Angel Vega

Angel Vega was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Vega earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Inter-American University of Puerto Rico in 2008 and a master's degree in business administration from Webster University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a business strategist, an executive advisor, a professional development coach, and an author.[1][2] Vega has served on the Young Leaders for Inclusion Council, the advisory board of Prospera USA, and the board of directors of the International Hispanic Art and Culture Association.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Ángel Luis Vega, I’m a Husband, Dad, Optimist, Author, Business Strategist, and Organizer. I’m married to an exceptional woman, Ideneth, we have two wonderful and very energetic children Victoria and Matthew, we live in Katy, Texas.

I was born in Puerto Rico, raised by humble and hard-working parents, my father was a Pharmacist for the U.S. Army at Garrison - Fort Buchanan, he was a Gulf War Veteran and retired as a SFC from the U.S. Army, and my mother worked as a social worker for over 30 years. I attended the Inter-American University of PR and earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, then went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.

I am an outsider of politics with over 20 years in the workforce, in the private sector, nonprofit, and as a small business owner. I lead with a purpose-driven approach to all I do. Throughout my life, I have been known for always pushing myself and others to be the best versions of themselves. In 2013 I published my first book, "Sé el Líder de Tu Desarrollo Profesional’' - Be the Leader of Your Professional Development.

Serving on non-profits boards, working with people of all backgrounds, and volunteering in multiple political campaigns, from gubernatorial, congressional all the way to Obama’s presidential campaign, has been a vehicle for him to contribute, to give a voice, and stand united. Recently, I served as Texas Deputy Field Director for Mi Familia Vota.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Serve our communities with integrity, compassion, commitment, and a sense of urgencyMake decisions looking for the best interest of the people of Texas, not the special interest groupsManage the state's budget with efficiency & transparency

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am fueled by many passions, as a human, a husband, a parent, a concerned member of my community. The following are just a few of those issues that I am so passionate about contributing, impacting, and ultimately improving today not someday in the future;

- Economic Inequality

- Race Inequality

- Human Right

- Education

- Immigration

- National Security

- The Environment

- Retirement Security

- Veterans and Military Families

- Diplomacy and Foreign Policy

- Fixing Our Democracy

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Manage the State accounts, invest on behalf of the State, guarantee the correct administration and continuity of the public pensions. Report to the Legislature and the people of Texas the budget, income, expenditures, forecast and act as Texas Chief Financial Officer, among others responsibilities. The Comptroller makes and influences decisions that impact all stages of Texan lives.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My parents: Ángel Luis Vega, my father, was a Pharmacist for the U.S. Army; he was a Gulf War Veteran and retired as a SFC from the U.S. Army. His humility, kindness, passion for service, and putting others' needs in front of his own needs were unique and admirable. My mother, Mayra E. Meléndez, worked as a Social Worker for 30 years in the Government of Puerto Rico and raised me as a single mom; she taught me that no matter how poor we were, there were people in more need than us. Their actions and resilience taught me the real importance of life, to be humble, that integrity is my best presentation card, and that serving others is my purpose.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

1. Relationship builder

2. Compassionate

3. Commitment to serve

4. Integrity

5. A team player

6. Emotional Intelligence

7. Transparency

8. Lead by example

What legacy would you like to leave?

There are a lot of issues that I feel passionate about economic and race inequality, human rights, education, immigration, national security, the environment, retirement security, veterans, military families, diplomacy, foreign policy, fixing our democracy. I have a lot of proposals that I strongly believe can move forward and achieve big things in each of these areas. I will do my best to help our communities, to address these issues, and do my part to improve our country. I will work hard, so we can win as a community. We can achieve big things in life step by step, one by one. Any piece that I can add of value to move forward an agenda that helps our communities is a step forward. I want to be an instrument, a resource for my community, I want to do my best to open doors for those that don’t feel part of this country, this society, etc. Everyone can change the narrative that we can be united under one message, one flag, and one nation. That is still time to come together and respect each other.

Starting by leading by example, promoting unity and not division, kindness and not hate, empathy and not indifference. Is not going to be easy, but it is not impossible. Ultimately I want to leave this world a better place for our future generations to live and develop within, not leave issues but amazing experiences. I’m optimistic that a better tomorrow is possible and the best is yet to come!

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

While in school my first unofficial job was working for the Fort Buchanan Commissary as a Bagger, this was a tips job. While in High School I had two pay jobs (at $4.25, because I was a minor), I was a cashier after school in a supermarket named Amigo Supermarket that today is a subsidiary of Walmart, and during weekends and summers, I worked as a Lifeguard.

What is your favorite book? Why?

“Don Quijote de la Mancha, by Miguel de Cervantes – Original Name” English Translation “Don Quixote” Why? Is a combination between the story and how the novel was written turn this book into a masterpiece.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

1. Make decisions looking for the best interest of the people of Texas, not the special interest groups

2. Manage the state's budget with efficiency & transparency

3. Make decisions supported by data

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The primary responsibility is to manage the State accounts, invest on behalf of the State, guarantee the correct administration and continuity of the public pensions. Report to the Legislature and the people of Texas the budget, income, expenditures, forecast and act as Texas Chief Financial Officer, among others responsibilities. The Comptroller makes and influences decisions that impact all stages of Texan lives.

Campaign website

Vega's campaign website stated the following:

Our Communities First Commitment

Vega recognizes that politicians need to care more, stop campaigning and meet with people just every 2, 4, 6 years when it’s convenient or when they face a strong opponent. He will open the door of dialogue and constantly talk with the community, their leaders, and business owners to know their concerns and needs. Establish the “Stay Connected Initiative” to maintain the community informed about our progress and know the concerns that impact the community. Not just an email/newsletter, but connecting personally with weekly and monthly conference calls, video chats, and town hall meetings where you can have the opportunity to talk and ask questions. And most importantly, increase unity beyond party affiliation, looking to hear Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, etc.

As Texas next Comptroller, Vega will focus on:

Serve our communities with integrity, compassion, commitment, and a sense of urgency

Make decisions looking for the best interest of the people of Texas, not the special interest groups

Manage the state's budget with efficiency & transparency

Unite our communities

Establish a vibrant economy and thriving jobs

Make decisions supported by data

Boost Texans entrepreneurship and develop new business opportunities

Support our rural areas

A clean future for all

Retirement security & protect pensions

Our children's education & future

Support our veterans & military families

Modernize the Comptroller's Office

Fix Our Democracy

Set term limits​

Protect all citizens voting rights.

Establish an automatic enrollment process for US citizens when they reach the voting age.

Make Election Day a holiday.

Establish a Vibrant Economy

Boost the Economy and Jobs Creation

An incentive for businesses that hire new people despite employment gaps

Special incentives for businesses that hire veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities.

Incentivize businesses that relocate headquarters to Texas, creating new jobs here.

Establish a solid campaign to promote Made in Texas / USA products.

Vega supports the legalization of recreational marijuana; this will increase the Federal and States income, promote the creation of new enterprises across the nation, expand current farms and businesses, and create thousands of new jobs. (There is a possible earning of approximately $397,424,206 for Texas alone; this number is a reference use from the taxfoundation.org data.) These numbers are expected to increase as The Great State of Texas continues growing.

Maximize the infrastructure opportunities:

Be proactive and diligent in enhancing, re-building, and expanding roads, bridges, and buildings.

Improve transportation capabilities across the district, state, and nation.

Maximize the state tourism opportunities.

Work together with states, cities, and county commissioner’s boards to identify standard solutions to situations that impact our communities.

Incentivize first-time homeowners, first 3-5 years tax break.

Increase the minimum wage to $15.00 now, $20.00 p/h by 2025, and $25.00 p/h by 2030 (Provide incentives for businesses that hire new entry-level positions starting salary of $20.00)

Get rid of / Eradicate corporate tax loopholes.

Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

Reduce taxes for small businesses.

Design and provide training, tools, and resources to small businesses to boost growth.

Establish alliances with non-profit organizations like local Chambers of Commerce, local Universities that focus on improving their economic empowerment and development of the district.

Open the door of dialogue and have constant conversations with business owners to know their concerns and needs.

Rural Texas:

Assign a 500 million dollars grant program to give farmers the opportunity to establish or expand their businesses.

Woman-owned business initiative:

Vega supports establishing a 500 million dollars grant program for women with an entrepreneurial vision that wants to start or expand their business ventures.

Establish a 5-year tax exemption plan for new women-owned business ventures.

Women's Equality

We need to ensure that we have more women in leadership positions, as business owners, in politics, and receive equal opportunities in the workplace and equal salaries.

Provide at least 12 weeks paid maternity + up to 3 months unpaid maternity leave.

Establish legislation to end sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

Women need to make their own reproductive decisions and maintain their right to choose. Making abortion illegal is wrong, unsafe abortions are going to raise, most will happen in unsafe, unsanitized places and without the proper counseling and guidance. The physical and mental health of women are at-risk and will continue to deteriorate creating a statewide and national crisis.

The Environment - (The clean energy + zero emissions by 2040 initiative)

Vega believes that the right way to preserve our Environment starts with us; he believes in clean energy + aspires to achieve zero-carbon emissions by 2045.

Zero-carbon pollution:

all government buildings by 2040

all new residential and commercial buildings by 2040

all new government vehicles by 2035

all new passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses by 2045

Build a massive network of electronic vehicle supercharger stations.

Provide a 5-year tax break for builders who design and build new net-zero emission homes.

Invest and maximize our renewable energy capabilities.

Stop offshore drilling.

Protect our Environment, community, state parks, lakes, and beaches.

Protect the ocean habitat.

Expand marine protected areas.

Establish a Texas recycling initiative.

Education - (Invest in our children's future initiative)

Elementary - Middle - High School Education System

Vega strongly believes that an excellent education can't be a privilege for a small group of people; instead, high-quality education is a right that all children have and must experience.

Every child should have access to a high-quality public education no matter their zip code.

Modernize and build excellent schools with technology that is part of the world that we are living in.

Provide healthier food options in our schools.

Provide teachers with state-of-the-art tools and technology for their classes.

Provide proper salaries to the school personnel, especially all of our teachers.

Provide extracurricular activities that promote a safe environment, improving children's intellectual capabilities and mental health.

Establish efficient mechanisms to prevent and combat bullying in schools and off-schools.

Provide an optional summer camp curriculum (STEM Focus).

Educate our kids in future demand careers, college application processes, workforce opportunities, and transition from student to employee.

Provide in our High School curriculum classes teaching them to understand their financial responsibilities, basics of saving, bank account, credit card management, retirement options, financial planning, plan for college, understand the importance of credit history & score importance, how to invest and career development.

Provide optional language courses like Spanish, Mandarin, American Sign Language, among others.

Provide sexual education in high schools facilitated by industry experts.

Prevent gun violence.

Next-Gen Initiative

Establish an entrepreneurship development program: Educate the community on how to start a business, processes, procedures, regulations, and more.

Partner with a chamber of commerce, community financial institutions, and non-profit organizations.

Focus this initiative on high school students, recent graduates, college students, and recent college graduates.

Veterans & Military Families - (It's our time to serve them initiative)

As a son and grandson of U.S. Army Veterans, Vega is committed to supporting our veterans and their families.

Provide job opportunities to our veterans when serving our country and returning home.

Provide tools that prepare them to work with the transition to the civil world and jobs.

Provide opportunities and tools for those with entrepreneurial vision, help them start their business ventures.

Guarantee excellent healthcare to our soldiers, improve services and capabilities at the VA Hospitals.

Develop good facilities for our retired veterans suffering from PTSD, Alzheimer's, cancer, physical and mental disabilities caused by war.

Retirement Security

Protect Social Security programs.

Provide educational tools to the American people to assist in saving for retirement.

Vega doesn’t want seniors working for necessity; he wants them to receive the proper health care, retire in peace and dignity.

Health Care

Vega supports Medicare for all.

Proper nutrition improves the chances of longer life and reduces the risk of diseases; for that reason, he supports more and better education on nutrition.

Vega supports funding for research on Heart diseases, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Diabetes, and Autism.

Reduce the cost of prescriptions.

Vega understands that medical treatments can't be a luxury, much less a bankruptcy path.

Diplomacy + International Relations + Foreign Policy

It is imperative to improve our relations with our friendly countries.

It's essential to establish a dialogue between hostile countries around the world.

To prevent confrontation, dialogue and diplomacy need to become one of our first international priorities.

Vega believes that authentic leadership is not demonstrating who has more power but the art of communicating with others. We don't need to be friends, but we don't need to become enemies.

Immigration

Vega believes that it is crucial to create a new immigration reform with common-sense solutions, recognizing that many people, for years, came to this nation looking for new beginnings, opportunities and to work hard.

Establish a path to citizenship for the hardworking individuals that have been in the country for years.

Establish a clear path for citizenship.

Provide an opportunity for immigrants to purchase health insurance.

Reduce in half the cost of citizenship applications fees.

Eliminate 100% of the fee for application for those that asked for asylum and humanitarian protection.

Grant asylum and humanitarian protections to those that came from countries with dictators

Vega understands that his district has a shortage of employees, so he proposes expanding the work visas program. Many people from Latin America and Asia, etc., are waiting for months for their visas; we need to speed up the process.

Criminal Justice + Law Enforcement Reform

Stop profiling and criminalizing individuals based on race/ethnicity.

Stop criminalizing homelessness.

Stop criminalizing poverty.

Establish comprehensive criminal justice reform.

Invest in programs that facilitate actual rehabilitation.

Provide mental health treatment.

Provide addiction treatment.

Stop using private prisons.

Vega law enforcement reform proposals:

Enhance and strengthen the law enforcement recruitment process.

Increase law enforcement training and development.

Provide treatment to law enforcement with PTSD, depression, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse.

Provide periodic screening of drugs, alcohols during service and detection of depression, PTSD, etc.

Demilitarize local law enforcement.

Increase usage of body cameras.

National Security

Lead the border crisis with compassion, a sense of urgency, and empathy, making a safer border.

Prevent and combat human trafficking and drugs crossing the borders.

Increase our NSA & US Cyber Command capabilities to prevent cyber-attacks. This is the current war affecting our communities daily but not interfering with American citizens' privacy.

2nd Amendment + Gun Control

Vega does not support the possession of firearms for any individuals with a current criminal record, previous related record, mental disability, or terrorist activity. For such, Vega endorses the process of obtaining a firearm, passing the buyer for a criminal and mental health background check, waiting period, and establishing a renewal process of every six years.

A capacity of no more than 15-rounds on magazines

Ban the selling or possession of assault weapons in the streets.

Vega supports the federal red-flag law.[3]

—Angel Vega's campaign website (2022)[4]

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