The filing period for the May 11 general election, which will name a new Jersey Village Mayor and City Council Places 2 and 3, has ended. Mayor Russell Hamley will step down after three two-year terms as mayor, and Place 2 council member Rod Erskine and former council member Joyce Berube are the two candidates vying for Mayor in 2013.
"Jersey Village is on the edge of many challenges created by the growth of the area," Berube said. "It will require careful financial analysis to maximize the use of monies committed to our residents' taxes."
With the Hwy. 290 expansion project scheduled to be under construction along Jersey Village beginning this month, the new mayor of Jersey Village will have much of their work cut out for them, Hamley said, and it will be vital for council members and the appointed mayor to continue urging TxDOT to explore noise mitigation efforts with the expansion.
"I feel that continuity of leadership is important," Erskine said. "The Hwy. 290 expansion is the top priority in the short-term, but it is also critical that we look at the impact on tax revenues and that once that project is completed, Jersey Village is attractive for businesses to move into. Dealing with the construction itself and preparing for the post-construction are high priority items."
Place 3 council member Harry Beckwith will run unopposed, having again filed for his current seat on the building board of adjustment. Newcomer Sandra Joachim, an officer with the Jersey Village Police Department, has filed for Place 2 on the golf course advisory committee.
City Council members can serve up to four three-year terms, and the mayor can serve up to three two-year terms.
The election ballot will also put he crime control sales tax to a vote, which enhances the Jersey Village police department and keeps property taxes low.