Two candidates are running for Shenandoah City Council Position 4 in the May 6 election, including incumbent Jean Teague as well as 36-year Shenandoah resident Charlie Bradt.

Here is some background on each candidate.

Bradt_CharlieName: Charlie Bradt
Website: N/A
Phone: 281-636-4958
Email: [email protected]
Years lived in Shenandoah: 36
Occupation: Retired

 

How should the city deter criminal activity?
I think we need a larger police presence to deter the activity. At the same time, I think we need to educate residents with ways to make their property more secure. Some residents want to form a "Neighborhood Watch,” which is also a great deterrent to this kind of activity and I support with guidance and support from the Shenandoah [Police Department] only. I do not want them to take the law into their own hands.

How should the city plan for growth on the east side I-45?
The city has potential developers knocking on the door daily it seems. We need to stay heavily involved with city staff and keep our adopted ordinances up to date and applicable. Another tool is the "Planned Development District" and that can aid the city. I do feel we have somewhat misused this tool to accommodate developers and not focused on our city's best interest. Keep in mind, the city is not a developer. We also must communicate with sister cities that face the same issues and find the pitfalls they have discovered to aid us with this as we are running out of available property within the city to develop. Another point is we need to stay engaged with the H-GAC, TML, TxDOT, Economic Development partnership, Montgomery County commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce just to name a few of these organizations.

What areas should the city be spending more taxpayer dollars?
I would like to see us accrue excess funds to retire bonded indebtedness thus strengthening the city financial position. In this economic downturn in the economy, I actually think we should spend less on projects that do not increase the City's assets. I think "Common Sense" must prevail and Vision of the City's future must be first and foremost.




JeanTeagueName: Jean Teague*
Website: www.voteteague.com, Facebook.com/voteteague
Phone: 281-704-8550
Email: [email protected]
Years lived in Shenandoah: 39 years
Occupation: Director of Investor Services at PMF Partners

 

How should the city deter criminal activity?
Shenandoah has a strong police department that is engaged with our residents and business owners. Strong collaboration with neighboring agencies and citizens is essential to combat the increased crime that has encroached on our city and on our neighbors to the east, west, north and south. I have voted to support our police department with increased staffing, new technologies, replacement of outdated equipment and training to assure that the department has the essential tools to fight an increasing crime threat. Our success is based on a strong collaboration with the police department.

How should the city plan for growth on the east side of I-45?
Shenandoah’s growth on the east side has been ongoing for several years and the Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2010, designated the east side as a sports and hospitality area, resulting in its development as a hotel, retail and service oriented sector. The city prepared for the east side growth with many infrastructure capital projects including extending David Memorial Drive to the north to connect with the MetroPark development, new pathways and a water feature to provide additional east side amenities.

What areas should the city be spending more taxpayer dollars?
We use a modified zero-based budget process that empowers the City Council to manage and adjust budget line items to place emphasis where the needs are justified and provides flexibility to reduce spending where needs are not justified. We should continue to reduce the tax burden on property owners while providing a safe community with the kinds of enhancements that all residents, business owners and visitors need while providing an exceptional experience while dealing with the city.

*denotes incumbent




To see the Position 2 candidate Q&As, click here, and to see Position 3 Q&As, click here.