Government
BY AUBREY VOGEL
Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman reflects on 9 years of service Despite serving on various Sugar Land boards and City Council, Mayor Joe Zimmerman said he never saw himself running for mayor. But when the spot opened in June 2016 after former Mayor James Thompson termed out, Zimmerman thought he was the best man for the job, so he threw his hat in the ring. Now nine years later, Zimmerman’s mayoral term will end this summer following the outcome of the May 3 election, where six candidates are vying for the role. The election is after press time and could go to a June 7 runoff. The results During Zimmerman’s three terms as mayor—the maximum allowed by the city—he focused on five commitments he made on the campaign trail: public
safety, infrastructure, economic development, rede- velopment, and financial strength and transparency. “I think we’ve done a good job of setting the vision. Council was comfortable with the vision, staff executed the vision and here we are now—nine years later—and I think we’re in a really good spot,” he said. Offering input As a new mayor steps in to lead the city, Zimmerman said he encourages the individual to get to know the staff and build relationships across the Houston region and beyond. Additionally, Zimmerman said it’s important for the new mayor and council members to learn the city’s budgeting process, as it will be one of the first big projects ahead of council’s approval in September. What happens next? Until his time as mayor is over, Zimmerman said he is focused on serving the citizens of Sugar Land. Although following the completion of his duties, he said he will focus on his work for Turner and Townsend, a project management company that
AUBREY VOGEL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
focuses on school districts. As for his political future, Zimmerman said he doesn’t have his eye on a government role, although if one were to present itself that would be a family decision to decide to run.
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