What's happening
Incumbents Bevin O'Connor Gordon and David Langenberg are running again in hopes to remain on the board of commissioners, and two other candidates will also be on the ballot—Jaime H. Martinez and David Farrington.
The two candidates who earn the most votes will win the two seats up for election. Voters can select up to two of the four candidates on the ballot.
Early voting will take place Oct. 21-Nov. 1, and Election Day is Nov. 5.
What else?
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
Bevin O'Connor Gordon (incumbent)
Experience:
Communications director, United States Navy veteran, [Cy-Fair Educational Foundation] trustee, HCA community board member and registered nurse
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for this position, and what qualifies you for the role?
I am committed to transparent governance, the ethical and effective use of tax revenues, and ensuring exceptional emergency response for the Cy-Fair community. As an active community leader, registered nurse, U.S. Navy veteran and incumbent candidate, I have the experience to make informed decisions about effective emergency response.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
My top priority is implementing the Cy-Fair Fire Department’s strategic plan, including constructing eight fire stations over the next five to eight years, recruiting and retaining qualified fire and EMS staff, and ensuring the acquisition of necessary equipment for rapid response times that meet or exceed industry standards.
What are the biggest challenges facing ESD No. 9, and how would you address them?
Rapid population growth and call volume increases are our primary problems. Building, staffing and equipping fire stations will allow the department to continue providing timely and effective emergency responses. Additionally, I will support ongoing, innovative professional development for every member of the Cy-Fair Fire Department.
How would you support the district’s plan to add new stations and increase staffing in the next few years?
As a result of meticulous financial management, CFFD will construct eight stations without raising taxes or incurring debt. Distinctions like our dual [Accredited Center of Excellence] accreditation in dispatch, national No. 1 in customer service award and the THRIVE mental health program will attract high-achieving first responders who want to thrive, innovate and achieve.
How would you connect with your constituents to best represent their interests?
I consistently engage constituents at CFFD events, as a member of the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, as an HCA Cypress Hospital board member and a parent of a CFISD student. I am honored to be an ESD 9 commissioner and will continue to prioritize our community’s best interests when re-elected.
Jaime H. Martinez
Experience:
Accountant, business owner; 30-plus years in finance; five in government in charge of budgets, investments, taxes, analysis
Candidate Website:
https://www.jaimemartinez4esd9hc.com
Contact Information:
281-858-7821
Why are you running for this position, and what qualifies you for the role?
My desire to contribute and give back to my community. I love CyFair and have been blessed to live here for past 23 years. I am a business man and have served as government employee in charge of budgets, investments and taxes. I am uniquely qualified to help the …
What would be your top priorities if elected?
Support firefighters and emergency personnel by making certain they have the resources and support necessary to keep themselves and our community safe.
What are the biggest challenges facing ESD No. 9, and how would you address them?
The main challenge is the population and commercial growth. We must be prepared to timely respond to these changing needs. This requires the thoughtful construction of new stations and securing the personnel and equipment to operate these new facilities.
How would you support the district’s plan to add new stations and increase staffing in the next few years?
I will support a thoughtful and fact-based plan to increase stations and staff according to the CyFair community’s current and future needs. I will use my financial expertise and planning skills to position ESD 9 so this plan can be executed.
How would you connect with your constituents to best represent their interests?
By being available for conversation and by proactively reaching out to the community via events and meetings where I can understand needs and concerns. I am also fluent in Spanish; this is particularly important in the CyFair community where over 50% of the residents are Hispanic.
David Langenberg (incumbent)
Experience:
Fire chief for the city of Humble and current commissioner with Cy-Fair FD
Candidate Website:
https://www.votefordavid.org
Contact Information:
281-970-3333
Why are you running for this position, and what qualifies you for the role?
I am a lifelong Cypress resident, I have been in the fire/EMS services for over 26 years, I have been an ESD 9 commissioner for eight years, and I truly care about the safety of this community and keeping our taxes as low as possible.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities when re-elected will be following the plan we started with the strategic plan and district audit. We will move forward with getting the department ready for the explosion of growth west of [the Grand Parkway] and ensuring we do so while keeping our property taxes the lowest in the county.
What are the biggest challenges facing ESD No. 9, and how would you address them?
The biggest challenge is growth. Our district has been and continues to grow rapidly. We paid for an outside audit firm to analyze our area and provide us with a framework for best practices with the resources we currently have. We have a plan to get us where we …
How would you support the district’s plan to add new stations and increase staffing in the next few years?
The strategic plan in place has us able to add stations and personnel up to the staffing levels needed, all while keeping our residents from paying higher tax rates. I assisted in the creation of this plan and will complete the work needed moving forward, and adapt where needed.
How would you connect with your constituents to best represent their interests?
I speak with constituents constantly that have worries and concerns about the growth and how it will affect the money in their pockets. I will make it my goal to keep our tax rate the lowest in Harris County. The ESD ad valorem tax is nearly five times less than …
David Farrington
Experience:
IT system engineer for 21 years; certified master auto technician for 22 years previous
Candidate Website:
https://www.david4cyfairesd9.com
Contact Information:
281-569-4987
Why are you running for this position, and what qualifies you for the role?
I have lived in the Houston/Cy-Fair area for 52 years and I want to help make our community better. I have worked 22 years as a Certified Master Mechanic and the past 21 years as an IT professional and asset manager. My skills and experience will help me provide …
What would be your top priorities if elected?
To ensure firefighters and first responders have the resources and backing necessary to do their jobs safely while keeping us protected.
What are the biggest challenges facing ESD No. 9, and how would you address them?
The main challenge is to grow the Cy-Fair Fire Department to adapt to the increasing population and commercial landscape. We must be prepared to timely respond to these changing needs. This requires the thoughtful construction of fire stations and securing the personnel and equipment to operate these new facilities.
How would you support the district’s plan to add new stations and increase staffing in the next few years?
I will use my talent, experience and expertise to help lead Cy-Fair Fire Department through an unprecedented period of growth. I will be a taxpayer and first responder advocate and will encourage that we invest wisely in the Cy-Fair community. We must be able to adapt in order to address …
How would you connect with your constituents to best represent their interests?
I am very engaged in the community and Cy-Fair is my home. I will be accessible and visible. I have spent a lifetime here and I will support transparency, honesty and integrity in governing.
