Election Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Missouri City City Council District A

Why are you running for Missouri City City Council?

I was appointed in 2018 to Council District A. I bring leadership, experience, stability and an understanding to the role, having held the Position previously. I have been a resident for over 25 years and have been involved in my community. I am a former commissioner on the Planning & Zoning Commission. I have been my HOA president for the past 6 years. I am also on the Campus Planning Advisory Committee at Thurgood Marshall High School and on the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Corridor Advisory Committee. I also serve as a deacon at my church Fountain of Praise where I have been a member for over 20 years. After being appointed, I immediately went to work on behalf of the residents of District A and all of Missouri City. I was able to get things accomplished. I also have a professional career that I have spent the past 31 years in and the past 12 years with my current employer, where I am responsible for the procurement of $5 million dollars of products for our local stores, giving me a complete understanding of budgets and negotiating contracts. I also operate with good and honest business practices.

What is the biggest challenge facing Missouri City and how would you address it?

I think in District A with it being an aging area, we need to work extensively to revitalize the area with improvements to the properties along the Texas Parkway Corridor, but also work to include the Fondren Park and Fonmeadow subdivisions in future events. They feel disconnected and neglected at times.

What is your vision for the future of economic development and growth in Missouri City?

I see a very great future in the economic development and growth along the corridor in District A and other areas of the District along with the entire city. We have a new economic development director and the mayor formed a Texas Parkway/Cartwright Corridor Advisory Committee to aid and assist in working with the current businesses and property owners to improve and bring new businesses and services to the area.

What characteristics would you want in the city's next city manager?

I would like for that person to have the qualities of understanding we are a very diverse community along with insight on helping unite and work with areas of the city that need some new life infused into it. I need them to have a community-based mindset.

Do you support the city's $85.85 million bond proposition? Why or why not?

Yes, I do support it. We are an aging city and need infrastructure improvements and this is the way to have the funds to do those needed repairs and improvements.

Why are you running for Missouri City City Council?

I want to ensure that [Missouri City] residents have a real independent council member with the right experience, [and I am] known for my integrity, and documented decades of consistent service they can depend on. I am a visible leader, who is a native Missouri Citian. Our city needs me to help bring innovation outside of the norms and without the politics. I am diverse in my corporate level experience, knowledge [and] staff-HR management, but also a down to Earth mother of seven who loves to serve others and support the community.

What is the biggest challenge facing Missouri City and how would you address it?

One challenge we are facing right now is the 2021 proposed bond. Many residents are not aware of it, how it will be allocated if it passes and how they can be sure it is in the best interest of their neighborhood. I proposed this information be publicized more to ensure voters can make an educated decision when they vote. Another challenge is to hire a qualified, visionary city manager. I currently have proposed that council consider someone who has a vision to progress our city with thriving businesses to include shopping and eateries on Texas Parkway and South Gessner.

What is your vision for the future of economic development and growth in Missouri City?

A good relationship and positive interaction is key to getting business owners on board and offering incentives, like marketing is always well received. I have been working with our small businesses and supporting them for many years. I will work more diligently with property owners and help them create more lucrative ways to enhance their properties and attract more businesses. I also believe our schools must have a better state rating which will drive economic growth and increase our property value. I will be seeking to create a city-school district partnership to help support our community schools achieve even higher.

Why are you running for Missouri City City Council?

I am] tired of neglect to Harris County section of Missouri City. [I want] better senior property tax exemptions similar to Sugar Land or Houston [and to] reign in and merge [municipal utility districts]. [It] does not make sense to have over 36 water districts for only a city of about 75,000 people. Stop funding a golf course and club that has operating losses, and get a pedestrian bridge in Fonmeadow.

What is the biggest challenge facing Missouri City and how would you address it?

[I think the biggest challenge is] the number of bloated MUD districts to provide a essential service. Every resident needs reasonable water and sewer rates

What is your vision for the future of economic development and growth in Missouri City?

Stop giving tax breaks for developers in the northern half of district A.

What characteristics would you want in the city's next city manager?

Someone who could not be influenced to favor a certain part of the city like past city managers [have].

Do you support the city's $85.85 million bond proposition? Why or why not?

No. It does not reflect the needs of District A. We can't even get the city to build a simple pedestrian bridge in Fonmeadow so residents don't have to crawl through a flood control ditch, but can continue to fund a golf course that has operating losses.