Two candidates have filed to run for Position 4 on Tomball's City Council.
Jeffie Cappadonna, who serves on Tomball's Tourism Advisory Committee, will run for Position 4 against incumbent Derek Townsend, Sr., elected May 2009.
Cappadonna, a 28-year Tomball resident, said she does not have a specific agenda that she is looking to carry out. As a council member, she would help the city continue to grow, but emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy environment in the process.
"We need to be a community where people want to raise their children," she said. "That's why we moved to Tomball. Now that I have seven grandchildren that all live in the area, I want them to be proud to say where they live."
Cappadonna said she could bring a friendly face to the council, and the ability to deal with conflicts in a respectful way without stirring up needless controversy.
"I'm a very non-controversial person, but when it is something I feel wholeheartedly and believe in, then it's something I will stand up for," she said.
Townsend said he believes his conservative nature and willingness to ask tough questions bring an important balance to the council.
"I hold people accountable," he said. "If we're going to be up here making decisions for our community, the staff needs to be accountable. I make sure that we are not frivolous with the taxpayer dollars."
In addition to the continued revitalization of downtown, Townsend also said he takes a strong stance on making Tomball less attractive to illegal immigrants in the area.
"It takes a councilman a year or two to really dig in and figure out what's going on," he said. "I've been serving for just about three years now and I hope I can give the city three more."
Candidates who are interested in running for either seat have until March 5 to apply. The elections will be held May 12. Early voting beings April 30.