Bay Area Edition | September 2024

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Bay Area Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2 SEPT. 27OCT. 25, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Meeting new needs

League City City Librarian Meredith Layton (left) speaks with visitors at the city’s Helen Hall Library. The library is going through its rst strategic planning process in ve years.

COURTESY HELEN HALL LIBRARY Helen Hall Library’s strategic plan to help guide facility as city grows

smaller libraries to make it more accessible to resi- dents like himself who don’t live near Helen Hall. “[In Nashville] they would have smaller libraries where you could request books from the main library sent to your location so you wouldn’t have to travel all the way downtown,” Chapman said.

institution keep up with the many changes it has seen in the past half-decade. The process could aect residents like Clayton Chapman, who visits the library at least once a month to read the Sunday paper, and explore new books and the DVD collection. Chapman, who moved from Nashville in 2019, said he wishes the library would consider creating

BY JAMES T. NORMAN & HALEY VELASCO

Helen Hall Library ocials in League City are creating the library’s rst strategic plan since before the COVID-19 pandemic to address both the recent growth and changing landscape of libraries. City ocials said they hope the plan will give clarity on the direction of the library and help the

CONTINUED ON 22

Also in this issue

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Education: Clear Creek ISD adopts balanced budget with help of $5M in contingency funds (Page 10)

Nonprofit: Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County reects on 45 years of helping domestic abuse victims (Page 27)

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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

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Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

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Impacts

5 Sapporo Asian Restaurant The restaurant’s menu features both Chinese-Sichuan cuisine and Japanese-style sushi. • Opened on Aug. 17 • 2800 Marina Bay Drive, Ste. A, League City • www.sapporochinesenjapaneserestaurant.com 6 Inspire Me Too Learning Center The business is a preschool and day care center with programs for ages six weeks through 12 years old. This is the second location to open in the Greater Houston area. • Opened June 3 7 Sushi Moshi The restaurant offers fried noodles, tonkotsu ramen and specialty sushi rolls, including dragon rolls, tiger eye rolls and cowboy rolls, among other menu items. • Opened Aug. 9 • 220 Gulf Freeway S., League City • www.sushimoshitx.com 8 McDonald’s The global fast food chain is known for its burgers, fries, chicken nuggets and the McFlurry. McDonald’s has over 36,000 locations across the world. • Opened Aug. 24 • 3022 Marina Bay Drive, League City • www.mcdonalds.com • 516 N. Hwy. 3, League City • www.imlearningctr.com 9 Boba Mama The business offers a variety of beverages, including fruit and milk teas, flavored lemonades, coffees, milkshakes and smoothies. It also sells snacks and sweets, such as pastries, kolaches and ramen noodles. • Opened Aug. 1 • 3311 FM 518 E., Ste. 101, League City • www.boba-mama.com 10 Hoppe’s Bar and Grill The business sells shrimp wraps, salads, sandwiches, burgers and nachos, among other items. • Opened in June • 1000 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway Frontage Road,

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER

Seabrook

2351

CLEAR LAKE

146

GALVESTON BAY

ENTERPRISE AVE.

5 20

BAYBROOK MALL DR.

Nassau Bay

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528

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3 Standing Ovation Theatre The Webster-based nonprofit will offer opportunities to be on stage or part of the crew, including costumer or prop manager roles, as well as host private events. • Opened Sept. 21

Now open

1 Highland Forest Daycare and Early Learning Center

The daycare, which is owned and operated by a certified teacher and registered nurse, will enroll children from six weeks to 12 years old. • Opened Sept. 9

• 17380 El Camino Real, Houston • www.standingovationtheatre.org

4 Innergy.Life The business offers what officials called energy enhancement services, which they said could potentially bring several types of health benefits. • Opened July 6 • 201 Enterprise Ave., Ste. 625, League City • www.innergy.life

• 351 FM 646 Road N., Dickinson • www.highlandforestdaycare.com

2 Pauline’s Donuts Along with donuts, the shop offers kolaches and burritos, among other items. • Opened in June • 201 S. Egret Bay Blvd., Ste. 300, League City • Instagram: Pauline’s Donuts

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In the news

Coming soon

11 Lobster & Beer The restaurant will serve lobster rolls, soups, rice bowls and lobster tails, among other menu items. • Opening in October • 20801 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 24, Webster • ilovelobsterandbeer.com 12 Painted Tree Boutiques The shop offers home decor, jewelry, clothing and gifts for baby showers, anniversaries and birthdays, among other items. • Opening in fall 2024 • 1003 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster • www.paintedtree.com

16 Retreats New Orleans Style Daiquiris & Eats

19 Texas Huddle Grille & Sports Bar The restaurant held a grand reopening Aug. 1 under new ownership after closing earlier this year. It serves chicken wings, tacos, pizza and burgers, among other menu items, according to the business’s website. • 803 E. NASA Parkway, Ste. 100, Webster • www.txhuddle.com

17 MichiRu Sushi The business celebrated its 15-year anniversary on Aug. 25. It serves a variety of sushi and sashimi rolls, including avocado, spicy salmon and California rolls, among other menu items. • 20911 Gulf Freeway, Webster • www.michirusushi.com Inspired by New Orleans culture, food and drinks, the beverage shop and eatery offers 12 daiquiri flavors, as well as beers and other spirits to mix into its frozen drinks. • Opened Aug. 9 • 1504 W. League City Parkway, Ste. 200, League City • www.retreatsdaiquirisandeats.com

In the news

13 City of Kemah The city held a groundbreaking ceremony at the sight of a future 57-acre park that will offer a habitat for animals, birds and insects that are indigenous to the area. It will also be a place where visitors can observe and learn about the specific species in the area.

• 201 S. Egret Bay Blvd., Ste. 400, League City • www.tiffstreats.com

• Groundbreaking Sept. 20 • 1860 Park Oaks St., Kemah • www.kemahtx.gov

20 Sunshine Kitchen After opening in March, the business closed due to low sales, the owner said. However, its Seabrook location remains open. The business sells baked goods such as croissants, lemon bars, cheesecakes and pies as well as custom order cakes. • Closed Aug. 22 • 2800 Marina Bay Drive, Ste. J, League City • www.sunshinekitchentx.com

14 Donut Distillery The business celebrated its one-year anniversary from Aug. 12-18 and serves donuts, coffees, teas and ice cream, among other menu items. • 1507 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. A, Webster • donutdistillery.com 15 The Chandlery Candle Bar The business celebrated its one-year anniversary on Sept. 20. It offers candle-making experiences and classes. • 240 Park Ave., Ste. 4, League City • the-chandlery-candle-bar.square.site

Closings

18 Tiff’s Treats The business sold various baked cookies, brownies, cookie truffles and other sweet treats that could be picked up in the store or delivered to customers’ doors. Those in League City can still receive deliveries from the business’s Webster location. • Closed Aug. 23

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BAY AREA EDITION

Government

BY RACHEL LELAND

League City adopts tax rate lower than no-new-revenue rate for FY 2024-25

League City taxable appraised value

$15B

$10B

League City City Council voted unanimously to adopt a tax rate of $0.369 per $100 valuation of a home—a rate lower than the no-new-revenue rate—at its regular meeting Sept. 10. The backstory The fiscal year 2024-25 proposed budget is based upon 2024 preliminary taxable values estimated at $13.45 billion across the city, which is an increase of 4.32% over last year’s values, according to city documents. City staff first presented a proposed budget draft to city officials at a July 23 workshop, followed by subsequent meetings on July 30, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13. Expenditures for fiscal year 2024-25 are around $187.5 million, which is 8.8% more than the year-end estimate for fiscal year 2023-24’s

expenditures. The biggest expenditure increase was personnel costs, according to city documents. What else? Earlier this year, at a June 25 meeting, council also approved increasing the senior homestead tax exemption from $75,000 to $100,000, according to city documents. This increase will save existing properties $200,000 citywide, or an average of $43 annually per homestead property. League City is predicting 1,000 new homes in 2025, City Manager John Baumgartner said at a July 24 meeting. This pairs with a growing pop- ulation, which has increased by roughly 30,000 over the past decade and led to numerous housing developments on the city’s west side.

$5B

City’s tax rate per $100 valuation of a home over time

$0.6

$0.4

$0.2

SOURCE: LEAGUE CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY RACHEL LELAND, JAMES T. NORMAN & SHAWN ARRAJJ

Vote postponed to relocate children’s book League City City Council voted 6-2 at its Aug. 13 meeting to postpone accepting or rejecting a committee’s decision to move a children’s book to the library’s parenting section. The gist The city’s Community Standards Review Advi- sory Committee voted July 31 to move the book, “Big Wig” by Jonathan Hillman, to a higher shelf in Helen Hall Library and only allow adults to check the book out due to concerns about the content of the book, which tells the story of a young boy who “dresses in drag to compete in a neighborhood costume competition,” according to the book’s Simon and Schuster description. Helen Hall Library distributes cards that gives access level to certain sections of the library’s collection based on age, City Librarian Meredith Layton said.

GCPD agrees to help fund design for part of coast defense project In what officials called a “major milestone” in the steps needed to strengthen Texas’ Gulf Coast defense, the Gulf Coast Protection District, or GCPD, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reached a design agreement for portions of the Coastal Texas Project. What you need to know The agreement calls for the GCPD to take on 35% of all costs for parts of the Coastal Texas Project, according to an Aug. 14 release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Officials in the release caveated the signing, saying a separate agreement would be needed to start construction as well as an agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office.

“In my opinion, I find it inappropriate because of the fact that it has underlying messages and subtle things that are giving off the wrong ideas to these kids.” LUANN SHUPP, LEAGUE CITY For reclassification

COMMUNITY STANDARD REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

“I don’t see anything in this book that appears to be harmful to minors in any way, nothing that definitely meets the definition of obscenity. Nowhere in the book—hopefully you all read it—does it use the word drag.” WILL PATE, LEAGUE CITY RESIDENT Against reclassification What’s next? City officials said Sept. 3 there is no date set for City Council to reconsider the decision. In the mean- time, the book will remain in the children’s section.

Harris County approves increase in property tax rate Harris County commissioners approved an increase in the county’s property tax rate at a Sept. 19 meeting for the first time since fiscal year 2018-19. The takeaway This includes the Harris County Flood Control District’s tax rate, which was approved in August but will need voter approval in November. If

$0.7 $0.6 $0.5 $0.4 $0.3 $0.2 $0.1 $0

$0.62998

$0.60389

approved, a home valued at $300,000 will have an annual tax bill of roughly $1,450 after the county’s 20% homestead exemption is factored in. This is up from $1,272 under the current rate. Commissioners also bumped up property tax exemptions for senior and disabled homeowners in May.

- 4.14%

The new combined tax rate for the county is $0.60389 per $100 of valuation of a home—an increase from the tax rate of $0.53029 per $100 of valuation.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY HALEY VELASCO

Clear Creek ISD pulls contingency funds to balance FY 2024-25 budget

What else?

Local and intermediate funding is the largest source of funding for the district in FY 2024-25, along with state funding, budget documents show. State funding is based in part on average daily attendance, or ADA. The district’s ADA for FY 2024-25 is projected at 36,880. The ADA rate for CCISD has gone down in recent years due to declining enrollment, documents show. Payroll costs have climbed roughly $16.8 million compared to FY 2023-24, documents show. Other

Clear Creek ISD’s board of trustees on Aug. 26 adopted a balanced budget for fiscal year 2024-25 with the help of roughly $5 million in contingency funds. For FY 2024-25, CCISD will have $405 million in both revenue and expenses. That total is $23.5 million more for revenue and expenses than in FY 2023-24, according to CCISD documents. At the July 22 board workshop, CCISD officials projected a shortfall of about $4 million. To balance the FY 2024-25 budget, a transfer totaling $4.9 million from the district’s capital and contingency funds was included, according to district budget document. The transfer amount still meets the district’s requirement to not access more than 20% of capital and contingency funds, Chief Financial Officer Alice Benzaia said.

Revenue

Expenses

Other operating costs: $11M Supplies and materials: $13.7M Contracted services: $25.8M Payroll costs: $354.5M Capital outlay: $20K

Federal funding: $5.6M Other : $8.4M State funding: $168.1M

expense changes include: • $7.9 million increase in contracted services

Local and intermediate

funding: $222.9M

• $948,000 decrease in operating costs • $695,000 decrease in capital outlay • $500,000 increase in supplies and materials

NOTE: REVENUE TOTALS INCLUDE $4.9M IN TRANSFERRED CONTINGENCY FUNDS SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY JAMES T. NORMAN & HALEY VELASCO

CCISD to obtain visual, performing arts equipment

Texas A&M launches maritime program Texas A&M University launched a new college geared toward maritime studies that will offer 17 programs. The program will be housed at the uni- versity’s Galveston campus, according to an Aug. 15 news release from the university. What you need to know The goal of the new college, called the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies, will be to find sustainable ways to use the ocean and coastal resources, according to the release. Programs offered at the college will deal with economic, social, political and eco- logical aspects of both the coast and ocean, which make up what officials called the $1.5 trillion “blue economy” industry, according to the release.

Students and staff in visual and performing arts programs at Clear Creek ISD will get new equip- ment, supplies, apparel and instruments after the board of trustees approved a $17 million contract at its Aug. 26 meeting. The overview The $17 million contract made through the district’s 2023 bond will provide a purchasing method for the district’s art, music, band, dance and theater programs beginning Sept. 1, according to CCISD agenda documents. The contract has a term of five years and will automatically renew annually until Aug. 31, 2029, agenda documents show. The district approved contracts with nearly 90 vendors to obtain quotes that will accommodate any requirements on an as-needed basis, CCISD Director of Purchasing Greg Cruthirds said in an Aug. 29 email.

Bond breakdown

$17M Equipment, supplies, apparel and instruments for visual and performing arts

School infrastructure: $130.3M Priority repairs and replacements: $55.4M Instructional technology: $37M Life safety and security: $30.88M Co-curricular and extra-curricular: $24.1M Technology infrastructure: $19.78M Project

management and bond costs: $4.5M

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Clear Creek ISD purchases 9 new white fleet vehicles Clear Creek ISD will have nine new white fleet vehicles after the board of trustees approved the $521,000 purchase at its Aug. 26 meeting. The gist The new white fleet vehicles will replace nine said in an Aug. 29 email. The purchase was made through Bastrop-based Ford dealership Sames Bastrop Ford, according to CCISD agenda documents.

Fleet breakdown

7 vehicles used for maintenance departments:

• Carpenters • HVAC technicians • Electricians

• Grounds

maintenance • Operational staff

While the purchase amount was about $511,000 , another $10,000 was added in case of unexpected events, Cargill said in the email. The purchase will be made through the district’s capital project funds, agenda documents show.

2 vehicles used for technology departments: • Both vehicles used to bring IT equipment around district

aging white fleet vehicles for various maintenance and technology departments within the district, CCISD Director of Transportation Duane Cargill

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas aims to support students, teachers with new textbooks The Texas State Board of Education is set to approve a new collection of language arts and math textbooks this fall that state leaders hope will help close student achievement gaps and reduce time teachers spend creating lesson plans.

Student outcomes under TEA pilot program Lubbock ISD began piloting the TEA’s elementary-level materials at four schools during the 2021-22 school year. All 28 elementary schools were using the materials by the 2023-24 school year. The percentage of LISD elementary students who met grade level standards on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness increased from 2019-2024 across all grade levels and demographics.

Among the proposed materials are textbooks developed by the Texas Education Agency since 2020. The state-developed textbooks would be available for free online and include kindergarten through fifth grade reading and language arts; kindergarten through eighth grade math; and Algebra 1. If the SBOE approves the textbooks in Novem- ber, public school districts could begin using them during the 2025-26 school year. Use of the state-sanctioned materials is entirely optional, but districts that do so would receive up to $60 per student to purchase and print them. Districts currently receive about $171 per student, plus $16 for emergent bilingual students, to acquire textbooks, according to the TEA. The overview Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1605 last year amid concerns about whether teachers are using instructional materials that meet state standards. For the first time, the law directs the state to create a list of high-quality textbooks and sets aside $324 million for districts to purchase the new materials. The state textbooks will ensure students learn at their grade level and build on important concepts each year, said Shannon Trejo, the TEA’s deputy commissioner of school programs. The TEA has piloted its textbooks in school districts around the state, such as Lubbock ISD, since 2021. Some districts have recorded “tremen- dous” success and student growth with the state materials, Trejo said. Put in perspective Some Texans have objected to frequent ref- erences to the Bible in the elementary school curriculum and raised concerns that the materials do not depict other religions equally. For example, a fifth grade reading passage about the Renaissance describes Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting, “The Last Supper,” and includes excerpts of the Book of Matthew, which focuses on the crucifixion of Jesus. Other religions are also included in the text- books. A proposed fourth grade poetry lesson, which is available on the SBOE website, features Kshemendra, a 12th-century poet who “studied

2019 2024

30% 20% 10% 0% 40% 50% 60%

NOTE: STUDENTS DO NOT BEGIN TAKING THE STAAR TEST UNTIL THIRD GRADE.

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Buddhism and Hinduism, and ... wrote epic poems based on various stories and gods from those religions.” “A big part of the concern for the faith com- munity is that there is so much Christian content that is presented as fact,” said Bee Moorhead, the executive director of Texas Impact, an interfaith policy organization. “The point of faith is that it’s not the same thing as knowledge.” TEA leaders defended the use of religious stories in the textbooks and said they are tied to American history. “In Texas, there is a wide diversity of folks that have different ethnic and religious backgrounds. [The curriculum] is not going to proselytize or seek to have someone believe a certain way about a certain religion,” a TEA spokesperson said. “Any sort of religious aspect is presented in an educa- tional or historic context, not like someone would receive it in a vacation Bible school.” At the Capitol Lawmakers discussed the state-developed materials during an Aug. 12 Texas House hearing. “I think if we do this right, it could be a game changer for teachers and students across the state,” Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, said. Talarico, a seminary student and former middle school teacher, noted that “there is a difference between teaching and preaching” and said he was concerned the TEA’s textbooks would do the latter. Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, said public schools “should never be ashamed” of teaching students

How we got here

May 2023 Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1605, directing the Texas Education Agency to create state-owned textbooks for the first time Spring 2024 Publishers submitted materials to be examined by the State Board of Education and 295 trained reviewers, 53% of whom are classroom teachers May 29-Aug. 16, 2024 Public comment period for 142 proposed instructional materials Sept. 10-13, 2024 The SBOE discussed the proposed materials and hear public testimony November 2024 The SBOE will vote to approve or reject each of the materials August 2025 Public schools may begin using the approved materials in the classroom

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

about Christianity. “The world’s major religions did not have an equal impact on the founding belief systems of our country,” Schaefer said. “They did not have an equal impact on the American and Texas legal sys- tem or Western civilization and our culture today.”

BAY AREA EDITION

Located in Clear Creek ISD, Westland Ranch has everything you have been waiting for in a new home community. Award-winning home builders. Impressive amenities. A convenient location. Outstanding schools. Visit today and find your perfect new home. A Home Worth Finding. Find Your Home in League City’s Newest Master Planned Community

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NEW HOMES FROM THE MID $300S FIVE MODEL HOMES OPEN DAILY

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Voters in both Galveston and Harris counties can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day. Visit www.galvestonvotes.org or www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

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

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 D Nancy Mulder R Gina Parker Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 D Chika Anyiam R Lee Finley Texas House of Representatives, District 23 D Dev Merugumala R Terri Leo Wilson* Texas House of Representatives, District 129 R Dennis Paul* D Doug Peterson Local elections Galveston County sheriff R Jimmy Fullen D Mark A. Salinas Galveston County commissioner, Precinct 3 R Hank Dugie D Stephen D. Holmes* League City City Council, Position 3 Tom Crews* Scott Higginbotham League City City Council, Position 5 Justin Hicks* Joe Italiano League City Proposition A Amend city charter to allow City Council to determine the bond amount—in case of a lawsuit—for the city secretary League City Proposition B Amend city charter to allow City Council to determine

the bond amount—in case of a lawsuit—for the City Council members League City Proposition C Amend city charter to remove specific references to the 2013 and 2015 election dates League City Proposition D Amend city charter to include a reference to Harris County in regulations for streets and subdivisions, as League City is part of Harris County League City Proposition E Amend city charter to allow City Council to appoint a person to fill City Council vacancy if remaining term is 12 months or less League City Proposition F Amend city charter to remove specific requirement that official notices be published in official newspaper of the city League City Proposition G Give City Council the option to authorize the limited discharge of fireworks via ordinance during the Fourth of July and New Year’s celebrations League City Proposition H Amend the city charter to allow City Council to submit up to five propositions during any general election League City Proposition I Amend the city charter to require the ballot language for any general obligation bonds include a statement indicating that their approval may increase the tax rate

Sample ballot

Federal elections President D Kamala Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein R Donald Trump U.S. Senate D Colin Allred

L Ted Brown R Ted Cruz* U.S. House of Representatives, District 14 D Rhonda Hart R Randy Weber* U.S. House of Representatives, District 36

R Brian Babin* D Dayna Steele

State elections Texas railroad commissioner

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson

This November, Community Impact will be covering a number of state and local races across Texas. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

SOURCES: GALVESTON COUNTY, LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

BAY AREA EDITION

Election

BY RACHEL LELAND

KEY: *Incumbent

League City City Council, Position 3 Tom Crews* Occupation & experience: certified public accountant. Two years serving on City Council, League City Finance Committee and Charter Review Committee Vote-For-Tom.com

League City City Council, PosItion 5

Why are you running to represent League City residents on City Council? I am running for City Council to keep property taxes low, enhance traffic flow and advocate for citizen’s best interests. My commitment is to ethical leadership and government transparency, ensuring our city thrives through responsible and transparent governance.

If elected, what would your top priorities be during the coming term? I prioritize fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability in our legislative agenda. I am committed to enhancing infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve quality of life by investing in crucial systems like transportation and utilities.

Why are you running to represent League City residents on City Council? During my incumbency, I have engaged with thousands of League City residents and found that I have a tireless passion for solving their problems. League City was nominated [as] the fourth safest city in the United States and has some of the lowest taxes around. Let’s keep it that way.

If elected, what would your top priorities be during the coming term? Safety, safety, safety. Without safety, nothing else matters. I intend to continue finding more creative ways to build unfunded infrastructure projects and relieve some of [the] remaining traffic burden we have in select parts of town. Additionally, growth needs to be steered towards a sales tax funding model vs. property tax.

Joseph “Joe” J. Italiano III Occupation: financial consultant, licensed CPA in Texas Relevant experience : financial positions in Fortune 500 companies followed by CFO. 832-977-6749 Justin Hicks* Occupation: project manager in the oil and gas industry Relevant experience: I am the incumbent and deputy mayor with four years of relevant experience 409-204-8944

I’m running because the taxpayers of League City deserve to be well-represented. As a conservative and fiscally responsible Republican, I will never vote to raise taxes and I’ll support our first responders. I’ll work alongside City Council to keep our great city moving forward by putting residents first.

My priorities are to lower taxes and make government more efficient and easier to deal with. I’ll support law enforcement and first responders to keep League City a safe place to live and raise a family all while working to manage future growth and planning for the city.

[I’m a] member of the League City Finance Committee, and [I’m running] as a fiscal conservative and taxpayer advocate. [I’m a] balanced business voice for residents, police and firefighters, small business owners and city workers.

Maintain fiscal discipline and ensure the future financial strength of the city. Maintain and improve the quality of life for the community. Continue to improve the infrastructure to address traffic, runoff and other neighborhood concerns.

Scott Higginbotham Occupation & experience: Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Ethics Review board member, business owner scottforleaguecity.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.

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

Election

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent Texas House of Representatives, District 129

What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue or challenge facing your district right now? Flooding. My coastal barrier bill passed, which will help fight flooding. Secure our border now. I will continue to support hiring more border [Department of Public Safety] officers and make sure Texas has no sanctuary cities. Lower Property taxes. More money for you and your family. Crime. Keep dangerous predators off our streets.

If elected, what is your top priority?

[I will] continue working on the coastal barrier, which I sponsored. It will provide critical flood mitigation to our region. [I will] continue working to reduce property taxes, which will provide more money for your family. [I will] continue to work tirelessly to secure our border.

Dennis Paul* Occupation & experience: State Rep. for District 129, lifelong area resident, small business owner for 22 years 281-280-9972 www.dennispaul.com Doug Peterson Occupation & experience: NASA/ JSC retiree, community relations, Exploration Green vice chair, environmental activist 281-694-5756 www.dougpeterson4tx129.com

D R

Reproductive rights for women. Texas abortion and vigilante legislation is extreme, making pregnancy a potentially life-threatening condition for mothers. Girls and women pregnant from rape or incest have no recourse from ruined life. ... Protect [in vitro fertilization] and birth control.

Quality of life in [the] Bay Area, already nice with aging communities, can be made better. More green spaces like my Exploration Green, better transportation, less congestion and newer streets, insist on cleaner air and water, more flood mitigation, create walkable city centers in [the] Bay Area and replace 1960s era apartments.

Nurture a child’s curiosity and it will blossom.

Your child is growing fast, and by the time they’re 5 years old, their brain will be 90% developed. That’s why it’s so important to nurture the cognitive, physical and emotional skills now that will set them up for success in the future.

Learn more about the 45 Primrose schools in Houston.

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2024 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

U.S. House of Representatives, District 14

Are there any economic-related policies you think the federal government should focus on? Corporate greed is a growing concern for people. It’s getting harder and harder for people to afford the cost of living. We must hold these groups accountable for raising prices so much that folks can’t afford groceries. We could create a stimulus package or tax refund to help boost the …

If elected, what would your top priorities be?

Gun violence prevention, women’s health care [and] veteran’s issues.

Rhonda Hart Occupation & experience: student at Southern New Hampshire University, volunteer, … survivor of Santa Fe High School shooting 281-624-0153 www.hart4congress.com

Restoring sensible border security is my top priority—securing the border, deporting illegals and removing terrorists. We must reverse the Democrats’ open-border policies that have raised costs for housing, education and health care. I will also focus on unleashing American energy to lower costs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

The federal government must stop reckless spending, cut taxes and provide relief to hard working Americans. Unleashing American energy will lower costs, create jobs and boost economic growth. Energy independence strengthens our economy, reduces inflation and decreases reliance on bad actors around the world.

Randy Weber* Occupation & experience: United States [House of] Representatives, city councilman, Texas representative

and small business owner. campaign@randyweber.org www.randyweber.org

Is it time for your mammogram ? Early detection saves lives. Screening mammograms remain among the most effective methods for detecting breast cancer. Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful. A mammogram can find breast changes of early cancers years before a lump is felt or other symptoms develop.

Call (409) 772-7150 , visit utmbhealth.com/mammo or scan the QR code to schedule your mammogram.

knows Breast Health

The University of Texas Medical Branch is in-network for most major insurance plans.

BAY AREA EDITION

Election

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

Why are you running to be Galveston County sheriff?

If elected, what would your top priorities be throughout the coming term?

Galveston County sheriff

To bring immediate change, reduce crime through proactive policing and increased patrols. Street level drug interdiction, aggressive recruitment [and] retention, accountability and fair and equitable promotional processes. Eliminate the “good ‘ole boy” system.

Once elected, my top priorities will be to reduce gang-related shootings and other violent crimes related to the drug trafficking trade coming from the southern border. Prostitution, burglaries, thefts and nuisance abatement issues in our unincorporated portions of the county.

Jimmy Fullen Occupation & experience: chief deputy for constable’s office, Precinct 2; 35 years full-time law enforcement veteran 409-771-3917 www.jimmyfullen.com

I want to be sheriff to strengthen community trust, enhance public safety and promote transparency in law enforcement. My goal is to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and citizens, ensuring a fair, accountable and bipartisan approach to keeping Galveston County safe for all residents.

My priorities are enhancing public safety, improving community engagement, modernizing law enforcement with better de-escalation training and technology, and supporting officer well-being. I’ll work across party lines to address issues like mental health and addiction, focusing on solutions that reduce crime and ensure a safer, united Galveston County.

Mark A. Salinas Occupation & experience:

investigator at a constables office in Harris County, bachelor’s [in] criminal justice, master peace... www.votesalinas.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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