In the realm of local elections, traditional candidate forums typically showcase hopefuls vying for office, fielding questions, and presenting their platforms. However, the Libertarian Party of Harris County recently hosted a groundbreaking event that turned this format on its head during recent turmoil in Humble ISD.
In the midst of a particularly contentious election sparked by the Humble ISD School Board’s 6-1 vote to remove Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen after a months-long investigation into her husband costing taxpayers $1.5 million - the Reverse Candidate Forum, moderated by Mr. Billy Pierce (@billy_travels), Director At-Large of the Libertarian Party of Harris County, gave parents, guardians, staff, and educators the floor to voice their concerns directly to the candidates looking to fill this board. By highlighting the real-life experiences of parents, teachers, and staff rather than spotlighting the candidates, the forum sought to broaden the candidates’ perspective on the Humble ISD community and address heightened calls for transparency in the wake of recent turmoil.
What Is a Reverse Candidate Forum?
A “Reverse Candidate Forum” is an innovative twist on the traditional candidate forum concept. Rather than having candidates speak at length about their policies and ideas, it places the spotlight on the community members—those who deal with real-world challenges day in and day out. This format allows parents/guardians to voice their concerns about issues like curriculum, safety, and resource allocation, and giving the staff and teachers an opportunity to share insights on educational hurdles and student well-being. In turn, candidates gain a clearer understanding of how best to serve if elected.
Why Humble ISD Should Care (And Why You Might, Too)
The Humble ISD community deserves public servants who genuinely understand the challenges that parents, teachers, and students face every day. By flipping the traditional forum dynamic, the Reverse Candidate Forum provided the level of transparency needed to ensure that parents, teachers, and staff have a direct platform to voice concerns, moving beyond standardized talking points. This approach empowered educators and families to share the best insights about what is working and where improvements are needed. As a result, the forum fostered stronger connections among stakeholders, allowing them to participate in policy discussions that reflect their day-to-day experiences. When candidates hear these stories, they are better prepared to develop policy proposals that address the real needs of the community in a more focused and effective way.
Raising Their Hands to Lead Humble ISD
The Reverse Candidate Forum brought together a diverse group of 9 out of the 10 total candidates running for various positions within Humble ISD. Each one took the time to listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, and engage in dialogue with community members. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the following candidates for their active participation:
Position 1:
• Grace de Leon
• Oscar Silva
Position 3:
• Natalie Carter
• Chris Parker
Position 4:
• Brittnai Brown
• Tracy Shannon
Position 5:
• Judy Castillo
• Scott Ford
• Elizabeth Shaw
Unfortunately, Ken Kirchhofer, who is also running for Position 4, was unable to attend due to surgery. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he can join us at future events once he is feeling better.
Tough Questions Shaped the Conversation
Over the course of roughly an hour and a half, participants posed around 30–40 questions to candidates. These questions covered a range of topics, from budget transparency, book banning, accountability, safety, and educational tools. Rather than letting the politicians push their own agendas, the format capped each candidate at two answers during the forum, encouraging them to focus on the issues they felt truly passionate about or believed would resonate with voters. Some questions ignited deep debate - especially around what it actually means to “ban” a book - while others, like concerns about special education, revealed fears that state and federal policies might be stripping away critical resources that teachers and parent's rely on, giving candidates an opportunity to think about how they will deal with these issues if and when they arrive during their tenure. A few candidates wondered if certain questions were fully grounded in reality, but moderator Billy Pierce gently reminded everyone that, real or perceived, these are the day-to-day experiences of the families and educators who showed up to share. Ultimately, this Reverse Candidate Forum wasn’t about sound bites or grandstanding; it was about making space for the grassroots worries that shape the lives of Humble ISD’s community members, and giving each candidate a chance to really hear them.
The Power of One-on-One Dialogues
After the formal Q&A wrapped, we shifted gears into an hour and a half of true conversation - no microphones to fight over, no agendas to shout. Parents and educators could walk right up to any candidate and say, “Here’s my problem. How would you fix this if you win?” Suddenly, it wasn’t about scoring points or tearing down an opponent; it was about digging into real issues with the very people who live them every day. In that moment, the usual political noise faded. What mattered was listening, understanding, and finding ways to make Humble ISD better. Candidates had all the time they wanted to explain their ideas, fully informed by what they’d just heard in the tougher Q&A session. We built this forum to eliminate the old one-upmanship routine and replace it with a down-to-earth, “How can we help?” vibe - because what this community needs isn’t a loud debate, but leaders who genuinely care and are ready to roll up their sleeves for the good of everyone.
Unfiltered Voices: Eye-Opening Accounts of Everyday Challenges
Whether or not we choose to believe it, the most crucial insights often come from the real, day-to-day stories of parents, teachers, and staff. In traditional forums, these voices can go unheard, overshadowed by rehearsed statements and political jockeying. At our Reverse Candidate Forum, we took a different approach. We gave parents and educators a way to speak up—anonymously if they wished—so they could air their concerns without fear of reprisal. And they did. Teachers opened up about having to work off the clock without a stipend, filing endless paperwork for Special Education students. Parents shared their frustrations that their children aren’t receiving the quality education they deserve. We believe these experiences shouldn’t be swept aside but heard, validated, and addressed. That’s why the Libertarian Party of Harris County is committed to transparency above all else. We refuse to let leaders dodge the tough questions. We insist the community’s voice stand front and center, unsilenced, and fully recognized by those who seek to serve.
Beyond the Forum: The Ripple Effect of This Community Conversation
The success of this Reverse Candidate Forum underscores the importance of community engagement in local elections. By prioritizing the voices of parents, guardians, and educators, the event ensured that the perspectives of those most directly affected by policy decisions received the attention they deserve. This format encourages candidates to listen more closely and develop policy proposals that are grounded in real experiences, effectively bridging the gap between campaign promises and practical solutions. Moreover, these personal connections foster stronger relationships between public servants and their constituents, creating a dynamic of accountability and transparency that is vital to good governance. As the local elections draw near, the Libertarian Party of Harris County hopes that this inclusive approach continues to inspire similar efforts, so that our shared educational future is shaped by those who know it best: the families, staff, and teachers of Humble ISD. We feel inspired to continue to provide this service to the community, and are excited to say that we will absolutely be doing this for more non-partisan races in the future.
Ready to Take Action? Here’s How You Can Help Shape Humble ISD
We encourage all Humble ISD voters and community members to stay engaged. Attend future forums hosted by the Libertarian Party of Harris County or other local organizations, and connect with the candidates personally. Whether through the Libertarian Party or other community groups, consider volunteering your time to raise awareness about the issues that matter most to you. Most importantly, get out and VOTE! Your vote is your voice, and understanding each candidate’s platform will help you make an informed decision at the polls in local elections.
A Parting Note: Keep Listening, Keep Engaging, Keep Moving Forward
The Reverse Candidate Forum proved that local politics can be as much about listening as it is about speaking. By switching up the format, parents, guardians, teachers, and staff had the chance to present the realities they encounter every day. With nine candidates in attendance, the forum fostered meaningful conversations that have the potential to shape the future of Humble ISD for the better. Once again, a huge thank you to all the candidates who participated, and we extend our warmest get-well-soon wishes to Ken Kirchhofer. May these conversations be just the beginning of a more inclusive, community-centered approach to local governance in Harris County. If you want to learn more or get involved, reach out to the Libertarian Party of Harris County, and let’s continue working together toward positive change.
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