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Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct that voting in the Tomball City Council elections will take place at Tomball City Hall.
Two candidates are running for Tomball City Council Position 5 in the May 2 election, including incumbent Randall F. Parr.
What you need to know
Early voting begins April 20 and runs through April 28, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election day is May 2, and voters can cast their ballots at Tomball City Hall.
Candidates 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 election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/election.
*indicates incumbent
Why did you decide to run in this election?
I decided to run for Tomball City Council when they voted to raise our property taxes last year. Our fixed rate mortgage now costs us $7200 more a year than when we bought our home in 2020. Not everyone can absorb that kind of tax increase for their house.
What is your top priority, if elected?
I believe Tomball can do more to support our existing small businesses. Let’s create ways for our local independent businesses operating today to produce even more income which in turn provides extra revenue needed to provide services for our citizens.
What do you think are the two biggest challenges facing Tomball?
One challenge that I see for Tomball is that Tomball is so remarkably awesome. People want to be here. In many respects we are a victim of our own greatness. The big challenge is affording the demand for services that come with new residential development.
How would you approach Tomball's growth and development?
Development cannot not be completely stopped. We have to operate within the rules set by our State. Tomball can only do so much. With careful planning & zoning decision making we can be selective. This is why I have been serving the Planning & Zoning Commission for the last 3 years.
What should Tomball’s budget priorities be?
Budget priorities for Tomball should be about serving our residents first and foremost. Investing in the infrastructure to support our existing businesses will relieve property tax demand on our citizens. Our local businesses can be on Team Tomball to support all of our essential services. Healthy communities work together.
4 years on City Council; fire chief; CPA specializing in governmental accounting; Tomball EDC
Why did you decide to run in this election?
To continue the work we have started with creating responsible development guidelines, ensure the City’s infrastructure is adequate, continue to improve public safety and work to minimize the tax burden on the City’s property owners that results from the Council’s decisions
What is your top priority, if elected?
Ensure the City remains in a sound financial position and can continue to provide the services necessary to attract and retain businesses and residents
What do you think are the two biggest challenges facing Tomball?
Aging infrastructure including the cost of replacing old water and sewer distribution and collection systems and mobility including width of streets, the drainage system along the streets, sidewalks and lack of parking
How would you approach Tomball growth and development?
New development must not have a negative impact on adjoining existing developments. The City’s growth and development should address the deficiencies and opportunities identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan but be flexible enough to take advantage of unique development opportunities
What should Tomballs budget priorities be?
Public infrastructure and public safety; Minimize the financial impact of decisions to the City’s property owners
