HOUSTON
Missouri City City Council, At-Large Position 1
* indicates incumbent
Vashaundra Edwards*
Occupation: program director for juvenile probation
Experience: managerial experience; community involvement; chairwoman of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee; Economic Development Committee member; Ordinances, Resolutions, Elections and Council Governances Review Committee; servant leader
Contact: www.vedwards.org
Why are you running for Missouri City City Council, At-Large Position 1?
VE: [Given] the fact that I’m a native of Missouri City, I wholeheartedly understand the concerns of the community, and I take pride in assuring that each decision I make is in the best interest of the community. My three principles that I’m running on are community involvement, transparency in local government and servant leadership. Increasing community involvement as a City Council member is imperative due to the lack of trust and visibility from previously elected officials. In my last term, I was able to provide various resources to the community and remain visible [and] accessible to all residents of Missouri City.
What is the biggest challenge facing Missouri City, and how would you address it?
VE: The biggest challenge facing Missouri City is having residents be acceptable to beneficial change. Change is intended to be positive towards the community and purposeful to benefit all residents in the city.
How should Missouri City think about economic development and growth?
VE: In order to fully experience growth and economic development, we must have a city manager in place that has experience in both areas. Our new city manager, Odis Jones, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in economic development. In addition, it’s important for us to have an economic development director that shares the same redevelopment and economic developments goals that have been established by council.
What is your vision for the future of Missouri City?
VE: My vision for the future of Missouri City is to see all areas of the community develop to its full potential. Also, I would love to see the Texas Parkway Corridor and Cartwright Corridor both fully redeveloped and give small businesses a chance to flourish. Overall, my vision for Missouri City is to continue to be a great place to live and remain a desirable community to raise a family.
Reginald Pearson
Occupation: procurement officer
Experience: District A council member for 18 months; procurement officer
Contact: www.reginaldpearson.com
Why are you running for Missouri City City Council, At-Large Position 1?
RP: First, I am running for office so that the unheard can be heard. I am running so that the voice of the taxpayers can, once again, have a say in the city government they fund. Secondly, let’s restore transparency and accountability to who we hire, how we spend the city’s money, what contracts we hand out and the environment we create for city employees. Lastly, police and fire are the nuts and bolts to our community. Let’s always find a way to support them.
What is the biggest challenge facing Missouri City, and how would you address it?
RP: The biggest challenge is in ensuring financial transparency while keeping families safe and growing our tax base.
How should Missouri City think about economic development and growth?
RP: We should think big while understanding our beginnings. The founders of our city formed Missouri City as a bedroom community where people resided but worked and shopped elsewhere. The development that has occurred over the years have challenged that beginning as we now seek new development with offerings to support families in our community.
What is your vision for the future of Missouri City?
RP: I envision a city that is safe for families to reside, transparent in its financial dealings and attractive to developers who want to showcase their product and/or service.
