Five candidates will compete for the Missouri City City Council’s District C seat in the upcoming Nov. 5 election. The seat is held by Anthony Maroulis, who did not seek re-election.
Candidates were asked to fill out questions and answers 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.
For more information on the election, visit the city of Missouri City’s website.
Mu Liu
Experience:
Business analyst and economist in the oil industry, housing & population surveys with the US Census
Occupation:
Consultant and US Census field representative
Contact Information:
832-231-3288
Why did you choose to run for the Missouri City City Council District C position?
My family has been part of this neighborhood for over 20 years. I am passionate about our community and aim to utilize my knowledge and abilities to contribute to and enhance the place I call home. As a Chinese American, I aspire to advocate for the Asian community [on] City Council.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City?
1) Enhance communication with city residents to build government trust; 2) Foster citizen participation to strengthen the Missouri City community; 3) Encourage engagement in business services to improve quality of life.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
Identify the needs of residents, especially minority groups; create solutions to meet changing community requirements; engage in effective communication to gain trust; increase citizen participation. Establish regular City Council office hours for residents and create effective communication channels; attract tennis and golf tournaments to Missouri City using facility services.
Residents have expressed concerns with zoning and the city’s 2017 comprehensive plan. What actions should the city of Missouri City take to alleviate concerns?
I am not aware of this change or the concerns related to it. I am certain that I am not the only resident who is unaware. Once again, this highlights the importance of effective communication and trust in the government. The solution probably lies within this election.
Joanna Ouderkirk
Experience:
Bachelor's of business administration, prior bond committee, Parent Teacher Organization president, international nonprofit president, community volunteer
Occupation:
Real estate agent
Candidate Website:
Facebook: Joanna for Missouri City Council District C
Contact Information:
281-845-4155
Why did you choose to run for the Missouri City City Council District C position?
We have had excellent representation in District C for many years. I want to continue that same level of support for my District C neighbors through continual outreach and availability, while working toward the betterment of all of Missouri City. We all want a safe, vibrant, accessible community.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City?
Infrastructure to include mobility. We have to update our deteriorating roads and expand, where we can, to ease traffic flow. We need added focus in our comprehensive and strategic plans to address our failing streets, bridges and sidewalks. Our aging streets cannot accommodate the needs of our growing communities.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
Emergency preparedness is the most pressing immediate need. We have to partner with all local agencies to make sure we, and they, are ready for ever-increasing disasters. We must have a disaster communication plan. Communication with the public is critical, especially when technology is limited.
Residents have expressed concerns with zoning and the city’s 2017 comprehensive plan. What actions should the city of Missouri City take to alleviate concerns?
We must thoroughly review land use to ensure we are maximizing limited land for the benefit of citizens. Citizens want access to a variety of entertainment, shopping and restaurants close to home. We must balance the best land use for an expanded tax base to reduce the burden on residents.
Shad Bogany
Experience:
Texas Realtors and Houston Association of Realtors past chairman, Fort Bend County Housing Finance Corp.
Occupation:
Realtor (broker)
Candidate Website:
https://www.boganydistrictc.com
Contact Information:
713-828-6075
Why did you choose to run for the Missouri City City Council District C position?
I’m running for Missouri City Council to bring my 40 years of real estate experience and<br>leadership in housing to serve our community. I’m committed to fostering economic growth, ensuring affordable housing and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Together, we can build a thriving, inclusive community.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City?
My top priorities are driving sustainable economic growth, ensuring affordable housing and<br>enhancing public safety. I’ll focus on smart infrastructure, support for local businesses and<br>inclusive policies that foster a strong, thriving community. My goal is to create a high-quality<br>living environment for all Missouri City residents.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
The most pressing issue for Missouri City is managing growth while preserving our quality of<br>life. I’ll tackle this by pushing for smart zoning, better infrastructure and affordable housing. My goal is to ensure sustainable development that benefits everyone, maintaining the community’s character and enhancing our living standards.
Residents have expressed concerns with zoning and the city’s 2017 comprehensive plan. What actions should the city of Missouri City take to alleviate concerns?
Missouri City should update the 2017 comprehensive plan to address residents’ concerns,<br>revising zoning for balanced development and green space preservation. Regular community<br>engagement sessions will ensure transparency and resident input, creating a plan that reflects current needs and maintains the city’s quality of life.
Shaizad (Sam) Chatriwala
Experience:
Two engineering degrees with 35 years’ experience in oil & gas, five year levee improvement district director
Occupation:
Engineering consultant
Contact Information:
832-815-0101
Why did you choose to run for the Missouri City City Council District C position?
As a long-time resident of District C, I have a vision that the city has potential to excel, I would be contributing towards the development and management of city revenues; will support local business to grow and support the law enforcement and fire for the safety of citizens.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City?
I will push for incentives to attract manufacturing and startups, aiming to create jobs and diversify our economy. I will also work to lower property taxes to make Missouri City more affordable, attract new residents and boost local growth.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
A plan in place to secure the power grid for the city during the severe weather conditions should be the highest priority. A task force should be in place to meet with the challenges post disasters. The security and health needs of the citizens should be number one priority.
Residents have expressed concerns with zoning and the city’s 2017 comprehensive plan. What actions should the city of Missouri City take to alleviate concerns?
Upgrading aging infrastructure should be the first step towards the revision of the 2017 comprehensive plan. [Missouri City] will eventually run out of undeveloped land, and it must be planned with a vision for the future, preserve current residents property values and environments, and citizens should be involved in the decision process.
Feven Gebremariam
Experience:
doctor of pharmacy; health care professional with leadership in managing pharmaceutical programs; community advocate involved in
Occupation:
pharmacist
Candidate Website:
https://www.fevenforward.com
Why did you choose to run for the Missouri City City Council District C position?
I chose to run because I believe in the potential of Missouri City and want to bring fresh ideas to ensure that our community remains a great place to live, work and raise a family. With my background in health care, I understand the importance of well-planned communities that promote health…
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City?
My top priority is improving local infrastructure and ensuring smart growth, so Missouri City can<br>continue to thrive while preserving the quality of life for all residents. My experience in health care has taught me the importance of building a community where well-being is prioritized through accessible services and a safe…
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
The most pressing issue is managing the city’s growth while addressing traffic and infrastructure challenges. I will advocate for strategic, data-driven planning that balances growth with preserving the character of our neighborhoods, ensuring that services, including health care, remain accessible and effective as the city expands.
Residents have expressed concerns with zoning and the city’s 2017 comprehensive plan. What actions should the city of Missouri City take to alleviate concerns?
The city should involve more community members in discussions about zoning and the comprehensive plan, ensuring transparency and adaptability. With my health care background, I will emphasize policies that promote healthy living, such as green spaces and infrastructure that supports access to health care services, ensuring Missouri City remains a vibrant and…
