Carl W. Gustafson[/caption]Carl W. Gustafson
Years lived in Friendswood: 6
Occupation: engineering firm project manager
281-744-6711
www.gustafsonforcitycouncil.com
Top priorities: final outfitting of the Cpl. Steven Schulz Sportspark girls softball fields, successful appeal of the revised FEMA flood maps developed as part of the proposed Biggert-Water Flood Insurance Reform Act, commercial development of Friendswood’s downtown district, development of a city-wide hike and bike trail
What is your solution to repair city streets?
Establish and fund a perpetual five-year inspection/monitoring program whereby 20 percent of the roads are inspected and evaluated annually. From the program, establish a Top 10 list of road projects and commit to correcting the problem roads within three years of the road being identified as a top [need]. Funding will be provided by the proposed [3/8 of a percent] sales tax if it is approved by the voters. In addition, I propose that we evaluate our Major Thoroughfare Plan annually and issue formal updates of the plan every three to five years.
How important is the beautification and revitalization of the downtown district?
Absolutely vital to the long-term commercial viability of our city. We must improve the curb appeal of Friendswood Drive if we are to succeed economically. If the city will not commit to a revitalization of our downtown, we can never expect commercial developers, financiers and small-business owners to do so.
Mike Stacy[/caption]Mike Stacy
Years lived in Friendswood: 19
Occupation: information technology retiree
Facebook - Mike Stacy for Friendswood City Council
Top priorities: to clean up the corruption within our city government
What is your solution to repair city streets?
I believe that street repair and maintenance are fundamental and basic governmental responsibilities. I believe that Friendswood’s government has expanded into areas that are unnecessary, and therefore funding for streets can be achieved without raising taxes by prioritizing and reducing expenditures elsewhere.
How important is the beautification and revitalization of the downtown district?
Not important enough to raise taxes. I believe this is a cart driving the horse. If the business climate in Friendswood is conducive to turning a profit, businesses will come. If not, all the benches and streetlights will not make it happen.
