Place 2

 

Clint McClaren (Incumbent)WDL-2015-04-g-2-H1

Clint McClaren is the Position 2 incumbent. He is an accountant for Sterling Construction Company in The Woodlands and has previously worked for the Harris County Auditor’s Office. McClaren is also active in politics in Montgomery County and is sergeant-at-arms of the Republican Party of Montgomery County. He has lived in Oak Ridge North for 15 years.

Why did you decide to run for City Council?

Members of my family were farmers and ranchers and very involved in the community. They influenced me greatly in serving the community and being involved. I decided four years ago that I wanted to become a part of this community, and I still have some things I’d like to see done and completed if re-elected.

Why do you believe you are qualified to serve on City Council?

I bring experience from being involved with government accounting, and I’ve also been on the city audit committee. This has allowed me to help other councilmen who aren’t familiar with accounting.

What would you contribute to the city of Oak Ridge North?

I’d like to see the city engineering study complete by this summer and around the time of the [Montgomery County Road] bond. It would be better to start planning how we will be affected by construction, and public works will have to moved.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the city, and how would you propose to solve it?

Right now the mobility and traffic is an issue, especially through Robinson Road. But with the bond getting done and the engineering plan probably done later, this will alleviate traffic jams in peak hours of the day. This will also allow residents on the road to sell properties and allow the city to rezone them as commercial so the value can be the best it can be.

Belinda SippWDL-2015-04-g-2-H2

Sipp is an administrative assistant at Irons Junior High School. She has lived in Oak Ridge North for 43 years and has three sons, all of whom have attended Oak Ridge North High School. Sipp is involved with the local swim team, the Oak Ridge Otters, and is a member of several district organizations.

Why did you decide to run for City Council?

One of my good friends was on the City Council and my husband is on the Long Range Planning Committee. I’ve always had comments on things they talk about, so that’s what made me do it.

Why do you believe you are qualified to serve on City Council?

I’m open to bringing new ideas to the council and doing whatever needs to be done for the city.

What would you contribute to the city of Oak Ridge North?

I’d like new amenities brought in for new and younger families who are moving into the area and also updating our current amenities.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the city, and how would you propose to solve it?

I think keeping up with the progress of Planning and Zoning is the most important thing. They have a lot of different avenues with improving the city, making roads and getting more retail businesses out there. This would make our city more profitable and would improve all of our amenities.

Place 4

 

Richard BarlowWDL-2015-04-g-2-H3

Richard Barlow is the director of cardiology at Apollo Hospital in Shenandoah. He has lived in Oak Ridge North for 22 years, and he and his wife have three children.

Why did you decide to run for City Council?

I felt that our elected officials forget we have a represented democracy, and we’re supposed to represent the constituents’ desires. I have more time on my hands now, and it’s time I do my part.

Why do you believe you are qualified to serve on City Council?

I’m incorruptible. I have honor and integrity in my business dealings and in life. I think these are good qualifications to serve other people.

What would you contribute to the city of Oak Ridge North?

I think representing the public constituency is the No. 1 most important thing. I hate politics. I think politicians forget about represented democracy. Our job is to represent the constituents’ wants and not our own.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the city, and how would you propose to solve it?

The biggest issue is the increasing amount of traffic going through the neighborhoods. I believe they have plans for fixing that by the widening of Robinson Road. I’d also like to see the ditch section of the neighborhoods turn into curb/gutter sections. It would give the city a more pleasing aesthetic look.

Bruce BernhoftWDL-2015-04-g-2-H4

Bernhoft is the vice president of vendor management with Woodforest National Bank. He has lived in Oak Ridge North for 29 years and has been involved with the city through the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Economic Development Corp. and the Long Range Planning Committee. Bernhoft has also been involved with the Oak Ridge Otters swim team.

Why did you decide to run for City Council?

I’ve seen the opportunities that face the city and the challenges. I wanted to run to make sure we take advantage of our location and opportunities we have.

Why do you believe you are qualified to serve on City Council?

I’m qualified because of my experience working with the city and being on several different committees. I’ve been actively involved since I’ve lived here.

What would you contribute to the city of Oak Ridge North?

I would like more businesses and private industries to develop and to see more economic development. This would help lower residents’ taxes and help with ordinances.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the city, and how would you propose to solve it?

It’s hard to pinpoint one since there are a lot of opportunities there, but I would say that the biggest threat to everyone’s comfortable lifestyle is crime and violence from exposure to the interstate. To solve it I would propose a stronger police force and visibility.
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