Six candidates are on the ballot for Houston City Council At-Large Position 2. Whoever wins the election Nov. 7 will be one of five City Council members to represent the city as a whole.
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.
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Danielle Keys Bess
Experience:
Campaign logistics and government relations for 20-plus years; affordable housing expert 16 years
Occupation:
Realtor/consultant
Candidate Website:
https://www.bessforhouston.com
Contact Information:
713-523-7402
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
A sustainable budget. FY2026 presents hardships that could result in underfunding of the city budget; I intend to seek public/private partnerships from entities who align with the values and objectives of the constituency. When our budget is properly funded and balanced city services can operate successfully.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
I will speak to the diversity of all Houstonians, differentiating between the issues that we share in common versus those that are distinctly unique. In my career I am required to act in the fiduciary capacity as a collaborator and advocate. Through strategic measures we will can have positive outcomes that are measured practically in its implementation and transparent in its processes yielding true accountability.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have 20 years in grassroots campaigning and government along with 16 years in real estate, giving me an up-close view of community needs. I have worked directly with the city on affordable housing initiatives placing over 100 families in new homes. I have managed projects with over $300 million in funding for community development and infrastructure improvements.
Marina Angelica Coryat
Experience:
21 years as city of Houston employee (PIO/council liaison), entrepreneur, state representative's communications director, board member
Occupation:
Former communications director for state representative, business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.marinaforhouston.com
Contact Information:
832-786-0488
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Public safety. I would advocate for neighborhood policing [and] also for sharing of data through law enforcement agencies (constables, metro police and school police, etc.). I support fair wages and funding for needed equipment for the police and fire departments to protect the public and themselves while in the line of duty.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
Houston is one of the most U.S. diverse cities, and I plan to represent all constituents with integrity and dignity. I will use my government and communication skills to ask the right questions, get answers, [and] provide information and leadership. I plan to have town halls and a TV show for updates.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Education. Experience. I have a proven track record of implementing programs that affect the entire city and battle-tested crisis management skills through serving at Houston emergency center during hurricanes. I have responded to thousands of constituent concerns while in the mayor’s office/city departments. As an entrepreneur, I understand business challenges.
Willie Davis
Experience:
Candidate did not reply to requests for comment.
Candidate Website:
https://williedavisforcitycouncil.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Candidate did not reply to requests for comment.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
Candidate did not reply to requests for comment.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Candidate did not reply to requests for comment.
Nick Hellyar
Experience:
Candidate did not reply to requests for comment.
Occupation:
Constituent Services Director, City Hall; Vice President, SuperNeighborhood; Director, Municipal Utility District
Candidate Website:
https://www.nickhellyar.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
It is clear that stronger steps must be taken to keep Houstonians safe. That includes hiring more police officers and clearing out the backlog of the crime lab. I am thrilled to have the endorsement of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, which will play a critical part in this effort.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
When I worked in Constituent Services, my job was to stay informed on constituents’ needs and to ensure their issues were addressed. This experience taught me that properly representing constituents requires candidates to regularly attend local civic association meetings, and that is something I will do.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
My experience working in city hall makes me the best candidate for the job. It has equipped me with valuable knowledge and relationships and is the key reason I have the endorsements of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, Houston Chronicle, Professional Fire Fighters Association, and HOPE (City of Houston employee's union).
Obioha "Obes" Nwabara
Experience:
Campaign treasurer (2019), Harris County department of education candidate (2020), campaign manager (2020), supply chain professional (2017-present)
Occupation:
Senior Procurement Advisor
Candidate Website:
http://www.obesfortwo.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
We've [got to] get a handle on our city finances as the federal COVID-19 funding we received stops coming in. I believe that our way forward is passing Proposition B to renegotiate our representation on the Houston Galveston Area Council, establishing new public-private partnerships and evaluating our budget to see where we have redundancies with the county that could be reassessed.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
It starts by showing up. I've made it a point to go to all parts of the city during this campaign to ensure that I'm meeting with and talking to people from all walks of life and from all parts of our city. That would only continue and expand as at-large council member.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
No one else can boast my contracting and supply chain/procurement experience. At its core, City Council is a procurement position. We handle a great deal of the city's contracts, and I've heard a great deal about the lack of transparency in how we conduct our bidding processes. I have the experience and the skill to transform this key part of how the city does its business.
Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca
Experience:
Former Houston ISD trustee, executive at Fortune100 company, mother, forever educator
Occupation:
Performance infrastructure executive
Candidate Website:
https://www.hollyforhouston.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
The most important issue facing Houston is its infrastructure. We should allocate funds for upgraded drainage systems, reservoirs and levees; prioritize sustainable urban planning to reduce impervious surfaces; invest in transportation alternatives like expanded public transit and bike lanes to alleviate road congestion; and promote multimodal commuting.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
I plan to represent all Houston constituents by prioritizing inclusive community engagement, holding regular town halls, and actively seeking input from diverse neighborhoods and their district council members. I'll develop policies that benefit the entire city while addressing specific local issues.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I am the only candidate in this race with elected experience, the only candidate that has made a career in the infrastructure industry and the only candidate with proven results. I hope to win your vote so that I can serve Houston with all my heart and qualifications.
