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Magnolia City Council Position 4 is contested in the May 7 election. Incumbent Brenda Hoppe is being challenged by Frank M. Parker III.
According to the Texas secretary of state's office, early voting will take place April 25-May 3. Visit www.montgomeryvotes.org to find out voting locations.
Candidate responses may have been edited for length, style and clarity.
Why are you running for election?
The city government has lost focus on its residents’ needs. Its focus on new and big subdivisions has been at the expense of Historic Magnolia. For years, the city has not made any significant investments in roads, water, traffic, parks, beautification and/or recreation facilities for its existing several thousand current residents.
What do you hope to accomplish in your term?
Coordinate with the city’s 4A and 4B corporations, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the county, state and other local governments and organizations to assist the city to develop relevant and financially sustainable capital improvement, infrastructure, transportation, traffic, beautification, parks and recreation plans and programs. Improve the transparency of the city’s actions and operations by clarifying agendas and providing better internet and social media access to all city documents and records, especially detailed financial reports.
How do you plan to approach the rapid growth and development Magnolia is experiencing?
Work with [city officials, commissions and] staff to manage growth to ensure Magnolia is a community where we all desire to live. Help re-establish strong working relationships with and capitalize on the talents and wisdom of the 4A and 4B corporations, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the county commissioner, constable, MISD superintendent, sheriff, fire department and other officials and volunteer organizations to better integrate efforts on infrastructure, beautification and recreation.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city, and how would you address them?
The transformation of historic Magnolia. New subdivisions will need very little maintenance and capital investment over the next decades. After that, and when they obtain full city citizenship, they will begin to demand significant city resources. If the city continues to ignore historic Magnolia, it will degenerate into just another blighted crossroads. We must use this time to transform historic Magnolia into an attractive destination as well as a place where we all enjoy living.
Why are you running for election?
I am running for re-election because I feel I have invested eight years of time and effort to the growth of the city of Magnolia. We are seeing the fruits of our labor with a lot more decisions and direction needed for the benefit of the city.
What do you hope to accomplish in your term?
Due to the tremendous growth in and around the city, I would like to continue with the council members, mayor and city staff in expanding the growth and vitality of the city.
How do you plan to approach the rapid growth and development Magnolia is experiencing?
I do feel we need to work efficiently and effectively to provide water/sewer services to our citizens, focus on business opportunities and work on the beautification of our downtown area.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city, and how would you address them?
The biggest challenge presently facing the city is the adequate supply of water/sewer for the tremendous growth in and around the city. We are presently working with AEI to remedy the present situation in an efficient time span. For years we have not had adequate sales tax income to facilitate the growth of our infrastructure.
