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This story has been updated to include Pearland City Council Member Luke Orlando's full-time occupation
Election day is May 7, and early voting will be held from April 25-May 3. Candidate responses may have been edited for length, style and clarity.
*Indicates incumbent
Why are you choosing to run for Pearland City Council?
Several times in my life, I have been called upon to help get issues facing Pearland completed. In 2007, bonds were passed for facilities in Pearland. These projects were put on hold and forgotten. I organized a group of citizens to see that the Hickory Slough Sportsplex became a reality. In 2016, the residents of Linwood/Orange/Old Alvin needed help in getting a 40-year-old drainage issue resolved. I organized the residents, and we were able to solve their drainage issue. Since 2019, I have organized residents from Villa D Este, Green Tee Terrace and the hoteliers of Pearland to bring about an ordinance that will regulate short-term rentals and enforce the payment of the hotel occupancy tax.
If you are elected, what would be your top priorities?
My top priorities are: solving the water billing issues. Identify drainage issues and put a bond package to the voters to decide on how to resolve them. Enforce zoning ordinances to keep our neighborhoods safe. Support our police and fire departments. Keep fiscal responsibility the status quo.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the city of Pearland?
The lack of cohesion and consensus of our current City Council.
Anything else you want potential constituents to know?
When elected, I will bring a no-nonsense work ethic to build consensus with my fellow council members to solve the issues of the city.
Why are you choosing to run for Pearland City Council?
Growing up here shaped who I am today and instilled in me the importance of a close community. From the Little League World Series run by my family to pandemics and ice storms, this city rallies together in good times and in bad. Our tremendous growth has brought bigger opportunities but also bigger challenges than ever before. I am running for re-election to make our citizens more protected, more prosperous and more proud of Pearland than ever before.
If you are elected, what would be your top priorities?
A Pearland that protects us – supporting our first responders and ensuring our citizens are safe from crime, fire, and flooding. A Pearland where we can prosper – working to further reduce the tax burden, promote small businesses and make smart infrastructure investments. A Pearland that we can be proud of – cleaning up the appearance of the city; bringing more entertainment options for families; and promoting a proud, tight-knit community.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the city of Pearland?
After decades of massive growth, Pearland is maturing and must make a choice: stagnation and decline or adapting to make our city a community of choice for generations to come. To keep Pearland moving forward, we have to enhance quality of life and recreation opportunities; get our debt and maintenance obligations, such as streets, sidewalks, etc., under control; and promote smart economic development that shifts the tax burden off homeowners.
Anything else you want potential constituents to know?
In my first term, we have been able to cut taxes twice, raise the credit rating of the city, support small businesses struggling with COVID with nearly a million dollars in grants, increase pay for our police and city staff to market rates, and build a new library and animal shelter millions under budget. I put term limits up for a vote, expanded access to city boards, and kept my promise to be a highly communicative council member. I am proud of that record and hope to earn your vote to keep Pearland moving forward.
