Bay Area Edition | April 2025

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Bay Area Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 9 APRIL 17MAY 16, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

COURTESY NASA

Exploration Park coming to Johnson Space Center Anne McClain, a NASA astronaut and SpaceX Crew-10 commander, participates in pre-ight mission training in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Testing and training are some of the research and development opportunities that ocials hope to make available at the new Exploration Park, including training on simulated lunar and Mars surfaces.

Exploration Park

INSIDE

Also in this issue

Ilitis accab in rem vende nosto tem si demqui ad maxim facipsu nducid mintur as molor sam et am

Transportation: Read about a $6.8M project to improve Butler Road and Turner Street in League City (Page 9)

Education: Learn what Clear Creek ISD is doing to increase the number of students who are career, college or military ready (Page 10)

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

In addition to more physicians and expanded specialty care, our Bay Area Campus features more advanced diagnostic imaging, on-site labs, a Kelsey Pharmacy with drive-thru services, and free parking. It will also be home to a new nationally recognized Kelsey-Seybold Cancer Center and a new Outpatient Surgery Center, both opening in 2025. Discover exceptional care at our new Bay Area Campus.

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Advanced care to put cancer behind you.

Fighting cancer starts with having the right team beside you. And at Memorial Hermann, we’re here for you every step of the way. As one of Houston’s leading providers of cancer treatment, we offer advanced care from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. With locations throughout Greater Houston, you can find care close to you. This is comprehensive cancer care designed for you. memorialhermann.org/cancer

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Ryan Reynolds Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Papar Faircloth General Manager pfaircloth@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Account Executive Anita Orellana Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

James T. Norman Editor jnorman@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

salads, as well as a list of specialty cocktails. • Opening by the end of 2025 • 110 Blue Heron Drive, Webster • www.popstroke.com

CLEAR LAKE CITY BLVD.

O R T B L

146

COLUMBIA SHUTTLE ST.

HARDESTY AVE.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER

MONROE RD.

9 Ale & Ivy The restaurant will have an expansive outdoor patio highlighting Clear Creek’s view. Its location in Spring offers a diverse menu that includes appetizers, loaded fries or mac and cheese, steak, burgers, pizza and tacos. In addition to its food offerings, the venue also features private karaoke studios, arcade games, pool tables and a full bar with crafted cocktails. • Opening early 2026 • 335 Royal Tern Way, Webster • www.aleandivy.com 10 Pizza King Officials with the pizza restaurant, which is based in League City, announced plans to open a new location in Kemah. The business offers a variety of pizzas, calzones, salads and wings, among other items. • Opening May 3

Seabrook

2351

CLEAR LAKE

146

GALVESTON BAY

12 OAKGROVE DR. 13

BAYBROOK MALL DR.

Nassau Bay

518

RICE CREEK LN. F L Y W A Y D

528

SOUTH SHORE BLVD.

Webster

RICE CREEK LN.

BLUE HERON DR.

146

• 800 Bradford Ave., Kemah • www.pizzakingtexas.com

646

ROYAL TERN WAY

League City

SPRUCE ST.

4 5

What’s next

517

11 Adriatic Cafe The business has filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, or TDLR, to open a location in League City, with its buildout expected to wrap up in mid-April. The Italian restaurant serves calzones, sandwiches, pizza, pasta and veal, among other items. • 1804 FM 646 W., Ste. F, League City • www.adriaticcafe.com Tractor Supply Company The business sells a variety of home improvement goods, including vehicle parts, gardening and lawn items, pet and animal products, clothing, outdoor tools and equipment, among other items. A filing from TDLR shows the buildout for the new store is expected to wrap up in April 2026.

• 4510 W. League City Parkway, League City • www.amocofcu.org

Now open

1 Odyssey Academy The public charter school offers a curriculum in math, science and technology, and gives students opportunities to learn through music, sports, art and technology. It also offers career and college campus tours, and trips to Washington, D.C. and abroad. • Opened Feb. 28 • 14650 Old Galveston Road, Webster • www.odyssey-academy.com 2 JAK’D Carts LLC The golf cart dealership sells carts and offers financing and services. Those in need can request parts too. • Opened March 7 • 836 Hwy. 3 N., League City • www.jakdcartsllc.com 3 Volkswagen Clear Lake This location is the largest working Volkswagen dealership in the world, spanning over 78,300 square feet with more than 45 service bays, three service lanes and room for 30 cars in the service drive. • Opened March 18 • 3310 Gulf Freeway, League City • www.vwofclearlake.com 4 AMOCO Federal Credit Union The federal credit union offers deposit accounts, loans, credit cards and refinancing options, among other services. This will be the 11th branch opening and the second location to open in League City. • Opened March 27

5 HOTWORX The facility will offer 24-hour access to its infrared sauna studio and workouts that are instructed virtually. These workouts include isometric and high intensity interval training sessions. • Grand opened March 29 • 4550 W. League City Parkway, Ste. 160, League City • www.hotworx.net 6 Elite Pickleball Club & Academy The indoor facility is air-conditioned and boasts 14 courts. It has a juice bar as well. • Opened March 1 • 2323 Clear Lake City Blvd., Ste. 200A, Houston • www.texaselitepickleball.com

• Hwy. 3, exact address TBD • www.tractorsupply.com

Relocations

12 Ecologist School Houston The school relocated to a new spot in Houston. At the facility, students can learn about science, technology, engineering, art, math, outdoor skills, volunteerism and leadership through lessons using an informal science education program called Ecologist School. Upon completion of lessons and experiences, students may

Coming soon

7 Frutta Bowls The superfood cafe offers various smoothie drinks and bowls with a variety of options. Other beverages, toasts and protein bites are available as well. • Opening May 1 • 2700 Marina Bay Drive, Ste. P, League City • www.fruttabowls.com 8 PopStroke The venue is a small-scale, 36-hole golf course that is partnered with Tiger Woods. It also features a full restaurant and often multiple bars on its grounds. The menu includes shareable appetizers, burgers, tacos and

earn badges in 16 areas. • Grand opened April 3

• 913 Oakgrove Drive, Houston • www.ecologistschoolhtx.com

In the news

13 Genesis of Clear Lake The car dealership opened a new facility in the Clear

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Pei Wei, as well as several restaurants, such as Common Bond Cafe, Yard House, Dish Society, Wendy’s and Landry’s Seafood Kitchen, among others, have either been added or will be added soon.

Lake area in February. A grand opening event held Feb. 5 included live performances and guided tours of the new showroom. The business offers the Genesis car lineup. While the business celebrated its new facility, it has been in operation for several years. • 20101 Gulf Freeway, Webster • www.genesis.com 14 Intuitive Machines The aerospace company, which is headquartered at Houston Spaceport, landed a vessel on the moon’s surface on March 6. The vessel landed on its side, which resulted in the mission ending shortly after it landed. However, officials said they were able to collect key data prior to its end. • 13467 Columbia Shuttle St., Houston • www.intuitivemachines.com 15 Jenuine Treasures The business celebrated its fifth anniversary on March 6. It sells the wares of crafters including jewelry, cards, clothing, car fresheners and hand painted glass art.

Now open

• 7800 Airport Blvd., Houston • www.fly2houston.com/hou

Closings

17 Joann The company announced Feb. 23 that it was being sold due to its second bankruptcy filing in less than a year to the GA Group. The store specialized in selling fabrics, yarn, needle arts, paper crafting, jewelry making and cake decorating. • Closing TBD • 1529 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster • www.joann.com 18 Forever 21 The company declared bankruptcy for a second time and will begin to slow its business while conducting liquidation sales at its stores. It is a clothing brand that offers clothing for men and women with over 500 stores worldwide. • Closing TBD • 1408 Baybrook Mall Drive, Friendswood • www.forever21.com

19 Lupe Tortilla The restaurant offers a lunch and dinner menu with appetizers such as chile con queso and chipotle smoked ribs, as well as a variety of tacos, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, and seafood and steak dishes. The menu also includes brunch options and cocktails, including several margaritas, a pina colada, beer and sangrias. • Opened March 3 • 5165 Hwy. 96, Kemah • www.tex-mex.com/kemah

• 902 Hardesty Ave., Seabrook • www.jenuinetreasures.com

16 Hobby Airport The airport is continuing to add a series of food and drink offerings, officials announced in March. Two Starbucks,

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BAY AREA EDITION

Government

BY RACHEL LELAND & JAMES T. NORMAN

League City looks at taking over city streetlights League City could save around $13 million over the next 20 years by purchasing and assuming responsibility for the city’s streetlights. City Council on March 25 approved amending city code, which could help create a path to it taking over streetlights in town. However, the city will still need to work out an agreement to purchase the 5,000-plus streetlights from Tex- as-New Mexico Power, or TNMP, which currently owns and operates most of the city’s streetlights. What happened City ocials hope the change will reduce costs over several years, improve public safety and reduce service response times. A presentation given March 25 showed it is cheaper for the city to own and operate its own lighting, because then the city only has to pay for the energy consumed, city sta said.

League City suspends gas rate increase League City City Council at its March 11 meeting opted to suspend a request from CenterPoint Energy to raise gas utility rates by $2.88 per customer per month. The full story The suspension will push back the date that CenterPoint can start the new rates by 45 days—from April 19 to June 3, documents show. The city will look more into the request during that time. CenterPoint is asking for 14.77% increase in the rate for a new total of $22.38 per month per customer—up from $19.50, according to agenda documents. For commercial customers, the rate increase could range from around 16% to 17% depending on the size of the business, documents show.

Streetlights in League City League City could purchase the city’s streetlights.

$13M saved over 20 years

5,546 streetlights owned by TNMP

From $29.32 to $3.75 in cost per xture per month for LED bulbs

$4.7M estimated cost to buy and convert current streetlights

SOURCE: LEAGUE CITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CITY TO SAVE A GOOD BIT OF MONEY ON ... STREETLIGHTS AS WELL AS ENSURE WE HAVE INCREASED SAFETY BY HAVING A BRIGHTER COMMUNITY AT NIGHT.” CHAD TRESSLER, LEAGUE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY RACHEL LELAND & JAMES T. NORMAN

League City OKs $6.8M road reconstruction project

TxDOT to start work on FM 646 in April Work along FM 646 in and near League City is set to begin in April, officials with the Texas Department of Transportation confirmed. The gist The $115 million project will see the road widened from two lanes to four from Edmund Way to Hwy. 146, TxDOT officials said in a March 26 email. The project should be completed by 2029, officials said. The federal and state governments will fund the project, with a split of 80% and 20%, respectively. As part of the project, a bridge will also be constructed to bypass the railroad tracks, Community Impact previously reported.

Butler Road and Turner Street in League City will undergo $6.81 million in improvements starting in the summer. The details League City City Council unanimously voted to award two construction bids totaling $6.8 million for improvements to Butler Road and Turner Street at its March 25 meeting. The contracts were approved with no discussion from council. The project will be a reconstruction of the road and see officials repair and replace the asphalt roadway, install new water lines and sidewalks, and relocate utilities along the roadways. Diving in deeper The project is part of a series of street reconstruc- tions totaling nearly $50 million for certain roads around town, according to city documents.

A G U E C I T

TURNER ST.

EDONA DR.

City estimates show around 30% of streets in League City are more than 30 years old. Looking ahead The projects will begin in the summer and are slated for completion in the fall 2026. ERVIN ST.

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BAY AREA EDITION

Education

BY HALEY VELASCO

Clear Creek ISD sees improvement in college, career, military readiness

Diving in deeper

Despite the improvement in CCMR scores, CCISD has encountered challenges regarding the state’s CCMR accountability system. Some of the challenges Silva noted include: • Meeting CCMR state expectations as they continue to change annually with new tweaks to the expectations • Shifts in student pathways and coursework can negatively impact a district’s CCMR percentage score • The lag in CCMR accountability data making it harder to assess • Reporting military readiness for students who enlist in the armed forces relies on self-reporting from students, which leads to inconsistencies and gaps in data

After recent state reports presented in February showed Clear Creek ISD trailing the state in the percentage of students who are considered college, career and military ready, or CCMR, officials have taken steps to improve in these areas. Those efforts, officials said in March, are paying off, as district staff is expecting to see an increase of roughly 20 percentage points in the number of students who are classified as CCMR. The 2023-24 Texas Accountability Performance Report, or TAPR, results, were released in December by the Texas Education Agency. They lag behind by a year with the latest data being from the 2022-23 school year, in which CCISD scored 66.8% for CCMR. Dating back to the 2019-20 school year, CCISD has either been at par or behind the state average, data shows. Despite that, CCISD officials said that score has risen to 87% with its 2024 class. This comes after district officials and campus leaders worked to address CCMR concerns in spring 2023, in preparation for the 2023-24 school year, Susan Silva, CCISD’s assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, said in a March 14 email. Students can earn a CCMR indicator by meeting criteria for exams, including Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate, as well as taking dual credit courses and earning an industry-based certification, among other options, according to the TEA’s 2024 Accountability Manual.

State Region 4 Clear Creek ISD Percentage of CCISD students who are college, career and military ready

50%

100%

72.9% 72%

79.3%

63% 61.1%

63.1%

65.2%

61.9% 64%

What to expect

70% 66.7%

Solutions the district has implemented to account for changes made by the state include dedicating a few district officials to monitor changes by the TEA, Silva said. The district uses a system to track and target student progress, as well as courses that give students a first look at career pathways, Silva said. “All the instructional programs in CCISD are designed to prepare students for whatever they decide to do,” Silva said.

62.9%

76.3%

73.9%

66.8%

87%

*DATA FOR THE STATE AND HOUSTON REGION FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE 2025 TAPR RESULTS ARE RELEASED IN LATE 2025.

SOURCES: CLEAR CREEK ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HALEY VELASCO

Clear Creek ISD officials discuss future budget challenges, priorities While a budget has not been set for fiscal year 2025-26, budget discussions are beginning as Clear Creek ISD moves toward building its budget for the new fiscal year. What you need to know CCISD’s Chief Financial Officer Alice Benzaia presented the challenges and priorities at the board of trustees’ March 10 workshop. Modifications were made since the workshop and district finance committee meeting, which was held the week of March 24, Benzaia said. The budget challenges and priorities for FY 2025-26 were officially approved by the board at its March 31 meeting.

Clear Creek ISD reviews survey results Clear Creek ISD officials reviewed results of a mid-year accountability survey relayed to parents, guardians and staff members at the board of trustees’ March 10 workshop. The gist The report asked parents and staff members if: • They believed students received a high-quality education at CCISD • Teachers are receiving the student behavior support and training needed Officials also asked those surveyed about the effectiveness of the district’s new commu- nication app, connectCCISD, which is designed to keep parents, guardians and staff informed

Benzaia said she will have a better idea of the budget by late May or early June. However, given questions about funding at the state level due to the ongoing legislative session, Benzaia said it’s a challenge trying to balance it. “I’m very concerned about being able to balance a budget this year when I don’t know what I’m working with,” Benzaia said at the meeting. In the meantime, staff are holding meetings to determine various factors such as enrollment, Benzaia said. What else? While officials say the status of state funding is still not yet known, they believe they will see new funding in the special education allotment from the state. The Texas Education Agency has a tiered level of funding based on the severity and services that individual students receive in special education. Benzaia said if the level of funding changes, it will be a “risk” going into the next fiscal year, as officials won’t know the amount of funding the district will receive for special education.

at both the district and campus levels. The survey received just over 4,200

responses, with over 2,700 parents and guard- ians as well as over 1,500 teachers responding, district officials said.

CCISD budget challenges

CCISD budget priorities

Providing necessary funding and staffing for student improvement and guidance

Declining student enrollment

Strongly agree/agree

Strongly disagree/disagree

Offering competitive pay and benefits for all employees

Rising costs of fuel and insurance

“I receive the student behavior support and training I need.”

Maximizing state revenues and enrollment opportunities

Shortages in bus drivers and speech pathologists

18%

Potential risk of sustainability of current programs in future budget years

Using extra reserves to help offset budget challenges

82%

Looking for cost savings and facility usage

Inadequate state funding

“The new connectCCISD (Parent Square) for my school and district communications is effective.”

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

16%

84%

CCISD OKs $1.7M budget addition for special services Clear Creek ISD on March 31 added $1.7 million to its general fund for the fiscal year 2024-25 budget to address the rising need for speech therapy services for students. The overview Number of students diagnosed with a speech impairment in CCISD 858 1,311

CCISD’s community’s perception of whether the district offers high-quality education* 10.69%

1,500 1,000 500 0

89.31%

CCISD’s Chief Financial Officer Alice Benzaia said the cost to pay for these services exceeds the amount budgeted for them. Students with speech impairments have risen in recent years.

2018-19

2023-24

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

*CCISD DID NOT PROVIDE EXACT WORDING FOR THE SURVEY QUESTION

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The Bougie Smash Burger ($17) features cheese, house pickles, caramelized onions and prosciutto.

The elote ravioli ($22) is a stued pasta with roasted corn, morita salsa, cilantro and a house blanco sauce.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Slate Table + Bar fuses Italian with global avors

Robert Slater draws inspiration from his childhood and years of experience in the restaurant industry.

roasted corn, salsa, cilantro and a house blanco sauce, was reimagined from an award winning taco, he said. Giving back Slater’s background encourages him to be courageous with his menu and interactive with his customers, he said. Beginning in March, he and his team will start a program called “Community and Recipes.” They will select one customer’s family recipe a month, recreate it and add it to Slate’s menu. Proceeds will go towards a charity of the customer’s choice, he said. “It’s like paying it forward,” he said. “And food brings everyone together. ... We have one common denominator—and that’s that people like to eat.”

Robert Slater said he’s always pushed the envelope on fusion cuisine. The owner of Slate Table + Bar—a modern Italian-fusion restaurant in League City—points to his recipes for gumbo pizza and elote ravioli as evidence of a creativity he developed from youth. “As a poor boy growing up in South Central Los Angeles [I ate] whatever was in the refrigerator,” Slater said. The inspiration Combining leftovers from his childhood refrig- erator helped him create the concept of the gumbo pizza—which is topped with andouille sausage, shrimp, chicken, Creole seasoning, okra and micro mustard greens. His elote ravioli, stued with

LINK RD.

1120 Grand Oak Blvd., League City www.slatetableandbar.com

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BAY AREA EDITION

Development

BY ASIA ARMOUR

$6.7M in new projects, amenities coming to Flyway Webster

Ocials with the Flyway development in Web- ster are continuing to build out the destination with a pair of projects meant to supplement the attractions at the site. What’s happening The new Flyway Boardwalk and Flyway Park are set to be completed by the fall, conrmed Webster Economic Development representatives. Ocials said they believe the projects will enhance the entertainment, shopping and dining development to help make it more friendly for the environment and pedestrians. The details The boardwalk totals $5.2 million and will include a boardwalk and pathway system, distinc- tive pavilions, decks, lighting and landscaping, ocials said. Representatives said the goal is to capitalize on the beauty of Clear Creek, with its gathering

1 Flyway Park 2 Flyway Plaza 3 Flyway Boardwalk 4 Chicken N Pickle

6 Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen 5 Vida Mariscos 7 Ale & Ivy

W A

The Flyway Boardwalk totals $5.2 million, ocials said.

6 4 5

OSPREY DR.

8 Great Wolf Lodge 9 Topgolf

ROYAL TERN WAY

10 American Furniture Warehouse

MAP NOT TO SCALE

CLEAR CREEK

RENDERING COURTESY FOUR AND ONE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE VIA FLYWAY

places, overlooks and views of the surrounding environment, which ocials said they believe will oer visitors a unique experience. The Flyway Park project totals $1.5 million and will span 6.3 acres when completed, Flyway representatives said. It will feature 8-foot-wide sidewalks; a large pavilion to complement the boardwalk’s design; and a variety of trees.

Stay tuned These projects come following multiple new businesses opening shops in the area, including its anchor tenant in Great Wolf Lodge, as well as Chicken N Pickle, Community Impact previously reported. Restaurants such as Ambriza Social Mex- ican Kitchen and Ale & Ivy are expected to open up by the end of the year or early 2026.

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Clear Lake - Bay Area Blvd. 1060 Bay Area Boulevard Houston, TX 77058

Bacliff 4021 Highway 146 Bacliff, TX 77518

League City West Main 2204 West Main League City, TX 77573

South Shore 2460 Marina Bay Drive League City, TX 77573

1. Please refer to the Deposit Account Agreement, Account Disclosure, Deposit Rate Sheet and the applicable schedule of fees, or speak with a banker for more details. 2. Advertised premium rate effective as of 04/01/2025 available on Personal or Business Money Market accounts for account balances of $1,000.00 to $99,999,99 when you link a Personal Premium Interest Checking, Personal Premier Checking, Premier Elite Checking, Business Connect Checking, Business Interest Checking, or Community Checking accounts. Your interest rate and annual percentage yield (APY) may change at our discretion at any time. The APY assumes that interest paid remains in the account. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. We use the daily balance method to calculate the interest on your account. This method applies a daily periodic rate to the collected balance in your account each day. Interest compounds daily and will be credited to your account monthly. If you close your account before interest is credited, you will not receive accrued interest. Interest begins to accrue no later than the business day we receive credit for the deposit of noncash (checks). 3. Premium rate tiers are applied automatically to linked money market or savings accounts, CDs, and IRA accounts when the primary owner of the checking account is also an owner of the linked interest bearing account. Please see Deposit Rate Sheet for details.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 22: First day of early voting April 22: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election day and last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Harris and Galveston county residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting; however, election day locations are by precinct. Visit www.harrisvotes.com or www.galvestonvotes.org for polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: *Incumbent

Seabrook charter amendments Proposition C: serving more than two years of term counts as full term toward term limit Proposition D: council members or mayor forfeit office if they violate city code of conduct Proposition E: two members of council can place any ordinance on agenda Proposition F: updates to criteria for boards and commissions Proposition G: changes wording in annual budget Proposition H: wording changed in emergency appropriations Proposition I: members of Planning and Zoning Commission can serve on Comprehensive Master Plan Review Commission Proposition J: wording update in power and duties Proposition K: updates to create grounds to recall mayor or council members Proposition L: updated wording to “filing and examination of petitions” section of city code Proposition M: updated wording for criteria of judge of municipal court of record Proposition N: wording update to costs, process, procedures for municipal court of record

Seabrook mayor Jim Sweeney Jackie Rasco Seabrook City Council, Position 1 Tyler Kubena Christopher Hues Seabrook City Council, Position 2 Jared Sessum J.P. Byers Seabrook City Council, Position 4 Angela Cervantes Gary Johnson Seabrook City Council, Position 6 Kyra Burton Summer S. Sanford Seabrook bond Proposition A : $18M for police station Proposition B: $4M for community pool

Sample ballot

Clear Creek ISD, District 1 Joe Machol Jessica Cejka* Clear Creek ISD, At-Large Position B Rebecca Lilley Scott Bowen* League City City Council, Position 5 Erin Avalos Scott Higginbotham Kyrsten Garcia Tim Pelletier Charlie Keeler Lisa Welty Kemah City Council, Position 2 Dustin T. Oliver Shelia Thorne Kemah City Council, Position 4 Paul Williams Lee Wallace

SOURCES: CITIES OF LEAGUE CITY, KEMAH AND SEABROOK, CLEAR CREEK ISD, HARRIS AND GALVESTON COUNTIES, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PROPERTY TAXES TOO HIGH???

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BAY AREA EDITION

Election

League City City Council, Position 5

If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities?

Would you prioritize residential growth or commercial growth?

What is the biggest challenge you see for League City in the coming years?

Erin Avalos Occupation & experience: working mom of four kids, manager, volunteer, advocate Facebook: Erin Avalos for LC council position #5

My top priority is ensuring that the voices of League City residents are heard at the City Council. I will actively engage with the community to make sure decisions reflect the will and best interests of the people.

A mix honestly, but with a bit more focus on the commercial side. It ultimately helps reduce the tax burden on residents, which is a priority of mine. I would like to see the type of commercial growth where people can eat, shop, play and entertain. No more big empty … Both residential and commercial growth are important for a balanced and thriving city. However, commercial development is key to financial resilience. I would like to see more shopping centers and restaurants on the west side of League City, creating local job opportunities and increasing the city’s revenue base while enhancing …

Rapid growth and the associated inconvenience to our current residents that comes with that. For example, we have to be proactive in gauging citizen impact when scheduling road projects where in some cases, multiple projects have been along the same routes. We have to be smart in future development, and … Inflation and traffic congestion are two of the biggest challenges our city will face. However, with proper planning, we can mitigate their impact. Strategic infrastructure investments, traffic flow improvements and careful financial planning will help us navigate these challenges effectively.

Getting council back to focusing on real issues residents care about such as lower taxes and less traffic, and not the distractions and drama. I also want to make government easier to deal with and put additional focus on adding more ball fields and protecting green spaces.

Scott Higginbotham Occupation & experience: business owner, planning & zoning

commissioner, former ethics review board member www.scottforleaguecity.com

My top priorities will include enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. I aim to ensure that our community grows responsibly while maintaining the quality of life for all residents. I will also focus on refocusing our council on strategic planning and effective governance, free from outside influences.

I would prioritize a balanced approach that encourages both residential and commercial growth. For commercial development, I support attracting businesses that provide high-quality jobs, such as tech firms, health care facilities, and retail centers, to boost the local economy and reduce commute times for residents.

The biggest challenge will be managing rapid population growth while maintaining infrastructure and quality of life. Addressing traffic congestion, drainage issues and ensuring adequate public services will be crucial. Strategic planning, focused on local needs and priorities, and reducing external influences are key to overcoming these challenges.

Kyrsten Garcia Occupation & experience: construction administration, Master of Business Administration, former educator, library board trustee www.kcgarcia.com

Listen and use common sense for the better of the community.

We clearly have room for both, but as I mentioned before, attracting small businesses and making it easier for them to start is the [No.] 1 thing of residents who have reached out to me on this specific issue.

To rate them, traffic, infrastructure, property taxes, and [safe] sports and recreational places for kids and adults with the amount of families here. All of these are very important and [balancing] them to me is the most common concern that neighbors I’ve talked to.

Tim Pelletier Occupation & experience: sales manager of a global water sports company 832-496-4782

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

If elected, what will be your top priority or priorities?

Would you prioritize residential growth or commercial growth?

What is the biggest challenge you see for League City in the coming years?

Charlie Keeler Occupation & experience: oil and gas survey data technician, husband and father Facebook: Charlie Keeler for League City Council

Ensuring that the council works well together, making decisions that are common sense and proactive regarding future impacts on the city.

Entertainment venues, hiking and biking trails, and parks. It is important to have activities for families and also promote a sense of community.

Maintaining services for the citizens of League City that we currently have while meeting the increased population growth.

My priority is to stay accountable to the citizens. Growth must be addressed constantly while balancing the dynamic needs of current and lifetime citizens. Evaluating and adapting economic development, public safety, affordable housing, recreational spaces, infrastructure development and public safety are key to the success of this city.

Residential growth attracts families, increases tax revenue and fosters community development but puts a strain on public services. Commercial growth boosts the economy, creates jobs and diversifies the tax base but requires careful zoning. Retail, gym and hospitality services are in high demand and would be beneficial for our citizens.

Infrastructure strain, population growth, economic resilience, disaster preparedness and affordable housing are all challenges I see us facing in the future. The biggest challenge is reducing distractions in council meetings and placing these items on the agenda for evaluation consistently, leading to our success in planning for these inevitable situations.

Lisa Welty Occupation &

experience: MSN [Master of Science in Nursing], RN [registered nurse], nurse executive, booster president 281-236-2555

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BAY AREA EDITION

Election

BY HALEY VELASCO

Clear Creek ISD, District 1

Clear Creek ISD, At-Large Position B

KEY : *Incumbent

Joe Machol Occupation: professional official for football/baseball, WWII European Theater of Operations tours owner/operator Relevant experience: eight years Seabrook City Council, 14 years President Texas Baseball Umpires Association (TBUA), four years... 281-804-0434

Jessica Cejka* Occupation: real estate agent

Rebecca Lilley Occupation: community, physician engagement director, Memorial Hermann Relevant experience: 35-year resident; parent; board member, Clear Creek Education Foundation www.electrebeccalilley.com

Scott Bowen* Occupation: chemical engineer

Relevant experience: three-year trustee, former educator, parent to three CCISD students, Parent Teacher Association volunteer www.jessica4ccisd.net

Relevant experience: two-term incumbent, CCISD graduate, hired Superintendent Engle, wrote necessary policies, balanced the budget Facebook: Re-Elect Scott Bowne for Clear Creek ISD Trustee At-Large

What are your priorities, if elected?

Help the CCISD taxpayer keep their hard earned money in their own pocket. Be fiscally responsible.

Recruit and retain quality educators by advocating for them. Maintain and strengthen academic excellence by expanding CCISD programs such as STEM [or science, technology, math and engineering], GT [or gifted and talented program], and dual- language. Encourage parent involvement and collaboration. Sustain strong fiscal accountability.

The main priority is tackling the financial and funding challenges. This needs to be accomplished while ensuring that we continue to serve each and every child well and retain our talented teachers and staff. I would like to collaborate with board members and the superintendent to ensure teachers and students …

Increasing teacher/staff pay. Keeping students safe: Enhanced security, discipline and zero tolerance for bullying and drug use. Maintaining high academic standards, prioritizing traditional education (including phonics), reducing device dependence. Increasing free time and recess for children. Expanding career and technical education. Lowering tax rates and opposing unnecessary renovations/bonds.

Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with facility and technology upgrades?

Bonds only if absolutely necessary, after looking into cost cutting measures and possible waste.

We have aging schools needing upgrades in the near future. Due to the state funding formula, this must be done through a bond. I would encourage the district to continue to evaluate facility needs and determine when a bond could be passed without increasing the tax rate for our citizens.

There are priority repairs that were identified by the citizens facility advisory committee in 2023 but not included in that bond package. I would support the district going for a bond to address these priority needs.

No. Property taxes are already too high and we still have maintenance and technology to complete on our existing bonds. Once those are done we can re-evaluate critical needs.

BAY AREA 1033 Bay Area Blvd (281) 486-9558 LEAGUE CITY

KEMAH 243 FM 2094 (281) 538-9095 SEABROOK 3126 Nasa Pkwy (281) 326-5127

196 Gulf Fwy S (281) 316-2140

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