Election
BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN
Conroe City Council, Place 3
What is your top priority, if elected?
What should Conroe’s budget priorities be?
My top priority is reestablishing the citizens’ voice. I will restore a culture of servant leadership within City Hall, ensuring transparency and accountability. Our government should be an extension of the people it serves, not a corporation run by unelected bureaucrats. It’s time to put the community back in charge.
We must stop funding unvetted pet projects and return to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Budget priorities should focus on people, policy, and technology. By stabilizing our finances and inviting citizens back to the table, we can ensure every tax dollar serves the public interest rather than internal bureaucratic agendas.
Kristin Hoisington Occupation & Experience: geospatial (GIS) analyst 15 years; Conroe native; local political blogger; conflict-free, no board affiliations www.hoisingtonforconroe.com
To protect our taxpayers and reduce our $750M debt. I will use my professional experience to revitalize our infrastructure to keep up with growth. This includes water, sewer, completed roads and a cohesive city development and permitting service process. I endorse financial support for police, fire and city staffing.
Control debt load to protect our taxpayers and ensure our infrastructure plans for and meets Conroe’s needs. Water/sewer, a concern for all citizens, has been underfunded since 2011 and must match our growth. Fair compensation for police, fire and city staffing to support our responders and improve daily city ...
Nick Vonas Occupation & Experience : retired senior executive; 38-year large project management; infrastructure renewal, development; resisted Blackfin, MCAD; Conroe CIDC www.nickvonasforconroe.com
Conroe City Council, Place 4
What is your top priority, if elected?
What should Conroe’s budget priorities be?
My top priority is keeping Conroe safe and strong. That means supporting our police and fire departments with the resources and compensation they need, while also ensuring our small businesses can succeed. Public safety and a healthy local economy are both essential to a thriving community.
Public safety should always be the top budget priority. We must ensure police, fire, and emergency services are properly staffed and equipped. The city should also prioritize infrastructure like roads and drainage while supporting policies that help small businesses grow and strengthen our local economy.
Ken Blevins Occupation & Experience: Site Manager—Baker Hughes; Conroe resident—8 years; POA Board President—3 years; MUD Board Director—4 years (President … www.blevinsforconroe.com
First and foremost, I will be elected to City Council on May 2nd. Once sworn in, I will methodically collaborate with stakeholders, employees, and the public to hear their prioritized goals. Together we will examine the requirements, constraints, and methodologies to create draft policies and procedures for city council.
Most politicians will talk about a fictious pain point as a budget priority. But as a businessman, I understand realistic budget priorities are made with care, due diligence, and consensus. Therefore, I will be genuine and honest to having no bias towards a priority.
John J. Kessler Occupation & Experience: MBA, Texas A&M; executive director/ CEO; small business owner; US Army veteran, 30 years www.johnkessler4conroe.com
Implement a team to review and ensure transparency, to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” or “to hold the administration accountable.” The Hyatt hotel, conduct a rigorous audit, restructure the debt, and implement operational efficiencies to ensure long-term sustainability while protecting our city’s taxpayers’ financial interests. Citizen charter review.
Implement public workshops, planning commissions, for residents to have input in what they value most. Citizen agenda input to start at the beginning of Conroe council meetings. Review and put in place financial transparency, strategic modeling and capital improvement plans. Police and first responders should have qualified pay and resources.
Jerry O’Neal Occupation & Experience: business ownership of J & J Hotshot Trucking Company Conroe Texas www.electjonealcouncil3.com
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.
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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