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Editor's note: Vi Pham confirmed March 25 she will be withdrawing from the Jersey Village City Council position 4 race. City officials said Pham's name will still be on the ballot.
Two candidates will be vying for Jersey Village City Council Position 4—currently held by James Singleton, who chose not to file for re-election—in the upcoming May 4 election.
On the ballot
The candidates running for Singleton’s spot are:
City Council member terms last two years, according to Jersey Village’s city website.
Council member places 1 and 5—currently held by Drew Wasson and Jennifer McCrea, respectively—are also up for election, but McCrea and Wasson will be running unopposed, according to a February email from a city official.
What you need to know
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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. For more information about the election, visit www.jerseyvillagetx.com/page/city.elections.
What is your top priority for Jersey Village if elected?
Preservation of our small-town community. More apartments, a baseball stadium, moving city hall across south of Hwy. 290 is not the future.
How do you feel your experience/background would equip you to be an effective City Council member?
Fiscally conservative (able to discern needs vs. wants); civic minded (care about our community); 30 years in the private sector effectively managing million-dollar projects.
Will you prioritize working with the existing City Council members and mayor to better the city? If so, how do you plan to do so?
I have known many of our council members for years and have worked with them making Jersey Village even better. I plan to contribute by adding my expertise and experience; staying in contact with the citizens for their needs; open minded to other’s opinions and ideas; sharing information.
Do you agree with Jersey Village City Council’s approach to development opportunities in the past? What sort of projects would you like to see pursued in the future?
The approach to development opportunities can be improved by: documented vetting process for developers; all meetings on development are open to the public thus encouraging citizen involvement; promote the excellence in the city’s fire and police department services. Projects: a recreation center for children and adults (ping pong, air hockey ...
How would you approach the taxation of residents as property values rise?
Reduce or eliminate property taxes by abandoning the TIRZ No. 2 development (south of Hwy. 290); limiting the growth of government; contracting out services where it is cost effective.
What is your top priority for Jersey Village if elected?
My top priorities are to continue supporting the Jersey Village Emergency Management Services and support budgets that continue to make our emergency response teams efficient, support street drainage repair projects and our flood mitigation efforts to prevent future flooding, and encourage involvement and collaboration between residents and City Council.
How do you feel your experience/background would equip you to be an effective City Council member?
As a former educator, I have experience collaborating with diverse community members and leaders. Today, I am a legal assistant for a leading firm, representing municipal utility districts and water districts and authorities. I know with my experience, I will represent the citizens of JV with competency, objectivity, and open-mindedness.
Will you prioritize working with the existing City Council members and mayor to better the city? If so, how do you plan to do so?
I plan to prioritize working with the existing City Council members and the mayor to improve our city by promoting collaboration to make responsible and informed decisions, encouraging proactive delivery of important information to our residents, and to deliberate Jersey Village matters with decorum.
Do you agree with Jersey Village City Council’s approach to development opportunities in the past? What sort of projects would you like to see pursued in the future?
Our city has made great strides to remain a desired community to reside. Jersey Village depends on innovative approaches to continued financial growth, without compromising our residents’ principles. I plan to evaluate our city’s economic needs and work to produce profitable and agreeable opportunities for our city and residents.
How would you approach the taxation of residents as property values rise?
As property values continue to increase, I plan to assure that the city imposes the lowest tax rate and the highest exemptions, with careful consideration of the city’s revenue to support the city’s high-quality services and future capital improvement projects.
