Jackie Georgiou—a senior director with Shell Energy who volunteers with several local groups—is running against Kevin Newman, the chief operating officer with Maverick Wrecker Design and founder of the Bellaire Small Business Association.
The winner of the race will serve a four-year term on the Council. Read Q&As with each of the candidates below. Candidates were asked to limit answers to 50 words each, and some responses may have been edited for length.
Two other seats are up for election on the Bellaire City Council this November, as is Bellaire's mayor. Find other Q&As here:
Jackie Georgiou
Experience:
lifelong Bellaire resident; active participant in [Bellaire] City Council discussions; volunteer for various Bellaire nonprofits, including Bellaire Little League and Bellaire High School
Occupation:
Senior Director of Business Development, Shell Energy
Candidate Website:
www.jackie77401.com
Why have you chosen to run for Bellaire City Council Position 6?
I've been a Bellaire resident my entire life. I want future generations to be afforded opportunities and experiences I enjoyed growing up in Bellaire. My goal is for all involved to have a vision and make sure Bellaire is a great place to live and work for years to come.
What are top issues facing residents?
Main issues facing residents are safety, infrastructure, future development and protecting home values. Having a vision for the future of Bellaire development is pivotal right now. Protecting residents' homes, their values, families and peace is also necessary to ensure Bellaire is a desirable place to live, where quality of life is important.
What elements of the Bellaire Comprehensive Plan are most important for city council to focus on for the future of Bellaire?
It is important to foster an environment for "smart development" that embraces a vision for the future. A walkable urban town center will inspire enthusiasm to live in and visit Bellaire. Done smartly, it increases property values, benefits the sales tax base, and accommodates the wants and needs of residents.
Kevin Newman
Experience:
former vice chair of [Bellaire Living Information Fun and Enrichment]; former board member of Friends of the Bellaire Library; founder of Bellaire Small Business Association
Occupation:
Chief Operating Officer at Maverick Wrecker Design
Candidate Website:
www.bkev.com
Why have you chosen to run for Bellaire City Council Position 6?
I am motivated to run by a sincere desire to serve my community. With no ego and no personal agenda, I genuinely care about what happens in our city. My motivation stems from a deep sense of civic pride and a genuine commitment to doing good for our community.
What are top issues facing residents?
Bellaire residents grapple with a multifaceted set of challenges, including the persistent threat of flooding, the financial strain posed by rising property taxes, and the imperative need for upgrading aging infrastructure to sustain safety and functionality. Simultaneously, Bellaire will grapple with managing growth while preserving its small-town charm.
What elements of the Bellaire Comprehensive Plan are most important for city council to focus on for the future of Bellaire?
The most crucial aspect to focus on is preserving the small-town charm that initially attracted residents to Bellaire. This should be a guiding principle in all future development decisions. Striking a balance between growth and keeping the city's unique character should be a central goal. We should ensure that the original intent of the Comprehensive Plan is respected and upheld.
