While a total of eight candidates originally submitted their applications for City Council, only seven candidates will be listed on the ballot after one candidate withdrew from the race, according to officials. Candidates running for a seat on City Council will not compete for a specific position, but will be placed according to whomever receives the top four highest votes.
On the ballot
The names of candidates running for the four City Council positions include:
- John Barnes, former City Council member
- John Bertini, former City Council member
- Clay Brett, incumbent
- Matthew "Mateo" Fisher
- Matt Hart, incumbent
- Kalie Jackura Rainsberger
- Nicholas Thomas Stuart
Also of note
Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words and asked to address the question and not attack other candidates. Answers may have been cut or edited to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Dates to know
Early voting for the May election will take place April 22-29, according to the Harris County clerk's office. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is April 22 and the last day to register to vote is April 3.
Sample ballots are available to see on the county's election website: here.
John Barnes
Experience:
Two-term council member; 22-year resident; 28-year real estate attorney; president, Sentinel Club; eight-year Challenger volunteer
Candidate Website:
https://www.johnbarnesforwestu.com
Why are you running for West U City Council?
Our city should always be accountable to residents. The fact that members of the current council sought for the past year to deny residents a vote on the plan to demolish our civic center and increase taxes to pay for it shows that a change in leadership is desperately needed.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Restoring transparency and accountability, enhancing resident safety and security, addressing and improving aging or inadequate water, sewage and drainage infrastructure, conserving city resources to avoid unnecessary tax increases, and continuing to promote a sense of community through support for seniors, parks and youth sports.
How will you build transparency and communication efforts between the West U City Council and the thousands of West U residents?
Many of the issues that have divided our community resulted from a lack of either effective resident engagement or an adequate mechanism for calling a voter referendum. I would support the creation of a referendum option and would encourage the use of less structured town halls with enhanced citizen participation.
What is your take on residential development in the city and what influence would you bring to the table on that matter, if elected?
Our city is, first and foremost, a community of homes and neighbors. City policy should therefore seek to encourage sensible development that enhances health, safety and quality of life for residents of all ages while keeping taxes and fees as low as possible.
West U continues to dedicate taxpayer dollars to the city’s flood mitigation projects. How will you work with your fellow West U constituents and citizens to address the significance of this investment?
We face major challenges in making our flood mitigation infrastructure ready for the next 100 years. Meeting this moment will require careful fiscal governance and sound project management to avoid unnecessary front-end debt loading on non-essential building initiatives that will increase taxes and harm our ability to address more critical items.
West U celebrated its centennial year. What are your hopes for the city’s future?
West U has been a part of my family since 1941, and my home for the past 22 years. My hope is that by making sensible, fiscally responsible choices today, generations of future residents, young and old, will be able to build their own cherished memories of West U.
John Bertini
Experience:
Urologist, member of seven board of directors, chairman of four, served on WUP City Council 2000
Why are you running for West U City Council?
I have lived in [West University Place] all my life, since 1956. I was honored to serve on City Council in 2000. Several citizens approached me to run again. I hope to serve the citizens respectfully with a focus on safety and basic city services.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Maintain and improve: police and fire protection, solid waste and recycling, city hall responsiveness and infrastructure quality. Closely monitor city spending and be available to citizens to express their concerns.
How will you build transparency and communication efforts between the West U City Council and the thousands of West U residents?
Continue to hold City Council meetings twice monthly. Answer e-mails. Respond to requests to meet with citizens. Redouble efforts to communicate via all methods available.
What is your take on residential development in the city and what influence would you bring to the table on that matter, if elected?
Keep high building standards and tighten compliance via building inspections during construction. Respond to citizen complaints promptly.
West U continues to dedicate taxpayer dollars to the city’s flood mitigation projects. How will you work with your fellow West U constituents and citizens to address the significance of this investment?
Review current plants to address drainage in the city and place projects in priority to expedite completion before another hurricane challenges our stormwater drainage capacity.
West U celebrated its centennial year. What are your hopes for the city’s future?
Safer streets. Civil discourse on municipal topics. Responsiveness to all our citizens.
Clay Brett *Incumbent
Experience:
Attorney (partner, Baker Botts), former principal investor, one term City Council, one term Zoning Board of Adjustment
Candidate Website:
https://www.claybrettforwestu.com
Why are you running for West U City Council?
I am running for reelection to continue to fight for our families and seniors who desperately need voices on council. Our upcoming capital projects allow us to renew this community for future generations and I am unique among the candidates with leadership and infrastructure experience to deliver excellent results.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Our city needs three things: (1) leadership that prioritizes kids and seniors in West U, including improved pedestrian safety, (2) sound fiscal management of our upcoming capital projects, detailed on my website and (3) a vision for West U that will leave our community better than where we found it.
How will you build transparency and communication efforts between the West U City Council and the thousands of West U residents?
No question that something's wrong when the eight-year-old Facilities Master Plan is characterized as rushing a project. I will meet our residents where they are - asking the residents how they prefer to consume city information - and follow their lead in communicating city issues to them.
What is your take on residential development in the city and what influence would you bring to the table on that matter, if elected?
I’ve always prioritized our residential character, its quiet and safe living experience. Our city is experiencing a lot of consolidation and rebuilding, which stresses neighbors' tolerance for ongoing development. I will balance the protection of our neighbors from abusive developers with an efficient permitting and regulatory framework to keep development costs attractive.
West U continues to dedicate taxpayer dollars to the city’s flood mitigation projects. How will you work with your fellow West U constituents and citizens to address the significance of this investment?
One part of leadership is measured action with a swift delivery. The right solution for our next challenge, the westside, will address street flooding and yard ponding. The right project will result in a fast and efficient drainage project that dries out the westside at a fair price.
West U celebrated its centennial year. What are your hopes for the city’s future?
Just like the many generations that came before us, I hope that we continue to invest in our community to build a better future for our children and future neighbors, allowing residents the opportunity to grow their families here and age in place as the most amazing place to live …
Matthew "Mateo" Fisher
Experience:
Corporate attorney, specializing in software licensing, Zoning and Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment
Candidate Website:
https://mateo4westu.substack.com
Why are you running for West U City Council?
West U is home. It’s where my family has built a life, where neighbors become friends, where small moments add up to something lasting. I’m running to give back—to keep what works, fix what doesn’t and make sure this community stays strong for the people who call it home.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
My top priority is strengthening the community—ensuring West U remains a place where neighbors connect and belong. That means reliable police and infrastructure, proactive flood management, structured and unstructured community spaces for residents in all stages of life, and open communication so residents are informed and heard.
How will you build transparency and communication efforts between the West U City Council and the thousands of West U residents?
In an era of information overload and attention scarcity, cutting through the noise is harder than ever. It’s no surprise many residents miss key city updates despite West U’s tireless efforts. I’ll help rethink communication—experimenting with creative solutions to find what truly engages residents and drives meaningful participation.
What is your take on residential development in the city and what influence would you bring to the table on that matter, if elected?
West U must balance preserving character with thoughtful growth. I bring a measured, analytical approach to development policies, ensuring they align with residents’ needs and city goals. My experience on the Zoning and Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment gives me the perspective to navigate these discussions effectively.
West U continues to dedicate taxpayer dollars to the city’s flood mitigation projects. How will you work with your fellow West U constituents and citizens to address the significance of this investment?
Flood mitigation is essential to protecting homes, safety and West U’s future. The city has invested heavily, but this work is never done. I will push for continued monitoring, smarter adaptation and clear communication so residents understand the impact, costs and progress of these critical projects.
West U celebrated its centennial year. What are your hopes for the city’s future?
West U thrives because of its strong sense of community and the way public spaces bring neighbors together. I hope to build on that—preserving what makes West U special while fostering connections through parks, walkability and shared spaces. Thoughtful policies can ensure tradition and progress work hand in hand.
Matt Hart *Incumbent
Experience:
West U City Council (since 2023); adjunct professor, University of Houston Law Center; corporate finance attorney (private practice) ...
Candidate Website:
https://www.matt-hart-for-west-u.com/about
Why are you running for West U City Council?
While on council, I’ve lowered tax rates, improved staffing at the police and fire departments and invested in critical infrastructure. I want to continue to invest in infrastructure and services to ensure that West U is a safe and secure home for all families.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
We awarded a contract to improve our wastewater treatment plant, and that work will progress. I also want to invest to improve our city center facilities. Our water system is strong today, but we should execute plans for its safety, resiliency and efficiency for years to come.
How will you build transparency and communication efforts between the West U City Council and the thousands of West U residents?
Our citizens lead West U as volunteers in government, the school, sports and other activities, actively sharing their voices. We have two-year election cycles, and boards and commissions, where volunteer citizens drive initiatives. We have a strong framework for transparency and communication, and we should continue those efforts.
What is your take on residential development in the city and what influence would you bring to the table on that matter, if elected?
West U continues to be an attractive place for residents, and homeowners continue to invest in and develop their properties. This is a good thing. While construction can be bothersome, ultimately, a desirable, well-invested neighborhood allows us to provide improved services at lower tax rates for all our benefit.
West U continues to dedicate taxpayer dollars to the city’s flood mitigation projects. How will you work with your fellow West U constituents and citizens to address the significance of this investment?
Council has developed plans to address drainage concerns. These plans aren’t finalized, and ultimately residents will decide whether they provide sufficient value. A few points: investing to improve resilience, reduce flood insurance rates and improve property values may be worth the taxes needed to pay for these improvements.
West U celebrated its centennial year. What are your hopes for the city’s future?
Our founders chose independence, and we should invest in an independent, improved future. I envision a West U where no home floods and where the water system is reliable, even during Houston outages. I see residents of all ages continuing to enjoy activities and well-invested facilities for years to come.
Kalie Jackura Rainsberger
Experience:
Mother, business consultant, project manager, West U Citizens Academy, Centennial Committee, 19 years of residency
Why are you running for West U City Council?
I grew up in West U, and want my children to experience the same safety and quality of life I did. These are put at risk by the planned city rebuild, which will crush us with debt and construction activity, prioritizes discretionary projects over essential ones and raises tax rates.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Health and safety projects are essential and must be given priority. Police and fire departments need sufficient staffing and facilities to protect residents, but, currently, key positions remain open and renovations to facilities are scheduled behind unnecessary building projects. Addressing known, at-risk infrastructure will ensure our water security and independence.
How will you build transparency and communication efforts between the West U City Council and the thousands of West U residents?
I will vote “NO” on Proposition A, which would allow council to meet only once a month. Residents must be able to speak to council, directly and often. Neighbors who come to me for help will receive the compassion, consideration and effort they deserve, unlike responses I have personally received.
What is your take on residential development in the city and what influence would you bring to the table on that matter, if elected?
My family’s safety and quality of life were seriously impacted by this issue due to current deficiencies in staffing, training and leadership. Sufficient hiring and training of building and code enforcement staff is critical to residents. Ordinances must be amended and enforced to protect residents from unscrupulous speculative building practices.
West U continues to dedicate taxpayer dollars to the city’s flood mitigation projects. How will you work with your fellow West U constituents and citizens to address the significance of this investment?
Drainage projects protect residents and their property, and the huge financial investment they require should be reflected in their effectiveness. Detention sites must be acquired to maximize existing but restricted, drainage systems. The wastewater treatment plant should be treated with urgency, and given financial resources that reflect its importance.
West U celebrated its centennial year. What are your hopes for the city’s future?
As a member of the Centennial Committee, I know we must understand our past to plan our future. West U must preserve the quality of life, safety and small-town charm it is known for. Current and future generations of residents should be able to stay, deeply rooted, in our community.
Nicholas Thomas Stuart
Experience:
Approximately 25-year financial services professional, currently a managing director on the energy investment banking team …
Why are you running for West U City Council?
Skill set will complement the “lawyer-heavy” city council and help shape the West U City Council’s financial perspective. Hope to inspire other financial service professionals who live in West U to serve on West U City Council in the future.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
There are merits to renovating and merits to rebuilding. Voters will decide. I will be focused on financial stability and cost-effective financing. Finance is my expertise. Council needs to have this skill set.
How will you build transparency and communication efforts between the West U City Council and the thousands of West U residents?
Encourage people to read the materials that are produced and distributed. Perhaps place signs throughout the neighborhood when important topics are being discussed. Consider adding more email, text and other communication channels into the mix.
What is your take on residential development in the city and what influence would you bring to the table on that matter, if elected?
My understanding is the city's density is shrinking. Not sure we have a development issue. Always an opportunity for improvement, but I think what we are currently doing is generally fine.
West U continues to dedicate taxpayer dollars to the city’s flood mitigation projects. How will you work with your fellow West U constituents and citizens to address the significance of this investment?
Communication is nearly as critical as the need for continued investment in water management. Outside of safety and security, flood mitigation is probably [number two] on the list of priorities. Keeping residents informed through more communication channels is how I would influence things.
West U celebrated its centennial year. What are your hopes for the city’s future?
My hope is that we move away from the cloud of divisiveness that seems to have settled over the city the last few years. Want to see West U back to being a happy village.
