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Two candidates are running for Tomball City Council Position 2 in the May 4 election, for which early voting began April 22, according to the Texas Secretary of State. Paul Garcia faces Sheryl Martinez, with incumbent Mark Stoll not running for re-election.
Candidates were asked to keep responses no longer than 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.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I felt a strong commitment to provide a conduit for the betterment of the people of Tomball. I am proud to live in Tomball and wanted to offer my experience in the corporate world as well as my own business.
What is your top priority, if elected?
If elected, I will (1) minimize infrastructure cost, (2) control the conversion of zoned agricultural land to commercial land in residential areas, and (3) impose term limits.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing Tomball residents?
Due to the growth, Tomball infrastructure is outdated and needs improvements. Funding will be provided either through increases in utility rates and/or property taxes. These capital cost need to be allocated in a manner than has minimal financial impact to the residents of Tomball.
How will you approach Tomball’s development and growth?
To keep Tomball, Tomball! Tomball is a unique city with strong family core values with an excellent school district. This combination is attracting new families. My goal is to maintain the family values and small-town feel of Tomball.
How will you approach planning the city’s next fiscal year budget?
As your City Council member, my goal is to bring a business approach to the decision-making process. I vow to be transparent in order to provide fiscal responsibility on behalf of the residents of Tomball.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I chose to run for City Council again because there is still a need to protect the interests of residents. We need a City Council that listens to the community. The needs of the community are changing, and I want to be a voice for my neighbors.
What is your top priority, if elected?
My top priority will be to promote stricter development ordinances and to ensure that new development doesn’t stretch city resources in a way that puts the burden solely on current residents. We’re all about to get a tax increase and hike in water/wastewater prices that is going to be painful.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing Tomball residents?
The biggest issue facing Tomball residents is the tremendous growth and development without corresponding growth in infrastructure. Our sleepy little town has grown into a hub of activity, which is great in some aspects, but it makes for more traffic, more demands on city services and less charm.
How will you approach Tomball’s development and growth?
I would like to see stricter guidelines for new development with more green spaces and buffers mandated to protect existing homes and neighborhoods and, how about leaving some trees? We all moved here because we liked something about Tomball, and it’s important to preserve our hometown with a heart.
How will you approach planning the city’s next fiscal year budget?
The cost of living is increasing, and we have to make sure that we are keeping up with those increases with respect to city employees. It’s also important to strategically plan for the demands of development that have occurred and will continue.