worker who is dedicated to doing my job.  I worked a full-time job while attending college, because of my determination, I received my BA in Communications/Public Relations.

My experience in the commissioner's office gave me an understanding of how the county government operates. I am familiar with the purchasing process and I know the payroll system. 

My experience in Emergency Management taught me how to manage people and situations.  I learned how to think on my feet and come up with solutions that would best impact public safety.  When I started with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management I didn't know much about the field of Emergency Management, but learned quickly.  I can now run the EOC during a small or large disaster.  During Hurricane Harvey, we were scheduled for 12 hour shifts, whereas; we actually worked 14 and 15 hour shifts, because there was much to do and help was needed. I have proven that I am willing to do what it takes to work with my OHSEM team and all the people that worked in the EOC. For weeks following the hurricane we continued to work long hours for the benefit of the people of Montgomery County.  My dedication to my co-workers and the county did not faulter. 

When we are not in disaster mode, I work with outside entities to uphold relationships that are important during a disaster.  I'm also the technology admin for the office and the regional systems owned by Montgomery County OHSEM.  Before this position, I knew little about technology systems, but I had to learn quickly.  I would now consider myself a pseudo-techie and I'm confident that with a little bit of training I will pick up the workings of the odyssey system.  I also have the confidence to shop for a new system if I believe there is one that would better suit our needs in the District Clerk's office.

I am also the Public Information Officer. My duties as PIO are consant whether we are in disaster mode or not, we must keep people aware that we are here.  My job to put out public information is vital to our work in Emergency Managment, it keeps people safe during a disaster and urges them to take responsiblity to prepare for anything that might come. 

I also think personality plays a huge role in qualifications for any job.  As a public figure you must be personable, likeable and social.  I would consider myself a born mediator.  I try to view situations from more than one perspective before making a decision. I feel like this makes me a well rounded person. Anyone who is in charge of supervising people should at least have some of these qualities if not all.  

I belive that because I haven't worked in this office I have a better perspective.  A brand new perspective without any old habits or hinderance to innovation. 

Please describe what you believe are the most significant issues in this race and why.

I believe some of the most significant issues in this race is integrity, doing the right thing and not being self-serving. There has already been too much unecessary negativity surrounding this campaign.

The District Clerk's office needs a strong leader, someone who will turn public opinion around, and work with the people for the people. 

 

Is the board seat you seek to be elected to effectively fulfilling its role? How or how not?

Yes, I believe the entity is effectively fulfilling it's role, but I also believe there are enhancements that could be implemented to better the workings of this office. 

 

Please describe the best way for the average voter to determine which candidate for this office is best.

I think the average voter should take what has been publicized so far and make a determiniation on the kind of person they want to elect.  Do they want someone who will use any situation to benefit themselves and their campaign? These are the kind of politicians we need to avoid electing. 

What have you done to prepare for serving in this role?

I have met with other District Clerks to begin buidling relationships and evaluate their best practices. I have also began studying the standard operating proceedures of Harris County District Clerk office. 

What have you done, or will you do, to reduce the size of the government?

This question is outside of the purview of this office. 

Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?

 

N/A

What do you primarily rely on to help you make difficult decisions as it relates to public policy?

This question is outside of the purview of this office. 

 

Why are you running for this office and what 3 major goals do you want to be measured by if you are elected?

I am running for this office, because I see where I can make a difference and serve the people of Montgomery County.  I know I will be a good leader and can make great changes for the benefit of everyone that comes in contact with this District Clerk's office. I am a person of integrity and I care about what I do and the people I do it for. 

I would like to be measured by:

My hard work and dedication to my employees and the position.

My leadership and the ability to create a great working environment that makes employees want to come to work. 

My ability to communicate and encourage innovative ideas, to make changes not just in the beginning, but through out my tenure.

What other endeavors/responsibilities do/would you have besides being the clerk?

I have the endeavor and responsibility of raising my two children to becoming law abiding, responsible, contributing adults. 

I also endeavor to set the example, to be accountable for my actions and those that come out of my office. 

As an elected official I will have the responsibility to go to work, do my job and to serve where ever I might be needed. 

Do you favor term limits? Please explain why or why not.

No, I believe that if someone is doing thier job, moving with the times and continues to care about what they do, they should be able to keep their job regardless of the time they have already served. 

What political party registrations have you held in the last 20 years?

Republican

Budget

What are the top 3 areas where the budget for this office needs to be adjusted?

I intend to, but I have not evaluated the budget for this office.

Do you support using zero-based budget practices for every governmental entity, elected and appointed?

I can see where a zero-based budget might work well in certain situations, but  can't see where it would work in a department of this size.  If you find you have money left over at the end of a budget, why not save where you can?

Ethics

Are you, in any way, related to any MoCo elected or appointed officials or to other MoCo employees?

Yes, my husband and step-dad are both county employees.  They both work for the Sheriff's Office.

How will you improve the transparency and access to financial and other records for the public?

Any information that I can publish, I will. 

Please list Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed (five years).

None

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election? Arrests/Convictions? Bankruptcys?

No

 

Other

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election?

No

Do religious and moral views have any role in the county governance process? Why or why not?

I don't see how you can exclude them.  In my opinion, they could both be considered foundations that people use to make decisions. 

Are you active with any Tea Party or conservative grassroots organization? If so, list which, how long and what capacity? If not, what's your opinion of Tea Party groups here as to their effectiveness?

No

Do you believe Americans should be forced to provide medical care and public education to people who are in our country illegally?

I believe that if we didn't provide medical care or public education we would be harming ourselves and our community.  An outbreak of illness would cause me and my family harm and uneducated children growup to be uneducated adults who become dependent on taxpayer dollars.