Council Member Jack Christie is term-limited and left At-Large Position 5 to an open field of nine contenders. Sallie Alcorn and Eric Dick are in the runoff. Community Impact Newspaper invited candidates to provide the responses below to help voters weigh their options. Responses may have been edited for length.

Early voting takes place Nov. 27 and Dec. 2-10. Election day is Dec. 14.

Eric Dick

Occupation/experience:
I'm a homeowner's insurance lawyer, radio personality, and HCDE trustee.

Website: www.feeding.rocks


What issues do you want to be a lead advocate on?

I will be a watch dog of our resources and an advocate for humanitarian issues. It is possible to be both frugal and compassionate. I've previously advocated against the charitable feeding ban and deceptive language used when expanding term limits.

What role will you play in improving Houston's budgeting and fiscal planning?

Advocating to stop corruption and pay-to-play schemes that plague our city.


What is your take on improving mobility in the city?

I support public transportation but at a fair market value cost. Currently, we are paying $3,000 an inch for light rail!

Sallie Alcorn

Occupation/experience: I have over 13 years experience in local government. I’ve worked in the city’s housing and community development department, as agenda director to a district council member, as chief of staff to both a district and at-large council member, and as an aide to the city’s flood czar. I’ve worked on a broad range of issues including city finances, infrastructure, transportation, housing, and economic development.


Website: www.salliealcorn.com

What issues do you want to be a lead advocate on?

Drainage and flood mitigation – keep water out of people’s homes in every neighborhood across the city and ensure the responsible and efficient spending of Harvey recovery dollars.

Transportation – make it easier and safer to get around. This means more transportation options, less congestion, and safer, well-maintained roads for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.


City finances – the city must live within its means, spend wisely, and plan for the future.

What role will you play in improving Houston's budgeting and fiscal planning?

I will be intent on advancing efforts to put Houston on a sound financial footing. I plan to lead on implementing cost-saving recommendations found in the city's PFM 10-year financial plan. I will advocate for procurement reform, zero-based/outcome-based budgeting, sharing services with Harris County, strategic departmental reviews/audits, consolidation of back office functions, and addressing liabilities associated with deferred maintenance of city facilities and retiree health benefits.

What is your take on improving mobility in the city?


I will engage with city and county leaders in the region, Metro, and TxDOT to advance a multimodal “more than just cars” approach. Houston needs everything to help relieve stress on streets and freeways—cars, buses, bus rapid transit, light rail, commuter rail, pedestrian, bicycle, ride share, and autonomous vehicles. We need more attractive, convenient, and faster connections between major activity centers—get people where they need to go quicker and with less hassle.