What's happening
Candidates running for mayor of Katy were asked to complete a questionaire 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.
*Indicates incumbent
William H. “Dusty” Thiele*
Experience:
mayor of the city of Katy (May 13, 2022-present)
Candidate Website:
https://www.dustythieleforkaty.com
Contact Information:
281-391-4800
Why did you choose to re-run for Katy mayor?
I’m committed to building on the progress we’ve made. My experience, strong relationships and deep understanding of our city’s needs will help ensure we continue improving infrastructure, mobility and essential services for Katy residents. There’s still important work to be done, and I want to see it through.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy?
My top priority is to see ongoing projects through to completion, while launching new initiatives that enhance quality of life. From infrastructure to public safety and economic growth, I will ensure Katy continues to thrive while maintaining its small town charm.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
Drainage remains a key concern. We’ve made significant progress in flood mitigation, but improvements must continue. I will prioritize funding, partnerships and strategic planning to advance drainage projects that protect homes and businesses.
What would you do to continue prioritizing mobility in Katy?
Expanding and improving roads is essential for keeping Katy moving. We’ve completed key mobility projects and have more in the pipeline. I will continue working with local and regional partners to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion as our city grows.
Michael Anthony Payne
Experience:
information technology manager at Advanced Roofing Solutions LLC, business associate degree at Houston Community College
Candidate Website:
https://michaelpayneformayor.weebly.com
Contact Information:
346-377-3954
Why did you choose to run for Katy mayor?
After living in Katy for [15-plus] years, I've become deeply concerned with how the city proper's being ran lately, with two breaking points Katy Market Days and bypassing the charter commission (e.g. unrealistic term limit reform/abolishment), highlighting the current administration's true colors on shaping policy and future path forward.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy?
Transparency, accountability and reshaping local government that'll work with and for the people.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
Local government becoming way too big and increasingly inefficient at the same time, like trying to grow the tourism bureau to be a planner and instilling sole power for [city of Katy] events, while letting our public works and permitting departments suffer, the solution is getting core priorities back in order.
What would you do to continue prioritizing mobility in Katy?
Besides continuing to expand our sidewalk footprint for walking/biking and ensuring safe, drivable roads, I'm not completely sure what else could be done for a city as small as Katy.<br>
