What you need to know
Candidates running for mayor were asked to complete a questionnaire from Community Impact. They 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.
The last day to register to vote is April 3 and early voting will begin April 22, with election day on May 3, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office.
Thomas Hinckley
Experience:
served two years as Planning & Zoning Commission chairman, business owner in project…
Occupation:
business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.votetomhinckley.com
Contact Information:
346-474-0575rn
What will your biggest priority be if elected?
My biggest priority would be to ensure strong communication with the community. I plan to continue being present and visible in the community, and encourage citizens to communicate their concerns.
What changes, if any, would you like to see to the city's budget?
I feel Friendswood does a great job of not only budgeting but coming in under budget. I would want to ensure that we continue to evaluate expenditures and future agreements with the best interest of our citizens in mind.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
I feel that [the] city has good plans in place as far as water and sewer maintenance and upgrades. I would like to see us also continue to expand walking paths increasing the walkability of the city.
What is the biggest challenge you see for Friendswood in the coming years?
The biggest challenge I see for Friendswood is that we are quickly running out of undeveloped land. As things evolve, there will need to be reviews of city ordinances and allowed uses of properties. Innovative thinking and problem-solving skills will be key.
Michael Ross
Experience:
MUD [Municipal Utility District] board president, drainage planning, park planning, transportation planning, mixed-use development…
Occupation:
real estate developer
Candidate Website:
https://www.electmichaelross.com
Contact Information:
346-353-1540rn
More Information:
[email protected]
What will your biggest priority be if elected?
My top priority is ensuring all public works projects are properly funded and completed on time, with a strong focus on flooding and drainage issues. I regret how long some projects, like Blackhawk Boulevard, have taken, and I will work to improve efficiency and accountability in future projects.
What changes, if any, would you like to see to the city's budget?
Two budget concerns stand out. First, the $10.2 million from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds—11% of total revenue—is unsustainable long-term, requiring careful transition planning. Second, I’d advocate for proper funding to complete sidewalks along FM 518 from FM 2351 to FM 528 for safety and accessibility.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
Aging infrastructure like storm sewers and paving must take priority over new road projects. Developers—not taxpayers—should fund new roads. Additionally, with 30 years of property tax revenue already committed to developers through TIRZ [No.] 2, we must be strategic with city funds to maintain existing infrastructure.
What is the biggest challenge you see for Friendswood in the coming years?
I’ve worked with the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District on long-term storm planning. Planning for 24-hour events is inadequate—our community has faced multiday storms like [hurricanes] Allison and Harvey. Friendswood must adopt improved stormwater management criteria to reduce future risks and enhance resilience against prolonged weather events.
