Bellaire voters perform their bi-annual duty today (Nov. 5) of choosing a mayor and half the City Council — with all races contested and the possibility of a runoff next month for two council seats which have three candidates each.
Polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
While there are three traditional polling places in the city, for the first time registered voters can vote at any one of more than 700 polling places countywide — which may slow the return of results.
As always, we’re trying to do our part with a questionnaire exploring the hopefuls’ backgrounds and views on current issues.
We hope you’ll study their remarks — and vote.
(Editor’s notes: Candidates appear in the order they do on the ballot, for which positions were drawn. Candidates were given the opportunity to submit any photo they wanted to use with their responses.)
For mayor
Robert Riquelmy — Did not return questionnaire
Andrew Friedberg
• Years in Bellaire: Grew up in the area; returned to Bellaire 13+ years ago
• Profession: Attorney in the oil and gas industry
• Community/government activities: Mayor, 2016-present; Council Member, 2010-15; Chair, Sunset Review Committee, 2011-12; Planning & Zoning Commission, 2007-09; Bellaire Historical Society,
Webmaster; Bellaire Lodge; six years in U.S. Army National Guard
• Education: Bellaire High School; B.A. (Economics and Government), B.B.A. (Finance), University of Texas at Austin; J.D., Harvard Law School
• Family: Jennifer and I are the proud parents of two wonderful kids, ages 9 and 7.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for a third term because I believe in Bellaire. As Mayor, I’ve enjoyed a unique opportunity to interact and engage with many of our neighbors throughout the community and from all parts of town. There’s a diversity of opinions out there, but we all want what’s best for Bellaire, to keep it great and make it even better. In this role I know I can never be all things to all people, but I’ve worked tirelessly to faithfully represent a wide variety of viewpoints and I’m proud of all we have accomplished together. It’s an honor and privilege.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire? The most serious long-term challenge?
I see in Bellaire today a city that’s, frankly, doing better than I would’ve expected two years ago right after Harvey, and is only continuing to improve. We’ve taken the lead on regional flood control, while continuing our progress on local drainage. We’ve even managed to get more done than we’d set out to do in our 2016 bond program, allowing us to extend it at least one extra year, possibly more, without additional funding. But we still have a long way to go after decades of kicking the can, neither improving our infrastructure nor setting aside money for it.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
We must never lose sight of, and always seek to build upon, what makes Bellaire special. Our family-friendly residential character and quality of life, our small town feel surrounded by the big city. First-class Police and Fire, Library, Parks, Public Works, and other premier services and amenities we depend on.
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
The City Manager isn’t on the ballot, and that’s by design under our form of government. He’s consistently made clear his door is always open to anyone interested in getting the facts, having all their questions answered, and discussing their concerns. He’s accessible and responsive to any and all residents.
Prioritize these in order of importance to you and add a maximum 25-word comment on each:
a. Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally.
b. Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements.
c. Rebuilding the Bellaire Library.
d. Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire departments.
e. Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan.
f. Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness.
g. Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire.
The City is capable of multitasking more than one priority at a time. Among the list presented in this question, my top priorities remain (b) flood mitigation, both regional and local; (d) premier public safety; and (f) fiscal responsibility, including appropriate funding for both of the foregoing.
I continue to support (e) commercial redevelopment, guided by the Comprehensive Plan to be consistent with and supportive of our residential character and quality of life. I supported the interim renovation of (c) the Library in 2011, but long-term we do need to be thinking about its eventual replacement.
(a) Brand identity is not a priority as it has already been resolved through the public process. As has (g) sidewalks, my position on which I presented in a special address last September, and pathways as well. These latter topics are not current issues. (140)
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
I care deeply about this city and the wonderful sense of community we have here. That’s why I’m so concerned about the increasingly divisive and counterproductive rhetoric that largely goes unchecked on social media. At a time when the rest of our country has become so bitterly divided, I know Bellaire is better than that. Let’s bring back civility, reject misinformation, and take pride in working together toward our common goal of making Bellaire the best it can be. For the City’s part, we need to continue finding better ways to engage with ALL our residents.
Share a saying that inspires you and explain what it means to you.
“One must select wisely a source of news; otherwise it would be better to be uninformed than misinformed.” — Ezra Taft Benson. The City works really hard to produce good and objectively verifiable information. Unfortunately, our public discourse suffers from a constant barrage of misinformation. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts. If you want the truth, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
For City Council — Position 2
Catherine Lewis
• Years in Bellaire: 28
• Profession: Retired geologist
• Community/government activities: Neighborhood organizer since 1990s when we petitioned to get our streets closed to cut-through traffic. Volunteer with refugees and international students.
• Education: BFA studio arts, University of Arizona; BS Geology, UofA; MS Stanford University; Ph.D. Colorado School of Mines
• Family: I have a brother in California.
Why are you running for office?
Bellaire needs a change in leadership! I have a Better Plan for Bellaire. 1. Smart Budgeting — I want to serve as a fiscally conservative check on the budget. 2. Plan for City of Homes — I want to protect homes from unwise and aggressive development. 3. Flood mitigation & safety — I want to look for cost-effective solutions to the flooding and drainage problems. Keep police on the beat and put in street lighting where most needed. 4. Transparency & Listening — I will listen to citizens.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire? The most serious long-term challenge?
Poor leadership at city hall …which led to the budget crisis, yearly tax increases, several instances of aggressive development proposals opposed by nearby residents, and small-scale, expensive flood prevention projects that ignore the larger threat to whole neighborhoods.
Flooding is the most serious long-term challenge because development upstream fills the bayou. We have to work with the county on bridges, dredging, retention, and preservation of green space. Nobody is safe if they’re not safe from flooding.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
City of Homes, good neighbors, safe neighborhoods (usually). When the Comprehensive Plan is revisited in 2020, we should carefully revisit uses from automotive to office buildings and ask, “Would I want that business next to my home?” There were lots of careless uses permitted in CMU, UVT, and UVD when those zones were created in 2014.
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
The mayor and city council set the goals and priorities for the city, and the city manager carries them out. The city manager is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, staying on budget, and reporting back to council on the financial status and forecast for the city.
Prioritize these in order of importance to you and add a maximum 25-word comment on each:
Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally.
Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements.
Rebuilding the Bellaire Library.
Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire departments.
Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan.
Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness.
Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire.
First. Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness. Bellaire has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Current debt ratio to property taxes is precarious at 44%.
Second. Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements. No one is safe if they’re not safe from flooding. If developers are allowed to take away green space and cut down mature trees, more internal flooding will occur.
Third. Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire departments.
Four. Rebuilding the Bellaire Library.
Frivolous. Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally. There was nothing wrong with the City of Homes brand. It worked just fine for 100 years.
Never. Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire. This is the heavy hand of government. Residents need to choose for their own neighborhoods.
Dead last. Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan. First hire a consultant.7 Then spend $2.4million bond money for two blocks that never flood; add decorative lighting and landscaping. A prime example of wasteful spending.
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
I didn’t know Bellaire needed improving. Elect citizens from business backgrounds and from north of Fournace. Listen to citizens when they come to speak at city hall. Read their written comments. Take their comments to heart.
Share a saying that inspires you, and explain what it means to you.
“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” — Solomon
We don’t know how this election will turn out, but one way or another, something good will come of it.
Trisha Pollard
• Years in Bellaire: 27
• Profession: Retired Gas P/L Attorney; Partner & General Manager of Pollard Development, L.P.
• Community/government activities: Bellaire City Council Member since 2016; Board Member, Houston-Galveston Area Council; Board Member, Transportation Policy Council of H-GAC; Chair, H-GAC Planning Committee; Member H-GAC Finance Committee; Member, H-GAC Audit Committee; Secretary, Harris County Mayors and Councils Association; Council Liaison to Planning & Zoning Commission since 2016; Council Liaison to Charter Review Commission 2017; Member, Building & Standards Commission 2000-2007, Chair 2005-2007; Parks & Recreation Advisory Board 1994-1995; Board of Regents, Texas State University System 2007-2013; One Call Board of Texas 2003-2007; Foreman, Harris County Grand Jury – six Terms from 2003 to 2013
• Education: BBA – Sam Houston State University 1974; J.D. – South Texas College of Law 1980
• Family: Randy Pollard, CPA, spouse for 45 years; one daughter and two sons, both Eagle Scouts.
Why are you running for office?
Our family has been so blessed by living in Bellaire. Randy and I have been very involved in the community and have taken advantage of the great services that our City offers. I’m honored that our citizens have allowed me to utilize my leadership skills and knowledge of Bellaire to represent them on Bellaire City Council and look forward to another term of serving our citizens.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire? The most serious long-term challenge?
Drainage and flooding are the most serious issues facing our community, by far. We must continue to install detention capacity underneath streets when building new streets, and must continue to seek and implement regional solutions to flooding issues. The other long-term challenge in Bellaire is replacement of our aging infrastructure, especially water lines and wastewater lines.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
Without a doubt, our greatest asset in the City of Bellaire are our First Responders, the Bellaire Police & Fire Departments. They are our unsung heroes and “always have our backs.” Best way to maximize on that is to strongly support the Bellaire Police & Fire Foundation and its fundraisers!
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
A city manager is the hired executive officer of a city who works outside the political realm to keep operations running smoothly. Mayor/Council are elected, volunteer leaders who represent the voters. In Bellaire, both work hard to be good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars while maintaining and promoting a policy of transparency.
Prioritize these in order of importance to you and add a maximum 25-word comment on each:
a. Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements. Absolutely should be our highest priority, and I’m excited about our City working with Harris County Flood Control to develop and implement regional solutions to flooding.
b. Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness. It’s all about the levels of service our residents expect, while keeping our Reserves levels healthy, for financial stability and to protect our superior bond rating.
c. Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire departments. It’s very important that we keep our police and fire personnel at the 75th percentile or better; Safety and Security are the top reasons people want to move to Bellaire.
d. Rebuilding the Bellaire Library. Our Library is wonderful and serves lots of people on a daily basis. I look forward to the day when we can begin plans for a larger, more modern library.
e. Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally. (No comment provided)
f. Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire. I do believe we need better pedestrian walkability/safety but City Council listened and responded to citizen input a year ago.
g. Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan. Free market forces will dictate the speed at which our commercial districts get redeveloped, within the parameters of the Comprehensive Plan.
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
The house numbers on many of Bellaire’s homes are too small, missing, hidden or not visible from the street or at night. How are our Police and Fire Departments going to find your house in case of an emergency? Stand in the street in front of your house and if you can’t see the address, our First Responders can’t either; please remedy that problem!
Also, one of the biggest ways of improving Bellaire would be to get METRO to move its Transit Station from its location at Bellaire and Rice.
Share a saying that inspires you and explain what it means to you.
I am constantly inspired by the motto of Sam Houston State University – “The Measure of a Life is Its Service.” I strongly believe in a life of service to others and I actively seek out ways to serve. Examples of ways I’ve enjoyed serving others include helping residents muck out flooded houses, vacuuming residents’ yards to remove glass shards after Harvey, leading volunteers cleaning Bellaire streets and building benches for Troop 222 Scout House at BUMC.
For City Council — Position 4
Nathan Wesely
• Years in Bellaire: 30
• Profession: Attorney
• Community/government activities: Six years on the Bellaire Board of Adjustment, two as chair; two years as Horn Auction chair; coached multiple sports teams in Bellaire.
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering – University of Nebraska; MBA – University of Texas; JD – University of Texas
• Family: I am married to Lisa Wesely. We have four grown children who were raised in Bellaire.
Why are you running for office?
Twenty-five years ago I worked with other residents to block apartments on the property that now is home to Pin Oak Middle School. Since then I have followed Bellaire politics and have generally been happy with those elected to City Council. The past four years we have gone off track. I am running to bring responsiveness and fiscal responsibility to City Council.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire? The most serious long-term challenge?
The most pressing issue facing Bellaire is the need to rein in spending. This is both a short-term problem and our most serious long-term challenge. Hard choices need to be made. Our debt is already at $123 million, with $6 million in potential approved bonds and a $66 million bond package in the wings. We need to take a hard look at all spending and projects, prioritize them, and come up with a plan to pay down debt and pay for projects out of current funds.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
Bellaire residents are our greatest asset. Anything can be accomplished with the positive engagement of our citizens.
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
The relationship between the City Council and the city manager is governed by the city charter and Texas state law. As a home rule city, the City Council sets policy and the city manager implements policy and runs the city. That does not mean there is no oversight. Perhaps the best analogy to the private sector would be the relationship between a CEO and a board of directors.
Prioritize these in order of importance to you and add a maximum 25-word comment on each:
Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness. Listening to citizens is priority number one. This is priority number two. Our current debt service is approaching $10 million per year. Our total property tax revenue is about $20 million per year. This is not a sustainable trajectory.
Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements. This is a high priority, but we need an honest broker to make engineering assessments and a cost benefit analysis before undertaking any project.
Rebuilding the Bellaire Library. The function of the library is more important than the building. All capital improvement projects need to be prioritized and funded on a pay as you go basis.
Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire departments. Bellaire increased the salary for police and it has worked. The police department is currently fully staffed.
Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan. Bellaire should support its current businesses and encourage new businesses that comply with Bellaire’s zoning. However, Bellaire should not be deciding which businesses are worthy. Those investing their money in their Bellaire businesses make that decision.
Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire. Sidewalks should be installed where the residents of that street want and need sidewalks as finances permit.
Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally. We have an identity. The City of Homes is a great identity. There is no reason to muddy the water.
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
I do not have the corner on original ideas. We have about 13,000 talented residents in Bellaire. I will listen to them. We need to prioritize our spending and our projects. This is not an original idea, but one that seems to escape the current administration.
Share a saying that inspires you and explain what it means to you.
I do not have a saying that inspires me (except maybe Go Big Red or Hook’em Horns), but I do believe in following the Golden Rule – treating others as I would want to be treated. This does not mean I will agree with you – but it does mean I will be respectful to those I disagree with and try to understand your point of view. Civility is always appropriate.
Kevin Newman
Years in Bellaire: 32
Profession: Entrepreneur
Community/government activities: Former Vice-Chair of the B.L.I.F.E. Advisory Board for seniors
Education: University of Houston
Family: Single
Why are you running for office?
I actually care about Bellaire. I know this sounds cliche, but it is the truth. I do not have a personal agenda and my real goal is to make Bellaire a better place for its residents. I have witnessed the waste of tax dollars, the increase in property crimes, and the lack of concern for the seniors who made Bellaire what it is. I want to bring back that feeling of the City of Homes that we all once shared.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire? The most serious long-term challenge?
Most people would say flooding and repairs to our city’s infrastructure, but I think the most pressing issue is the lack of engagement from the residents. It seems that very few people actually get involved and care about how our city is run. This allows the council and city manager to govern how they see fit. People only seem to care when the problem is in their backyard. We need to care about the whole city. As fewer people vote and the city ages out, we lose our small-town identity and feel.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
Our residents are our greatest asset. The city should use their knowledge to help the city prosper. It seems to be the current council and city manager go out of their way to call in to question any information the residents provide. As Councilman, I would encourage and utilize any residents who provided information germane to the current council topic.
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
At one point in time, the council would advise the city manager on the direction the city wanted to take, and the city manager would act. In my opinion, it has reversed to the city manager telling the council the direction he wants to take. As Councilman, I would listen to the residents and give direction to the city manager.
Prioritize these in order of importance to you and add a maximum 25-word comment on each:
In my opinion c,d,f are all tied for the most important.
c. Rebuilding the Bellaire Library.
When I ran in 2015, I pushed for the library to be rebuilt at the same time as the City Hall and Police station so we could save money on shared construction expenses and make sure it happened. As a stand-alone project, I doubt it will ever happen.
d. Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire departments.
Having motivated and happy employees always provide a better overall service level. In 2015, I made a point to show how low our police were paid and thankfully the salaries were raised slowly. We need to make this a priority so we can hire and retain premier level police officers and firefighters.
f. Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness.
This is the most important thing on the list. It seems the current and past councils did not care about expenses and are willing to go deeper in debt to create ”their” version of Bellaire. We need to stop the waste and create a balanced budget while saving for future projects.
a. Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally.
Bellaire had a brand until it became diluted by people who did not like it. We have red street signs, and we had a logo that everyone knew. 50k has already been wasting trying to recreate what should have been restored. Bring back the Bellaire seal.
b. Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements.
Bellaire can not solve flooding as we witnessed on September 19th. The over development of upstream will always dump water through the city. Installing a larger pipe only adds a small amount of extra capacity buying a short amount of time. The city needs a better plan other than removing the houses that repeatedly flood.
e. Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan.
I believe the market dictates what is built and developed in Bellaire. Dreams and wishes of making Bellaire the River Oaks District is insane. Bellaire is a ghost town after 7pm and we should focus on being the City of Homes.
g. Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire.
Thank you past councils for repealing the all new construction must have a sidewalk during the building boom. Now that the boom is over we missed the boat on having complete sidewalks since the majority of new homes are already built.
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
Bellaire is filled with so many skilled and qualified people whose assets should be used by the city. I want to improve citizen engagement and strive to have every resident involved in city matters. In my opinion when people come forward with ideas or suggestions that are not the current views of the City Council, that person is dismissed or deemed as not knowing what they are talking about. Why didn’t the city thank and utilize all the budget work done by Mike Jacobs? Why does the city manager and council refuse to accept help from qualified residents? I would embrace our faults and accept that most residents want our city to remain the City of Homes and try to bring back that hometown feeling again.
Share a saying that inspires you and explain what it means to you.
”Be a voice, not an echo.” – Einstein
Against the wisdom of many I have run 3 times for city council trying to make a difference. We can either act and try, or those who sit and do nothing will be swallowed up and forced to live with decisions of others. Regardless of how steep the mountain is sometimes you just need to keep trying to reach the top
Winfred Frazier
• Years in Bellaire: Built his home in Bellaire in 1991.
• Profession: Retired Vice President Walt Disney/ABC, Inc. Tenure included 46 years with the corporation. Currently an Associate with Paris & Associates Law Firm.
• Education: Texas Southern University B.A., Management & Marketing; South Texas College of Law J.D.
• Community/Government Activities: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 1969 – Present; Bellaire Chamber of Commerce, 1982 – 1984; Harris County Juvenile Probation Committee, 1984 -1985; HISD Superintendent’s Parents Committee, 1986 -2004;Ensemble Theater Board, 1991 -1992; HISD Southwest Leadership Committee, 1992 -2000; HISD West District Planning Committee, 1994 -1995; Michael DeBakey High School Community Advisory Committee, 1996 -2004; High School for Performing and Visual Arts Parents Guild, 1996 -1998; Southwestern University Parents Council, 1998 -2004; South Texas College of Law Publicity Committee, 2000 – 2002; Bellaire Planning and Zoning Commission, 2010 – 2017, Chairman, 2012 -2017; City of Bellaire Sunset Review Committee, 2011 -2012; American Women in Radio and Television Diversity Committee, 2009 -2010
American Women in Radio and Television Board Member At Large, 2010 -2011
Media Alliance of Houston Advisory Board, 2011 -2013
City of Bellaire Police Training Advisory Board, 2012 – Present
Chairman, City of Bellaire Police Training Board, 2014 – Present
Life Member, Bellaire Historical Society
Vice President, Bellaire Historical Society, 2014 -2016
Board Member, Patrons for Bellaire Parks, 2016 – Present
President, Patrons for Bellaire Parks, 2018 – Present
Member, City of Bellaire Flood Mitigation Task Force, 2017 – Present
Member, Bellaire/Southwest Rotary Club, 2018 – Present
Chairman, Colovista POA Drainage Task Force (Bastrop, TX) 2019 – Present
Board Member, Harris County Constable Rosen Precinct One Foundation, 2017 – Present
Family: Married for 46 years to Johnnie P. Frazier, M.D.; daughter Denise, Ph.D.; son Winfred T., M.D. three grandchildren.
Why are you running for office?
Winfred (Win) Frazier is ROOTED IN THE BELLAIRE COMMUNITY. I believe that civic engagement is the process of engaging constituents through active process to increase the collective intelligence and well-being of our community. This city council position will allow me to expand on the many years of active involvement. I understand how the city government works and I shall capitalize on this opportunity to collaborate with citizens as a city council member. Meaningful and effective public engagement improves the quality of decisions made; facilitates citizen understanding of issues and Bellaire processes; ensures transparency and accountability; and increases support, understanding and ownership of city decisions made.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire? The most serious long-term challenge?
The most pressing issue Bellaire is to keep the marketability of residential homes by keeping Bellaire known for providing great city services; small town feel in the middle of the 4th largest city in America with continued population growth that drives through Bellaire. We must maintain a sense of community. Population growth in surrounding areas with a lack of zoning, blight, and traffic is a challenge that Bellaire must mitigate with the help of police presence and upkeep of the city from outside traffic. The most serious long-term challenge is the city’s flood mitigation efforts. It is a long-term challenge which our regional partners must be engaged.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
From a resident’s perspective the sense of ownership, pride, and observing the citizens coming together in hard times (Harvey). From a government perspective is the quality of employees. We must attract and retain quality employees to have a great city. Keep the small town feel with special events; police, fire, parks and public works.
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
Bellaire has the City Manager (CM) form of government. CM acts as the Chief Executive Officer and CM abides by a code of ethics set out by the ICMA. The CM has authorities that are set by Charter, Ordinance and the State of Texas. Mayor and City Council abide by a code of ethics, Charter, City Ordinance and the State of Texas under oath. Mayor and Council hire the CM.
Prioritized list:
a. Flood Mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements. This is always a top priority for the public safety of our citizens. Bellaire must understand how the County, City of Houston, and others that surround Bellaire are doing to maximize our efforts.
b. Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness. This is embedded in the city already. It is also a priority of council under the Budget and Finance priority. Ensure sound fiscal policies and budget oversight.
c. Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire departments. Bellaire will not be able to retain and recruit the best if the city doesn’t offer the most competitive salary and benefits package.
d. Rebuilding the Bellaire Library. This is important since it ties in with nourishing and maintaining that small town feel and sense of community. Libraries bring people together.
e. Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire Plan. The establishment of the UVD is important. We need to attract commercial tenants who can afford the rent and stay in Bellaire. We don’t need to make these areas look like other areas around us.
f. Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally. Bellaire has the identity of having great services with a small-town feel. We must maintain and nourish it.
g. Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire. Public safety should require sidewalks around schools and churches. I do not feel it is a priority on dead-end streets. Feedback from citizens needed on all others.
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
I would immediately begin work on a public engagement plan with input from selected citizens, and staff on how Bellaire may best develop and maintain approaches to address appropriate city issues. A SEPARATE BOARD to include: Cross-disciplinary citizens, and local business members. Participants will be representative of the broader community. I would ensure that we provide input for non-digital citizens with hard copy worksheets. This will ensure lines of communication are open between the community, city hall and the business community. All the procedures will be open to public scrutiny.
Share a saying that inspires you and explain what it means to you.
I have lived my life inspired by the saying that a man must have HONESTY and Integrity to be a complete man. Not how much money you have. If you have those two qualities in your life you will always do the RIGHT THING in your personal life, your professional career and the work you do to improve the community, you live in. That is why I have dedicated years of volunteer service and why I am ROOTED IN THIS COMMUNITY. People may not always agree with the position you may have, but they will always respect you.
For City Council — Position 6
Keith Evans Bowers
•Years in Bellaire: 30
•Profession: Retired project manager with International Professional License
•Community/government activities: I have been active in reviewing and commenting on Bellaire Council and City Management since 1989. Active participant (Federal Court Vetted Expert Witness in several successful suits against major Air permit violators in Houston area. Active with National Environmental Law Center and Houston/Galveston Air Quality Improvement Group; Expert Witness in Los Angeles County Tax Court on Refinery Costs and Value.
•Education: B.S in Chemical Engineering, Commercial Pilot License; International Project Management License; Advanced Studies in Thermodynamics; Structured Project Finance Certificate(Stanford); Certified Effective Negotiation Certificate; Published Author in Refining Technology; Awarded by American Institute of Chemical Engineers for Publishing and Teaching CD ROM based course on History of Refining Technology; Awarded Dept of Defense Distinguished Instructor Award (1 of 2 per year).
•Family: Married for 30 years, 4 adult children
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Bellaire Council Position 6 to effect change to a more active Council to provide City Manager a lean budget; promote Citizen Involvement in establishing short and long term plans for flood prevention.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire?
The most immediate issue is reducing the escalating expense of the complex and bureaucratic City Management. Then, planning and executing EFFECTIVE Flood Mitigation Measures.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
Very High Education and income levels must be mobilized to develop and execute FLOOD PREVENTION for Bellaire. Many more public forums and key motivators.
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
Bellaire Council has complete responsibility for all financial plans, budgets, expenses, and staffing. Those serve as directives to City Manager to execute efficiently. COUNCIL holds the purse strings. City Manager executes and makes suggestions to Council.
Prioritize these in order of importance to you and add a maximum 25-word comment on each:
1) Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements. We MUST Protect Ourselves and Not Depend on TXDOT and HCFCD
2) Offering competitive compensation packages for Bellaire’s police and fire. Total Compensation offerings are necessary to attract and retain good employees.
3) Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness.We MUST utilize the high incomes and high valuations to fund FLOOD PROTECTION or we will wash and rot away.
6) Rebuilding the Bellaire Library. Not necessary. Modest improvements and maintenance will do the job. Demographics are reducing number of youth and increasing mid-life and Senior residents.
7) Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally. Performance, NOT hype IS KEY.8) e. Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as
outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan. REGIONAL competitors have much lower commuting and living costs. Supplementing of commuting costs should be included.
98) Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan. Performance is key, not Hype
99) More sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire. Only on high vehicular streets
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
Constructing large diameter (35′) tunnels and flood walls to fully contain Bellaire’ rainfall to PREVENT FLOODING in BELLAIRE. Our homes must not be used as retention for others.
No answer submitted for final question
Jim Hotze
• Years in Bellaire: 36
• Profession: My wife Cindy and I own a business equipment dealership, PatriotGroup Ltd., a Ricoh and Xerox authorized copier, and printer dealer located in Bellaire at 5000 Terminal St.
• Community/government activities: I have been the Harris County Election Judge for Bellaire’s Precinct 128 for most of all the elections held in Bellaire’s precinct 128 since 1983.
• Education: I went to St. Michaels Grade School, St. Thomas HS, University of Texas BBA Accounting and am a Certified Public Accountant CPA.
• Family: I have been married to Cindy Hotze for 40 years. Cindy and I have 6 children and 6 grandchildren.
Why are you running for office?
I believe that with my 40 years of successfully managing a business and my education in accounting as well as my CPA well equips me to be a contributor in the effort to bring the City of Bellaire’s spending under control.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire?
Simply put, we have an out of control budget that needs to be reviewed and reduced.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
Having access to “small town level of public services” (police-EMT-Fire) in a large Municipal environment is Bellaire’s greatest asset. The City’s ability to maintain this high level of service must be the highest priority.
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
I see the City Manager as the “day to day” manager of the Enterprise – a Chief Operating Officer The Mayor and the Council develop priorities and the goals for the City Manager.
The Mayor should be the focal point of City Leadership.
Prioritize in order of importance to you and add a maximum 25-word comment on each:
1 f. Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness.
2 d. Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire
departments.
3 b. Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements.
4 c. Rebuilding the Bellaire Library.
5 e. Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as
outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan.
6 g. Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire.
7 a. Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally
and externally.
I am a very prudent person in my personal and business spending. When elected I will spend the City’s money as if it were mine and that means very carefully.
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
I cannot say that I have ever had an “original idea” on improving Bellaire. There is nothing new and original in making every effort to deliver the services required by the citizens of Bellaire at the lowest cost possible and to do everything possible to not increase the citizens of Bellaire’s taxes.
My focus is to maintain and improve Bellaire Police Department, Fire Department, and encourage drainage projects that mitigates flooding in Bellaire.
Share a saying that inspires you and explain what it means to you.
“It is the calling of great men, not so much to preach new truths, as to rescue from oblivion those old truths which it is our wisdom to remember and our weakness to forget.”
I focus on the proven basics in my personal life and business life to achieve predictability and success. When I am on the City Council, I will focus on the City budget to meet our citizens needs at the lowest cost possible.
David Montague
Background: Mary and I, with a number of wonderful canine companions, have lived in Bellaire since 1997. I retired from Shell Oil in 2013 after 41+ years in oil and gas exploration and production in the US and overseas. I am currently a Bellaire City Council Member (2016-2020), Clerk of Session at ChristChurch Presbyterian and Marketing Manager for Bellaire/SW Houston Rotary’s ‘Flags over Bellaire’ fundraising program. During my time on City Council I have also served as a council liaison to the Building and Standards Commission and the Flood Mitigation Task Force, was a member of the Boards & Commission’s Process Review Team and served three years on the City’s Audit Finance Board. I’m a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines.
Why are you running for office?
It is a privilege to serve the citizens of Bellaire as a council member and to work with my council colleagues, the Mayor, the City Manager and City staff who are all working for a better Bellaire. As you may have observed during our recent budget meetings I am a numbers person. I am therefore well equipped to take apart a budget line-by-line and to ensure we are mindful of how our tax dollars are spent. I am looking forward to continuing to serve the next four years.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Bellaire?
Implementing the recommendations of the Flood Mitigation Task Force which include upgrading appropriate sections of our drainage system from a 2-year storm design to a 100-year storm design and completing our recently approved Master Drainage Concept Study in partnership with our regional partners Harris County and TXDOT. The most serious long-term challenge? We all see that costs increase each year so it’s a challenge to provide the same level of premier City services each year. Additionally, the State-mandated O&M property tax rollback rate will decrease to 3.5% starting in FY2021. I helped in ensuring that the FY20 budget that council passed was below this mandate.
What is Bellaire’s greatest asset, and how would you maximize it?
Bellaire has a small town feel with its homes, parks and green canopy. It is in close proximity to big city cultural amenities, world class medical facilities, major league sports venues, premier employment opportunities and international airports. City Council needs to continue to provide and maintain what makes Bellaire ‘Bellaire’.
Describe the relationship between the mayor/council and city manager, as you understand it.
The City Manager is the CEO who leads the City’s day-to-day operations. City Council is the Board of Directors and sets the City’s priorities for the City Manager and approves the City’s Annual Budget. Amicable relationships and continued input from residents and businesses is vital for our shared success.
Prioritize these in order of importance to you and add a maximum 25-word comment on each:
a. Financial oversight with an eye toward the tax rate and bond indebtedness. #1 – I will continue sound fiscal and budget oversight, manage fund balances and be a good steward of taxpayer resources.
b. Flood mitigation & resiliency projects/related infrastructure improvements. #2 – I will continue implementing, as rapidly as prudent, the recommendations of the Flood Mitigation Task Force.
c. Offering competitive salary and benefits packages for Bellaire’s police and fire departments. #3 –I voted to increase the police and fire pay from the 50th to 75th percentile, and increasing their incentive pay opportunities to eliminate persistent vacancies.
d. Redevelopment of downtown/commercial districts for aesthetics and mobility as outlined in the 2016 Visioning Bellaire plan. #4 – We should foster commercial redevelopment to enhance the Bellaire business community consistent with the City’s residential character. It diversifies our tax base as well.
e. Installation of more sidewalks and pathways throughout Bellaire. #5 – I will continue to support our current policy of placing a sidewalk on one side only in connection with street improvement projects.
f. Rebuilding the Bellaire Library. #6 – While I love our library, there are many infrastructure projects ahead of rebuilding the library in the Bellaire’s current five-year capital plan.
g. Creation of a branding/marketing program to establish Bellaire’s identity, both internally and externally. #7 – After the work completed and feedback received in 2018, this is a very low priority.
Describe your most original idea for improving Bellaire.
Several possibilities if funding could be found:
a. Significantly improve lighting on residential streets throughout Bellaire both for personal safety (reduced trips and falls) and public safety (better night driving visibility and a crime deterrent).
b. Install esplanades along both South Rice and Bissonnet to improve public safety, the look and feel of these two major thoroughfares and to ‘tie’ Bellaire together.
c. Reviving the conceptual Evergreen Park Master Plan.
Share a saying that inspires you and explain what it means to you.
“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do” — Leonardo da Vinci.
I’ve always proactively tried to get involved and to get things done. This trait has exposed me to many challenges with opportunities to problem solve and to move teams and organizations forward to be successful. I will continue to do this as a council member.
(Updated Nov. 5, 2019)
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