Q&A: Get to know the candidates vying for Humble City Council Place 5

What inspired you to run for this office and what qualifications do you possess?

I love Humble. It's a wonderful place [to] live and has been my family's home for six generations. I have a servant's heart. My wife, Diane, and I love living, working and raising our kids and grandkids here. I will do my best to keep and make it the very best city Humble can possibly be. My qualifications are my family (married, three children, five grandchildren) and faith (member [of] First United Methodist Humble). [I am a] graduate of Humble High [School], as were my parents [and] my children, and our grandkids [are] currently attending HISD. [I am a] graduate of TAMU [with a] bachelor of science I.D. degree [from the] College of Engineering. I have experience working with budgets [and] hiring employees, while [keeping] costs down. I'm the person to get the job done.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Public safety, storm drainage, infrastructure, traffic flow, garbage and recycling programs, fiscal responsibilities [and] keeping our ad valorem taxes low.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges the city of Humble is currently facing and how would you address those challenges?

Being safe in our homes, on our streets and at our stores. We are living in uncertain times, and the city must be there for our residents and have their backs during adversities, such as the economy, hurricanes, flooding, freezes and tornadoes. It's my commitment to be ready to help with these issues, and that is most important.

What part(s) of the city's budget (if any) do you believe are overfunded and/or underfunded, and how would you address that?

Our city is competing with other local towns, such as Tomball, Katy and Houston, to hire and keep top experienced personnel and employees in all departments. As a council member, it's imperative to oversee that the city allocated the funds in the budget to keep pace and stay on top.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in the city?

Making volunteer opportunities available to all citizens creates positive platforms for input. Get involved [with the] Beautification Committee, Lighted Christmas Parade, Humble Museum, Citizens Police Academy, Good OI' Days [and the] Senior Activity Center. I am the council liaison for the city of Humble Beautification Committee that is open to all, and all are welcome. I've been the master of ceremonies for the city's annual Lighted Christmas Parade since the very first one over 30 years [ago]. Come be a part.

What inspired you to run for this office and what qualifications do you possess?

My inspiration to run for this office is to get involved with my community on a different level. It's a shame that your everyday ordinary residents like myself don't/won't get involved. It's evident by the number (lack of) those that choose to run for City Council. What qualifies me? Aside [from] the standard requirements (city of Humble resident, over 18 years of age, etc.), I possess the ability to offer this city a new perspective. I feel Humble has been stagnant for many, many years. We need to change that. Get out in the city, neighborhoods, businesses and actually talk one on one with people. Get their thoughts, opinions, suggestions on how Humble can be a vibrant, safe and nice place to live. I've been a resident of Humble for 25 years and don't plan on leaving anytime soon.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

More community involvement. I feel it is sorely lacking. And, of course, downtown revitalization, which has been on the minds and agendas for quite awhile.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges the city of Humble is currently facing and how would you address those challenges?

I sound like a broken record, but again, community involvement. I have seen first hand how our residents stepped up to the plate in various natural disasters and helped each other.

What part(s) of the city's budget (if any) do you believe are overfunded and/or underfunded, and how would you address that?

Humble has as long as I can remember been very money smart. I don't feel anything is really over- or underfunded.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in the city?

We need to find a way to be able to engage residents. Maybe send out a yearly survey to people asking questions say about level of crime in their particular neighborhoods, services lacking in the city, things like that. This list could go on and on. Maybe local government can get a feel [for] what the residents' concerns are, good or bad. Yes, residents can voice their concerns/questions etc. at City Council meetings once a month, but that form of participation is pretty sparse.