Post-Harvey Recovery and Resiliency – Since Hurricane Harvey devastated District E in 2017, I have been working diligently to the bring projects to District E that not only rebuild the District back to pre-Harvey conditions but build our community forward with resiliency in mind.
I have been successful in working with Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Land Commissioner George P. Bush, State Senator Brandon Creighton, and State Representative Dan Huberty to approve the dredging of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. Additionally, I have worked with Senator Ted Cruz, Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Kevin Brady, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, and former Congressman Ted Poe for the addition of crucial floodgate infrastructure that will be added to the Lake Houston Spillway Dam by 2023.
In addition to fighting for federal projects for the District, I have been successful in working with local agencies to secure several local projects like the removal of sediment from Bens Branch and Taylor Gully. Additionally, I have been successful in advocating for vast improvements along Horsepen Bayou and Berry Bayou. Projects like these will have a tremendous success in assisting to reduce the risk of flooding to District E residents.
Fiscal Responsibility – The City of Houston continues to grow each year and the burden to deliver public services continues to be stretched to the limit. My private sector management experience, background as a local school board member, and service on the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority have given me a blueprint on how to make agencies work, even thrive, on fewer tax dollars. I have used my experience at City Hall to pass a Zero Based Budget amendment as well as establish, for the first time in City of Houston history, a Lake Houston Maintenance Program.
As the Chair for the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee I have been successful in advocating for increased transparency in the City’s procurement process. Additionally, I have advocated for public access to the City’s financial information through recommending a website to be managed by the City Controller’s Office.
Economic Development – The key to any cities financial security is economic development. While serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, I was successful in attracting high profile events to District E and bringing in new economic development to our city.
I have continued to use my knowledge and success to represent you on Houston City Council by providing additional dollars from my Council District Service Fund to promote economic development within District E through strengthening the City’s relationship with the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, with developments like the Houston Spaceport.
Public Safety – It is paramount that our first responders have the correct equipment and facilities to do their jobs. In District E, our Houston firefighters and paramedics inherited facilities that were originally designed for volunteer operations. Due to recent weather related damages, I am dedicated to providing our professional firefighters with improved permanent facilities.
Since the implementation of Council District Service Funds, I have allocated over half a million dollars to provide our District E firefighters with needed equipment and improvements to their facilities. I utilized these dollars to purchase new booster trucks for HFD Stations 63 and 103, provide new supply hoses for HFD Stations 52 and 72, repair the modular building at HFD Station 53, construct a new watch office at HFD Station 102, install new storage facilities at HFD Stations 65, 72, 94, and 105, as well as other facility improvements to fire stations across the District.
It is equally important that our police officers, who are protecting our neighborhoods, have the best equipment and training possible, which is why over the last several years I have provided funding for various police overtime, I-45 Corridor Crime Initiative, speed-trailers, rechargeable road flares, and bike patrol equipment. I also worked to maintain current staffing levels at both the Kingwood and Clear Lake HPD substations.
Finally, I have worked hard partnering with local area Constables to target crime hotspots and increased traffic enforcement for our neighborhoods to help keep our communities safe. My approach has earned our campaign the endorsement and support of the Houston Police Officers Union and the Houston Police Retired Officers Association.