Many people who do not know me have no idea where I have come from and what I stand for. So in this article I will tell you all who wonder who I really am. I was born in Greenville, Texas on January 24th, 1977 to John and Claire Bates. Shortly after I was born we made the move to Longview. So you can say I have been in Longview my entire life. I am the youngest of the three kids. I have two older sisters Jana Bates and Dr. Stacey Bates both of whom graduated from Longview High school. My mother is a former graduate of Longview High School and former Miss Longview. Her father Horace Veteto was a World War 2 veteran and owned his own dry cleaners in Longview, and was an avid member of the Judson Lions Club. My dad’s father Capt. Rev. Irby D. Bates was a Baptist minister and also a World War 2 Veteran who served as an active war chaplain in the Philippines. So you can say I have a very strong background. I was taught to do what is right in all I tried to achieve. At the age of 4 I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and have lived with this disease my entire life. Growing up over the years in Longview you can say I put my parents to the test, and if you are to ask anyone I grew up with they would tell you I was a bit of a wild child. I will never hide who I truly am in order to win over hearts and minds. I was taught to be honest upfront and sometimes blunt in order for the right things to be done. I love the outdoors and those who are my Facebook friends can see that by my many pictures. I have 3 beautiful girls Elizabeth who is 15, Madeline who is 13, and Jillian who is 9. They all attend LISD schools. I have been married to Charissa SixKiller Bates for 16 years and would not change anything for the world. My family is the most important thing in my life. In the past I have volunteered as a Physical education instructor at Chrisman School during their summer sessions and special needs children are close to my heart from my experience with these children. I stand up for what is right and fight the wrong in the world. I believe that every child should receive a quality education, and that all employees should be treated with respect. If you have not figured out I have quit a temper, and that will never change. I do promise if elected to the school board I will do all I can to help our teachers student and administration make our schools a better place to learn, and work. I will strive to bring the pride back to LISD. I thank you all for all the support. There is not a day that goes by that someone comes up to me and shakes my hand and thanks me for what I am doing. I am glad to know that what I am doing is accepted by the community. I do not hold anything back when it comes to our children and I will continue to fight to improve our district one day at a time. With your help we can achieve the goal of correcting the issues going on in our schools today. I stand for education, and better working environments for our teachers. Thank you for allowing me to help you. Thank You, Jason Bates