VOTE411 Voter Guide

Development rules can pile up over time, creating unintended costs for all of us. I would start from the idea that reasonable uses of private property should be allowed unless there is a clear public reason to restrict them. Before adding lot size, street width, parking or other requirements, Bryan should consider the effect on housing costs, infrastructure & economic growth. Safety, drainage & neighborhood compatibility still matter, but rules should be clear, predictable & solve a real problem. Development Services needs the staff, technology & teamwork to move projects quickly. Time is money. Costs created by unnecessary rules or delays don't disappear; they are ultimately reflected in the price of homes, rent & doing business in Bryan.

First and foremost, Bryan needs affordable housing for the people already here, including working families, first-time buyers & seniors. We also need to compete for new workers coming to TerraFab, RELLIS/West Bryan & other major employers who will have choices about where to live. That means allowing more housing choices, including smaller homes & lots, infill and accessory dwellings where appropriate. We should avoid unnecessary rules or broad new fees that raise housing costs, while respecting neighborhoods, property rights & valid deed restrictions. I also support effective use of existing federal funds for home repair, first-time buyers & partnerships serving people the private market alone may not reach.

My top two issues are infrastructure capacity & responsible growth. You can't have one without the other. Bryan needs reliable streets, utilities & public safety to attract people, businesses & investment. We should review infrastructure that may hinder businesses, including how to modify or remove portions of the medians to improve first responder & citizen access. I will do the homework, use the facts, then make common-sense decisions while preserving preventive maintenance & pursuing TxDOT, grant & regional funding. Growth should add jobs, expand the tax base & help pay for required services, reducing the burden on existing taxpayers, with more thorough evaluation & accountability for projects like the Movie Bowl Grill in Midtown.

If I could change one thing, I would work to simplify and streamline the city’s development regulations and permitting process. We need regulations that protect neighborhoods, property rights, and quality growth, but they should also be clear, predictable, and practical for residents, property owners, and businesses. Reducing unnecessary delays and complexity would encourage investment while allowing the city to continue growing responsibly.

I believe affordable housing starts with making it easier and less expensive to build quality housing. As a councilmember, I will support responsible growth, encourage a variety of housing options, and look for ways to reduce unnecessary regulatory and permitting costs that can drive up the price of housing. At the same time, we need to protect the character and integrity of our neighborhoods. My goal is to help create more opportunities for people at different income levels to live, work, and raise their families in Bryan.

I believe the two biggest issues facing Bryan are infrastructure and managing growth responsibly.

First, we have to continue investing in our roads, drainage, utilities, and transportation system so our infrastructure keeps pace with the growth of our community. That means making smart investments, addressing problem areas, and listening to residents about the improvements they need most.

Second, we need to make sure Bryan’s growth is quality growth. Growth is important for our economy and our future, but it needs to be managed in a way that protects neighborhoods, respects property rights, supports local businesses, and maintains the quality of life that makes Bryan a great place to live.

As a councilmember, I will continue working with