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With early voting starting April 24, here are the two candidates vying for the Ward A seat on Katy City Council in the upcoming May 6 election. The candidates include incumbent Janet Corte and contractor Cara Bonin.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 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.
Why are you running for Katy City Council?
As a sixth-generation Katy Texan, I want to be the nonpartisan representative working for the positive changes I feel everyone deserves to have in council. My public policy directives improved through world travel, and studies of history and statesmen who believe that we the people are here to direct our government and not be subjects of it. As alderman, my priorities are to the people while protecting our rights, powers, privileges, duties and immunities.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Expediting improvements of drainage and storage of flood water is my top priority. Residents are still living with flood damage and feel panic when we experience rainfall year-round. Old structures sink with time as the water table depletes. New developments overwhelm existing drainage paths. A more aggressive approach needs to be implemented in the charter and the comprehensive plan concerning restoration of existing issues and prevention of future floods.
What are some of the important issues facing Katy residents?
Many are feeling the growing pains associated with the exponential population boom. Our current infrastructure is not performing well with the growing population. We feel it on the streets with increased traffic, lack of sidewalks and public transportation. Our tap water should be high-quality, clean drinking water. The cost of city water is rising while the quality lowers as we convert to surface water by 80%. City utilities and services must be exceptional.
Why are you running for Katy City Council?
I deeply care for this town, its residents and heritage. While on council, much has been accomplished, including multiple drainage/infrastructure projects, lowering property tax rates, fully funding public safety, and improving and adding parks. There is still more to do, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue the current momentum. Going forward, I will continue focusing on these areas while preserving and protecting Katy’s small-town charm and heritage.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority is improving drainage and repairing or replacing aging infrastructure. Residents still get nervous during heavy rains since the Tax Day Flood and Hurricane Harvey. I have worked with city staff to help identify the most affected areas. While we have made several improvements, studies and assessments are currently underway for future projects. Once the studies are completed, the engineers and city staff will evaluate and prioritize these areas.
What are some of the important issues facing Katy residents?
With the area around the city developing, public safety and traffic control are important to our residents. We must continue to invest in public safety, and I fully support our first responders. Residents want to know their homes and family are protected, and someone will be there within minutes when needed. Traffic is harder to control, and we need to [work] with surrounding ... entities, such as [Texas Department of Transportation] on mobility planning.
