HOUSTON



Montgomery City Council, Place 3










T.J. Wilkerson*



Occupation: senior plant operator


Experience: 44 years in oil and gas industry, mayor pro tem






What are the greatest challenges facing the city of Montgomery, and how do you plan to address them?



TW: Affordable housing is a great concern because the beginning of being independent and self-sufficient are two of the pillars that requires moral stamina in achieving the American dream. I will [pursue] home grants or community improvement grants to build or refurbish existing homes. The widening of roads with help from [the Texas Department of Transportation], continuous improvements of city’s infrastructure and working with other entities to recruit new businesses ... will continue to propel the city forward.



Why are you running for City Council?



TW: I believe that the path of human progress, neighborhood improvements and citizen participation are marked by the succession of servanthood and a diverse council that will work to ensure that all of the citizens’ concerns are heard, discussed, evaluated and acted upon as necessary. My perspective is one of inclusion and to represent all of the citizens with utmost respect and character by giving attention to detail and to listen to everyone’s concern.









John Champagne Jr.



Occupation: managing partner for Toro Tubulars


Experience: 10 years on City Council, five years on Montgomery Economic Development Corp., president of an HOA






What are the greatest challenges facing the city of Montgomery, and how do you plan to address them?



JC: Maintaining and improving roads and walkways by increasing the budget amount and making it a priority [such as] accessing historic downtown with sidewalks from each direction of the city [and] following through with alleviating traffic bottlenecks ...; improving the efficiencies of our utilities [by] incorporating the 12-inch water line according to plan, implementing new facilities for [a third] water plant and having a more specific plan for the city's future need of a new sewer plant; ... [and] the continuing challenge of balancing the growth of the city while maintaining the historic "small" town character.



Why are you running for City Council?



JD: To help refocus the city's efforts in maintaining civil order; dependable and cost-effective water and sewer; and providing excellent roads, walkways and city parks. In short, improving the quality of life by providing exceptional customer service to our citizens.



Responses may have been edited for length and clarity.