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College Station voters will decide between Chandler Arden and Michael Kidd Nov. 3 in the race for the city council's Place 2 seat. Mayor Pro Tem William Wright did not seek reelection.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
For more information on voting and polling locations, visit the Brazos County Elections Administration's website. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
Candidates were asked to keep Q&A responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines or for style and clarity.
Realtor and developer
Why are you running for city council?
I'm running for College Station City Council Place Two because this community has shaped my life and I want to help shape its future. I love the city and believe in thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency and decisions that put residents first. I'm committed to listening, learning and working hard
What challenges does College Station face?
I'm concerned about spending. I want to make sure the city focuses on the core services: police, fire, EMS, public works and parks. By drifting away from core services, spending has become a major challenge as indicated by the need to raise taxes to cover the budget and debt service.
What projects are most important for the city to focus on for the future of College Station?
Public safety and public works are why cities were originally formed and those should be the city's most important priorities. Planning for growth should begin with those core services. Specifically, we need to ensure that we can recruit and retain the best first responders. By not being competitive, we are
Transportation was identified by the Brazos County Health District's most significant barrier to care. Do you believe College Station has enough public transportation or pedestrian/cyclist mobility to support residents seeking care? If not, how would you fix that?
More study is needed to define exactly what resources are lacking and how best to fill those needs. Brazos Transit, Brazos Valley Council of Governments and private ride-share meet some needs. The city has worked to expand the network of sidewalks and bike lanes. Other communities have programs such as
How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?
Affordable housing does not have a single solution. The costs the city can affect include zoning, the time from inception to completed development, the city-charged fees associated with development and construction, forward-thinking infrastructure development and the city's property tax rate. The city must make sure the process to develop affordable
Plant manager
Why are you running for city council?
I’m running because I believe public service should put residents first. I want to bring practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability to City Hall while protecting the quality of life that makes College Station a great place to live, work, raise a family, and build a business.
What challenges does College Station face?
Our greatest challenge is managing rapid growth without losing affordability or quality of life. We must address traffic, infrastructure, housing costs, and responsible development while maintaining strong public safety and city services. Growth should benefit current residents while preparing College Station responsibly for the next generation.
What projects are most important for the city to focus on for the future of College Station?
We should prioritize roads and infrastructure, traffic improvements, water and utility capacity, public safety, and responsible economic development. I also want College Station to attract businesses that create strong careers and diversify our tax base, helping reduce the financial burden placed on residents.
Transportation was identified by the Brazos County Health District's most significant barrier to care. Do you believe College Station has enough public transportation or pedestrian/cyclist mobility to support residents seeking care? If not, how would you fix that?
No. We should improve transportation connections to healthcare, especially for seniors, residents with disabilities, and families without reliable vehicles. I support evaluating targeted transit routes, stronger regional partnerships, safer sidewalks and crossings, and better connections between neighborhoods, healthcare facilities, and essential services.
How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?
We need more housing choices without sacrificing neighborhood quality. I support reducing unnecessary development barriers, encouraging diverse housing options, expanding homeownership opportunities, and working with responsible developers. We should also examine city fees and regulations that increase construction costs while protecting taxpayers, property rights, and established neighborhoods.
