No platform can address all the needs of a community, but it can set forth a clear vision for the future. My vision for Baytown is one where we turn our current challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement. Baytown is a diverse community, and it’s essential that everyone’s voice is heard and represented in our decision-making process.

I envision a Baytown that actively works to reduce crime, not only through effective policing but also by taking intentional steps to focus on anti-recidivism measures. Fiscal responsibility should never mean leaving the most vulnerable behind. We must collaborate with our community partners to ensure that everyone has appropriate access to healthcare.

Our city is well-positioned to meet the challenges ahead. With school choice on the horizon, we have the opportunity to be proactive and ensure that our students have access to the educational paths that best suit their individual strengths, whether in college or in the trades. By staying positive and seizing the moment before us, we can build a stronger, more resilient Baytown for all.

The steady rise in appraisal values by HCAD should naturally lead to a corresponding reduction in the property tax rate each year. Unfortunately, the absence of a tax decrease reflects a lack of adequate foresight in planning for our city’s future needs. To address this, I propose initiating a comprehensive reserve study, which will serve as the foundation for our future budgetary planning.

Upon completion of the reserve study, I will establish a committee comprising both experts and community members to build a consensus on how to navigate the significant future expenses on the horizon. This committee will be carefully balanced, ensuring representation from each city council district. By involving a diverse group of professionals and public representatives, we can ensure that the entire Baytown community works together to overcome the challenges we face.

Tackling our city’s aging sewage system presents a critical challenge, but it also offers a unique opportunity to think beyond immediate crisis management. As we address this issue, we can simultaneously focus on long-term solutions that benefit both our infrastructure and our community. One key area of opportunity lies in housing.

As we tackle the sewage and drainage problem, we must integrate flood control measures into our approach. By improving our sewage and drainage systems simultaneously, we can reduce the risk of both flooding and sewage overflows, protecting homes, businesses, and public health.

As we work to improve our sewage and water systems, we can also look at how these infrastructure upgrades can support new housing developments, particularly affordable housing. By integrating infrastructure improvements with housing initiatives, we can attract state and federal funding, fostering partnerships with developers to create affordable housing options that meet the needs of our growing population.

This dual approach not only addresses urgent infrastructure needs but also contributes to the revitalization of our neighborhoods and the expansion of affordable housing. This strategy will help us build a more resilient, sustainable Baytown, where residents have access to safe, affordable housing and reliable infrastructure that supports our city’s long-term growth.

Baytown has grown rapidly in the recent years, but that growth has exceeded our means of support. Hotels and golf courses are great for growth if successful. However, success can’t come at the expense of core services. The current administration has let foreseeable issues fester, and now we are paying the price for growing beyond our means.

Crime affects every one of us, and addressing it requires a multifaceted approach that combines strong support for law enforcement with effective anti-recidivism measures. We must ensure that our law enforcement agencies are adequately staffed and equipped to carry out their vital duties of protecting and serving our community safely and effectively.

At the same time, it’s crucial to address the root causes of crime wherever possible. While municipal courts may have limited power to tackle these underlying issues directly, they can play a crucial role as a screening and referral source to help resolve the smaller problems that often entangle individuals in the justice system.

For instance, when someone appears before the court for driving without a license, we should assist them in obtaining an occupational license through the Justice of the Peace. I will actively seek attorneys willing to provide this service pro bono, helping individuals drive legally and avoid the cycle of repeated offenses related to driving without a license. By offering support where it’s needed, we can help reduce recidivism and contribute to a safer, more law-abiding community.

As we embark on this journey, fiscal responsibility must be at the forefront of our decision-making. With interest rates likely to fall in the near future, it’s crucial that we approach bond issuance with a strategic mindset. This means issuing bonds in smaller increments, allowing us to capitalize on future lower interest rates. By adopting a “pay-as-you-go” approach to bond issuance, we can ensure that we’re managing our debt efficiently while minimizing the financial burden on our community.

Beyond taxation and general-purpose bonds, we must aggressively pursue state and federal assistance to address critical infrastructure challenges, such as our failing sewage system and the impending lead pipe replacement.

Currently, untreated or partially treated sewage is backing up into our waterways during heavy or prolonged rain events. While the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund offers a viable funding source for this sewage crisis, we must think beyond immediate crisis management. This challenge presents an opportunity to take proactive steps toward long-term solutions.

As temperatures rise and we face more extreme weather patterns—ranging from floods to droughts—we must ensure a sufficient and reliable water supply for both residential and industrial needs. This broader vision enables us to seek additional funding from agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. By securing these resources, we can collaborate with partners to enhance accessible housing and strengthen our ties with local industries, ultimately emerging from this crisis with a more resilient and sustainable community.

The political primaries indicate that the next legislative session will likely introduce some form of school choice. We must be proactive in ensuring that our schools remain protected and adequately funded while also positioning our students to take full advantage of the opportunities that school choice may bring.

Two key areas are ripe for collaboration with local partners:

First, we need to engage with our community colleges to ensure they are prepared to offer services under a school choice program. I propose a collaboration between the city and community colleges to establish schools focused on a dual-credit philosophy. This would allow students to earn college credits while completing their high school education, providing them with a head start on higher education and reducing the overall cost of a college degree.

Secondly, we must work with our industry partners to create specialized trade schools that function similarly to dual-credit programs. These schools would offer students the opportunity to learn valuable trades while earning high school credits, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. Working with one’s hands is just as honorable and beneficial to society as working with one’s mind. Both are essential, much like the two lungs that must work in concert for the overall health and well-being of our community.

By fostering these collaborations, we can ensure that our students are well-equipped to succeed in any path they choose, whether it be academic or vocational. This approach not only strengthens our educational system but also prepares our students to meet the demands of our community.

Harris County is renowned for its world-class medical care, but accessing that care can be challenging for residents of Baytown. While the Gold Card program provides an important safety net, it should not be the only option available. To improve healthcare access, I will form a committee dedicated to addressing this issue. This committee will include not only hospital representatives but also community clinics and disability professionals who witness firsthand how the system often fails our most vulnerable residents.

One straightforward step we can take is to ensure that schools are actively screening students for potential disabilities. If a child meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, they may qualify for Medicaid through the Medicaid Buy-In for Children program, provided their family income is within 300% of the poverty line. I will collaborate with individuals in the disability community to establish a program that screens students and, if they qualify, assists them in obtaining Medicaid Buy-In benefits.

This initiative does more than just provide necessary care for children; it also has a positive impact on our local economy. The “buy-in” component of the program allows families to maintain their current insurance while Medicaid covers deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses for the child’s care. This approach minimizes costs to the healthcare system and frees up disposable income for families, benefiting both the child and the economy.

In addition to improving access to medical care, we must also prioritize the overall health and wellness of our community. This includes promoting public health initiatives that focus on preventive care, nutrition, mental health, and substance abuse prevention. By collaborating with local healthcare providers and community organizations, we can offer wellness programs, mental health support, and substance abuse prevention services that reach those most in need.

Promoting health and wellness is not just about treating illness; it’s about creating a healthier, more resilient community. By ensuring access to both medical care and preventive services, we can help our residents lead healthier lives, reduce the strain on our healthcare system, and build a stronger, more vibrant Baytown.

Being poor is not a crime, but making unwise decisions is a choice that can lead to legal consequences. We must provide meaningful alternatives for individuals who cannot afford to pay their fines. To address this, I will establish a Municipal Court Community Service Program modeled after the successful initiative in El Paso. This program will ensure that those unable to pay fines can fulfill their obligations through valuable community service.

Furthermore, it’s essential that we equip individuals with the tools they need to become successful, tax-paying members of society. As part of this effort, we should recognize the pursuit of education and skills training as a valuable form of community service. I propose that obtaining a GED or enrolling in and completing a trade program should count toward community service hours. This approach not only fulfills court requirements but also empowers individuals to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

In addition to these measures, we must also focus on workforce development as a key component of rehabilitation. By partnering with local businesses, trade schools, and community colleges, we can create programs that provide job training and skills development for those seeking a second chance. These initiatives will help individuals re-enter the workforce, reduce recidivism, and contribute positively to the community.

By integrating workforce development into our approach, we create a pathway for individuals to move beyond their past mistakes and towards a more productive future. This not only benefits the individual but also strengthens our local economy by creating a more skilled and employable workforce.

As Baytown continues to grow, managing traffic efficiently is critical to reducing congestion and ensuring safety on our roads. I propose implementing a smart traffic management system that uses advanced sensors and real-time data to optimize traffic flow. These systems can adjust traffic signals based on current conditions, reducing commute times and emissions while enhancing road safety. Given that the Garth Road expansion may need to be delayed until the sewage and lead pipe issues are resolved, adopting smart traffic management now will help mitigate the traffic challenges that the expansion aims to address.

In an increasingly digital world, protecting our city’s digital infrastructure is paramount. I will prioritize investing in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect against cyber threats. This includes regular security audits, advanced security protocols, and continuous training for city employees. Ensuring our city’s cybersecurity is not only about protecting information but also about maintaining the trust and safety of our residents.

Effective city planning and management require access to accurate, real-time data. I propose implementing a data-driven decision-making process that utilizes analytics to inform city planning, infrastructure development, and public safety measures. By analyzing trends in population growth, traffic patterns, and resource usage, we can make more informed and efficient decisions that better serve our community. Additionally, I support launching an open data initiative, making city data transparent and accessible to the public. This approach not only fosters trust but also encourages community engagement in the governance process.