Election
BY RACHEL LELAND
KEY: *Incumbent
Friendswood City Council, position 2
Would you support the city going for a bond to address the city’s recreational needs? Bond elections are an example of our democratic process, allowing citizens to vote for or against a tax increase. A committee of citizen volunteers were tasked to explore placing a bond on the November 2026 ballot. Receipt of their recommendations would be necessary for me to make an informed decision.
What will your biggest priority be if elected?
My top priority has been and will remain public safety. Making sure our emergency services personnel, PD, EMS and re have what they need in workforce and equipment to continue to keep our community one of the safest in the state.
Sally Branson* Occupation & experience: Partner, local nancial services rm, active volunteer, serving on Planning & Zoning (3 years) and City Council (9 years) www.sally4council.com Shawna Talton Occupation & experience: Homemaker. Former owner/ operator of Talton Imaging (cardiac sonography), special education inclusion advocate www.voteshawnatalton.com
My biggest priority will be ensuring that every part of our community feels represented and heard. I believe there are residents who desire and deserve stronger representation from every corner of our community, including those in Harris County.
I would be open to considering a bond if it is clearly itemized and transparent so residents understand exactly what they are voting on. Any proposal should be scally responsible and ultimately left to the voters to decide.
Friendswood City Council, position 5
Would you support the city going for a bond to address the city’s recreational needs? Any bond proposal must be clearly de ned, scally responsible and supported by residents. I would evaluate speci c projects, long-term costs and community input before making a decision. Investments in recreation should address demonstrated needs while protecting taxpayers and maintaining a strong nancial position.
What will your biggest priority be if elected?
Public safety and responsible long-term planning to maintain strong police, re and emergency services, address tra c congestion through data- driven solutions, and ensure reliable infrastructure. My focus is preserving Friendswood’s sense of community and small-town feel while preparing our city for the future in a thoughtful, transparent and scally responsible way. Challenging the status-quo matters. Friendswood is a great place to live and raise a family, yet many residents, including myself, are concerned about our direction. I’m pro-business, and growth is ne, but only the right kind of growth will preserve the Friendswood we love and choose to remain in.
Joe Matranga* Occupation & experience: Retired executive, FHS & Texas A&M Graduate, proven leader, City Council – 1 Term, active volunteer www.joematranga.com Randy Hale Occupation & experience: Retired. 45+ years in sales and management helping people get answers, nd solutions and solve problems. Facebook: Randy Hale for Friendswood City Council Pos. 5
It depends on the need and who bene ts from it. I will do my research and o er insights. More important than how I view going into such debt is how the taxpayers feel about it. Put the propositions on standalone bond issues in unbiased language. Let the voters decide.
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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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION
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