Candidates running for at-large Position 2 were asked to complete a questionnaire from Community Impact. They 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.
Jonathan "JP" Byers Jr.
Experience:
Small business owner, leader in my market center
Occupation:
Commercial real estate agent
Contact Information:
713-423-5898
What will your biggest priority be if elected?
Transparency! We seem to have a lot of transparency issues across the board. Here are some of the things I have heard from both local citizens as well as outside investors. Permits, finances, ordinances, charter… you name it.
What changes, if any, would you like to see to the city's budget?
Start working out [our] way out of debt, not deeper into debt, and quarterly reporting of how the fiscal year is going.
Do you feel Seabrook needs to bring in more business or visitors to the city?
This is my second most important item to tackle. I am a commercial real estate agent and have been told by far too many of my clients that they would never invest in Seabrook because of the transparency and cost of doing business here. First, I would like to find ...
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
Our downtown streets. Everyone would love to see Old Seabrook shine, but little effort has been made in making that occur.
What is the biggest challenge you see for Seabrook in the coming years?
The best question yet, the problem has been vision. I truly believe that if Jackie Rasco, Angela Cervantes, Kyra Burton and I all get elected, it will be the first time in over 30 years that you will have a majority of people on this city's council ready to act ...
Jared Sessum
Experience:
I have over 20 years of public safety with budget and leadership experience
Occupation:
EMS captain-operations for the city of Deer Park EMS
Candidate Website:
https://www.jaredsessum.com
Contact Information:
281-610-5783
What will your biggest priority be if elected?
My biggest priority will be ensuring smart, sustainable growth that maintains Seabrook’s unique charm while improving infrastructure and public safety. This means focusing on responsible development, improving traffic flow, and enhancing public safety. Ensuring that we are able to attract and recruit the top talent.
What changes, if any, would you like to see to the city’s budget?
I’d like to see a focus on infrastructure improvements and public safety while maintaining a fiscally responsible budget. We should ensure that every tax dollar is spent efficiently and prioritize long-term investments that benefit our residents. Additionally, I’d advocate for strategic economic development that increases revenue without overburdening taxpayers.
Do you feel Seabrook needs to bring in more business or visitors to the city?
Both, but in a way that aligns with Seabrook’s character. Supporting small businesses and attracting the right kind of development can strengthen our local economy while preserving our community’s charm. I also believe in promoting tourism that respects our environment and enhances our waterfront appeal without overwhelming our resources.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
The infrastructure projects I would prioritize would be the new public safety building as well as continuing the current plans for addressing the roadways in Seabrook. New business[es] and developments will lead to an increase in those using the roadway. Also, continue to improve our open spaces.
What is the biggest challenge you see for Seabrook in the coming years?
Managing growth while preserving Seabrook’s identity is the biggest challenge. As the region continues to expand, we must ensure development is done thoughtfully to prevent congestion, protect our open spaces, and maintain the small-town feel that residents love. Balancing economic opportunities with environmental stewardship will be key to Seabrook’s long-term ...
