Here is some background on each candidate.
John Houston*Website: www.facebook.com/jlhhouston2017
Phone: 713-818-0269
Email: [email protected]
Years lived in Shenandoah: 35 years
Occupation: Retired master electrician, vice president for Commercial Electrical Contractor, project manager, veteran
How should the city deter criminal activity?
I believe in our police department’s leadership, and I work closely with Chief Shaw to understand the department’s needs so I may provide needed support. I have voted to provide needed police vehicles, equipment and training. I support strong communication between the department and our citizens to promote awareness of police activities. This also gives the police department opportunities to provide safety suggestions and training to our community.
How should the city plan for growth on the east side I-45?
Transportation is important in a growing community, so we need to assure the completion of the David Memorial extension which introduces an alternative north/south traffic corridor to assist in the relief of current I-45 feeder mobility issues and to provide access as the new Sam Moon development comes on line.
We will continue to work with new and existing businesses wishing to expand. We also need to identify new areas for the expansion of existing water retention ponds to help relieve freeway feeder flooding and the development of new businesses.
What areas should the city be spending more taxpayer dollars?
Our first priority is spending for public safety, specifically working with police and resident awareness and training. While this doesn’t involve taxes at this point, we need to work closely with state of Texas representatives and senators to guard precious water rights and to prevent overregulation of our water supply to prevent future cost increases. I feel strongly that reserves are critical to a healthy city and will continue to support a budget that reduces city property taxes as has been done for the last eight fiscal years.
Jason CamaraWebsite: N/A
Phone: 713-870-9527
Email: [email protected]
Years lived in Shenandoah: 14 years
Occupation: Information Technology for Baker Hughes Incorporated
How should the city deter criminal activity?
A great question and needs addressing. Firstly, our local police department should return to issuing traffic citations locally, especially on I-45 service roads and main thoroughfares. Since asked to stop issuing citations in efforts to increase city revenue from commercial sales, our city’s law upholding reputation has decreased. This has increased the flow of both good- and bad-intentioned citizens while also making our roads more dangerous. Second, I feel the highest priority is to add officers. Our city has greatly increased its number of residents and commercial foot traffic, while our police force has stayed nearly unchanged.
How should the city plan for growth on the east side I-45?
We need a plan ahead approach in regard to traffic management, over and above current efforts. Several hotels are located in Shenandoah east of I-45 with many existing housing subdivisions spanning from Tamina to Rayford [roads] and eastward. Yet, this side of I-45 is a very confined in regard to outlets for the many commuters in that area. Currently the only route north is to access I-45. Not only does this create massive congestion in normal day-to-day situations, but in the event of another hurricane in our area it could leave many in that area vulnerable.
What areas should the city be spending more taxpayer dollars?
More focus on residents is needed when considering city revenue. One being related to my previous thoughts on deterring crime: keeping residents and patrons safe. Adding officers and ensuring they have equipment needed to perform their jobs efficiently and most importantly safely is key. One of our city’s best initiatives is the anticipated fiber-to-home. I have been in favor of this since inception and previously spoke at council meetings and to council members about a replacement after our citywide Wi-Fi attempt failed years ago. A positive impact on residents and keeping them safe should be our highest priorities.
Ted FletcherWebsite: www.tedforcouncilposition2.com
Phone: 281-825-9223
Email: [email protected]
Years lived in Shenandoah: 4 years
Occupation: Managing Partner at Sycamore Creek Ranch Memory Care
How should the city deter criminal activity?
Deterring criminal activity revolves around three fundamentals: 1) More policing. Simply put, we need more officers on patrol; 2) More effective policing techniques. One example of this is license plate readers. Most crimes are committed using a stolen vehicle. If we utilized LPR’s, it would automatically identify cars listed on the “hot sheet” that enter our neighborhoods and immediately alert our officers on patrol; and 3) teamwork. Very few cities experience true community, Shenandoah has that, and when we [the residents] proactively team up with one of the best law enforcement teams [SPD] we will deter crime in our city.
How should the city plan for growth on the east side I-45?
Now more than ever we need planning and zoning, City Council and the Municipal Development District to come together to ensure that there is a good mix of residential and non-residential properties with adequate public facilities available, such as water, wastewater, police protection, and park facilities to assure the remaining land in Shenandoah is properly developed per the city’s comprehensive development plan. Currently, these entities work somewhat independently of one another on projects, except for Planning and Zoning’s recommendations to City Council. It’s time for good leadership to unite residents, city administration, and government to be “A Better Shenandoah.”
What areas should the city be spending more taxpayer dollars?
Before we spend taxpayer dollars, we need to reduce our debt, eliminate frivolous spending, waste, and unnecessary capital improvements. Our city budget will obviously increase to accommodate its growth. However, moving forward council members need to work with the MDD on development and improvement projects, such as the water plant, to eliminate this type of funding from the general budget. This will free up funds for the benefit of our residents and businesses like investing in our police department. We need good leadership that can develop a culture of oversight and accountability to guide our city—a code of ethics.
*denotes incumbent
