FOR more information on local news and events impacting the Missouri City, Texas area visit:
http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com
or
http://www.fortbendweb.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Final Election Results From FBN & FB Chronicle Below
http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-County-To-Build-Courts-Complex--Thompson--Wong-Head-For-Mayor-s-Run-off%20=&page_label=home&id=64762-County-To-Build-Courts-Complex--Thompson--Wong-Head-For-Mayor-s-Run-off&widget=push&instance=home
http://www.chron.com/apps/ElectionPub/local.mpl?action=results&nextview=localmatrix&crit=Fort+Bend&conav=1&crittype=COUNTY&colct=
http://www.chron.com/apps/ElectionPub/local.mpl?action=results&nextview=localmatrix&crit=Fort+Bend&conav=1&crittype=COUNTY&colct=
Monday, April 28, 2008
FBN: Q&A For MC Mayoral Election Candidates (Greyling Poats & Allen Owen)--
FBN: Q&A For MC Mayoral Election Candidates
Early voting for the May 10 election began today, and in Missouri City current mayor Allen Owen is running for a second time against challenger Greyling Poats. FortBendNow.com submitted questions to each candidate, and their answers are as follows.
What do you think are the top three priorities for Missouri City in the next five years?
Owen:
My top 3 prior ties over the next 3 years is to make sure our citizens have a safe place to call home, protect our environment and natural resources, and continue to attract new sales tax revenue so we can begin to replace property taxes with the only other source we have left-sales taxes. We are doing that with all of the new projects mentioned above that are already on the drawing boards and are working as we go to press.
Poats:
1. Business on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 should be the primary concern. The improvement of those areas and the subdivisions attaching these thoroughfares should be a major focal point of the City Manager, Economic Development Coordinator and Council. Federal, State and Local monies along with private developers should come into play not only for curb appeal but for the enhancement of the quality of life for all of Missouri City. The challenge of government is not only to maintain the quality of life for all of its citizens but to improve that quality of life.
2. A well planned economic development plan is also a major concern for the City of Missouri City. While the current administration marvels over Ben E. Keith, Trammel Crowe and Global technical, they haven’t detailed the entire story. Based off a survey completed by a development company, one can deduce that Missouri City has a highly educated, employed and diverse population. The residents are not looking for jobs, but rather an enhancement of current career opportunities. The social economics of the city in general are poor. The lack of interaction and opportunities generally provided by business is virtually non-existent for young people in most areas of the city. Children, not adults in Missouri City, need jobs to learn employment skills and establish discipline which can lead them to careers which will allow them to become productive members of society. The current administration fails in working with citizens and current businesses; and, they have not given any projection on tax revenues for new businesses after the tax exemptions which have been given to new corporate citizens. A focused economic development plan would assist in attracting the types of businesses which would benefit the citizens of Missouri City.
3. Serving all neighborhoods within the corporate city limits is a key issue that council currently does not respond to. Council is oblivious to crime in the certain areas of the City. Council has failed to address the need to provide sidewalks for children walking to school and stoplights for critical intersections where residents have concerns. Council fails the children who walk along bridges which provide no protection. The council neglects the safety of our children on areas where there is a high concentration of pedophiles. Council fails in addressing the vacant commercial property and dilapidated structures on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and Fm 1092. Missouri City also does not have a hospital or doctor’s clinic. I firmly believe that the current mayor and council’s lack of leadership and direction is the reason for the decline of Missouri City. Many of these concerns could be addressed by being attentive to the residents of the city. A primary focus on those areas within the City limits would allow the city to address many of these issues. Additionally, there is a need to focus on attracting certain kinds of businesses to Missouri City while at the same time working with those businesses currently located within the city limits to assure that they remain. We continue to loose critical businesses while building structures which are not inhabited. This is not a reflection of a well planned city. It is imperative that we make this a practice so that we can maintain an excellent quality of life for our citizens.
What steps would you like to see the city take regarding those three priorities?
Owen:
I think we have proven in the past 3-4 years that we are working diligently to do all of the above incentives.
Poats:
1. After determining where our City funds are, an action plan can be put into place. The current administration is looking at a tax increase of more than thirty dollars per household for the acquisition and improvement of the Quail Valley Country Club. If there is to be a tax increase, those funds would better serve Texas Parkway, Cartwright road and FM 1091. The City in readjusting its budget could do the same thing without a tax increase. This is often necessary when cities have to maintain an aging infrastructure.
2. I would direct the City Planning Department to develop a plan for the enhancement of our entire city in general but being very specific for the timely improvements along Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. This plan could give tax abatements to those businesses needed in critical areas. It would provide fast track privileges for development needed in critical areas. For those businesses coming to Missouri City, we would provide assistance similar to or greater than our very large neighbor to assure that those businesses find Missouri City an attractive place.
3. Our collaboration with County, State and Federal government entities would push mobility issues regarding Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. We would change the rural character of certain roads by seeking to add sewers and removing ditches. We would propose that we work with subdivisions regarding the Lexington corridor while making that venture a reality. Having our police department reach out to provide greater service as well as protection to all citizens while eliminating the intimidation that is apparent to law abiding-tax paying citizens would greatly enhance the safety in our community. I would advocate for providing true diversity to City government through our deeds and actions. And finally, focusing on and attaining what the city needs: Hospitals, doctor’s clinics, book stores, arts venues, movie theatres, etc. while providing for the enhancement of a superior quality of life for all Missouri City residents. . .
Source:
http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&article-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates%20=&id=60711-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates&widget=push&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=&
Early voting for the May 10 election began today, and in Missouri City current mayor Allen Owen is running for a second time against challenger Greyling Poats. FortBendNow.com submitted questions to each candidate, and their answers are as follows.
What do you think are the top three priorities for Missouri City in the next five years?
Owen:
My top 3 prior ties over the next 3 years is to make sure our citizens have a safe place to call home, protect our environment and natural resources, and continue to attract new sales tax revenue so we can begin to replace property taxes with the only other source we have left-sales taxes. We are doing that with all of the new projects mentioned above that are already on the drawing boards and are working as we go to press.
Poats:
1. Business on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 should be the primary concern. The improvement of those areas and the subdivisions attaching these thoroughfares should be a major focal point of the City Manager, Economic Development Coordinator and Council. Federal, State and Local monies along with private developers should come into play not only for curb appeal but for the enhancement of the quality of life for all of Missouri City. The challenge of government is not only to maintain the quality of life for all of its citizens but to improve that quality of life.
2. A well planned economic development plan is also a major concern for the City of Missouri City. While the current administration marvels over Ben E. Keith, Trammel Crowe and Global technical, they haven’t detailed the entire story. Based off a survey completed by a development company, one can deduce that Missouri City has a highly educated, employed and diverse population. The residents are not looking for jobs, but rather an enhancement of current career opportunities. The social economics of the city in general are poor. The lack of interaction and opportunities generally provided by business is virtually non-existent for young people in most areas of the city. Children, not adults in Missouri City, need jobs to learn employment skills and establish discipline which can lead them to careers which will allow them to become productive members of society. The current administration fails in working with citizens and current businesses; and, they have not given any projection on tax revenues for new businesses after the tax exemptions which have been given to new corporate citizens. A focused economic development plan would assist in attracting the types of businesses which would benefit the citizens of Missouri City.
3. Serving all neighborhoods within the corporate city limits is a key issue that council currently does not respond to. Council is oblivious to crime in the certain areas of the City. Council has failed to address the need to provide sidewalks for children walking to school and stoplights for critical intersections where residents have concerns. Council fails the children who walk along bridges which provide no protection. The council neglects the safety of our children on areas where there is a high concentration of pedophiles. Council fails in addressing the vacant commercial property and dilapidated structures on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and Fm 1092. Missouri City also does not have a hospital or doctor’s clinic. I firmly believe that the current mayor and council’s lack of leadership and direction is the reason for the decline of Missouri City. Many of these concerns could be addressed by being attentive to the residents of the city. A primary focus on those areas within the City limits would allow the city to address many of these issues. Additionally, there is a need to focus on attracting certain kinds of businesses to Missouri City while at the same time working with those businesses currently located within the city limits to assure that they remain. We continue to loose critical businesses while building structures which are not inhabited. This is not a reflection of a well planned city. It is imperative that we make this a practice so that we can maintain an excellent quality of life for our citizens.
What steps would you like to see the city take regarding those three priorities?
Owen:
I think we have proven in the past 3-4 years that we are working diligently to do all of the above incentives.
Poats:
1. After determining where our City funds are, an action plan can be put into place. The current administration is looking at a tax increase of more than thirty dollars per household for the acquisition and improvement of the Quail Valley Country Club. If there is to be a tax increase, those funds would better serve Texas Parkway, Cartwright road and FM 1091. The City in readjusting its budget could do the same thing without a tax increase. This is often necessary when cities have to maintain an aging infrastructure.
2. I would direct the City Planning Department to develop a plan for the enhancement of our entire city in general but being very specific for the timely improvements along Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. This plan could give tax abatements to those businesses needed in critical areas. It would provide fast track privileges for development needed in critical areas. For those businesses coming to Missouri City, we would provide assistance similar to or greater than our very large neighbor to assure that those businesses find Missouri City an attractive place.
3. Our collaboration with County, State and Federal government entities would push mobility issues regarding Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. We would change the rural character of certain roads by seeking to add sewers and removing ditches. We would propose that we work with subdivisions regarding the Lexington corridor while making that venture a reality. Having our police department reach out to provide greater service as well as protection to all citizens while eliminating the intimidation that is apparent to law abiding-tax paying citizens would greatly enhance the safety in our community. I would advocate for providing true diversity to City government through our deeds and actions. And finally, focusing on and attaining what the city needs: Hospitals, doctor’s clinics, book stores, arts venues, movie theatres, etc. while providing for the enhancement of a superior quality of life for all Missouri City residents. . .
Source:
http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&article-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates%20=&id=60711-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates&widget=push&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=&
Thursday, April 24, 2008
FBN Reports: Special Interest Monies FLowing In To Missouri City Incumbents Campaigns!
Finance Reports Show Incumbents In The Lead On Campaign Contributions In Missouri City
by Jamie Mock, FortBendNow
Early voting for Missouri City council begins Monday, and the latest campaign finance reports show the incumbents have a strong lead in campaign contributions.
The May 10 election will have incumbent Mayor Allen Owen running against Greyling Poats, incumbent At-Large Position 1 Councilman Jerry Wyatt running against Noel Pinnock and incumbent At-Large Position 2 Councilman Buddy Jimerson running against Kevin Tunstall and Willie Harvey.
As of the April 10 filing, Owen has raised $18,550, Wyatt has raised $5,375 and Jimerson has raised $4,200. Poats leads the challengers with $1,835, followed by Tunstall at $788, Pinnock at $750 and Harvey at $350.
The single largest contribution for Owen was $2,000 from developer Clinton F. Wong; for Poats the largest contributions were from Christopher Calvin and Amy Calvin, Richmond residents who both contributed $250; for Wyatt the largest contributors were Larry Johnson, developer, and Joe B. Allen, a Houston Attorney, who each contributed $1,000; for Pinnock the largest contribution was from Missouri City resident Misty Dunn; for Jimerson the largest contributions came from developer Larry Johnson and Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP out of Houston, who contributed $1,000 each; for Tunstall the largest contribution came from his campaign treasurer Tobin Englet, a Missouri City resident and for Harvey the largest contributor was Houston resident Maverick Thigpen. . . (get the full story and all campaign finance reports at http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-Finance-Reports-Show-Incumbents-In-The-Lead-On-Campaign-Contributions-In-Missouri-City%20=&hash=comments_59826&page_label=home&id=59826&widget=push&open=&#comments_59826)
All 30 day finance reports available at:
http://www.instantnewsnetwork.com/fortbendnow/content/30DayReports.pdf
by Jamie Mock, FortBendNow
Early voting for Missouri City council begins Monday, and the latest campaign finance reports show the incumbents have a strong lead in campaign contributions.
The May 10 election will have incumbent Mayor Allen Owen running against Greyling Poats, incumbent At-Large Position 1 Councilman Jerry Wyatt running against Noel Pinnock and incumbent At-Large Position 2 Councilman Buddy Jimerson running against Kevin Tunstall and Willie Harvey.
As of the April 10 filing, Owen has raised $18,550, Wyatt has raised $5,375 and Jimerson has raised $4,200. Poats leads the challengers with $1,835, followed by Tunstall at $788, Pinnock at $750 and Harvey at $350.
The single largest contribution for Owen was $2,000 from developer Clinton F. Wong; for Poats the largest contributions were from Christopher Calvin and Amy Calvin, Richmond residents who both contributed $250; for Wyatt the largest contributors were Larry Johnson, developer, and Joe B. Allen, a Houston Attorney, who each contributed $1,000; for Pinnock the largest contribution was from Missouri City resident Misty Dunn; for Jimerson the largest contributions came from developer Larry Johnson and Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP out of Houston, who contributed $1,000 each; for Tunstall the largest contribution came from his campaign treasurer Tobin Englet, a Missouri City resident and for Harvey the largest contributor was Houston resident Maverick Thigpen. . . (get the full story and all campaign finance reports at http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-Finance-Reports-Show-Incumbents-In-The-Lead-On-Campaign-Contributions-In-Missouri-City%20=&hash=comments_59826&page_label=home&id=59826&widget=push&open=&#comments_59826)
All 30 day finance reports available at:
http://www.instantnewsnetwork.com/fortbendnow/content/30DayReports.pdf
Potential City TPIA & TOMA Violations Reported To Attorney Generals Office!
Did Missouri City officials hide anything from the public?
Chris Calvin, a critic of the Missouri City municipal government, has filed a complaint with Attorney General Greg Abbott's office requesting an investigation into possible violation of Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act by city officials.
A former Sienna Plantation resident locked in a lawsuit with the developer, Calvin later moved to Pecan Grove. He has accused city officials, including Mayor Allen Owen and most on the city council, of allowing "special-interest groups" such as developers to influence city decisions. City officials have denied such allegations.
The complaint Calvin filed with the AG stemmed from a city press release, which was dated March 4 but handed out at the March 3 City Council meeting. The pre-written release announced the council's approval of the purchase of the Quail Valley Country Club -- before such action was taken at the March 3 meeting.
While the city's media relations specialist Elsa Maxey later retracted the release describing it as an innocent error, Calvin said he smelled something "fishy." Here is what he wrote in his letter to the AG:
We found this odd considering the meeting hadn't taken place yet. Following this session, where they voted after the announcement, several of those in attendance decided we needed to dig a little further to attempt to ascertain if a meeting in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) had taken place prior to the council session and official vote.
Calvin said supporters for the investigation also include Kevin Tunstall, candidate for the At-large Position 2 council seat.
Two weeks later, Calvin filed a request with City Secretary Patrice Fogarty for all documents pertaining city-funded studies since 2005, including information on vendors involved in the bidding, companies awarded contracts and the award amount as well as any action taken by the city administration on those matters.
Calvin also asked for text messages sent and received by city council members on their Blackberries that Calvin said are paid for by taxpayers. . .(get the full story at: http://blogs.chron.com/fortbend/archives/2008/04/did_mo_city_off.html#comments)
Chris Calvin, a critic of the Missouri City municipal government, has filed a complaint with Attorney General Greg Abbott's office requesting an investigation into possible violation of Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act by city officials.
A former Sienna Plantation resident locked in a lawsuit with the developer, Calvin later moved to Pecan Grove. He has accused city officials, including Mayor Allen Owen and most on the city council, of allowing "special-interest groups" such as developers to influence city decisions. City officials have denied such allegations.
The complaint Calvin filed with the AG stemmed from a city press release, which was dated March 4 but handed out at the March 3 City Council meeting. The pre-written release announced the council's approval of the purchase of the Quail Valley Country Club -- before such action was taken at the March 3 meeting.
While the city's media relations specialist Elsa Maxey later retracted the release describing it as an innocent error, Calvin said he smelled something "fishy." Here is what he wrote in his letter to the AG:
We found this odd considering the meeting hadn't taken place yet. Following this session, where they voted after the announcement, several of those in attendance decided we needed to dig a little further to attempt to ascertain if a meeting in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) had taken place prior to the council session and official vote.
Calvin said supporters for the investigation also include Kevin Tunstall, candidate for the At-large Position 2 council seat.
Two weeks later, Calvin filed a request with City Secretary Patrice Fogarty for all documents pertaining city-funded studies since 2005, including information on vendors involved in the bidding, companies awarded contracts and the award amount as well as any action taken by the city administration on those matters.
Calvin also asked for text messages sent and received by city council members on their Blackberries that Calvin said are paid for by taxpayers. . .(get the full story at: http://blogs.chron.com/fortbend/archives/2008/04/did_mo_city_off.html#comments)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
FBW: At election time, judge politicians by actions, not words
At election time, judge politicians by actions, not words
Introduction
Right before election time so many “tune-in” to the local paper, blogs, forums, radio and television to get last minute sound bites to decide whom they will vote for in the coming elections. This may not be the best route for making a choice though.
This year we’ve had numerous opportunities to hear and see candidates at forums and to talk with their supporters as they block-walk to convince us that their contender is the right one for the job.
After spending a few years watching one particular council in Missouri City, as well as having several friends keep an eye on our commissioners court, I’m convinced listening to their words, only, is a colossal mistake.
Thanks to new local media sources, at least 6 now, we have more options on which to draw our opinion from and finally our actions of voting.
For me, party affiliation seems to be less of an issue as finding those willing to serve that aren’t chasing the money (campaign contributions).
Often neighbors will ask me who to vote for, which I reply that they need to get the voting record of incumbents and their campaign financial disclosure reports, take nothing for granted in this never ending shell game.
If these records don’t match what they are saying in community forums, or in the public media, then I strongly advise them to look for candidates who will say what they mean and act on those choices.
It also helps to find candidates not accepting a majority of their contributions from out of area special interest companies, as is often the case in our county.
Right now in the council races in Missouri City I’m witnessing incumbents who have been “in service” for decades. They are attending special meetings and making promises, but to the more astute watchers of these boards, councils and commissions, especially this one, the key is listening to what they are actually saying.
For example, at one community forum the mayor and two at large councilmembers denied that they are diverting bond money to special interest projects, thus passing costs for new roads for private corporate developers to the citizens (contrary to state law, but rarely enforced).
This is easily confirmed in the city minutes for the 2007 November session.
It’s further complicated with a campaign disclosure statement from two of these incumbents that lists “potential conflicts of interest” by either doing business with some of those companies involved on the receiving end of these taxpayer gifts or direct contributions, which too can be easily confirmed via the public record (disclosure statements on file with the city for free).
Much of this, after years of promising the residents to “turn the corner on taxes”, which they actually raised three times last year. I’ve even heard them try to convince people that this isn’t happening or next, that it is in the “best interest” of all.
They even worked to start a pseudo-grass roots group in December to convince others and have one of the neighborhood HOAs directing traffic to the site, which may be a violation of it’s non-profit status.
Bond Problems
What’s actually going on with council, according to one media source, is known as “slipping” the bonds.
This means that they are changing the use of them for particular projects that the public had no opportunity to speak up on or support.
At another community forum, where only the incumbents were invited, the mayor presented an “unfunded” promise to the Lake Olympia community.
These “unfunded” projects are always interesting campaign promises to watch and quite often are the most frequently broken.
Yes, during election time we will see much deceit, misdirection and finger pointing. We’ve had our share of it this year with so many races at all levels.
Fighting voter fatigue is especially important with the local races still facing us. Finding the right people is even harder.
Do your homework folks and then vote!
------------
Sources:
http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=89&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=347&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com
http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=979&Itemid=1
Introduction
Right before election time so many “tune-in” to the local paper, blogs, forums, radio and television to get last minute sound bites to decide whom they will vote for in the coming elections. This may not be the best route for making a choice though.
This year we’ve had numerous opportunities to hear and see candidates at forums and to talk with their supporters as they block-walk to convince us that their contender is the right one for the job.
After spending a few years watching one particular council in Missouri City, as well as having several friends keep an eye on our commissioners court, I’m convinced listening to their words, only, is a colossal mistake.
Thanks to new local media sources, at least 6 now, we have more options on which to draw our opinion from and finally our actions of voting.
For me, party affiliation seems to be less of an issue as finding those willing to serve that aren’t chasing the money (campaign contributions).
Often neighbors will ask me who to vote for, which I reply that they need to get the voting record of incumbents and their campaign financial disclosure reports, take nothing for granted in this never ending shell game.
If these records don’t match what they are saying in community forums, or in the public media, then I strongly advise them to look for candidates who will say what they mean and act on those choices.
It also helps to find candidates not accepting a majority of their contributions from out of area special interest companies, as is often the case in our county.
Right now in the council races in Missouri City I’m witnessing incumbents who have been “in service” for decades. They are attending special meetings and making promises, but to the more astute watchers of these boards, councils and commissions, especially this one, the key is listening to what they are actually saying.
For example, at one community forum the mayor and two at large councilmembers denied that they are diverting bond money to special interest projects, thus passing costs for new roads for private corporate developers to the citizens (contrary to state law, but rarely enforced).
This is easily confirmed in the city minutes for the 2007 November session.
It’s further complicated with a campaign disclosure statement from two of these incumbents that lists “potential conflicts of interest” by either doing business with some of those companies involved on the receiving end of these taxpayer gifts or direct contributions, which too can be easily confirmed via the public record (disclosure statements on file with the city for free).
Much of this, after years of promising the residents to “turn the corner on taxes”, which they actually raised three times last year. I’ve even heard them try to convince people that this isn’t happening or next, that it is in the “best interest” of all.
They even worked to start a pseudo-grass roots group in December to convince others and have one of the neighborhood HOAs directing traffic to the site, which may be a violation of it’s non-profit status.
Bond Problems
What’s actually going on with council, according to one media source, is known as “slipping” the bonds.
This means that they are changing the use of them for particular projects that the public had no opportunity to speak up on or support.
At another community forum, where only the incumbents were invited, the mayor presented an “unfunded” promise to the Lake Olympia community.
These “unfunded” projects are always interesting campaign promises to watch and quite often are the most frequently broken.
Yes, during election time we will see much deceit, misdirection and finger pointing. We’ve had our share of it this year with so many races at all levels.
Fighting voter fatigue is especially important with the local races still facing us. Finding the right people is even harder.
Do your homework folks and then vote!
------------
Sources:
http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=89&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=347&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com
http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=979&Itemid=1
Friday, April 18, 2008
FB Independent: Poats, Owen Lock Horns In FC Debate!
Owen, Poats debate growth versus neglect
SESHADRI KUMAR
In a highly charged political race for Missouri City mayor, the incumbent touts his accomplishments and points to the bright future with plans now underway.
His challenger places all the blame for the real or perceived perils of the city at the mayor’s feet, charges the mayor with promoting a subdivision outside the city, while neglecting the rest of the city and calls for a change.
Mayor Allen Owen is seeking his eighth term as mayor, and businessman Greyling Poats, who wants to unseat him, participated in a debate hosted by the Associations of First Colony last week. . .
Source: http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=360&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com
SESHADRI KUMAR
In a highly charged political race for Missouri City mayor, the incumbent touts his accomplishments and points to the bright future with plans now underway.
His challenger places all the blame for the real or perceived perils of the city at the mayor’s feet, charges the mayor with promoting a subdivision outside the city, while neglecting the rest of the city and calls for a change.
Mayor Allen Owen is seeking his eighth term as mayor, and businessman Greyling Poats, who wants to unseat him, participated in a debate hosted by the Associations of First Colony last week. . .
Source: http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=360&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Fort Bend Independent News Covers Missouri City Elections, Term Limits & Other Important City Issues!--click here for more--
Term limits for city council members
Howard Moline
I think one of the more interesting aspects of life in Fort Bend County is the excitement and enthusiasm generated by politics.
Every two years we see new candidates asking for our vote and helping us to refocus on how we can improve our cities and county.
To me, the democratic process is invigorating and refreshing. New candidates bring fresh approaches to problems, different personalities, and zeal to the election process and their newly won offices.
Having said this, there is one city in Fort Bend County that has a difficulty with this constant renewal aspect of politics, and that is Missouri City.
Politics is not quite as much fun, exciting or productive in Missouri City because we have City Council Members who have held their offices for extended periods and the City has never adopted term limits.
Term limits is a City ordinance that restricts the number of terms a City Council Member can serve. Points in favor of terms limits are that new Council Members bring many positives including new ideas, unique approaches to problems, a fresh outlook, and enthusiasm.
I think most people would agree that serving in City Council positions is a privilege and not a right.
It’s not only a privilege but a great opportunity for residents to show their patriotism, creativity, positive attitudes, and enthusiasm for their neighborhoods and the City.
Many Missouri City residents would appreciate and be delighted at the opportunity to run for City Council office and serve there.
America has a long history of being democratic and giving opportunities to everyone. What does it say about Missouri City when we deny our residents those opportunities because we have near-permanent members on the current City Council?
The Missouri City Council has five (of seven) Council Members who have been in public office for periods ranging from eight to twenty-seven years! I think it is inevitable that Council Members with these records of longevity in office suffer “burn out” and that they become less responsive to their constituents’ needs.
More importantly, the present situation makes it extremely difficult for other City residents to run for office and win. The incumbents hold huge advantages including large campaign fund accumulations, a substantial network of friends and political favors, and name recognition.
Term limit ordinances provide that each Council office will see a new office holder every eight years.
Thus, at least every few years, challengers with no record of public office are on a level playing field.
The race is then won or lost on the candidates’ qualifications or lack of them.
Missouri City has rarely seen this type of Council race and we will see them with decreasing frequency if trends continue as they have. . .(follow the links below for the full story).
http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=89&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=306&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=
&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn
=fbindependent&he=.com
Howard Moline
I think one of the more interesting aspects of life in Fort Bend County is the excitement and enthusiasm generated by politics.
Every two years we see new candidates asking for our vote and helping us to refocus on how we can improve our cities and county.
To me, the democratic process is invigorating and refreshing. New candidates bring fresh approaches to problems, different personalities, and zeal to the election process and their newly won offices.
Having said this, there is one city in Fort Bend County that has a difficulty with this constant renewal aspect of politics, and that is Missouri City.
Politics is not quite as much fun, exciting or productive in Missouri City because we have City Council Members who have held their offices for extended periods and the City has never adopted term limits.
Term limits is a City ordinance that restricts the number of terms a City Council Member can serve. Points in favor of terms limits are that new Council Members bring many positives including new ideas, unique approaches to problems, a fresh outlook, and enthusiasm.
I think most people would agree that serving in City Council positions is a privilege and not a right.
It’s not only a privilege but a great opportunity for residents to show their patriotism, creativity, positive attitudes, and enthusiasm for their neighborhoods and the City.
Many Missouri City residents would appreciate and be delighted at the opportunity to run for City Council office and serve there.
America has a long history of being democratic and giving opportunities to everyone. What does it say about Missouri City when we deny our residents those opportunities because we have near-permanent members on the current City Council?
The Missouri City Council has five (of seven) Council Members who have been in public office for periods ranging from eight to twenty-seven years! I think it is inevitable that Council Members with these records of longevity in office suffer “burn out” and that they become less responsive to their constituents’ needs.
More importantly, the present situation makes it extremely difficult for other City residents to run for office and win. The incumbents hold huge advantages including large campaign fund accumulations, a substantial network of friends and political favors, and name recognition.
Term limit ordinances provide that each Council office will see a new office holder every eight years.
Thus, at least every few years, challengers with no record of public office are on a level playing field.
The race is then won or lost on the candidates’ qualifications or lack of them.
Missouri City has rarely seen this type of Council race and we will see them with decreasing frequency if trends continue as they have. . .(follow the links below for the full story).
http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=89&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=306&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=
&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn
=fbindependent&he=.com
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
FBN: Poats Addresses Missouri Cities Major Concerns
FBN: Poats Addresses Missouri Cities Major Concerns
Poats Wants To Focus On Existing Development, Creating Term Limits
by Jamie Mock, FortBendNow
Missouri City mayoral candidate Greyling Poats says he thinks the focus of the next two years should be improving existing commercial and residential areas within the city and creating term limits for city council.
“You have to find ways to improve the older business structures as well as the commercial development, as well as the older neighborhoods,” said Poats, adding that many of the older neighborhoods lack “curb appeal” that he says the city has not addressed. “You don’t fit each neighborhood into the same box. Each neighborhood has a different character – you have to work on the positives of each neighborhood. We have never reached out to these different neighborhoods to find out exactly what we can do as a city to bring them up. What they need in those neighborhoods, what they don’t need.”
Poats is running for a second time against incumbent Allen Owen, who has been mayor for 14 years. He ran against Owen in 2006 and garnered 1,027 votes to Owen’s 2,239.
“The vote was 66 percent to 33 percent, and that sounds like a large number, but basically it is 2,000 votes to 1,000 votes,” said Poats, who also said fewer than 4 percent of Missouri City voters turned out for the election. “If we have turnout, I will win. People are looking at the real issues – what is the quality of life we have now opposed to the quality of life we had in the past?”
Poats says the current administration has ignored the smaller requests of the residents, and spent too much time focusing on the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, which includes area such as Sienna Plantation.
“If the city is not paying attention to the citizens on the small things, what about the large things?” said Poats. “…The city has started moving towards Hwy. 6 and people are dying on the vine. You have to be proactive in thinking about who is coming into your town – what they are coming into your city for. Are they coming in here to try to help, to make money – because all businesses are in it to make money – or are they coming in to extract money and leave? Had you looked at Quail Valley and the golf course six years ago, would you be in the position you are in now? Where are our tax dollars going …does it serve people who pay taxes in Missouri City, or the people who don’t? Our ETJ is an ETJ that probably won’t be on our city for 20 or 30 years.”
Poats says it is also important for council to have term limits.
“You have a lot of idea here,” said Poats. “My ideas, while I think they are great, if I stay in office 14 or 16 years, things are going to bypass me. You have to get people to come in with newer ideas.” . . . get the full story at http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=54688&article-Poats-Wants-To-Focus-On-Existing-Development--Creating-Term-Limits%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&
Poats Wants To Focus On Existing Development, Creating Term Limits
by Jamie Mock, FortBendNow
Missouri City mayoral candidate Greyling Poats says he thinks the focus of the next two years should be improving existing commercial and residential areas within the city and creating term limits for city council.
“You have to find ways to improve the older business structures as well as the commercial development, as well as the older neighborhoods,” said Poats, adding that many of the older neighborhoods lack “curb appeal” that he says the city has not addressed. “You don’t fit each neighborhood into the same box. Each neighborhood has a different character – you have to work on the positives of each neighborhood. We have never reached out to these different neighborhoods to find out exactly what we can do as a city to bring them up. What they need in those neighborhoods, what they don’t need.”
Poats is running for a second time against incumbent Allen Owen, who has been mayor for 14 years. He ran against Owen in 2006 and garnered 1,027 votes to Owen’s 2,239.
“The vote was 66 percent to 33 percent, and that sounds like a large number, but basically it is 2,000 votes to 1,000 votes,” said Poats, who also said fewer than 4 percent of Missouri City voters turned out for the election. “If we have turnout, I will win. People are looking at the real issues – what is the quality of life we have now opposed to the quality of life we had in the past?”
Poats says the current administration has ignored the smaller requests of the residents, and spent too much time focusing on the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, which includes area such as Sienna Plantation.
“If the city is not paying attention to the citizens on the small things, what about the large things?” said Poats. “…The city has started moving towards Hwy. 6 and people are dying on the vine. You have to be proactive in thinking about who is coming into your town – what they are coming into your city for. Are they coming in here to try to help, to make money – because all businesses are in it to make money – or are they coming in to extract money and leave? Had you looked at Quail Valley and the golf course six years ago, would you be in the position you are in now? Where are our tax dollars going …does it serve people who pay taxes in Missouri City, or the people who don’t? Our ETJ is an ETJ that probably won’t be on our city for 20 or 30 years.”
Poats says it is also important for council to have term limits.
“You have a lot of idea here,” said Poats. “My ideas, while I think they are great, if I stay in office 14 or 16 years, things are going to bypass me. You have to get people to come in with newer ideas.” . . . get the full story at http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=54688&article-Poats-Wants-To-Focus-On-Existing-Development--Creating-Term-Limits%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&
Monday, March 24, 2008
FB Sun Interviews Mayoral Candidates In Missouri City
Owen, Poats hold differing views on Missouri City’s future
By DIANE TEZENO
The Missouri City mayoral race has drawn two candidates – incumbent Allen Owen and challenger Greyling Poats - each with differing views and plans for the city’s future.
The upcoming May city elections will be the second time the two have faced off for the city’s top spot. The first time was in May 2006. Owens won the race with 68.55 percent of the vote to Poats 31.45 percent.
Owen has held the mayor’s seat since 1994. Poats, a local insurance agency professional, has lived in Missouri City for 26 years.
Each candidate was given an opportunity to respond in his own words to a series of questions to enlighten voters on his plans for the city’s future.
Q. What are the top priorities of your campaign platform?
A. Owen
The top priorities of my campaign are basically the same they have been since I took office 22 years ago - to promote the city of Missouri City as a place that people want to call home and to provide the quality of life that is necessary to do so. That involves public safety, air and water quality, a good mixture of residential and commercial growth, and to continue to work towards replacing or at least reducing property taxes with sales taxes. That can only be done by continuing to attract commercial and retail businesses. I also want to see the Quail Valley Country Club issue resolved with as small an impact to the community as possible. I want to see us continuing working with our consultants on developing a master plan for the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road corridors that will redevelop and vitalize that part of the City that serves as one of the gateways to our community.
A. Poats
My top priorities will be within the corporate city limits of Missouri City. I will work to revitalize our current subdivisions. I will work to revitalize Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 by bringing new businesses and assisting current center owners and businesses in upgrading their investments. I will work to have the amenities that define a city in Missouri City for the use of our citizens.
Q. What is your vision for Missouri City's future?
A: Owen
My vision for the City is one of being a premiere place to live and work. I see us growing to well over 125,000 people in the next 10 years and we need to be prepared for that. We have aging infrastructure that will need replacing - streets, side-walks, park improvements, and adding the necessary police and fire personnel to keep up with that growth. We will truly embrace the "Show Me" slogan as we begin to attract major employers and industry to our area. This will provide many new jobs as well as stimulate the housing market, while we may see other areas of the State and country not do as well.
A: Poats
My vision is for Missouri City to be the premier city in the state of Texas and in a very short time the premier city in the United States. We have the people and the diversity to attain this goal. I will utilize the many positive ideas of our citizens and stop dealing in antiquated ideas where the interest of one segment of our citizenry or one subdivision’s interest is above the rest of the city’s.
Q. What are some of the concerns expressed by Missouri City residents that you have plans to respond to?
A. Owen
My concerns are how we keep ahead of the growth so we do not lag behind and find ourselves trying to catch up. Replacing that aging infrastructure gradually and as we can afford to do so. Making sure that our staffing is adequate in all areas of the City, and especially public safety. Making sure that we have adequate fresh water for our future will be a tremendous task and one we prepared for over 10 years ago. We will have to start treating ground water before it enters our streams and this will be a costly measure, yet necessary one to provide our future generation with clean water.
A. Poats
Within the corporate city limits of Missouri City, council has failed to address the basic needs of our citizens. Highway 6 at Lakeshore Harbour has needed a traffic light. Gessner in the Colony Crossing needs a traffic light. I will protect our children and citizens by first taking care of our basic needs. We will install sidewalks to assist our children who have to walk to school. Our police department will further its efforts to serve and protect our citizens. We are not going to over commercialize Highway 6. Our fire department will be the best in the area.
Q. What characteristics does the city have to be proud of as "The Show Me City"?
A. Owen
As we adopted the "Show Me" slogan earlier last year, we did so saying that we truly do have things to show. We have a highly educated, highly paid, very diverse population that will continue to attract people who want to be part of our City. We will work through the Quail Valley Country Club issue and end up showing people 400 more acres of beautiful green space, water features, mature trees, and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some part of it. Diversity is the strongest asset we have. We live, work, and play together in a healthy environment that has proven to be our best known strength. We will continue to do that even as we reach a population almost twice what it is today.
A. Poats
We need to be proud of our people. We have a very diverse population and a very good income level in our city, but we don’t work with the people within the corporate city limits. We focus upon minutia instead of focusing on the large things. The large things we need to focus on are our citizens and our children. What are the amenities we have as a city? Why don’t we have real theatre, why don’t we have movie theaters? We have been here long enough to have those things, to have culture. We are focused on Quail Valley which is very good, but why did Quail Valley go down? I believe the answer to that question is that the mayor and his contemporaries have not been proactive, they’ve been reactive. We are going to be a proactive administration, wherein we look at things and try to work with those things now. We want to enhance the wonderful things that we have and then look to add to things in Missouri City.
Q. What areas need improving to make it the "The Show Me City"
A. Owen
We have an aging infrastructure that will need replacing, such as streets, sidewalks, park improvements, and adding the necessary police and fire personnel to keep up with that growth.
A. Poats
Drive around, look at the gateway of the City. Drive around and look at the strip centers on 2234 and on Cartwright Road. Look at how people are really in morose. Why is it that in every facet of the city people are arguing? Quail Valley argues because of the golf course; First Colony argues because of sidewalks; FM 2234 and Cartwright Road residents are arguing because of the way it looks. The subdivisions are arguing because they are not getting any assistance from the city or any direction from the city on what they should do and how they should do it. Our mobility plans are not in place for the city? Those are the things that need improving.
Q. What strengths do you possess that make you the prime candidate to take Missouri City into the future?
A. Owens
I bring my continued commitment to the citizens of Missouri City that I want it to be the best place in the world to live and raise a family. I spent five years on planning and zoning helping plan the future of our City. I then served eight years as an at-large councilman and as mayor pro-tem. I am now completing my 14 years of service as mayor. I have worked for years developing an attitude with outside developers and business owners that we have a lot to offer and we welcome them with open and cooperative arms. This was not always the case. It also does not happen overnight or a couple of years. It takes time and takes having a Council that works together for the same causes and as team. We have that now and I hope we can continue with what we set out to do.
I oversee 13 Wells Fargo banks in Fort Bend County, serve on many charitable boards, volunteer manyhours with community organizations and have always had a simple philosophy - God put me on this earth to serve others and I feel committed to fulfill that purpose. I think I am qualified to represent the citizens of Missouri City for another term as mayor.
A. Poats
I am a very proactive person and have run my own business for several years. I’ve worked with a number of people and I cross all lines, it doesn’t make any difference. I have the ability to sit down and talk with everybody, and after sitting and talking, not only studying, to put things in place and make them happen, not depending on one person or one entity.
Q. What will you focus on in the first six months should you be reelected?
A. Owens
We will work through the Quail Valley Country Club issue and end up showing people 400 more acres of beautiful green space, water features, mature trees, and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some part of it.
A. Poats
My initial focus will be on the health and safety of our citizens. Traffic signals, sidewalks and children’s safety will be the initial undertakings. Concurrently, I will make Texas Parkway’s appearance reflective of the gateway entrance of the greatest city in Texas. I will bring business to Cartwright Road and FM 1092 that reflect the character and values of all Missouri City residents. I will determine where the money from past bond issues has gone and establish and use line item spending for new bond proposals. I will work to bring back community pride and that feeling one has when you know any venture you take on can be accomplished. I will have the citizens of Missouri City knowing their elected officials are working on their behalf and not some entity who may come to Missouri City for that entities financial gain to the detriment of our citizens. I will push for term limits. I will bring back civility, credibility and accountability to the Mayor’s office. I will initiate the work to increase property values. My focus will be proactive, not reactive as things are done with the present office holder.
By DIANE TEZENO
The Missouri City mayoral race has drawn two candidates – incumbent Allen Owen and challenger Greyling Poats - each with differing views and plans for the city’s future.
The upcoming May city elections will be the second time the two have faced off for the city’s top spot. The first time was in May 2006. Owens won the race with 68.55 percent of the vote to Poats 31.45 percent.
Owen has held the mayor’s seat since 1994. Poats, a local insurance agency professional, has lived in Missouri City for 26 years.
Each candidate was given an opportunity to respond in his own words to a series of questions to enlighten voters on his plans for the city’s future.
Q. What are the top priorities of your campaign platform?
A. Owen
The top priorities of my campaign are basically the same they have been since I took office 22 years ago - to promote the city of Missouri City as a place that people want to call home and to provide the quality of life that is necessary to do so. That involves public safety, air and water quality, a good mixture of residential and commercial growth, and to continue to work towards replacing or at least reducing property taxes with sales taxes. That can only be done by continuing to attract commercial and retail businesses. I also want to see the Quail Valley Country Club issue resolved with as small an impact to the community as possible. I want to see us continuing working with our consultants on developing a master plan for the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road corridors that will redevelop and vitalize that part of the City that serves as one of the gateways to our community.
A. Poats
My top priorities will be within the corporate city limits of Missouri City. I will work to revitalize our current subdivisions. I will work to revitalize Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 by bringing new businesses and assisting current center owners and businesses in upgrading their investments. I will work to have the amenities that define a city in Missouri City for the use of our citizens.
Q. What is your vision for Missouri City's future?
A: Owen
My vision for the City is one of being a premiere place to live and work. I see us growing to well over 125,000 people in the next 10 years and we need to be prepared for that. We have aging infrastructure that will need replacing - streets, side-walks, park improvements, and adding the necessary police and fire personnel to keep up with that growth. We will truly embrace the "Show Me" slogan as we begin to attract major employers and industry to our area. This will provide many new jobs as well as stimulate the housing market, while we may see other areas of the State and country not do as well.
A: Poats
My vision is for Missouri City to be the premier city in the state of Texas and in a very short time the premier city in the United States. We have the people and the diversity to attain this goal. I will utilize the many positive ideas of our citizens and stop dealing in antiquated ideas where the interest of one segment of our citizenry or one subdivision’s interest is above the rest of the city’s.
Q. What are some of the concerns expressed by Missouri City residents that you have plans to respond to?
A. Owen
My concerns are how we keep ahead of the growth so we do not lag behind and find ourselves trying to catch up. Replacing that aging infrastructure gradually and as we can afford to do so. Making sure that our staffing is adequate in all areas of the City, and especially public safety. Making sure that we have adequate fresh water for our future will be a tremendous task and one we prepared for over 10 years ago. We will have to start treating ground water before it enters our streams and this will be a costly measure, yet necessary one to provide our future generation with clean water.
A. Poats
Within the corporate city limits of Missouri City, council has failed to address the basic needs of our citizens. Highway 6 at Lakeshore Harbour has needed a traffic light. Gessner in the Colony Crossing needs a traffic light. I will protect our children and citizens by first taking care of our basic needs. We will install sidewalks to assist our children who have to walk to school. Our police department will further its efforts to serve and protect our citizens. We are not going to over commercialize Highway 6. Our fire department will be the best in the area.
Q. What characteristics does the city have to be proud of as "The Show Me City"?
A. Owen
As we adopted the "Show Me" slogan earlier last year, we did so saying that we truly do have things to show. We have a highly educated, highly paid, very diverse population that will continue to attract people who want to be part of our City. We will work through the Quail Valley Country Club issue and end up showing people 400 more acres of beautiful green space, water features, mature trees, and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some part of it. Diversity is the strongest asset we have. We live, work, and play together in a healthy environment that has proven to be our best known strength. We will continue to do that even as we reach a population almost twice what it is today.
A. Poats
We need to be proud of our people. We have a very diverse population and a very good income level in our city, but we don’t work with the people within the corporate city limits. We focus upon minutia instead of focusing on the large things. The large things we need to focus on are our citizens and our children. What are the amenities we have as a city? Why don’t we have real theatre, why don’t we have movie theaters? We have been here long enough to have those things, to have culture. We are focused on Quail Valley which is very good, but why did Quail Valley go down? I believe the answer to that question is that the mayor and his contemporaries have not been proactive, they’ve been reactive. We are going to be a proactive administration, wherein we look at things and try to work with those things now. We want to enhance the wonderful things that we have and then look to add to things in Missouri City.
Q. What areas need improving to make it the "The Show Me City"
A. Owen
We have an aging infrastructure that will need replacing, such as streets, sidewalks, park improvements, and adding the necessary police and fire personnel to keep up with that growth.
A. Poats
Drive around, look at the gateway of the City. Drive around and look at the strip centers on 2234 and on Cartwright Road. Look at how people are really in morose. Why is it that in every facet of the city people are arguing? Quail Valley argues because of the golf course; First Colony argues because of sidewalks; FM 2234 and Cartwright Road residents are arguing because of the way it looks. The subdivisions are arguing because they are not getting any assistance from the city or any direction from the city on what they should do and how they should do it. Our mobility plans are not in place for the city? Those are the things that need improving.
Q. What strengths do you possess that make you the prime candidate to take Missouri City into the future?
A. Owens
I bring my continued commitment to the citizens of Missouri City that I want it to be the best place in the world to live and raise a family. I spent five years on planning and zoning helping plan the future of our City. I then served eight years as an at-large councilman and as mayor pro-tem. I am now completing my 14 years of service as mayor. I have worked for years developing an attitude with outside developers and business owners that we have a lot to offer and we welcome them with open and cooperative arms. This was not always the case. It also does not happen overnight or a couple of years. It takes time and takes having a Council that works together for the same causes and as team. We have that now and I hope we can continue with what we set out to do.
I oversee 13 Wells Fargo banks in Fort Bend County, serve on many charitable boards, volunteer manyhours with community organizations and have always had a simple philosophy - God put me on this earth to serve others and I feel committed to fulfill that purpose. I think I am qualified to represent the citizens of Missouri City for another term as mayor.
A. Poats
I am a very proactive person and have run my own business for several years. I’ve worked with a number of people and I cross all lines, it doesn’t make any difference. I have the ability to sit down and talk with everybody, and after sitting and talking, not only studying, to put things in place and make them happen, not depending on one person or one entity.
Q. What will you focus on in the first six months should you be reelected?
A. Owens
We will work through the Quail Valley Country Club issue and end up showing people 400 more acres of beautiful green space, water features, mature trees, and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some part of it.
A. Poats
My initial focus will be on the health and safety of our citizens. Traffic signals, sidewalks and children’s safety will be the initial undertakings. Concurrently, I will make Texas Parkway’s appearance reflective of the gateway entrance of the greatest city in Texas. I will bring business to Cartwright Road and FM 1092 that reflect the character and values of all Missouri City residents. I will determine where the money from past bond issues has gone and establish and use line item spending for new bond proposals. I will work to bring back community pride and that feeling one has when you know any venture you take on can be accomplished. I will have the citizens of Missouri City knowing their elected officials are working on their behalf and not some entity who may come to Missouri City for that entities financial gain to the detriment of our citizens. I will push for term limits. I will bring back civility, credibility and accountability to the Mayor’s office. I will initiate the work to increase property values. My focus will be proactive, not reactive as things are done with the present office holder.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Candidates Draw For A Position On The Council Ballot
Candidates Draw For Position On MoCity Ballot
FortBendNow
Present at the 8:30 a.m. drawing for place on the Missouri City council election ballot were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, Deputy City Secretary Thelma Lenz, Administrative Assistant Maria Gonzalez and candidates Greyling Poats, Noel Pinnock and Kevin Tunstall. Candidate Willie Harvey’s representative, Raven Hood, was present. Unable to attend were Harvey, candidate for At-Large Position 2, and incumbent candidates Allen Owen, mayor, Jerry Wyatt, At-Large Position 1 and Buddy Jimerson, At-Large Position 2.
The candidates drew in the order in which they filed. First to file were the incumbents and a city employee drew first for Owen, Wyatt and Jimerson. The others drew in the order in which they filed.
The ballot positions are: Mayor – Poats, position 1, Owen, position 2; At-Large Position 1 – Pinnock, position 1, Wyatt position 2; At-Large Position 2 – Jimerson, position 1, Harvey, position 2 and Tunstall, position 3.
See: http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-Candidates-Draw-For-Position-On-MoCity-Ballot%20=&page_label=home&id=22132&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&#cb_post_comment_22132
FortBendNow
Present at the 8:30 a.m. drawing for place on the Missouri City council election ballot were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, Deputy City Secretary Thelma Lenz, Administrative Assistant Maria Gonzalez and candidates Greyling Poats, Noel Pinnock and Kevin Tunstall. Candidate Willie Harvey’s representative, Raven Hood, was present. Unable to attend were Harvey, candidate for At-Large Position 2, and incumbent candidates Allen Owen, mayor, Jerry Wyatt, At-Large Position 1 and Buddy Jimerson, At-Large Position 2.
The candidates drew in the order in which they filed. First to file were the incumbents and a city employee drew first for Owen, Wyatt and Jimerson. The others drew in the order in which they filed.
The ballot positions are: Mayor – Poats, position 1, Owen, position 2; At-Large Position 1 – Pinnock, position 1, Wyatt position 2; At-Large Position 2 – Jimerson, position 1, Harvey, position 2 and Tunstall, position 3.
See: http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-Candidates-Draw-For-Position-On-MoCity-Ballot%20=&page_label=home&id=22132&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&#cb_post_comment_22132
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Tunstall Announces Run For Position 2!
It has been brought to our attention that Kevin Tunstall, a local healthcare business owner and former district C council candidate, has filed to run in the May 10th city council races for the position 2 at large seat currently held by long-time incumbent Buddy Jimerson. He joins Harvey Willie (30) also of Missouri City in challenging for the seat.
Tunstall ran on a platform in 2007 and was narrowly defeated, after Bob Burton vacated his district C seat, by an Owen backed candidate. He advocated for lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, demanded a repeal of the cities controversial infrastructure ordinance (46-4), wanted a full review of the contract with the Blue Ridge Landfill Co. with the city, especially the non-opposition sections preventing the council from opposing the proposed 20 story expansion of the facility, and campaigned for improved parity in development, opposing tax increment reinvestment zones for select commercial developers in prime areas, many who had reportedly made regular campaign contributions to the mayor and several current and past council members, giving off the perception of potential conflicts of interest as well as was very concerned about the loss of Herman Hospital at the end of 2006.
When asked why he is seeking this seat, Tunstall responded, "because the current mayor and council have lost touch with the community they serve and are no longer living up to their obligations to ALL of the city".
To get more on these or other candidates, please click the title link above or visit:
http://mcelectioninformation.blogspot.com
http://elect.kdtunstall.com/
Background:
http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2008/03
/mcc-exclusive-kevin-tunstall-files-for.html
Tunstall ran on a platform in 2007 and was narrowly defeated, after Bob Burton vacated his district C seat, by an Owen backed candidate. He advocated for lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, demanded a repeal of the cities controversial infrastructure ordinance (46-4), wanted a full review of the contract with the Blue Ridge Landfill Co. with the city, especially the non-opposition sections preventing the council from opposing the proposed 20 story expansion of the facility, and campaigned for improved parity in development, opposing tax increment reinvestment zones for select commercial developers in prime areas, many who had reportedly made regular campaign contributions to the mayor and several current and past council members, giving off the perception of potential conflicts of interest as well as was very concerned about the loss of Herman Hospital at the end of 2006.
When asked why he is seeking this seat, Tunstall responded, "because the current mayor and council have lost touch with the community they serve and are no longer living up to their obligations to ALL of the city".
To get more on these or other candidates, please click the title link above or visit:
http://mcelectioninformation.blogspot.com
http://elect.kdtunstall.com/
Background:
http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2008/03
/mcc-exclusive-kevin-tunstall-files-for.html
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
FB Sun: Reformer Pinnock Announces Run Against Wyatt In MC Council Race!
Pinnock files to run for Missouri City At-Large Position 1 seat
By DIANE TEZENO
dtezeno@hcnonline.com
03/04/2008
Missouri City resident, Noel Pinnock filed his candidacy this morning for the At-Large Position 1 seat in the upcoming Missouri City elections in May.
Pinnock will face incumbent Missouri City Councilman Jerry Wyatt, who has served on council since 1981. Wyatt was elected to the Position 1 At-Large seat in 1998 and has served as mayor pro tem from 1999-2005.
Pinnock, made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the FBISD school board in 2007, and has shifted his focus to run for a seat on council this spring.
Pinnock, in a statement from his campaign website, said the time is now to take Missouri City to the next level.
“Our city has accomplished many great things over the years, however, our county is growing rapidly and Missouri City needs effective leadership, direction and vision to maintain a dominant presence in a very competitive market,” said Pinnock.
Pinnock, an experienced public servant, with a master's degree in public administration and city planning/urban development, believes it is the role of local government to protect and serve the rights of residents and to tackle issues ranging from health care to taxes.
“Let's face it, times are hard for everyone. We are all tackling increased costs in almost every facet of life. Balancing our check books or online banking accounts, undoubtedly, becomes more and more difficult with the uncertainty of our economy,” said Pinnock. . . (get the entire release at: http://www.hcnonline.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19356958&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=532207&rfi=8)
By DIANE TEZENO
dtezeno@hcnonline.com
03/04/2008
Missouri City resident, Noel Pinnock filed his candidacy this morning for the At-Large Position 1 seat in the upcoming Missouri City elections in May.
Pinnock will face incumbent Missouri City Councilman Jerry Wyatt, who has served on council since 1981. Wyatt was elected to the Position 1 At-Large seat in 1998 and has served as mayor pro tem from 1999-2005.
Pinnock, made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the FBISD school board in 2007, and has shifted his focus to run for a seat on council this spring.
Pinnock, in a statement from his campaign website, said the time is now to take Missouri City to the next level.
“Our city has accomplished many great things over the years, however, our county is growing rapidly and Missouri City needs effective leadership, direction and vision to maintain a dominant presence in a very competitive market,” said Pinnock.
Pinnock, an experienced public servant, with a master's degree in public administration and city planning/urban development, believes it is the role of local government to protect and serve the rights of residents and to tackle issues ranging from health care to taxes.
“Let's face it, times are hard for everyone. We are all tackling increased costs in almost every facet of life. Balancing our check books or online banking accounts, undoubtedly, becomes more and more difficult with the uncertainty of our economy,” said Pinnock. . . (get the entire release at: http://www.hcnonline.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19356958&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=532207&rfi=8)
Monday, February 11, 2008
From FortBendWeb.com: Greyling Poats Formerly Announces His Candidacy For Missouri City Mayor!
Greyling Poats Formally Announces Candidacy For Missouri City Mayor
The following is the official campaign announcement for Greyling Poats seeking the position of Mayor in Missouri City during the May 2008 elections:
Friends,
With great anticipation of the positive we can make in Missouri City, I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Mayor. The past has taught us Missouri City cannot depend on one subdivision to sustain the standard of living that was the norm here. Our potential is boundless if we use the assets within our corporate city limits and only bring in additional areas to add to our greatness, not deter from the same. Great cities utilize ideas and criticism of it's citizens to prosper and grow, failing cities are staid, barren of new ideas and keep leaders in office far to long eliminating the vitality and vibrancy that it needs. This campaign is not against the incumbent and his cohort. It is a race to vitalize the character and direction of our City.
To assess where we are as a community, one must ask, has the quality of my life improved under the current leadership? Has this administration had ample time to improve the quality of our lives? Have my property values increased while my taxes have been lowered? Have the amenities of my neighborhood and city; doctors offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, grocery stores, churches, coffee shops, golf courses, small businesses, facilities for youth, bookstores, and landfills etc., improved or declined under the current administration? How does my community compare to cities with similar neighborhoods and facilities? Are we better, the same or has this mayor and council let us deteriorate while offering a myriad of excuses on why they cannot do anything to attract businesses and families to Missouri City proper?
Where is the focus of this mayor and council? How often do you hear your neighborhood in a positive light from the current administration? Does this mayor and council spend my tax dollars on enhancements i.e. mobility, drainage, street signs, side-walk repair, bridge construction and improvements, traffic lights, festivals, etc. for the benefit of those who pay MISSOURI CITY TAXES or is their primary concern with the EXTRA TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION that does not pay city property taxes? These are only a few of the questions one must ask when electing a new administration. My campaign request to the Citizens of Missouri City is to critically think about these concerns and other issues you know of before selecting your Mayor. I will file my candidacy for the office of Mayor of Missouri City, Texas. With your help, I and other candidates seeking councilmatic office, will again make Missouri City the preeminent community in Texas.
Greyling Poats
Missouri City, TX
From: http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=875&Itemid=1
The following is the official campaign announcement for Greyling Poats seeking the position of Mayor in Missouri City during the May 2008 elections:
Friends,
With great anticipation of the positive we can make in Missouri City, I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Mayor. The past has taught us Missouri City cannot depend on one subdivision to sustain the standard of living that was the norm here. Our potential is boundless if we use the assets within our corporate city limits and only bring in additional areas to add to our greatness, not deter from the same. Great cities utilize ideas and criticism of it's citizens to prosper and grow, failing cities are staid, barren of new ideas and keep leaders in office far to long eliminating the vitality and vibrancy that it needs. This campaign is not against the incumbent and his cohort. It is a race to vitalize the character and direction of our City.
To assess where we are as a community, one must ask, has the quality of my life improved under the current leadership? Has this administration had ample time to improve the quality of our lives? Have my property values increased while my taxes have been lowered? Have the amenities of my neighborhood and city; doctors offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, grocery stores, churches, coffee shops, golf courses, small businesses, facilities for youth, bookstores, and landfills etc., improved or declined under the current administration? How does my community compare to cities with similar neighborhoods and facilities? Are we better, the same or has this mayor and council let us deteriorate while offering a myriad of excuses on why they cannot do anything to attract businesses and families to Missouri City proper?
Where is the focus of this mayor and council? How often do you hear your neighborhood in a positive light from the current administration? Does this mayor and council spend my tax dollars on enhancements i.e. mobility, drainage, street signs, side-walk repair, bridge construction and improvements, traffic lights, festivals, etc. for the benefit of those who pay MISSOURI CITY TAXES or is their primary concern with the EXTRA TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION that does not pay city property taxes? These are only a few of the questions one must ask when electing a new administration. My campaign request to the Citizens of Missouri City is to critically think about these concerns and other issues you know of before selecting your Mayor. I will file my candidacy for the office of Mayor of Missouri City, Texas. With your help, I and other candidates seeking councilmatic office, will again make Missouri City the preeminent community in Texas.
Greyling Poats
Missouri City, TX
From: http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=875&Itemid=1
Thursday, January 24, 2008
See this recent MissouriCityChatter release on the coming local elections--(follow the link below)
http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2008/01/register-for-upcoming-elections-click.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)