On the ballot
The candidates running for City Council spots are:
Council member, Place 2
- Eric Henao
- Simon Hughes
- Rachel Beazley
- Michelle Mitcham
What you need to know
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 the election, visit www.jerseyvillagetx.com/page/city.elections.
Eric Henao, City Council Place 2
Experience:
Four-year resident; marketing specialist; planning & zoning and comprehensive plan update committees; JV [Community Emergency Response Team]; JV Citizens Academy
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/erichenaoforjv
Contact Information:
832-900-0567
What is your top priority for Jersey Village if elected?
My top priority is keeping Jersey Village safe, vibrant and thriving. I’ll work with the city to support public safety, enhance community events and ensure smart growth—so families, businesses and residents can continue making great memories here for years to come.
How do you plan to engage with residents to make sure their voices are heard in city decisions?
I’m present at many city meetings and community events, from City Council meetings to Founders Day and Holiday in the Village. I’ll keep my phone number and email available and always be approachable. Open conversations with residents will ensure their voices are considered in the decisions I make on council.
How will you ensure transparency and accountability in City Council decisions?
Transparency isn’t just about posting information—it’s about ensuring residents can find it, understand it and be part of the conversation. While the city shares updates online and in the Jersey Village Star, I’ll go further by engaging with residents. Accountability means explaining my votes and being open to feedback.
If elected, how will you support local businesses and attract new investments?
While serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, I've engaged directly with those looking to invest in Jersey Village. I'll collaborate with the economic development team to streamline processes, address challenges and create a business-friendly environment that attracts and supports new establishments.
How do you plan to balance the city's budget while ensuring essential services are maintained or improved?
City Council plays a high-level role in the budget process, approving plans and providing direction while the city manager and staff handle the details. When presented with options, I’ll ask thorough questions, ensure cost-effective choices and advocate for multiple solutions and contingency plans to keep essential services strong and sustainable.
Simon Hughes, City Council Place 2
Experience:
Resident for 18 years; 35 years as an attorney with corporate and litigation experience
Candidate Website:
https://www.simonhughes.org
Contact Information:
281-380-9001
What is your top priority for Jersey Village if elected?
Planning for the required improvement or replacement of critical infrastructure (roads, water/sewer and municipal facilities); supporting the city’s exceptional police, fire and [emergency medical services]; providing residents with the most desired community amenities; and pursuing a measured approach to spending and borrowing, to avoid burdening taxpayers.
How do you plan to engage with residents to make sure their voices are heard in city decisions?
I will encourage meaningful and productive community engagement. Calls, texts and emails are a good way for busy people to communicate, but nothing beats face-to-face conversation. I intend to routinely hold town hall meetings (in person or by Zoom) to better understand residents’ priorities and concerns about current issues.
How will you ensure transparency and accountability in City Council decisions?
By consistently being available to answer residents’ questions concerning the decision-making process and the reasons for council decisions. Information exchanged or considered by council (e.g. during workshops) is not necessarily discussed during council meetings. Evidence of all matters and opinions considered should be highlighted during those meetings.
If elected, how will you support local businesses and attract new investments?
Pursuing tax abatements/economic development initiatives and cutting red tape. Businesses need compelling reasons to be in Jersey Village. By shopping locally, the community can also reinforce demand and help attract businesses which provide the goods and services desired.
How do you plan to balance the city's budget while ensuring essential<br>services are maintained or improved?
Prioritizing the Capital Improvement Plan and verifying we earmark funds for critical infrastructure and improvements well into the future. Avoiding unnecessary debt by pursuing a phased approach to special projects (e.g. City Hall remodel). As funds become available, projects can proceed, conditioned upon the city maintaining adequate reserve funds.
Rachel Beazley, City Council Place 3
Experience:
Jersey Village parks and recreation committee member, Jersey Village Young Triathlon coordinator
Occupation:
Homemaker
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573774076896
Contact Information:
281-782-2980
What is your top priority for Jersey Village if elected?
My top priority is to ensure that the residents of Jersey Village are provided with thoughtfully designed public spaces that prioritize healthy living and a sense of community. Jersey Village is a multigenerational community, we should provide amenities that reflect that environment by providing for all ages.
How do you plan to engage with residents to make sure their voices are heard in city decisions?
As a volunteer on parks and recreation committee for the past four years, I have interacted with community members who feel that their voice has not been heard. I would work towards formalizing a citizen referendum and petition process to ensure that City Council prioritize the will of the people.
How will you ensure transparency and accountability in City Council decisions?
I would ensure honest and forthright communication with a focus on citizen engagement, as well as accountability measures such as open access to government records.
If elected, how will you support local businesses and attract new investments?
I would work closely with our community development department to ensure we attract businesses that embrace the small town feel of Jersey Village, and work to maintain continued partnerships with these businesses to keep them in our community.
How do you plan to balance the city's budget while ensuring essential services are maintained or improved?
As a small town, planning should be responsible and thoughtful, based on the priorities of our residents. Decisions should be budget conscious and directly benefit the families, neighbors and children within our community.
Michelle Mitcham, City Council Place 3
Experience:
Four-year council member; mayor pro tem; owner of Launch Pediatrics and Senate Avenue Brewing Co.
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/michelleforjv
What is your top priority for Jersey Village if elected?
My top priority is preserving Jersey Village's small-town charm while supporting responsible growth. I’ll maintain our strong community values, enhance local businesses, improve infrastructure and plan for sustainable development. Ensuring Jersey Village remains a welcoming, vibrant place to live is essential to maintaining our high quality of life.
How do you plan to engage with residents to make sure their voices are heard in city decisions?
I believe in direct, personal engagement. Through Launch Pediatric Therapy and Senate Avenue Brewing, I connect with residents regularly. Whether with coffee or events, I remain accessible, turning constituents into friends. My neighbors are my fourth grade teacher, former classmates and new friends—this is what makes Jersey Village special.
How will you ensure transparency and accountability in City Council decisions?
Transparency is key for me. I maintain regular meetings with the city manager and have strong relationships with core staff members. I stay accessible to the community, providing updates on decisions. After meetings, I engage with attendees to listen to concerns and ensure decision making is clear and accountable.
If elected, how will you support local businesses and attract new investments?
I own two small businesses in Jersey Village and am deeply committed to supporting local. I plan to foster collaboration and develop underutilized areas like the land off Senate [Avenue]. This will improve infrastructure, attract new businesses, boost sales tax revenue and increase exemptions while preserving our unique culture.
How do you plan to balance the city's budget while ensuring essential services are maintained or improved?
I’ll prioritize long-term financial planning and evaluate decisions’ impact on future budgets. My experience on City Council and as a business owner helps me take a balanced approach. By fostering economic growth, we can increase sales tax revenue while properly funding police, fire and other essential services.
