Kingwood family physician seeks
Republican nomination for HD 127

TAFP member Martin Basaldua, M.D., of Kingwood will seek the Republican nomination for Texas House District 127 in the upcoming March 2010 election. A prominent family physician, civil servant and longtime resident of the area, Basaldua is a recognized leader in his community. Those who live in HD 127, a strong Republican district in northern Harris County, know about his nearly successful bid for the post during the last election when he narrowly missed out to incumbent Rep. Joe Crabb. Crabb recently announced that he will not seek re-election.

Basaldua says that the last election was positive and demanding, and gave him the knowledge and skills for the upcoming campaign season. He cites his experiences in campaigning, his previous terms in public office and his work as a family physician as what gives him an edge above the handful of other candidates vying for the nomination.

“I think that all candidates have their positives,” Basaldua says. “I bring to the table experience in medicine, which is very important, and experience in higher education. Seventy-five percent of the Texas budget goes to education and health care and the rest of the services have to be paid for by the remaining 25 percent. Those are two critical areas where I have the most experience.”

As a board-certified family physician, his interactions with his patients bring the concerns of his constituents directly to his exam room. “Family practice is on the frontlines and family physicians know how each piece of legislation will affect every one of our patients. Patients come in for their blood pressure or diabetes or upper respiratory infections, but they always want to talk about the problems of the day.”

He recalls a time when one of his patients approached him at a community event and expressed guilt for taking an extra 10 minutes each appointment to talk about politics. “That happens on a daily basis because people know I’m active,” Basaldua says. “They live in the district, so I think that’s another advantage that I have going into this race.”

Among his vast experience in education at the community and state levels, Basaldua served a seven-year term on the board of the North Harris Montgomery Community College District. He left the position when he was appointed by then-Gov. George W. Bush to be vice chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He was also appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Joint Interim Committee for Higher Education. He is currently an advisory member of the Humble Independent School District Foundation.

Basaldua has been active in the political process since college and became active in the Republican party in Kingwood as soon as he arrived, serving various posts as precinct chair; past board member of the United Republicans of Harris County; and delegate or alternate delegate to precinct, senatorial and state Republican party conventions; among others. Within the community, he is a member of the Humble Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kingwood Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Basaldua and his wife, Alta, have three grown children: Paul Martin, John and Daniel. For more information on his campaign, call (832) 687-5810.