Friendswood residents will vote on two city council positions during the May general elections. Incumbent John Scott is running for his third term on Friendswood City Council for position No. 5. He faces opposition from David O'Farrell, a Realtor and the chairman of the city's planning and zoning commission. Although Billy Enochs currently serves on city council position No. 2, he will step down in May to focus on his bid for Galveston County Commissioner in 2018. Two residents have stepped up to fill the open seat, Omar Peck and Sally Harris Branson. Early voting begins April 24 and runs through May 2, and election day is May 6. In addition to the city council races, Friendswood residents will vote on eight city charter amendments. Read more about the amendments here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and online at communityimpact.com for live coverage on election day, May 6. *An asterisk marks the incumbent candidate.

Position No. 2

Omar Peck Omar Peck is running for Friendswood City Council position No. 2.[/caption] Professional experience: U.S. Marine Corp., retiree Years lived in Friendswood: last 3 years and between 1973-1978 Current civic positions held: President, Creekwood Estates Homeowners Association Campaign website: www.omarpeck.com Top priorities:

• To be a voice for all the residents of the city. To listen to their concerns and visions for their community and bring that to the Council when making decisions.
• To be a good steward of the tax payers dollars and to assure that the quality services provided by the City continue as we grow.
• To assure that business growth supports the revenue needs of the city and that there is a sensible balance between business and residential.
• To ensure the City and school districts work hand in hand to meet the educational needs of our community.
• To preserve the Hometown atmosphere and core values that define our city and make it the desired place to live that it is.

Why are you running for Friendswood City Council? The paramount reason I am running for Councilman Position 2 is because this is my home which I have come to know and love. I believe it is incumbent on all of us to serve our community in some capacity. I want to represent and serve all the people, every citizen of Friendswood. My family has three generations living here. Running for council is my way of being able to "pay it forward" to the next generations in gratitude for the privilege and honor of living in this great place. I believe my business and community service experience have equipped me to serve the people well. What do you hope to accomplish as a council member? As a City Council member, I want to assure that we maintain our focus on preserving our “Hometown” atmosphere while strategically positioning ourselves for inevitable growth from not only within but from the surrounding areas that appear to be growing at a fairly rapid pace; and that the decisions made by the Council reflect the vision and needs of the people.   Sally Harris Branson Professional experience: Friendswood branch manager, Raymond James Financial Services Years lived in Friendswood: 27 Current civic positions held: Vice president, Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association; member, Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission; at-large member, Friendswood ISD Education Foundation; member, Friendswood Historical Society; member, Galveston County Historical Commission; fellow, Rotary Club of Friendswood Campaign website: www.Sally4Council.com Top priorities: Sally Harris Branson is running for Friendswood City Council Position No. 2.[/caption]

• Shaping Friendswood’s future. Change will happen regardless, I would like to get out ahead of the change and take a proactive approach. Otherwise, we risk losing our heritage and become just another indistinguishable suburb of Houston.
• A balanced tax rate through economic development, downtown enhancements and diversifying the tax rate from it’s current 90% /10% residential mix to a more sustainable 80%/20% resident to commercial mix
• Quality public safety, including police, fire and EMS services
• Improved infrastructure including water for the future along with adequate funding for street and drainage improvements
• Quality facilities, parks, libraries and community events that make Friendswood feel like a Friendly Community. 

Why are you running for Friendswood City Council? As a longtime Friendswood resident and graduate of Friendswood High School, my roots go very deep in this community.  My long-term knowledge and involvement in this community, along with my strong financial background qualifies me to be your next Councilmember.  Having the standard of frugality from my parents and the experience of helping others grow their investments, prepares me to serve on council as a fiduciary of your tax dollars. What sets me apart from others is my love of this community and what Friendswood stands for; a place of friendly people. What do you hope to accomplish as a council member? My goal is to effect thoughtful growth of our city while maintaining the quality of life we all love and enjoy in Friendswood.  In addition, I will work to sustain safety and affordability while continuing our beautification efforts. Shaping Friendswood’s future without losing sight of our past is my continuing vision.

Position No. 5

David O'Farrell David O'Farrell is running for Friendswood City Council Position No. 5.[/caption] Professional experience: Realtor, O'Farrell Realty Inc. Years lived in Friendswood: 61 Current civic positions held: chairman, Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission; board member, Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association Campaign website: www.davidofarrell.com Top Priorities:

• Keep our property taxes low
• Maintaining a safe affordable city through thoughtful development with and understanding of our city's values and past
• Being the citizens voice on city council

Why are you running for Friendswood City Council? Friendswood is a special place; if you live here you know that, and my commitment to it is absolute.  As we near build out, the next few years offer a unique opportunity to "stamp" it's final form in a way that will bless the generations that follow us.  I'd like to be part of that "final stamping" and feel that my lifelong residency here gives me a unique ability to properly represent its citizens values and past. What do you hope to accomplish as a council member? I will work to keep Friendswood's property taxes low and services to its citizens high. John Scott* John Scott is running for a third term on Friendswood City Council.[/caption] Professional experience: President, Phoenix Industrial Tires Years lived in Friendswood: 21 Current civic positions held: Friendswood City Council, 2011-present Campaign website: www.electjohnscott.org Top priorities:

• Ensuring that the citizen’s tax dollars are spent wisely
• That the rules for development are applied equally to all

Why are you running for Friendswood City Council? I’ve been in Friendswood since 1980 except for the five years that I was away while serving in the Marine Corps.  I have served 6 years on city council and 3 years on parks and recreation.  My motive for running for re-election is the same as it was the first time I ran—to serve my community. What do you hope to accomplish as a council member? I hope to make sure that the values that have shaped this community continue as we approach build out.