The opening comes after council member Dan Smith filed his run for Waller County commissioner, Precinct 4, vacating his unexpired term on council, Community Impact reported. The winner will serve the remaining time in the unexpired term through May 2027.
Candidates were asked to fill out questions and answers from Community Impact. They 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 on the election, visit the city of Katy’s website.
Cara Bonin
Occupation & Experience:
Contractor, election judge and precinct chair, docent at Katy Heritage Society, directed a nonprofit
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/caraforkaty
Contact Information:
832-683-3784
Why are you running to represent Ward A?
I love that I am the sixth generation to call Katy my hometown. I believe in a responsible, effective local government. When city systems operate with efficiency, integrity and transparency the community can thrive. I want to contribute thoughtful leadership focused on fairness, and long term solutions for our future.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy?
My priority is working with the mayor, council and city administration to urgently address flooding and infrastructure needs while being mindful of taxpayer impact. We should provide improved, well maintained streets, sidewalks, and drainage and city services within a reasonably firm budget.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
Pressing issues include everyday infrastructure: flooding after storms, busy roads, lack of sidewalks, and a permit process that can feel overwhelming, I want to listen, work collaboratively, and focus on thoughtful drainage care, safer traffic solutions and a clearer, friendlier permitting process which truly helps the people of Katy.
What would you do to continue prioritizing mobility in Katy?
Collaboration is the key to improved mobility because I will be only one of five council members who will have to work with our three counties, Metro and The Texas Department of transportation to coordinate projects. We have some serious catching up to do while simultaneously planning for future growth.
Paula Taylor
Occupation & Experience:
30 years social studies teacher at KHS, 10 years on Keep Katy Beautiful Board
Candidate Website:
Facebook Page: Paula Taylor – Candidate, Ward A
Why are you running to represent Ward A?
Local government decisions have dramatic impact on our daily life, and it is the place where citizens’ voices make the greatest difference. I want my voice, as informed by the concerns of my neighbors, to be heard as important decisions that affect safety, mobility, and the character Katy, are made.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy?
Managing population growth is the top priority because that growth impacts so many areas: mobility, water availability, increased safety needs and need for expanded infrastructure. Completing drainage projects is also a top concern for voters.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
Mobility issues are the concerns I have heard most about from residents. Using Katy’s Metro dollars to fund major road expansion projects has saved the city millions of dollars, so learning more about how that process works, and how we can increase the amount of Metro dollars coming to the city is an issue I plan to focus on.
What would you do to continue prioritizing mobility in Katy?
Exploring ways the city can partner with surrounding counties to expand existing roads or build new roads that route “commuter traffic” around the city instead of through our neighborhoods. Efficiently routing those drivers to major transportation lines with as little increase in traffic within the city limits will be a priority for me.
