Some context
While three council positions will be up for grabs in November, Castleberry said Mayor Chris Parr is running unopposed.
The Roman Forest City Council is made up of five council members and a mayor, according to the city’s website. Both council members and the mayor serve staggered, two-year terms.
Meet the candidates
Incumbent Chris Ellis will be taking on challengers Linda Stewart and David Mullane for the Position 2 seat on the council.
Candidates 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.
*Indicates incumbent
David Mullane
Experience:
35-year resident, nine years on city council, retired business owner, dedicated community leader
Contact Information:
281-389-9258, [email protected]
What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
I've called Roman Forest home for 35 years, raised my family here, and previously served over nine years on City Council. After retiring from running a successful business, I can now dedicate my full time, energy, and experience to ensuring our residents and community continue to thrive.
What measures, if any, need to be taken to address the city's fast-growing population?
Roman Forest's growth can be a blessing if managed, but without proactive planning it will outpace police, roads, and drainage. The measures needed are balanced growth management: stronger infrastructure investment, fiscal responsibility, and policies that protect the “quiet wooded residential" character while supporting modern needs.
What are the city's biggest needs, and how will you address them?
Roman Forest's biggest needs are zoning, better drainage, and protecting home values. We are already working on zoning, and I am committed to getting that across the finish line. By improving infrastructure and ensuring safety, we can preserve our community's character and keep property values strong.
What is your top priority if elected?
My top priority is balanced growth, finishing zoning, strengthening drainage, and ensuring public safety. These steps protect home values and preserve Roman Forest's unique character. I want our community to grow responsibly while keeping the quiet, safe hometown atmosphere that brought families here in the first place.
Linda Stewart
Experience:
Teacher and administrator–45 years, business CEO–30 years, state and local politics, grant writing
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/StewartLCS
Contact Information:
239-910-0293
What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
I’m passionate about keeping our city strong, connected and well-managed. I attend nearly every City Council meeting. I’m an active member and treasurer of the Roman Forest Events committee. I help plan and run events to bring the community together. I observe and listen to what’s happening, seeking positive solutions.
What measures, if any, need to be taken to address the city’s fast-growing population?
Be aware, observant and involved in our growth. Monitor the development and strains of our limited infrastructure and budget. Have fiscal responsibility, transparent governance and putting the needs of residents first. I am committed to doing what’s right, ensuring that decisions support the well-being and future of Roman Forest.
What are the city’s biggest needs, and how will you address them?
Flood damage prevention – Drainage studies and codes and standards need updating to protect property in and outside the floodplain from loss. Some reasonable zoning ordinance that allows for strategic and smart growth of the community for land use, density, elevations, drainage, tree preservation, retail, parks, trails and utilities.
What is your top priority if elected?
Responsible Growth protecting our city’s natural beauty and property values. Flood Mitigation strategies to manage current and future development. Improving code enforcement, permitting and zoning. Securing grants to fund parks, trails, beautification and infrastructure. Foster greater community engagement, ensure resources are managed transparently and efficiently.
Chris Ellis*
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What measures, if any, need to be taken to address the city's fast-growing population?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What are the city's biggest needs, and how will you address them?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What is your top priority if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
