Three seats are up for election on the City Council this November, as well as Bellaire's Mayor. For Position 2, incumbent and retired geophysicist Catherine Lewis will face off against Mike Stanton, a full-time writer who previously worked in construction management. The winner of the race will serve a four-year term on the Council.
Read Q&As with each of the candidates below, and find a Q&A with the three candidates running for mayor here.
Catherine Lewis
Experience:
Community organizer solving problems since 1993, City Council member, council liaison to Environmental Sustainability Board
Occupation:
retired geophysicist/geologist
Candidate Website:
https://www.betterplan4bellaire.com
Why have you chosen to run for Bellaire City Council Position 2?
Residents expect Council to listen to their problems, desires and opinions. I will listen. I<br>want to protect the safety, security and value of our homes. The Comprehensive Plan<br>should protect the small-town atmosphere that we love. I'm also motivated by the<br>desire to restrain spending to keep our taxes down.
What are top issues facing residents?
Neighborhood integrity/security: Comprehensive Plan designed [to] protect quality of life as developments progress. Police protection. Safeguards from intrusive noise and light trespass. Responsible budgeting to protect taxpayers. Maintaining attractive parks, green space and tree canopy. Flood mitigation and lower insurance rates. Transparency and listening from Council and city staff.
What elements of the Bellaire Comprehensive Plan are most important for city council to focus on for the future of Bellaire?
The Comprehensive Plan should elucidate what we mean by "small-town atmosphere"<br>in commercial areas. Residents want a walkable downtown with great connectivity,<br>plenty of green space and attractive parks, and quiet neighborhoods where kids can<br>ride bikes and families can sleep at night. Flood mitigation is an ongoing issue.
Mike Stanton
Experience:
Roads and bridges; flood control; hurricane and disaster recovery; sustainable real estate development
Occupation:
40+ years, construction management; past 8 [years]-present, full-time writer
Candidate Website:
https://itsallaboutthedogs.today/resources
Why have you chosen to run for Bellaire City Council Position 2?
To bring fresh air to Bellaire, restore trust in City Hall.
What are top issues facing residents?
They are telling us! Results of phone calls from voters and online surveys will be completed Sept. 30.
What elements of the Bellaire Comprehensive Plan are most important for city council to focus on for the future of Bellaire?
Among 1,122 residents, 854 have answered:<br>1) Storm water management; 2) Public safety services; 3) Infrastructure; 4) Neighborhood integrity; 5) Pedestrian, biking, traffic safety
