Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Magnolia City Council, Position 4

Why did you decide to run in this election?

In the past 2 years, we have made great progress improving the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. I will continue to support this work to maintain and improve the quality of life for residents of Magnolia. My engineering and project management experience has been a great asset in this role.

What is your top priority, if elected?

Ensuring that despite the growth we are experiencing, we improve utility reliability and don’t experience another water moratorium. I will continue to work closely with the City Engineer and Public Works Director to ensure we have a comprehensive view of our weak spots and a forward forecast of demand.

What do you think are the two biggest challenges facing Magnolia?

The growth we are experiencing, which demands that we have proactive plans in place to maintain and improve quality service for our residents. The other big challenge is that because of this we need to provide the best service possible for the lowest cost.

How would you approach Magnolia’s growth and development?

I am always eager to hear the opinions of those that call Magnolia home. I endeavor to take these views into account so that this can be a place where everyone feels like they have a voice and that they are part of the small town that people love.

What should Magnolia’s budget priorities be?

First, we should make expenditure on the most critical infrastructure (e.g. reliability improvements, capacity expansion) before we invest in ‘nice to have’ items. After critical issues are addressed, we should aim to keep our tax rates flat or lower them if possible.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

The atmosphere at City Hall has become toxic, creating an unacceptable level of turnover and employee moral. Serious allegations by employees have gone ignored and or hidden by the current elected officials. Elected officials should be held to a higher standard and I intend to do that.

What is your top priority if elected?

To put the city back in the hands of the citizens. The citizens top priority will be my top priority.

What do you think are the two biggest challenges facing Magnolia?

It is population growth and infrastructure. Our priority should be our current citizens and the aging infrastructure and that has not been happening.

How would you approach Magnolia’s growth and development?

At this point we need to take a step back and evaluate what we have and what is coming and make sure we are doing what is in the best interest of the people that elect us.

What should Magnolia’s budget priorities be?

Infrastructure, but we need to make sure we are not just expanding it but improving the aging infrastructure that many of our longtime residents are served by.