Paul Williams will face Lee Wallace on May 3. Position 4 is currently occupied by Justin Staton, who will not appear on the ballot.
What you need to know
Candidates 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.
The last day to register to vote is April 3 and early voting will begin April 22, with election day on May 3, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office.
To read the Q&A for Kemah City Council Position 2, click here.
Paul Williams
Experience:
CEO - oil company, Republican nominee [for] Congress, water board: six years, two years as president
What will your biggest priority be if elected?
Residents and safety.
What changes, if any, would you like to see to the city's budget?
Most governments, large or small, always seem to have a spending problem. We need to go through the budget line by line to ensure that any spending is necessary and not wasteful.
How should Kemah go about focusing on drainage issues in town?
With Kemah being on the gulf coast, this will always be an issue as it is with Houston and the surrounding areas. Hurricanes, flooding and drainage issues seem to be a way of life. I believe an earlier drainage plan that was discussed a few years ago would have cost …
How can Kemah bring in more economic development?
Economic development isn’t just about growth; it’s about ensuring that growth aligns with our city’s vision. Many of us chose Kemah for its small-town, coastal charm, but we’re drifting away from that. We need businesses that reflect the values and desires of our residents—not just those that cater to …
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
Continue prioritizing road and traffic improvements, including addressing speeding drivers and semi-truck traffic in residential areas. Additionally, we need a stronger focus on cleaning up streets and green spaces.
What is the biggest challenge you see for Kemah in the coming years?
After 25 years in Kemah, I’ve seen the town change dramatically. If you’ve been here for more than a decade, you know that Kemah is no longer the safe, family-friendly community it once was. Our new police chief is making a difference, but we still see too many disruptive visitors …
Lee Wallace
Experience:
retired environmental and safety specialist, four terms LPISD [La Porte ISD] school board (president, vice president, trustee) MMD1 [Municipal Management District No. 1] Board of Directors
What will your biggest priority be if elected?
My biggest priority is giving Kemah residents on the west side of 146 (Kemah Crossing, Kemah Oaks, Kippford Apts, West and South Kemah) representation for our voices and concerns to be heard and addressed. Another priority is creating a city that values people where everyone feels included, empowered and supported.
What changes, if any, would you like to see to the city's budget?
As a city council member, I would prioritize these areas in the city's budget: investing in infrastructure. Ensuring that our roads, sidewalks [and] street lighting are well-maintained and modernized is critical. While funding for law enforcement and emergency services is also important.
How should Kemah go about focusing on drainage issues in town?
Addressing drainage issues in the city is crucial for preventing flooding, maintaining infrastructure and protecting the health and safety of residents. I am aware of a drainage study conducted in 2019, resulting in a grant for abatement to begin in two areas of concern.
How can Kemah bring in more economic development?
It’s all about creating an environment where businesses can thrive and people want to live, work and invest. The KCDC [Kemah Community Development Corporation] is working on economic development for Kemah. It’s great to have an area that tourists want to visit, but we also must attract restaurants, shops [and] entertainment that residents enjoy.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
Kemah population is growing rapidly, especially on the west side. We must continue to maintain our road system as well as support our police, fire and emergency services. Building or improving bike lanes, walking paths and pedestrian-friendly areas promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces traffic, and enhances the city’s walkability.
What is the biggest challenge you see for Kemah in the coming years?
The biggest challenges are attracting and retaining businesses, which leads to job opportunities, funding for infrastructure (roads, sidewalks) and balancing the need for growth. Another challenge is development with the preservation of quality of life for all residents and maintaining Kemah’s small-town vibe.
