Local business owner Lori Ball, who worked as commissioner on the Tomball Charter Review Committee, is a candidate in the Tomball City Council special election.

The city of Tomball is holding a special election Jan. 18 for Council Position 3, left vacant by Council Member Rick Brown, who resigned Nov. 18.

Ball, owner of Our Parent's House, which works with families to find resources for their aging loved ones, was chairman on the Alzheimer's Association's NW Houston Walk to End Alzheimer's in September in Vintage Park.

"I have several years experience in auditing business processes, quality measures and customer service," she said. "My health care experience has taught me how to work with people on all levels and communicate properly based on their needs. I can use these qualifications to make informed decisions based on facts, not on emotion or a pre-planned agenda."

As commissioner on the Tomball Charter Review Committee, Ball helped work to bring the city charter up to current standards.

If elected to the city council, one of Ball's goals include issuing trash cans to every home in the city.

"Several citizens, including myself, have shown interest in trash cans instead of trash bags for curbside pick," she said. "It keeps our city clean and safe by cutting down on wild animals scattering trash through our neighborhoods."

Ball would also like to see better communication between citizens and government and focus on Tomball's history.

"It should not be so hard to get a permit or to build/add on to your home or business in this town," Ball said. "I would like to see the historical district utilized more. We need to show off our heritage, not forget it."

In addition, Ball would like to bring more family-oriented activities to the city.

"Tomball needs activities and programs for children ages 7-17," she said. "I would like to see more art and cultural activities for our children."

Ball also serves on the Tomball Volunteer Retention Committee to ensure a strong volunteer fire department.

"Our fire department depends on volunteers," she said. "We need volunteers, but we need to make sure they are committed to serve our community and reward them for their hard work and bravery."

Voting is open on Jan. 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 401 Market St. Ball is running against local business owner Chad Degges.

For more information, visit www.tomballtx.gov