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Bryan voters will decide between incumbent Paul Torres and challenger Chris Scotti Nov. 3 in the race for District 1.
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.
TAMUS Director
Why are you running for city council?
Bryan is entering a period of major growth. I served on the College Station City Council and have spent nearly two decades since in economic development, business and public-private partnerships. I’m running to apply that experience, ask hard questions and deliver practical, measurable results for Bryan residents.
What challenges does Bryan face?
Bryan’s challenge is converting growth into value without letting infrastructure or services fall behind. Aging streets and drainage need attention; housing is becoming less attainable; and growth will test roads, utilities and development-review capacity. Fiscal discipline matters too: tax-base growth should strengthen core services, not simply expand government costs.
What projects are most important for the city to focus on for the future of Bryan?
I would prioritize street and drainage projects, water, wastewater and utility capacity, and police and fire staffing, equipment and response capacity as Bryan grows. I also want better coordination with TxDOT and measurable standards for major capital projects, funding core infrastructure first and requiring clear public benefit from expenditures.
Transportation was identified by the Brazos County Health District's most significant barrier to care. Do you believe Bryan has enough public transportation or pedestrian/cyclist mobility to support residents seeking care? If not, how would you fix that?
Not yet. I would work with Brazos Transit and healthcare providers to map where residents are missing access to care, then target those gaps with improved frequency on medical routes, safer sidewalks and crossings, shelters at heavily used stops, and reliable options for seniors and residents with disabilities.
How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?
Protect smaller starter homes and lots, streamline reviews through consolidated city comments, and target incentives toward housing working families actually need. I oppose broad impact fees that raise home prices; infrastructure costs should be project-specific when development creates the need, and broadly funded when the deficiency is citywide.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager
Why are you running for city council?
I enjoy serving my community and being a voice for the constituents of District 1. I’m running for re-election because I believe we have made real progress, and I want to continue building on that momentum for Bryan and District 1.
What challenges does Bryan face?
Bryan is growing, and our biggest challenge is making sure our infrastructure, public safety, transportation, and quality of life keep pace with that growth. We need to plan ahead, invest responsibly, and make sure every part of Bryan benefits from that growth.
What projects are most important for the city to focus on for the future of Bryan?
Infrastructure has to remain a top priority, especially roads, drainage, water, sidewalks, and transportation. We also need to continue investing in public safety and quality-of-life projects that make Bryan a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Bryan’s current capital program includes street, sidewalk, drainage, water, sewer, and
Transportation was identified by the Brazos County Health District's most significant barrier to care. Do you believe Bryan has enough public transportation or pedestrian/cyclist mobility to support residents seeking care? If not, how would you fix that?
I believe we can do better. Bryan has public transportation and is making investments in sidewalks and shared-use paths, but we need to continue connecting neighborhoods to the places people need to go, including healthcare. I would support improving pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and working with our regional transportation partners
How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?
We need to encourage responsible housing development while protecting affordability and neighborhood quality of life. I would support policies that increase the supply of attainable housing and work with developers and community partners to create more opportunities for working families, seniors, and first-time homeowners.
