Nine candidates are running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 in the upcoming Nov. 7 election.
Houston City Council is composed of 11 council members who represent certain districts, or geographical areas of Houston, and five at-large council members, who represent the entire city. Voters can only vote in elections for district council members if they live within the district, but all Houston residents who are eligible to vote can cast a ballot in at-large elections.
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 voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com. For more election coverage, got to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Bernard "Bernardo" Amadi
Experience:
Candidate did not respond.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond.
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Candidate did not respond.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
Candidate did not respond.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Candidate did not respond.
Richard Cantu
Experience:
Candidate did not respond.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate Website:
https://richardcantu.org/
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Candidate did not respond.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
Candidate did not respond.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Candidate did not respond.
Twila Carter
Experience:
senior vice president of community affairs, executive director, Astros Foundation; business operations/project manager, Jim Crane/Crane Group, 23 years
Occupation:
retired, executive director, Astros Foundation; senior vice president of community affairs, Houston Astros
Candidate Website:
https://www.twilacarter.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Crime/public safety—I know safe communities are prosperous communities. I am committed to supporting law enforcement and fully funding [the Houston Police Department], providing them with the resources needed to keep our communities safe.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
I plan to work with constituents in their communities. I will work for them to address the issues, listen to their concerns and respond to their needs. The city council works for the constituents, not the mayor, and all constituents are stakeholders in our city.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
As a longtime Houstonian, I am motivated and committed to serving the city that I love. I am known for my record of honesty, consistency and persistence. My integrity is backed by my reputation in all corners of Houston. I have a can-do, get it done attitude, a business mind and a servant's heart. I am a proven leader who will roll up my sleeves and do what is necessary to be successful and get the job done.
Donnell Cooper
Experience:
District director for the Boy Scouts of America
Occupation:
Campus director, Houston Community College
Candidate Website:
https://www.cooperforhouston.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic opportunities. Fiscal responsibility: First, as a community, we must look at our finances with careful consideration. Wasteful spending with little to no accountability is an issue. As a council member, I will ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely, and that our city's budget is transparent to all citizens of Houston.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
My experience as a volunteer coordinator, educational director and community organizer, combined with my business experience has allowed me to cultivate the ability to bring people together for the common good of the city of Houston. I plan on being the voice for the people and bringing transparency to the office I seek.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have a legacy of leadership and service in Houston that has spanned over 25 years. I am the [Houston Community College] campus director and adjunct professor for the Northwest Campus. As an educator, I see the effect compassionate leadership can have on our youth. It can be the difference between disaffected youth and engaged future generations.
Casey Curry
Experience:
Broadcast meteorologist; Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce board member; workforce, STEM advocate
Occupation:
Communications and philanthropy
Candidate Website:
https://caseycurryforhouston.com/
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Every neighbor and business owner tells me safe communities [are] the most important issue. We need more first responders, and they need proper equipment to do their job of protecting Houstonians. The city has limited funds—we must invest in equipment, technology and programs with demonstrated benefit to our communities.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
Right now, the burden is on constituents to know what is happening and speak up for themselves. I will flip that script. It is my job to regularly and systematically inform and engage with community members and ensure those impacted have a seat [at] the table for decision making.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
My scientific knowledge and expertise are needed now more than ever. I will consider climate change, disaster preparedness and weather in every policy decision. I am not a career politician and will bring a fresh perspective. I serve on the board of the Women’s Chamber and understand business challenges.
Ethan Michelle Ganz
Experience:
Vice chair, AP National Executive Committee; LGBTQ caucus chair, AP National Committee; co-founder Montrose Residents Coalition; board member Houston Peace & Justice Center
Occupation:
Community organizer, activist, advocate, public speaker, author
Candidate Website:
https://www.ganz4hou.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Outside of the attack on our democracy from the state, white christian nationalism, and fascism, this city has a housing crisis. I plan to put together a housing program to address the displacement of folks and the eradication of neighborhood cultures from gentrification, as well as to hold slumlords accountable.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
I plan to uplift the needs of the most marginalized folks. I plan on working with community groups, organizations, leaders, activists and businesses. Each community’s solutions should come from the community itself, with a bottom-up approach. I plan on being in the community and personally showing up.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I am the best candidate because I am of the people. I am already representing folks through my grassroots organizing, activism, advocacy and speaking. I already stand with the people; I will just take that same energy and work and offer it to the whole city.
James Joseph
Experience:
Candidate did not respond.
Occupation:
Self-employed
Candidate Website:
www.jamesforhouston.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Flood resilience stands as Houston's top challenge. Implementing comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, green initiatives and improved urban planning are essential. Enhanced flood mapping, early warning systems and community engagement will bolster disaster preparedness. Collaborating with experts, government and residents ensures a sustainable approach to mitigate flooding's impact.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
Develop a diverse task force, including representatives from various neighborhoods, backgrounds and industries. Regular town hall meetings, digital platforms and surveys will gather input on key issues. Transparent decision-making, equitable resource allocation and targeted initiatives will address concerns and ensure the holistic development of Houston for all residents.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
James Joseph excels due to his proven leadership, extensive community involvement and deep understanding of Houston's challenges. With a track record of successful projects, innovative policies and a commitment to inclusivity, he offers the vision and expertise needed to drive positive change and ensure a prosperous future for the city.
Erica McCrutcheon
Experience:
Business owner; Kirkwood Civic Club, president (9 years), co-pastor, Joint Heirs Fellowship Church; University of Florida Associateu2019s (College of Engineering) and Grand Canyon University bacheloru2019s (theology/Christian Bible studies)
Occupation:
Self-employedu2014general contractor remodeler (commercial and residential), Realtor and insurance agent
Candidate Website:
https://www.erickaforhouston.com
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Balanced budget—balancing the budget based on zero-based budgeting versus centralized or participatory budgeting. A complete reset of all departments requiring zero-based budgeting and streamlining spending. We need to cut all department wasteful spending and get back to basic priority governance of our city.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
I believe the role of city government is to provide for defense and safety for our city through the enforcement of ordinances and to promote the general welfare through necessary city services as outlined in the charter. The council member is elected by the people and authorized to have legislative power to pass ordinances, rules and regulations governing the operations of city departments.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I am the grassroots candidate that represents the people of Houston and not just corporate interest groups of the city. I recognize that Houston is at a crossroad of change for good leadership. The next 10 years will be crucial. Mitigating common urban cities’ pitfalls like budget shortfalls, crime, crumbling infrastructure and lingering flooding problems, unaffordable housing, homelessness, etc. will have to be addressed with experienced and focused leadership.
Richard Nguyen
Experience:
Candidate did not respond.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond.
What is the most important issue facing the city of Houston, and how would you address it?
Candidate did not respond.
How do you plan to represent all your constituents across the city?
Candidate did not respond.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Candidate did not respond.
