In this issue’s Q&A, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Todd Votteler, invited candidates for Texas Land Commissioner, Republican Dr. Dawn Buckingham and Democrat Jay Kleberg, to share their thoughts on Texas water issues through a candidate questionnaire.

Dr. Dawn Buckingham’s family were among the first settlers to Texas seven generations ago, and that tough, independent, pioneer spirit is deeply rooted in her personality. True to her Texas roots, her commitment to service began early, serving as a volunteer firefighter, and attending the Texas A&M Fire School. She is also an avid hunter, outdoorswoman, and steward of the land. She made history in 2016 as the first woman elected to the Texas State Senate from Travis County and she is ready to make history again as this state’s first female Land Commissioner—one of the most important offices in state government.

Dr. Buckingham came from humble roots—growing up poor off the Texas coast and then on a ranch in Central Texas. But she has never settled for less than her dreams. Wanting to attend college, but without the money to do so, she lived at home, working two jobs to pay her own way through college at the University of Texas at Austin. With endurance of spirit, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and debt-free. It was during college that she met the love of her life and husband of 30 years, Ed Buckingham. They both received their medical degrees from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and they have two children. Her commitment to service and recognition for her work has allowed her to hold leadership positions in local, state, and national medical organizations.

Dr. Buckingham embodies the American Dream. Through hard work, a “never quit” attitude, and perseverance, she has risen above her circumstances and has become a self-made small business owner who employs Texans, serves others in her profession and as an elected official, and gives back to her community.

As your next Land Commissioner, Dr. Buckingham will bring a lifetime of experience to the office. She is totally committed to fighting Biden’s inflation by supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.

What do you consider to be the biggest future challenge facing Texas with regard to water?

As the first female Land Commissioner in Texas history, I’m going to work hard to ensure that we utilize all state-owned lands appropriately to support the critical water needs of our state. I will also be a strong supporter for appropriate flood mitigation efforts that utilize state-owned lands as well. We must do better if we are to continue the growth and prosperity of our state.

To be more direct: the biggest challenge facing Texas with regard to water is simple, there isn’t enough of it. Texas is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, and with more people means we need more water to meet the state’s future demands.

Another significant water challenge in Texas is severe flooding caused by major storms and hurricanes. Texas lacks in water supply the majority of the year, but the contrary is true during a hurricane or extreme rainfall. In this case, too much water is just as bad, if not worse in some ways, than not enough water. This excess of water puts Texas’ coastal areas, infrastructure, and economy at great risk.

During your career what is the most significant thing you have done regarding water?

Unlike like my opponent, I have been in the fight on water policy for years. I am fortunate to have been at the center of so many critical discussions on these topics as a legislator in the Texas Senate, which will serve me well as the head of the General Land Office.

Flood disaster, response, preparedness, and mitigation were top priorities of the Texas Legislature during my time as a state senator. I co-authored the three major flood bills that were signed into law in 2019: Senate Bill 6 (86R), Senate Bill 7 (86R), and Senate Bill 8 (86R). Senate Bill 6 was the omnibus disaster response bill that was designed to provide local governments with the resources they need to effectively prepare and recover from disasters. Senate Bill 7 created two important funds in the State Treasury for flood projects: the Flood Infrastructure Fund and the Texas Infrastructure Fund. Senate Bill 8 was the State Flood Plan that created a network of regional watershed groups developed and overseen by the Texas Water Development Board with emphasis on watershed planning rather than political jurisdictions.

I also sponsored House Bill 807 (86R) that made changes to the state water planning process to facilitate better cooperation and smarter planning among our 16 regional water planning groups. The bill reformed state and regional water planning in order to ensure better communication across the State.

Is there something you think the Texas General Land Office should, or should not be doing regarding water?

Currently, the Texas General Land Office serves as a non-federal sponsor with the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCDP) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led Coastal Texas and Sabine to Galveston programs. These infrastructure programs make up a resiliency strategy to protect livelihoods, jobs, and the homes of Texans living on the Gulf Coast. The projects in this plan include gates, dunes, levees, flood walls, pump stations, and ecosystem restoration to strengthen the upper Texas coast during hurricane storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay. I supported the creation of the GCPD during my time in the Texas Senate, and I will continue to support the District’s functions and needs as Texas’ next Land Commissioner.

Additionally, we must be good partners with other state agencies, local and federal government, as well as the legislature to ensure that we are utilizing all state-owned lands to maximize our water resources and mitigate the damage of major water events such as hurricanes and flash flooding.

Are there any other thoughts regarding water that you would like to share with us?

As Land Commissioner, I will work to ensure that we maintain our state’s precious land and water resources with the utmost respect, while also being serious about the need to support our booming population and economy as well as address major water events.

It’s important to keep in mind that flood waters do not recognize written boundaries, and they do not adhere to political jurisdictions. We have to understand how water flows and look at our watersheds as a whole. Flooding issues are seen every time we have a heavy rain. Communities that do not flood now will begin to flood as new infrastructure such as buildings, houses, and roads are built. Texas has made great strides in uniting and working toward a plan for flood mitigation, and it is my goal to continue this effort.