Dakota Stormer

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Dakota Stormer

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2019

Education

Bachelor's

University of Texas, Austin

Graduate

Johns Hopkins University

Dakota Stormer ran for election to the Houston Community College Board of Trustees to represent District I in Texas. Stormer lost in the general election on November 5, 2019.

Stormer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Stormer is the co-founder and CEO of Footprint App Inc. and describes himself as an environmental activist. He obtained a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering with specializations in environmental engineering and alternative energy from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a master's degree in energy policy and climate from Johns Hopkins University.

As of 2019, Stormer served as the co-chair of the IoT investment sub-committee for Houston Exponential and the chair of the student board for the Johns Hopkins University Energy Policy and Climate program. He had founded four organizations and served on the board of at least ten community and educational associations across the United States, including Global Environmental Brigades and a Keep Texas Beautiful affiliate.

Within these roles, Dakota led several sustainability and education campaigns, including an educational program on energy efficiency that received recognition from the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Stormer also has experience working on a solar workstation project featured at a United Nations sustainable development goals innovation lab, UNLEASH, in Singapore.

Elections

2019

See also: Municipal elections in Harris County, Texas (2019)

General runoff election

General runoff election for Houston Community College Board of Trustees District I

Monica Richart defeated Dave Wilson in the general runoff election for Houston Community College Board of Trustees District I on December 14, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Monica Richart (Nonpartisan)	54.4	8,847
	Submit photo	Dave Wilson (Nonpartisan)	45.6	7,403

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 16,250
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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General election

General election for Houston Community College Board of Trustees District I

Monica Richart and Dave Wilson advanced to a runoff. They defeated Dakota Stormer in the general election for Houston Community College Board of Trustees District I on November 5, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Monica Richart (Nonpartisan)	48.7	8,896
✔	Submit photo	Dave Wilson (Nonpartisan)	32.0	5,846
		Dakota Stormer (Nonpartisan)	19.3	3,521

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 18,263
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2019

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Dakota Stormer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stormer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Enhancing workforce development

Fighting student hunger

Boosting sustainable development entrepreneurship

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Environmental policy - I have been an environmental activist since I was 12 years old when I began writing weather blogs. I see many opportunities for policymakers to work together with businesses to make legislation that is economically and environmentally sustainable. I am also extremely passionate about policies around enhancing the educational experience for all types of students. Today's students do not fit any particular mold, and I believe education policies should be modernized to take into account the needs of students who wish to prepare for universities, the workforce, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Dropout rates and mental health challenges continue to persist in academic institutions across the United States, and I see an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective with modern insights to the table.

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

I look up to my grandfather. My grandfather served in the navy and is a veteran living in Maine. He is also a retired professor from Rice University, and he is one of the most brilliant men I've ever met. My grandfather inspired me at a young age to value education and to desire to learn more. As a bird watching expert and nature photographer, he also helped instill my passion for preserving our environment.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

There is no simple answer to overcoming the challenges faced across the world, and the government cannot solve everything alone. I am a firm believer that every person - regardless of your status in society or your perception of yourself and others - has a role to play in progressing society towards a better tomorrow.

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

An elected official must be honorable, honest, and humble. One of the biggest challenges as an officeholder is admitting fault or a lapse in understanding. Often, leaders fear coming across as "weak" or "unqualified" when they do not have an answer, but I fear that this leads to falsification of statements and a perpetuation of misinformation. A strong leader admits when they are wrong and asks for assistance from those who are more knowledgeable. This characteristic showcases the authenticity of our elected officials and helps the electorate see the humanity behind the face of the figurehead.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As an engineer, I am very meticulous and thorough when I make decisions. I do my research and aim to find a real solution to problems. As a businessman, I understand the value in a balanced budget and the importance of financial responsibility. As a person, I do not let affiliations and alliances blur my judgment. With a divisive political atmosphere arising across the world, as well as with the unfortunate dehumanization that occurs on social media, individuals can often fail to feel compassion for our fellow citizens. As an elected official, it is my responsibility to represent all of my electorate - not just the voices who voted for me. I must make decisions that take into consideration every party involved, and this requires listening to even the strongest opposing voices.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities are listed on the Houston Community College website. As a recap, some of these include: ensure the well being of faculty, students and staff; clarify the mission of the institution; and ensure strong financial management. I believe improving faculty, student, and staff wellbeing can translate to a better educational experience and ultimately a stronger community.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I strive to be a modern voice at the table. As a recent student, I've experienced multiple forms of education. I've taken classes online and in person at community colleges and universities. I've also seen the challenges of starting your own business, and I believe my fresh perspective and recent experiences can help bring insights to the decision table that will help our board of trustees make informed decisions in the best interest of the students of today and tomorrow.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Listen with the intent to understand, putting people above politics.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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