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.
*Indicates incumbent
Dinishi Abayarathna
Occupation_experience:
Management consultant, specializing in business and finance (previously at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Booz, & Sapient)
Candidate Website:
https://www.dinishi4mocity.com
Why did you choose to run for the City Council At-Large position?
My goal is to uplift and unite all of my hometown with bold vision and big ideas, backed by my business experience. The purpose of my campaign is to bring prosperity to our city, while celebrating our one-of-a-kind nature, culture and people.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City?
Funding projects that our constituents have been begging for. Currently, Missouri City is barely able to make ends meet, financially speaking. I plan to use my finance degree to define cost saving initiatives worth millions in collaboration with city staff, so we can direct more funds to our people.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
Improving safety. How do I plan to do this? By fixing our finances, we can pay our police and firefighters competitive wages. This ensures we retain & attract top talent to keep our children and families safe.
With the comprehensive plan update underway, what do you believe is the most important outcome and plan forward for zoning regulations?
The plan must paint a next-level vision for our city that excites our community and directly reflects their input. Our communities are in alignment—reinvestment and revitalization around Cartwright, Murphy, and Hwy. 90 and protection of nature and wetlands south of Hwy. 6 in Sienna and Knight Road.
How do you plan to help grow the city’s economic development?
Big, bold ideas that will truly make our city a destination. I’m not talking strip malls—but pitching to top employers/developers in Houston/USA on all the benefits of building in Missouri City. In tandem, we need to help small businesses thrive post-launch with ‘shop local’ initiatives and ongoing mentorship.
Lynn Clouser*
Occupation_experience:
Community relations manager and currently serving as Missouri City Councilmember At-Large, Position 2
Candidate Website:
https://www.lynnclouser4mctx.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why did you choose to run for the City Council At-Large position?
In 2020, I ran because residents wanted a representative who would put their needs first, not special interests. Many neighbors and city leaders encouraged me to step forward, and I answered that call. Serving in this role has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City?
1. Public Safety- Continue to advocate for our police and fire personnel. 2. Smart Growth - Complete the Comprehensive Plan that reflects the ideas and growth of Missouri City. 3. Economic Development- Champion initiatives that support our local businesses and attract new and innovative projects, increasing our tax base.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
According to the most recent Missouri City citizens survey, our taxpayers consistently identified traffic and mobility, public safety, and drainage as their top concerns. Our [fiscal year 2025-26] budget reflects our citizens' concerns and aligns with the city's long-term strategic focus.
With the comprehensive plan update underway, what do you believe is the most important outcome and plan forward for zoning regulations?
The most important outcome is zoning that reflects Missouri City's long-term vision. This will ensure alignment with the land use vision, expand housing choices (townhomes, multifamily and mixed use development), support economic corridors, improve design quality and walkability and strengthen resiliency and sustainability.
How do you plan to help grow the city’s economic development?
As a member of the Economic Development Committee and Chair of our Small Business Committee, I consistently champion innovative initiatives. We have revamped our economic development incentive program, encouraging development and redevelopment. We will improve our permitting process to include automation, making it easier to do business with Missouri City.
Bruce Zaborowski
Occupation_experience:
Retired Verizon Texas wireline operations, nine year water board municipal utility district member
Contact Information:
713-933-5490
Why did you choose to run for the City Council At-Large position?
I chose to run for the At-Large position because of all the waste in city government.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City?
One of my top priorities is to reign in the bloated overhead of all the [municipal utility] districts in Missouri City!! This is one of the most pressing issues!! I would also allow residents to speak on any topic during their 3 minutes during council meetings!!
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 property taxes and all the bloated MUD districts to supply basic water and sewer service!! There should not be over 40 MUD districts in a city of only 75,000 people lawyers are getting RICH of this nightmare!!!
With the comprehensive plan update underway, what do you believe is the most important outcome and plan forward for zoning regulations?
Zoning issues in Missouri City are a JOKE!! There should be no more tax abatements.
How do you plan to help grow the city’s economic development?
Missouri City needs to get out [The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County] and reign in all of the bloated overhead the MUD districts which would improve economic growth.
