Realtor and residential home builder Elan Tavor—who has spent time serving on Bellaire's Environmental Sustainability Board and its Building and Standards Commission—will face off against youth business success coach Cindy Cohen Taylor, who has spent multiple years on the city's Parks and Recreation Board and with the nonprofit Patrons for Bellaire Parks. The winner of the race will serve a four-year term on the Council. Read Q&As with each of the candidates below.
Three seats are up for election on the City Council this November, as well as Bellaire's mayor. Find a Q&A with the three candidates running for mayor here and a Q&A with the two candidates running for Position 2 on the Council here. Stay tuned for a Q&A with the two candidates running in the fourth seat up for election, Bellaire City Council Position 6.
Elan Tavor
Experience:
City of Bellaire Environmental Sustainability Board 2020-22, vice chair; City of Bellaire Building and Standards Commission 2022-present, member, vice chair (23-present)
Occupation:
residential home builder/licensed real estate broker, Realtor
Candidate Website:
www.tavor4bellaire.com
Why have you chosen to run for Bellaire City Council Position 4?
I'm running for Position 4 to finish my work on enhancing our tree ordinance and strengthening our code enforcement mechanisms. I want to bolster flood hazard mitigation measures and lower flood insurance premiums. To enhance our parks, amenities and emergency services without blowing up the city debt. It's possible.
What are top issues facing residents?
Maintaining the character of the city—residential and commercial balance, flooding and its corresponding issues, code enforcement, strong emergency response services and our amenities, such as our parks, green space and youth programs.
What elements of the Bellaire Comprehensive Plan are most important for city council to focus on for the future of Bellaire?
The city character issue and how we manage commercial development in a smart way that benefits all residents. The flooding issues that will always be an albatross over our heads. Also enhancing our amenities, city programs and emergency services, but watching the budget and property tax rates as well.
Cindy Cohen Taylor
Experience:
2+ years on the Parks and Rec[reation] Board and current vice chair; Member of the Patrons for Bellaire Parks Board
Occupation:
business success coach for Youth Athletes United
Candidate Website:
www.cindyforbellaire4.com
Why have you chosen to run for Bellaire City Council Position 4?
To serve the Bellaire community I love. With over 30 years of sales experience, including 20 years as an entrepreneur-business owner, I am a true premier solution provider. I want to share my problem-solving skills with the council and residents and help to bring important issues to productive resolutions.
What are top issues facing residents?
Continuing our efforts towards flood mitigation, cultivating partnerships with businesses that meet the needs of Bellaire residents while staying true to the city’s charm, keeping the community safe from crime, and protecting and enhancing our precious parks and lifestyle programs.
What elements of the Bellaire Comprehensive Plan are most important for city council to focus on for the future of Bellaire?
Infrastructure condition and capacity, providing Bellaire’s excellent police force and city services with the resources they need to keep us safe and the city running efficiently, thoughtful assessment of zoning issues, and comprehensive study of and decision-making on walkability factors in the city.
