What you need to know
The election will take place May 3. If no candidate obtains more than 50% of the vote, a runoff for June 7 will be triggered, according to city documents.
Position 5 came open after former council member Justin Hicks resigned the seat in March, Community Impact previously reported.
Seven total candidates originally filed, with one candidate, Timothy Brown, withdrawing March 26, according to the city's website.
What they said
Mayor Nick Long said on April 1 whoever wins this race will dive directly into helping the city build its upcoming budget, which he said is arguably the biggest thing the city does.
The details
Candidates running for council 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.
Candidates are listed based on their place on the ballot.
Erin Avalos
Experience:
working mom of four kids, manager, volunteer, advocate
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574653650918#
Contact Information:
409-457-9625
If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities?
My top priority is ensuring that the voices of League City residents are heard at the City Council. I will actively engage with the community to make sure decisions reflect the will and best interests of the people.
Do you support developing and building out the city, particularly on the west side, or would you like to see the city retain undeveloped land?
I support responsible development that benefits the current residents of League City. While I recognize the importance of preserving undeveloped land, I also understand the need for smart growth. My approach will be to advocate for development that aligns with the community’s vision and priorities. I will scrutinize projects carefully …
What changes, if any, do you think the city needs to make to its budget?
The city should allocate funds strategically to address necessary repairs and infrastructure improvements. A well-maintained city enhances quality of life and prevents costly issues down the road. I will advocate for financial transparency and responsible budgeting to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
Would you prioritize residential growth or commercial growth? If the latter, what kinds of businesses would you want to see come in?
Both residential and commercial growth are important for a balanced and thriving city. However, commercial development is key to financial resilience. I would like to see more shopping centers and restaurants on the west side of League City, creating local job opportunities and increasing the city’s revenue base while enhancing …
Do you feel it's possible to balance the city’s fast growth without burdening current residents? If so, how?
Yes, I believe it is possible by prioritizing smart, community-driven growth. Engaging residents in decision-making ensures that development aligns with their needs and concerns. Thoughtful planning, infrastructure improvements and responsible budgeting will help us manage growth without placing an undue burden on taxpayers.
What is the biggest challenge you see for League City in the coming years?
Inflation and traffic congestion are two of the biggest challenges our city will face. However, with proper planning, we can mitigate their impact. Strategic infrastructure investments, traffic flow improvements and careful financial planning will help us navigate these challenges effectively.
Scott Higginbotham
Experience:
business owner, [League City] Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Capital Improvement Advisory Committee, former [League City] Ethics Review Board member …
Candidate Website:
https://www.scottforleaguecity.com
If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities?
Getting council back to focusing on real issues residents care about such as lower taxes and less traffic, and not the distractions and drama. I also want to make government easier to deal with and put additional focus on adding more ball fields and protecting green spaces.
Do you support developing and building out the city, particularly on the west side, or would you like to see the city retain undeveloped land?
Most of the open land on the southwest side is privately owned, so to a degree some continued development is unavoidable. However, I would like to see as much open natural space retained as possible. I will work towards that.
What changes, if any, do you think the city needs to make to its budget?
Fortunately League City is in a strong position financially for the most part, but I think we have some areas that could benefit from some increased funding like services within the Parks Department and animal shelter, for example.
Would you prioritize residential growth or commercial growth? If the latter, what kinds of businesses would you want to see come in?
A mix honestly, but with a bit more focus on the commercial side. It ultimately helps reduce the tax burden on residents, which is a priority of mine. I would like to see the type of commercial growth where people can eat, shop, play and entertain. No more big empty …
Do you feel it’s possible to balance the city’s fast growth without burdening current residents? If so, how?
League City is around 40% undeveloped, so future growth and development is coming. What I would like to see happen and work towards is to pump the [brakes] a bit on development, and let some existing projects finish up before starting new ones. Again, I would like to protect as …
What is the biggest challenge you see for League City in the coming years?
Rapid growth and the associated inconvenience to our current residents that comes with that. For example, we have to be proactive in gauging citizen impact when scheduling road projects where in some cases, multiple projects have been along the same routes. We have to be smart in future development, and …
Kyrsten Garcia
Experience:
construction administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA), former educator, library board trustee/secretary, HOA [Home Owners Association] vice …
Candidate Website:
https://www.kcgarcia.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities?
My top priorities will include enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. I aim to ensure that our community grows responsibly while maintaining the quality of life for all residents. I will also focus on refocusing our council on strategic planning and effective governance, free from outside influences.
Do you support developing and building out the city, particularly on the west side, or would you like to see the city retain undeveloped land?
I support balanced development on the west side, integrating residential and commercial projects while preserving green spaces. This approach diversifies the tax base, addresses growth needs and maintains our community's character. Thoughtful planning, with consideration to parks, resiliency, mobility and local priorities, is essential for sustainable development.
What changes, if any, do you think the city needs to make to its budget?
The city should continue to prioritize funding for infrastructure improvements, public safety and community services. We need to continue to ensure efficient use of resources and explore additional revenue streams, such as grants and partnerships, to support these initiatives without increasing the tax burden on residents.
Would you prioritize residential growth or commercial growth? If the latter, what kinds of businesses would you want to see come in?
I would prioritize a balanced approach that encourages both residential and commercial growth. For commercial development, I support attracting businesses that provide high-quality jobs, such as tech firms, health care facilities, and retail centers, to boost the local economy and reduce commute times for residents.
Do you feel it’s possible to balance the city’s fast growth without burdening current residents? If so, how?
Yes, by implementing smart growth strategies, investing in infrastructure and leveraging impact fees from new developments, we can manage growth sustainably. Maintaining open communication with residents and ensuring that new projects align with our strategic plan and reasonably contribute to community needs will help balance growth without undue burden.
What is the biggest challenge you see for League City in the coming years?
The biggest challenge will be managing rapid population growth while maintaining infrastructure and quality of life. Addressing traffic congestion, drainage issues and ensuring adequate public services will be crucial. Strategic planning, focused on local needs and priorities, and reducing external influences are key to overcoming these challenges.
Tim Pelletier
Experience:
sales manager of a global water sports company
Contact Information:
832-496-4782
If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities?
Listen and use common sense for the better of the community.
Do you support developing and building out the city, particularly on the west side, or would you like to see the city retain undeveloped land?
As the infrastructure supports it, I also think the city needs to do more to attract more small businesses and not just national chains with reasonable and clear building codes that small businesses can afford.
What changes, if any, do you think the city needs to make to its budget?
If you have read the budget, this question is not specific but more general and my take away is helping residents with property taxes.
Would you prioritize residential growth or commercial growth? If the latter, what kinds of businesses would you want to see come in?
We clearly have room for both, but as I mentioned before, attracting small businesses and making it easier for them to start is the [No.] 1 thing of residents who have reached out to me on this specific issue.
Do you feel it's possible to balance the city’s fast growth without burdening current residents? If so, how?
Planning along with messaging is key. Everyone has an opinion but we are very short on routes to the highway when main roads are blocked along with not having dynamic changes to stop lights during this time. I believe everyone deals with this during morning drives along with school…
What is the biggest challenge you see for League City in the coming years?
To rate them, traffic, infrastructure, property taxes, and [safe] sports and recreational places for kids and adults with the amount of families here. All of these are very important and [balancing] them to me is the most common concern that neighbors I’ve talked to.
Charlie Keeler
Experience:
oil and gas survey data technician, League City Little League sponsorship coordinator, husband and father
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574959254920
Contact Information:
281-684-0487
If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities?
My priority is to stay accountable to the citizens. Growth must be addressed constantly while balancing the dynamic needs of current and lifetime citizens. Evaluating and adapting economic development, public safety, affordable housing, recreational spaces, infrastructure development and public safety are key to the success of this city.
Do you support developing and building out the city, particularly on the west side, or would you like to see the city retain undeveloped land?
I live on the west side. Development is inevitable with the coming toll road. It is imperative the citizens on the west side are strongly represented and development has a strong proportion of natural recreational spaces and resilient building practices continue in order to protect our vulnerability to natural disasters.
What changes, if any, do you think the city needs to make to its budget?
The budget for [fiscal year] 2025 is $419.29 million, with $184.19 million for city services and $235.10 million for capital projects. Evaluating training, equipment and personnel costs for alternative solutions could yield savings but the priority is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the capital projects to prioritize the needs …
Would you prioritize residential growth or commercial growth? If the latter, what kinds of businesses would you want to see come in?
Residential growth attracts families, increases tax revenue and fosters community development but puts a strain on public services. Commercial growth boosts the economy, creates jobs and diversifies the tax base but requires careful zoning. Retail, gym and hospitality services are in high demand and would be beneficial for our citizens.
Do you feel it's possible to balance the city’s fast growth without burdening current residents? If so, how?
Constantly evaluating and developing city services and infrastructure proactively instead of reactively is key to ensure interruption to current citizens is reduced as greatly as possible. There will always be development and interruption in any city but listening to our citizens’ concerns and developing plans to mitigate them is imperative.
What is the biggest challenge you see for League City in the coming years?
Infrastructure strain, population growth, economic resilience, disaster preparedness and affordable housing are all challenges I see us facing in the future. The biggest challenge is reducing distractions in council meetings and placing these items on the agenda for evaluation consistently, leading to our success in planning for these inevitable situations.
Lisa Welty
Experience:
MSN [Master of Science in Nursing], RN [registered nurse], nurse executive leading multiple nursing councils, booster president and PTA [Parent Teacher Association] chair, fundraising captain …
Contact Information:
281-236-2555
If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities?
Ensuring that the council works well together, making decisions that are common sense and proactive regarding future impacts on the city.
Do you support developing and building out the city, particularly on the west side, or would you like to see the city retain undeveloped land?
There is 40% of League City that is not developed and mainly the west side area. If developed there would be needs for roads, drainage, ponds, water, sewer and flood planning. I support suburban mixed-use development for attracting employers, more walkable land, lower density suburban development and trails.
What changes, if any, do you think the city needs to make to its budget?
Budget is about being responsible and doing what is common sense and stays within budget without burdening the citizens.
Would you prioritize residential growth or commercial growth? If the latter, what kinds of businesses would you want to see come in?
Entertainment venues, hiking and biking trails and parks. It is important to have activities for families and also promote a sense of community.
Do you feel it's possible to balance the city’s fast growth without burdening current residents?
League City needs consistent re-evaluation to maintain needs and ensure they are met. Emergency services, flooding and housing are all important to maintain and meet the needs of residents.
What is the biggest challenge you see for League City in the coming years?
Maintaining services for the citizens of League City that we currently have while meeting the increased population growth.
