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College Station voters will decide between Elizabeth Cunha and Bob Yancy Nov. 3 in College Station's mayoral race.
Currently on College Station City Council, Yancy gave up his Place 5 seat to run for mayor.
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.
Retired
Why are you running for mayor of College Station?
My family lived the American Dream here. That’s getting harder to do. I’m running because I believe an empowered council can craft policies that assist our citizens in their pursuit of prosperity. We can help on housing, jobs, neighborhoods, business climate, public safety, taxes and fees, and transparency.
What challenges does College Station face?
Housing affordability, underemployment, neighborhood encroachment, a reactive growth posture, some city projects that contributed to a trust deficit, and perhaps falling a bit out of touch with the citizens we serve. We can address it together with good policy, transparency, and a council that represents citizens before City Hall.
What projects are most important for the city to focus on for the future of College Station?
Protect neighborhoods. Achieve destination employer status for public safety and rank and file staff. Invest in growth-ready infrastructure in the right way and the right places without breaking the bank. Enhance partnerships so College Station is not left holding the bill for growth that starts next door.
With the planned Terafab project in Grimes County and a data research center at RELLIS, how should the city balance those developments with resident concerns over power and water usage, along with rising costs?
Pursue smart partnerships in water and power. Leverage business expertise to plan and negotiate well. Incentivize the right jobs and improve the business climate. Growth is an asset only if neighborhoods, rates, and quality of life stay intact. Enhance cooperation because we’re better when working together.
Affordable housing for the average family is an ongoing concern for College Station residents. How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?
Cut fees and delays that inflate home prices. Our fee stack has come too far, too fast. Welcome our prideful local craftsmen back. Add workforce and starter housing without disrupting neighborhoods. Protect single-family character. Housing affordability helped get us here—I’d fight to keep it.
Clerk
Why are you running for mayor of College Station?
College Station needs a mayor who - listens deeply to internalize constituent priorities - leverages College Station interests regionally - is independent of A&M - merits trust - builds common good without taking personal bows for partnership achievements - never forgets the resident sacrifice behind every city revenue tax dollar. I can be that mayor.
What challenges does College Station face?
College Station's challenges are common to cities of relentless growth: infrastructure, traffic, housing, water stability and economic diversification. Listing challenges is easy; collaborating to address these challenges is the art of leadership. Active listening, building trust, resisting fear and anger are the first steps in unitedly addressing our growth challenges.
What projects are most important for the city to focus on for the future of College Station?
Our Public Works Facility sits in floodplain, lacks bays to meet workload, has NO bay for large fire truck maintenance. Public Works: Drainage Maintenance, Fleet Maintenance, Solid Waste, Streets Maintenance, Traffic Engineering. It encapsulates the most essential role of government. This facility’s needs must move to the front of projects.
With the planned Terafab project in Grimes County and a data research center at RELLIS, how should the city balance those developments with resident concerns over power and water usage, along with rising costs?
College Station is building 3 new wells not because they are needed today, but because we anticipate they will be needed in the future. Proactive long range planning like this is key to addressing planned developments outside of our city’s purview but whose proximity may impact city services.
Affordable housing for the average family is an ongoing concern for College Station residents. How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?
Effective affordable housing access relies on methods to reduce monthly payments: increase homestead exemptions, increase down payment assistance funding, offer density bonuses to multifamily developments in exchange for below market rent on some units. Keep property tax rates and utility rates low. Housing Plan Advisory Committee serves as a resource.
