Election
Jersey Village City Council, Place 1
Michael Brittain Occupation & experience: Owner - ber optic construction contractor for government entities such as Harris County Trac and COH Facebook: Michael Brittain For JV
Curt Beasley Occupation & experience: 20+ years in construction and land development Facebook: Curt Beasley for JV
What is your top priority for Jersey Village, if elected?
Our city’s emergency services are my top priority, which requires strong economic development to ensure our Police, Fire and EMS are properly funded through our local business’ sales tax revenue.
My top priority is scal responsibility. I’m going to use my experience in land development and construction to get the new City Hall remodeled and to build a city pool. The city currently wants to spend more than triple of what it should cost to re- model the new City Hall.
How will you ensure transparency and accountability in City Council decisions?
The city currently has a dedicated communications director in place that I will work with City Council and the city secretary to maintain. I support open communications with residents, encourage public participation in meetings, and believe decisions and nancial information should be communicated clearly across multiple platforms.
I plan to be transparent and hold our city accountable for scal responsibility. We overspent ve million dollars on the nine million dollar budget for the golf clubhouse and convention center. If elected, I am going to request a forensic accountant and construction professional to review payments for that project.
What is the biggest challenge the city is facing today, and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge is balancing economic growth with infrastructure needs while protecting the character of our community. Through proactive planning and competitive bidding, we can maintain utilities, roads, and walkways so Jersey Village stays ahead of problems instead of reacting later when costs are higher.
The biggest challenge the city faces is spending. The processes that our city uses to nd vendors for construction projects are severely awed and need to be xed. We need to stop overspending.
How should the city balance budget sustainability with investments in city infrastructure and amenities?
The city has developed a roadmap for economic development, future land use, preventive utility maintenance, and has secured property for a new municipal and community center. I will work with City Council to maintain strong nancial reserves while prioritizing maintenance and infrastructure projects before issues arise.
The city needs to evaluate pricing for both infrastructure and amenities. This exercise will open up more dollars to spend on both or more dollars to save for the general fund.
How will you overcome dierences of opinion on the future needs of the city?
Dierences of opinion are inevitable. I will listen to residents, fellow council members, and the City Manager while focusing on costs, return on investment, and long-term data. My goal is to work toward practical, collaborative solutions that serve the best interests of Jersey Village.
One thing I learned a long time ago was, “I can’t give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure—try to please everyone.” There will always be dierences of opinions. We just need to nd common ground that we can move forward with.
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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