< Previous10 | The Daily News | Election Guide | October 2020 President/Vice President R: Donald J. Trump/ Michael R. Pence D: Joseph R. Biden/ Kamala D. Harris L: Jo Jorgensen/ Jeremy “Spike” Cohen G: Howie Hawkins/Angela Walker United States Senator R: John Cornyn D: Mary “MJ” Hegar L: Kerry Douglas McKennon G: David B. Collins United States Representative, District 14 R: Randy Weber D: Adrienne Bell Railroad Commissioner R: James “Jim” Wright D: Chrysta Castañeda L: Matt Sterett G: Katija “Kat” Gruene Chief Justice, Supreme Court R: Nathan Hecht D: Amy Clark Meachum L: Mark Ash Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6-Unexpired Term R: Jane Bland D: Kathy Cheng Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7 R: Jeff Boyd D: Staci Williams L: William Bryan Strange III Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 R: Brett Busby D: Gisela D. Triana L: Tom Oxford Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3 R: Bert Richardson D: Elizabeth Davis Frizell Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4 R: Kevin Patrick Yeary D: Tina Clinton Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9 R: David Newell D: Brandon Birmingham State Senator, District 4 R: Brandon Creighton D: Jay Stittleburg L: Cameron Brock State Senator, District 11 R: Larry Taylor D: Susan Criss L: Jared Wissel State Representative, District 23 R: Mayes Middleton D: Jeff Antonelli State Representative, District 24 R: Greg Bonnen D: Brian J. Rogers L: Dick Illyes Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District R: Tracy Elizabeth Christopher D: Jane Robinson Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 3 R: Russell Lloyd D: Veronica Rivas-Molloy Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 5 R: Terry Adams D: Amparo Monique Guerra Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7 R: Ken Wise D: Tamika “Tami” Craft District Judge, 10th Judicial District R: Kerry L. Neves District Judge, 56th Judicial District R: Lonnie Cox D: George Lindsey District Judge, 405th Judicial District R: Jared Robinson D: Teresa Hudson Sheriff R: Henry A. Trochesset D: Mark Salinas County Tax Assessor-Collector R: Cheryl E. Johnson County Commissioner Precinct 1 R: Darrell Apffel County Commissioner Precinct 3 D: Stephen D. Holmes Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 R: Kathleen M. McCumber County Constable Precinct 1 R: Rick Sharp County Constable Precinct 2 R: Jimmy Fullen County Constable Precinct 3 D: Derreck Rose County Constable Precinct 4 R: Justin West College of the Mainland Bond Election College of the Mainland Proposition A The issuance of $13,950,000 bonds for the purpose of refunding College of the Mainland maintenance tax notes, series 2017 and levying and imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the costs of any credit agreements. Required statement for all school district bond propositions pursuant to Section 45.003, Texas Education Code: This is a property tax increase. FOR AGAINST Dickinson Independent School District General and Special Election Dickinson ISD Proposition A The issuance of $94,200,000 bonds for school buildings, schools sites and new school buses and the imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. This is a property tax increase. FOR AGAINST Dickinson ISD Single Member District No. 1 Unopposed declared elected Mike Mackey Dickinson ISD Single Member District No. 2 Unopposed declared elected Veanna Veasey City of Dickinson General Election City of Dickinson Mayor Sean Skipworth Mark Townsend Jennifer Lawrence Jon L. Junemann City of Dickinson Council Member, Position No. 1 H Scott Apley Trey Rusk City of Dickinson Council Member, Position No. 3 Walter Wilson City of Dickinson Council Member, Position No. 5 Louis J. Decker David W. WestmorelandOctober 2020 | Election Guide | The Daily News | 11 City of Dickinson Special Election City of Dickinson Council Member, Position No. 2 (unexpired term) Jessie Brantley Scott Shrader Kevin D. Edmonds City of Dickinson Charter Amendment Election City of Dickinson Proposition A Shall the Charter be amended to adopt the Council-Manager form of government? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition B Shall the Charter be amended to provide Council the power to provide for approval of subdivision plats and to carry out plans for areas destroyed by disaster? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition C Shall the Charter be amended to require a person to be a resident of the city for at least twelve months immediately preceding their election to the City Council? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition D Shall the Charter be amended to permit the City Council to appoint a person to fill a vacant Councilmember position within one year of a regular election? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition E Shall the Charter be amended to permit publication of ordinances, notices and other matters as permitted by State law? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition F Shall the Charter be amended to require an amendment relating to the administration of the City’s finances including requiring earlier submission of budget and publication of the budget as permitted by state law? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition G Shall the Charter be amended to increase the amount of the City’s disaster contingency fund? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition H Shall the Charter be amended to provide for the contract and purchase of goods and services consistent with state procurement laws? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition I Shall the Charter be amended to allow the appointment of Councilmembers to serve on boards, commissions and committees where permitted by State law? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition J Shall the Charter be amended to prohibit any City officer or employee from participating in any vote or decision in which the person has a personal interest? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition K Shall the Charter be amended to require the periodic review of the Charter by a Council appointed Charter Commission? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition L Shall the Charter be amended to permit the publication of the report of the Charter Review Commission on the City’s website? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition M Shall the Charter be amended to provide for gender neutral terminology and to correct other terms, spelling and capitalization without making any substantive changes? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition N Shall the Charter be amended to conform to the general laws of the State of Texas? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition O Shall the Charter be amended to permit Council to renumber and rearrange the sections of the Charter by ordinance? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition P Shall the Charter be amended to prohibit a former Mayor or Councilmember from holding any compensated appointive office or city employment within five (5) years after the expiration of the term? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition Q Shall the Charter be amended to prohibit an active employee from serving on any City board, commission or committee? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition R Shall the Charter be amended to delete the requirement that the Mayor Pro Tem becomes the Mayor in the event of a vacancy in the office of Mayor? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition S Shall the Charter be amended to allow for nonbinding referendums? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition T Shall the Charter be amended to limit the terms of office for the Mayor and Councilmembers? FOR AGAINST City of Dickinson Proposition U Shall the Charter be amended to provide for compensation of the Mayor and Councilmembers not to exceed $75 per meeting or $1,800 per year, whichever is less? FOR AGAINST Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 Board of Directors’ Election Galveston County WCID No. 1, Directors Vote for 0, 1, 2 or 3 Shamarion M. Barber Jeffrey M. Spriggins John W. Mitchiner Doreen Bridges Friendswood Independent School District Board of Trustees Election Friendswood ISD Trustee Position 2 Kurt Jones Niki Rhodes Rene DeLaFuente Friendswood ISD Trustee Position 1 Unopposed declared elected Laura Seifert Friendswood ISD Trustee Position 3 Unopposed declared elected Rebecca Hillenburg Friendswood ISD Trustee Position 4 Unopposed declared elected Tony Hopkins Friendswood ISD Bond Election Friendswood ISD Proposition A The issuance of $127,275,000 for the construction, acquisition, and equipment of school buildings in the district, the purchase of the necessary sites for school buildings, and the purchase of new school buses, including the addition of an elementary school and renovations and additions to Friendswood High School including a new auditorium. Taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed. This is a property tax increase. FOR AGAINST CONTINUED » 1212 | The Daily News | Election Guide | October 2020 Friendswood ISD Proposition B The issuance of $1,000,000 for the acquisition and update of technology equipment. Taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed. This is a property tax increase. FOR AGAINST City of Friendswood Special Election City of Friendswood Proposition A The reauthorization of the local sales and use tax in the City of Friendswood, Texas at the rate of three-eighths (3/8) of one percent (1%) to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets. The tax expires on the fourth anniversary of the date of this election unless the imposition of the tax is reauthorized. FOR AGAINST City of League City General Election City of League City Council Position 3 Larry Millican City of League City Council Position 4 Rachel McAdam Ange Mertens Shawn Byars John P. Bowen City of League City Council Position 5 Wes Chorn Justin A. Hicks Fred Rogers City of Texas City General Election City of Texas City Mayor Dedrick Johnson Phil Roberts City of Texas City Commissioner At-Large Vote for 0, 1 or 2 Kevin Yackly Bruce Clawson Thelma Bowie Abel Garza Jr. City of Texas City Commissioner District 1 Earl Alexander Keith Henry City of Texas City Commissioner District 2 Felix Herrera City of Texas City Commissioner District 3 Dorthea Jones City of Texas City Commissioner District 4 Jami Clark Henry Gomez City of Galveston General Election City of Galveston Mayor Roger “Bo” Quiroga Raymond Guzman Jr. James Casey Craig Brown Bill Keese City of Galveston Council Member District 1 Tarris L. Woods E. R. Johnson Doug Godinich City of Galveston Council Member District 2 Norman “Bucky” Buckaloo J. David Robertson William Schuster Pam Bass City of Galveston Council Member District 3 Frank Thomas Maceo Wayne D. Holt David Collins City of Galveston Council Member District 4 Bill Quiroga Jason Hardcastle City of Galveston Council Member District 5 Robert Patrick Daigle Beau Rawlins John Paul Listowski City of Galveston Council Member District 6 Marie Robb Jackie Cole Hitchcock Independent School District Trustee Election Hitchcock ISD Trustee District 3 Edward Wilson Kellie Edmundson City of Hitchcock General Election City of Hitchcock Commissioner District 3 Tammi Barreras Darrell Hunter Wayne Newton City of Hitchcock Commissioner District 4 Armond W. Hurd Andre Perkins Lucy Dieringer City of Hitchcock Charter Propositions City of Hitchcock Proposition A An amendment to the City’s home rule charter amending by deletion or revision those sections which are unnecessary to the Charter and to create a more clear and simple home rule charter. FOR AGAINST City of Hitchcock Proposition B An amendment to the City’s home rule charter amending by deletion or revision those sections which are inconsistent with and in violation of State law. FOR AGAINST City of Hitchcock Proposition C An amendment to the City’s home rule charter requiring the City Budget to be adopted pursuant to State law. FOR AGAINST City of Hitchcock Proposition D An amendment to the City’s home rule charter authorizing the City to control public utilities and franchises consistent with State law. FOR AGAINST City of Hitchcock Proposition E An amendment to the City’s home rule charter creating the position of City Manager. FOR AGAINST City of Hitchcock Proposition F An amendment to the City’s home rule charter providing for authority to remove municipal judges. FOR AGAINST City of Kemah General Election City of Kemah Council Position 1 Teresa Vazquez-Evans City of Kemah Council Position 3 Doug Meisinger Carl Joiner City of Kemah Council Position 5 Isaac Saldaña Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District No. 12 Directors Election GCWCID 12 Directors Vote for 0, 1, 2 or 3 Les Hart Peyton Lumpkin Brenton L. Spry Robert “Bob” Rolf Paul Williams Sue Jette City of La Marque General Election City of La Marque Councilmember District B Laura Divine Joe Compian Raushida Robinson City of La Marque Councilmember District D Casey Mc Auliffe Hugh Cash Village of Tiki Island General Election Village of Tiki Island Aldermen Vote for 0, 1, 2 or 3 Byron Baker Karen Hearring Tom Fisher Bobby Davenport Hunter Neblett Charles Tompkins Bacliff Municipal Utility District Director Election Bacliff MUD Directors Vote for 0, 1 or 2 Brad Bingham Victor Medina John Wade Clear Creek Independent School District School Board Trustee Election Clear Creek ISD Single Member District 2 Michelle M. Davis Winifred “Win” Weber Will StromeyerOctober 2020 | Election Guide | The Daily News | 13 Clear Lake Shores General Election Clear Lake Shores Aldermen Vote for 0, 1, 2 or 3 Alex Scanlon Elliott Rittershaus Randall Chronister Daniel J. Otto Steve Wirtes Rick Fisher Galveston County Municipal Utility District No. 52 Directors Election Galveston County MUD No. 52 Vote for 0, 1 or 2 Joe Garcia Joseph Gelardi Richard White Galveston County MUD 79 Confirmation, Bond, and Operation and Maintenance Tax Elections MUD 79 Proposition A FOR DISTRICT AGAINST DISTRICT MUD 79 Proposition B The issuance of $73,600,000 bonds for water, sanitary sewer, and drainage and storm sewer systems and the levy of taxes, without limit as to rate or amount, sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. FOR AGAINST MUD 79 Proposition C The issuance of $18,400,000 bonds for refunding water, sanitary sewer, and drainage and storm sewer systems bonds of the district and the levy of taxes, without limit as to rate or amount, sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. FOR AGAINST MUD 79 Proposition D The issuance of $44,240,000 bonds for recreational facilities and the levy of taxes, without limit as to rate or amount, sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. FOR AGAINST MUD 79 Proposition E The issuance of $11,060,000 bonds for refunding recreational facilities bonds of the district and the levy of taxes, without limit as to rate or amount, sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. FOR AGAINST MUD 79 Proposition F The issuance of $55,200,000 bonds for roads and the levy of taxes, without limit as to rate or amount, sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. FOR AGAINST MUD 79 Proposition G The issuance of $13,800,000 bonds for refunding road bonds of the district and the levy of taxes, without limit as to rate or amount, sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. FOR AGAINST MUD 79 Proposition H An operation and maintenance tax for facilities authorized by Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution, not to exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation of taxable property. FOR AGAINST MUD 79 Proposition I An operation and maintenance tax for road facilities authorized by Article III, Section 52, of the Texas Constitution, not to exceed twenty-five cents ($0.25) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation of taxable property. FOR AGAINST Galveston County MUD 79 Directors Election MUD 79 Directors Vote for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 Cosme Reyes Jr. Gretchen Marie Hollas Michael Ray Arterburn Robert Russell Tautenhahn II Roxanne Marie Crawford San Leon Municipal Utility District Directors Election San Leon MUD Directors Vote for 0, 1 or 2 Ken Bishop Keith Gossett Phillip David Haskett Santa Fe Independent School District School Board Trustee Election Santa Fe ISD Trustee Position 1 Jacqueline Meyer Matt Crable Santa Fe ISD Trustee Position 2 Rosie Yanas Patrick Kelly Santa Fe ISD Trustee Position 3 Eric E. Davenport Donna Hayes Santa Fe ISD Trustee Position 7 Angie Lambert Wayne Logan Andrew Mills EARLY VOTINGELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS ABSENTEE BALLOT Throughout Galveston County (see Page 22) The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Oct. 23 U.S. Citizen Registered to vote in Galveston County Photo I.D. Years old Hours vary (see Page 22) 7 AM - 7 PM 13-20 3Political ad pd. for by Dedrick Johnson, Candidate for Mayor. Catina Herring, Treasurer 14 | The Daily News | Election Guide | October 2020 CITY OF TEXAS CITY MAYOR Are you a legal resident of the district you’re seeking to represent? YES Have you ever been convicted of a crime? NO Have you ever sued a public entity or been sued by one? If you answer yes, please explain. NO Do you have any unpaid property taxes or federal income taxes? NO. I have no unpaid taxes of any kind. Do you have any unpaid parking tickets? NO Do you have any other debts to a public entity? NO Will your home or cellphone number be listed where constituents can find it? Yes. My mobile number has always been public. DEDRICK JOHNSON AGE: 48 RESIDENCE: Texas City OCCUPATION: Process Operator - Marathon Petroleum Company, Galveston Bay Refinery ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include dates in office): City Commissioner, District 3 Texas City, Texas (2000-2016) POLITICAL PARTY: As a non partisan Texas City Mayor, I look forward to serving all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. What motivated you to run for this office? I was motivated to run for office after serving 16 years on the commission under 2 mayors. I learned as much as I could. After learning our current mayor was not seeking re-election, I knew the time was now for me to give back to Texas City with continued service. What strengths or experience do you bring? I bring a strength of being a great listener, able to relate to people from all walks of life, and being results driven. My senior 16 years experience on the commission and unique set of work and service experiences across the city makes me the best candidate for the job. If elected, which issues do you plan to give highest priority? Why? My highest priorities will be to work with police and fire departments to create a safe city. I’ll manage residential and commercial growth while continuing to cleanup historical and underserved areas of our city and attract positive programs for the youth of our communities, all while being fiscally responsible. What is your vision for the future of your city? My vision for the future of our city will be to lead it into an era of a UNIFIED city that celebrates the diversity and successes of it’s residents. I want Texas City to be the city of the bay area that attracts the finest of residential and commercial occupancy. What do you think about the property the tax rate? And if it’s too high where would you propose to make budget cuts? Our property tax rate is appropriate. Texas City continues to make adjustments to this rate that allows our citizens to be able to manage life without major financial strains due to our rates. Budget cuts and revenue driven strategies are still always needed to give us the best financial position. Is there any other information you would like to share with voters? I am homegrown Texas City candidate. I was raised here, educated here and have worked here all my life. My service in the schools, community, government, and industry have all afforded me the opportunity to meet some great people while leaving a positive footprint everywhere I have been. NOW is the time for a changing of the guard. Texas City needs a leader who can relate to working class families with simple solutions to every day problems. That’s me; I’m that leader. My name is Dedrick Johnson and I would appreciate your vote for Mayor of Texas City, Texas. Thank you. PAID ADVERTISEMENTElect for mayor of Texas City Pd. Pol Ad by Phil Roberts For Mayor Campaign, Paula Roberts, Treasurer, P.O. Box 1797, Texas City, TX 77592 PHIL ROBERTS October 2020 | Election Guide | The Daily News | 15 CITY OF TEXAS CITY MAYOR Are you a legal resident of the district you’re seeking to represent? Yes,I have worked and lived in Texas City since 1982 and resided in my current residence in Texas City since 1998. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? No Have you ever sued a public entity or been sued by one? If you answer yes, please explain. No Do you have any unpaid property taxes or federal income taxes? No Do you have any unpaid parking tickets? No Do you have any other debts to a public entity? No Will your home or cellphone number be listed where constituents can find it? Yes PHIL ROBERTS AGE: 68 RESIDENCE: Texas City OCCUPATION: Attorney - Board Certified Estate Planning and Probate - Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Partner - Roberts, Johnson and Cain with practice on Sixth Street in Texas City for 38 years. ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include dates in office): Texas City Independent School District Board of Trustees 2007-2010 ; City of Texas City Commissioner District 2 2013- 2018; City of Texas City Commissioner at Large 2018-present; City of Texas City Mayor Pro Tem 2016-present POLITICAL PARTY: nonpartisan What motivated you to run for this office? Texas City is on the rise. I could not sit on the sidelines when so much is at stake for our city. We need a qualified, experienced leader who can harness our momentum. We must untap the potential for Texas City. What strengths or experience do you bring? I serve as Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem and I served on the TCISD school board. I am on the Planning Board for the City of Texas City, the Board of Directors for the Houston-Galveston Area Council, and a member of the Galveston County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association. If elected, which issues do you plan to give highest priority? Why? We must keep our citizens safe. Infrastructure matters must not be put on the back burner. We are addressing drainage and storm protection issues. The city needs to continue to improve and showcase areas involving quality of life in Texas City. What is your vision for the future of your city? As Texas City grows, we must work to improve and sustain the best quality of services available for our citizens. When elected I will work to help local businesses open safely and put people back to work. I will work to untap the potential of Texas City. What do you think about the property the tax rate? And if it’s too high where would you propose to make budget cuts? There is no more important topic than our city’s fiscal soundness. Balancing the city’s budget in order to be able to continue to provide needed city services is a key priority. Mayor and city commission just passed a budget this year that reduces the tax rate for this coming year. Is there any other information you would like to share with voters? I received my Law Degree from the University of Houston Law Center and a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from The University of Texas at Austin. My wife, Paula, and I raised our children here. Taylor, Will, and Austin are all TCISD graduates and Eagle Scouts. I work with the United Way Galveston County Mainland as Board President, Texas City - La Marque Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, and St John’s United Methodist Church. I was honored as the Texas City - La Marque Chamber of Commerce 2019 citizen of the year. PAID ADVERTISEMENT16 | The Daily News | Election Guide | October 2020 CITY OF GALVESTON MAYOR Are you a legal resident of the district you’re seeking to represent? Yes. I was born and raised in Galveston in 1953. My father is from Nuevo Leon, Mexico and my mom was born in Galveston. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? No Have you ever sued a public entity or been sued by one? If you answer yes, please explain. No Do you have any unpaid property taxes or federal income taxes? No Do you have any unpaid parking tickets? No Do you have any other debts to a public entity? No Will your home or cellphone number be listed where constituents can find it? Yes ROGER ‘BO’ QUIROGA AGE: 67 RESIDENCE: Galveston OCCUPATION: Retired ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include dates in office): Mayor of Galveston from 1998- 2004 POLITICAL PARTY: Independent conservative What motivated you to run for this office? Many Galvestonians are dissatisfied with the direction of the city. They want a change and they wanted me to get back into local politics. Since I am retired and my wife wants to continue working for several more years, I have the time to serve our city again. What strengths or experience do you bring? I served as Mayor during turmoil and tough financial times.The city had a bond rating (bbb), and no cash. During my 3 administrations we turned the city around in 6 years and increased our bond rating to (A-). The city took off with economic develop that hasn’t been matched since. If elected, which issues do you plan to give highest priority? Why? Salaries and a top heavy management team as well as reviewing each city department to trim the “fat”and see if there are opportunities to privatize any department for cost savings. I did this as President and CEO of University Bank and saved it from failing. What is your vision for the future of your city? My vision is to make Galveston a sustainable city both economically and financially, so that we are not reliant on any government subsides. Everyone should have the opportunity to live in a city that is safe and respects each others views. What do you think about the property the tax rate? And if it’s too high where would you propose to make budget cuts? I think the tax rate can be cut by taking actions mentioned above in question 10. I want the finance committee to work with city staff to come up with a recommendation to city council for consideration. Our 2 % tax rate reduction did not save taxpayers money in 2019. Is there any other information you would like to share with voters? Once we get to work, I believe you will be pleased with the results. I want community participation from the citizens because this is your city. I look forward to working with you on some great city projects. Everyone will be treated the same, and everyone will have the same opportunity to do business in Galveston. There will be no such word as “no” when you do business with the city. Rather, our motto will be, “We are here to help you make your project happen.” PAID ADVERTISEMENTOctober 2020 | Election Guide | The Daily News | 17 CITY OF GALVESTON MAYOR Are you a legal resident of the district you’re seeking to represent? YES Have you ever been convicted of a crime? NO Have you ever sued a public entity or been sued by one? If you answer yes, please explain. NO Do you have any unpaid property taxes or federal income taxes? NO Do you have any unpaid parking tickets? NO Do you have any other debts to a public entity? NO Will your home or cellphone number be listed where constituents can find it? YES DR. CRAIG BROWN AGE: 74 RESIDENCE: Galveston OCCUPATION: Retired Pediatric Dentist & Galveston Real Estate Developer ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include dates in office): City of Galveston - Mayor Pro Tem May 2018 to Current and District 2 City Council Representative 2014-2020 POLITICAL PARTY: Non-Partisan What motivated you to run for this office? In 1997 we started a development company in Galveston, and opened MOD coffee in 2001. I loved Galveston and still I saw concerns. I wanted to help Galveston be the best it could be. I volunteered with city committees to learn more and in 2014 ran for District 2 Council. What strengths or experience do you bring? I have served as District 2 City Councilman for over 6 yrs, served as Mayor Pro Tem since 2018, served as Chairman of the Park Board and Planning Commission and served on Landmark Commission. I currently serve as City Liaison to the Wharves Board and I’m a Galveston Business owner. If elected, which issues do you plan to give highest priority? Why? Because of the historic age of our city we must continually improve and repair city wide drainage and Infrastructure. I will work with our partners on beach issues, enhance city communication, transparency and public safety, while keeping the city financially stable and resilient through storms and the pandemic. What is your vision for the future of your city? My vision is for a financially stable and efficiently run government that emphasizes transparency and inclusiveness - A city that places priority on Quality of Life for all Residents and a Pro-Active Economic climate. What do you think about the property the tax rate? And if it’s too high where would you propose to make budget cuts? City Council recently lowered the property tax rate 2 cents, without impacting the quality of city services to our citizens. My goal is to keep taxes as low as possible through constant planning, evaluating and looking for alternate funding sources through Hotel Occupancy Tax, Sales Tax and Grants. Is there any other information you would like to share with voters? Our city’s finances are in the best shape in decades, with the highest bond rating ever. Our Reserve funds are fully funded, and our Fire and Police pension plans are properly funded. Our city is moving forward and I want to keep that momentum going, taking care of every citizen throughout our Island and keeping us financially stable, safe and secure. PAID ADVERTISEMENTPAID FOR BY BILL KEESE FOR MAYOR 18 | The Daily News | Election Guide | October 2020 PAID ADVERTISEMENT CITY OF GALVESTON MAYOR Are you a legal resident of the district you’re seeking to represent? I am a legal resident of the City of Galveston Have you ever been convicted of a crime? I have never been convicted of a crime Have you ever sued a public entity or been sued by one? If you answer yes, please explain. I have never sued or been sued by a public entity Do you have any unpaid property taxes or federal income taxes? I have no unpaid taxes Do you have any unpaid parking tickets? I have no unpaid parking tickets Do you have any other debts to a public entity? I have no debts to any public entities Will your home or cellphone number be listed where constituents can find it? Yes, I will make my cell phone number available for the citizens of Galveston to reach me. BILL KEESE AGE: 71 RESIDENCE: Galveston OCCUPATION: Retired; Former National Association Executive Director; Former Corporate Executive; Former Small Business Owner ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include dates in office): I served three terms in the Texas Legislature from 1977 to1983 POLITICAL PARTY: City elected offices are all non-partisan. I have been a Democrat all my life. What motivated you to run for this office? I have a strong desire to serve the people of Galveston to help make the City all it can be. With the major issues facing all of us on the island, I felt my experience could be of service to every sector of our community. What strengths or experience do you bring? My unique experience serving in public office on the state level coupled with my business experience as a small business owner and a corporate executive sets my experience apart from the other candidates. If elected, which issues do you plan to give highest priority? Why? On the most basic level, we must clean up our city. We must restore our pre-pandemic economy as quickly as possible and grow our economy. We must be more creative in overcoming our long-term issues like our antiquated infrastructure. We must be more transparent in all government activities. What is your vision for the future of your city? For Galveston to be an educated city of diversity where families flourish, historical treasures are preserved, culture thrives, businesses prosper and life is good. What do you think about the property the tax rate? And if it’s too high where would you propose to make budget cuts? The current tax rate is appropriate for the services and capital improvements the current administration has outlined in their budget. Moving forward, we need to search for more efficiencies and be aggressive in growing the tax base and procuring more state and federal funding. Is there any other information you would like to share with voters? This election is a bell weather on retreating to the past, accepting the status quo or expanding our horizons to make Galveston all it can be.D avid C ollins CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 PAID FOR BY DAVID COLLINS CAMPAIGN October 2020 | Election Guide | The Daily News | 19 CITY OF GALVESTON COUNCIL MEMBER DISTRICT 3 Are you a legal resident of the district you’re seeking to represent? Yes Have you ever been convicted of a crime? No Have you ever sued a public entity or been sued by one? If you answer yes, please explain. No Do you have any unpaid property taxes or federal income taxes? No Do you have any unpaid parking tickets? No Do you have any other debts to a public entity? No Will your home or cellphone number be listed where constituents can find it? Yes. My monthly newsletter lists my phone number and email address. People are always welcome to send me questions and comments. davidcollins@ galvestontx.gov. DAVID COLLINS AGE: 70 RESIDENCE: Galveston OCCUPATION: I own an internet publishing services company. The company is based in California, but it’s internet presence allows us to live anywhere we choose, so why would I live anywhere else when I can work, live and play in Galveston? ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include dates in office): Galveston City Council - incumbent since May 2018. POLITICAL PARTY: Independent. Fiorella LaGuardia once said, “There is no Democrat or Republican way to pick up garbage.” What motivated you to run for this office? I was motivated by a desire to serve the community and concern that it was not being served by my predecessor. I met too many people who did not know who their Council representative was. What strengths or experience do you bring? Prior to owning a small business, I spent several years as a Fortune 500 consultant in finance and computing. That experience has been invaluable in understanding the city’s financial challenges. If elected, which issues do you plan to give highest priority? Why? Public safety, streets and drainage, and new dog parks. We need quality dog parks in the East End near downtown, in midtown and on the west end. On a larger scale, we’re making the city safer by designing and building pump stations to manage storm water. What is your vision for the future of your city? Economic growth, population stability and storm resilience. The actions we take today will keep Galveston livable for the next half century and beyond. No coastal community is perfectly safe, but recent improvements have made the city stronger today than ever before. What do you think about the property the tax rate? And if it’s too high where would you propose to make budget cuts? I’m proud to be a member of this city council. For the first time in years, we have lowered the property tax rate for Galveston. We’ve cut the budget, reduced headcount at city hall, stabilized the police pension fund, and maintained our AA bond rating - despite the pandemic. Is there any other information you would like to share with voters? My promise to District 3 was that I would be fiscally responsible, protect the people’s assets, and communicate with my constituents. I’ve kept that promise, and during the next council term I’ll work just as hard to represent my neighbors and to keep them informed. PAID ADVERTISEMENTNext >