Two candidates are vying for the position of Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner in the upcoming Nov. 5 election.
The details
Incumbent Republican Commissioner Andy Meyers is up against Democratic candidate Taral Patel. Meyers was elected as Precinct 3 commissioner in 1996, according to Fort Bend County's website, and is running for re-election for the seventh time.
Also of note
Candidates 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.
For more election coverage, go to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
*Indicates incumbent
Andy Meyers* (R)
Experience:
former certified public accountant, held corporate financial roles, real estate developer and cost control consultant
Occupation:
incumbent commissioner
Candidate Website:
https://www.andymeyers.com
Contact Information:
281-238-1403
Why did you decide to run in this election?
I’ve contributed significantly to creating a safe, family- and business-friendly county, and I aim to protect and enhance these qualities. With rapid population growth, significant work remains to ensure our county stays a wonderful place to live, and I believe I’m best qualified to lead us through these challenges.
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
I have served as Fort Bend County’s Precinct 3 commissioner for 25-plus years, reducing the tax rate and saving taxpayers $1 billion. Known as “The Taxpayers Best Friend,” I’ve enhanced safety, fought human trafficking, expanded law enforcement and secured millions in revenue while building bipartisan relationships to benefit residents.
What is your top priority, if elected?
Infrastructure and economic development are my priorities. Road repairs and<br>replacement are needed in Precinct 3 neighborhoods that are 40-50 years old. So, I helped pass a mobility bond and created a cost-sharing program with cities and [municipal utility districts], adding and additional $100 million in improvements to our roadways.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Fort Bend County?
Residential taxpayers currently bear 75% of Fort Bend’s property tax burden, which is unsustainable with rapid population growth. So I initiated efforts to create “Industrial Development Districts” to fund and develop readily available industrial sites, which will attract large employers who contribute to our tax base and create outstanding jobs.
How do you plan to address economic development in Fort Bend County?
The economic development we need requires legislative approval. My long-term relationships with key bipartisan legislators uniquely positions me to lead the passage of a bill to create Industrial Development Districts with shovel-ready, infrastructure-equipped sites, enabling large employers to begin operations within 12 to 18 months of site selection.
Taral Patel (D)
Experience:
homegrown and local; Fort Bend County [judge's] chief of staff; Texas House legislative director; deputy White House liaison
Occupation:
local business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.taralpateltx.com
Why did you decide to run in this election?
I’m a proud product of Fort Bend [County]—since elementary school. I served as our [county judge's] chief of staff during the pandemic, major floods, winter storms and helped bring Amazon, Tesla and major employers. I’m running because we need bold and innovative ideas to prepare for our growing and diverse future.
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
As the only candidate that has worked at every level of government and in the private sector, I’m excited to bring my experience to help our families stay safe and our businesses thrive. With our growth, it’s important to bring fresh leadership and new ideas to help Fort Bend’s future.
What is your top priority, if elected?
Prices have skyrocketed. I will slash toll road fees, reduce the tax rate and bring more good paying jobs. As we reach a million residents in the next few years, we must make our cost of living more affordable and protect the community I have always called home.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Fort Bend County?
Our residents and businesses need good infrastructure. Kicking the can on infrastructure has led to significant wear and tear causing accidents and traffic. Additionally, we cannot continue to be one of the lowest paying employers for first responders. We must invest in those who take care of us.
How do you plan to address the growth coming to the district?
As we reach a million residents in the next few years, we should implement creative tools like entrepreneur coaching, business grant programs and bring start-up incubators to build a business ecosystem. Additionally, we must cut taxes, invest in public safety and proactively attract major employers of the 21st century.
