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Posted 9:30 p.m. Jan. 31
Unofficial voting totals from the Jan. 31 special election show Paula Taylor has secured the open Ward A seat on Katy City Council.
What you need to know
Two candidates competed to fill the unexpired term of former council member Dan Smith, who vacated his seat to run for the Waller County Precinct 4 commissioner, Community Impact reported.
Unofficial voting totals for the Ward A race show:
In her own words
In a statement, Taylor said she is very excited to be the new council member for Ward A and thanked current Ward A council members Janet Corte and Dan Smith for their support, as well as At-Large council member Chris Harris, who serves as mayor pro tem.
"I look forward to serving the city of Katy, and hope to earn the trust and respect of those who voted for me as well as those who supported my opponent," she said. "I know I have a lot to learn, and I'm ready to get busy listening to the concerns of constituents and working with the other council members to address those concerns."
She also thanked all those who voted in the election, as well as those who helped with her campaign. She specifically named her husband, Jim.
At the polls
Katy saw a total of 345 voters this election with 137 ballots cast in-person during the early voting period from Jan. 20-27, according to early voting statistics from the city's website.
About the candidates
Taylor, a 30-year social studies teacher at Katy High School, said in a questionnaire with Community Impact that she chose to run because she wants to use her voice—as informed by the concerns of neighbors—to be heard as important decisions about the city of Katy are made.
Her top priority includes managing population growth as she believes it affects many areas, including mobility, water availability, increased safety needs and expanded infrastructure. Completing drainage projects is also a top concern, she said.
Meanwhile, Bonin—who is a contractor—said in the questionnaire she chose to run because she wants to contribute thoughtful leadership focused on fairness and long-term solutions for the city’s future.
Her top priorities include working with the mayor and city administration to urgently address flooding and infrastructure needs. She said she also wants to provide improved and well-maintained streets, sidewalks, drainage and city services.
Stay tuned
Community Impact will update this article as more election day information is received. All results are unofficial until canvassed.
