Kalandra Wheeler
Texas Employment Lawyer Kalandra Wheeler

Early voting began on Monday, October 24, 2022, and continues until November 4, with Election Day – and the final opportunity to vote – being Tuesday, November 8. It is crucial that everyone take advantage of their opportunity to be heard. Historically, during midterm elections, voter turnout is lower than in presidential years. There are those that think, “my vote doesn’t count, so there’s no need for me to vote.” They typically have this same viewpoint during presidential elections. Then, there are others that simply think that midterm elections are not as important as those during presidential years. Both mindsets are absolutely wrong.

The government is designed to be a system of checks and balances. With every election our votes are designed to keep that system running in the manner in which it should—as a system that works for the American people.

During midterm elections, members of Congress are elected. Every two years, all 435 seats of the House of Representatives are up for grabs. With regard to the Senate, where Senators serve six-year terms, about one-third of the 100 seats are up for election. Members of Congress are our voices—at least they are supposed to be. Congress has the authority to make laws, declare war, confirm or reject many presidential appointments, and investigate the actions of public officials. With its power, Congress can have a huge impact on what our president is able to accomplish. It has the power to make laws that support the president’s plans or hinder them. Congress has the power to make laws that will be interpreted and enforced by our judiciary. As we clearly see, these individuals who make up Congress have a huge impact on how our government functions and is arguably the most powerful branch of the government. Congress is given its great power because it is intended to speak for us, the American people.  

When people fail to vote, Congress still speaks, but we may find that they are only speaking for those voters that are most powerful. The voters with power are the ones that consistently go to the polls and with their votes are deciding if these elected officials stay or if they go. Americans must take this power and there is only one way to do so: by going to the polls and voting.  

In addition to electing members of Congress, there are many state and local offices on the ballots. State and local officials are the ones that make the decisions that are closest to home. Where the federal government’s power end, the power of state and local governments begins.  Are lawmakers in your home state making decisions that help with gun control?  Are state and county judges fair, impartial, and properly interpreting the law? Is the school board making the best decisions for your children?  

All of the decisions of our elected officials, whether on the federal, state, or local level, have a huge impact on how we are able to live our lives. So, the questions you must ask yourself are: How do I want to live my life? Whose ideas and beliefs are more in line with the choices that I want to have control over? Whose ideas and beliefs are more in line with what is best for me, my family, and my city, state, and country? 

If you are concerned about inflation and the cost of living, it is time to vote. If you care about gun safety and gun control, it is time to vote. If you care about protections for women and a woman’s right to choose, it is time to vote. If you care about your vote, believe in democracy, and don’t want your choices stolen by those who don’t want to accept the legitimacy of an election result, it is time to vote. If you care about the Astros winning the World Series, it is time to vote.  Just checking to see if you were paying attention.  

With each election, we as American people have something at stake. In recent years, even in recent months, we have seen why our votes matter. Now is the time. Really, every time is the time. We have to be consistent to gain the power in our government that we deserve. The results will not always turn out the way we desire, but consistency may make out elected officials work harder to give us what we deserve—a government that works together for the majority. In these elections, there is no electoral college at play. The popular vote wins. EVERY VOTE COUNTS. NOW, GET OUT THERE!

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Photo of Kalandra N. Wheeler Kalandra N. Wheeler

We asked Kalandra N. Wheeler, a Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C., to provide her sincere answers to a range of questions.  After reading, you will be more more abreast with the understanding and competency that Ms. Wheeler

…

We asked Kalandra N. Wheeler, a Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C., to provide her sincere answers to a range of questions.  After reading, you will be more more abreast with the understanding and competency that Ms. Wheeler brings.

1.Why did you start practicing labor and employment law?

I wanted to be able to help people that otherwise might not find help. Labor and employment laws affect most of society.  And – whether our results help one or many – our work and efforts as employment lawyers touch people in a real way in their every day lives.

2. Who is your favorite Supreme Court Justice?

Thurgood Marshall.

3. What do you think is the most important part of a good case?

The client. Good facts and evidence are definitely important. But good clients are a lawyers’ most valuable asset.  A good client: (1) is invested in their case; (2) works or worked hard for their employer; (3) can tell their story clearly and concisely; and (4) is someone that a jury will find sympathetic and relatable.

4. If you could write a new law, what would it do?

The Texas Workplace Anti-Bullying law.  I hear the stories, the ones told by employees looking for help. And in far too many of those stories the law offers no solution.  Every employee that goes to work and works hard to do the job they are hired to perform should be able to do so without abuse, harassment, and bullying. There is no justification for bullying, not in our schools, and not in our workplaces.

5. Besides Rob Wiley, P.C., what is the most interesting job that you have had?

For a year before law school, I worked as a lube tech for Jiffy Lube.  I spent hot summer days, working on hot cars, changing oil or flushing transmissions or radiators.  I never had a customer come back with a complaint.

6. How do you market yourself differently than others?

I tell clients what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear. Before a client begins down any path toward resolving an employment dispute, they need thoughtful, honest advice. I am a believer in justice and everyday people deserve competent representation in an arena that is difficult for non-lawyers to navigate.

7. What do you do when you’re not practicing law?

I spend time with family and friends.  I read true crime books.  I sew and draw.

8. How would you describe the color yellow to someone who could not see?

It’s not the intense heat of the sun during the month of August, but instead the softness of the sun on your skin just as the seasons change from Summer to Fall.  It’s warm. And soft to the touch.  It’s fresh squeezed lemonade with a hint of sugar.  Slightly cool, inviting, and happy.

9. What’s your favorite legal TV show?

Law & Order: SVU

10. If you could argue any case in history, what would it be?

The Karen Silkwood case. But really, I think that would be more about arguing and trying a case alongside Gerry Spence for the learning experience.

Kalandra N. Wheeler is a Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C.  She graduated from The University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in political science.  Ms. Wheeler went on and received her law degree from The University of Arkansas.

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