hanby's posterous

Galveston Daily News questionnaire for candidates

Galveston Daily News posted a questionnaire for municipal election candidates on their website. My responses follow...

Question: 1
Are you a legal resident of the district youíre seeking to represent?

Yes. I've lived in the small towns along the south bank of Clear Lake my whole life. I moved to CLS in 1999.

Question: 2
Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If you answer yes please explain. 

No.

Question: 3
Have you ever sued a public entity or been sued by one? If you answer yes, please explain. 

No.

Question: 4
Do you have any other debts (including unpaid taxes) to a public entity? If yes please explain. 

No.

Question: 5
Will you have your home phone number listed in the phone book or your mobile number listed for the public to contact you directly? 

Yes. Though I also intend to publish a dedicated email address and have ideas for expanding the city website (including the addition of web forums for residents to share, debate and inform). Intent is to make it easier for residents to connect with and participate with their city government/each other.

Question: 6
Why should voters choose you? What are your specific qualifications for the position? 

I've comfortably resided in CLS for nearly 11 years while friends and neighbors have committed their time and energy to attend to the things that needed doing. I'm running because I've finally arrived at a place in my life where I've got time, energy and talent of my own to volunteer. I feel an obligation to participate. And I want to take on a share of the work. I'd invite voters to review my professional history at brianhanby.com.

Question: 7
What are the issues in this campaign? 

  1. Uneven interpretation and enforcement of city ordinances
  2. Town Center

Question: 8
What is your platform on those issues? 

  1. RE: Uneven interpretation and enforcement of city ordinances -- Many of the existing ordinances lack a standard for enforcement, resulting in disagreement and inconsistent interpretation. As there's time/need, ordinances should be updated or repealed.
  2. RE: Town Center -- Lingering questions surrounding the Town Center project should be documented and answered openly/preferably on the city's website.

Question: 9
Do you support taking on some form of debt to build out the Town Center project or do you back the pay as you go concept? Why or why not? 

I believe that there's a positivity implied when borrowing money. People borrow when they believe that tomorrow will be better than today. And I believe we could use some positive thinking. However, this is a plural society. If someone is voting 'No' because they have a different vision for the city, we can/ should debate these things as residents. As a representative, I'd promise an ear and provide a forum for the many differing voices. If, however, folks are voting 'No' because they have lingering unanswered questions/concerns, then Council should work with EDC to document and answer those questions on the city's website. It took me a while to get here, but I'll be voting in support of Town Center and the $900k in funding.

Note: Ronnie Richards provided the attached flyer at a recent EDC meeting. I support the Town Center project as scoped/defined within this flyer.

Click here to download:
Town_Center.pdf (3.84 MB)
(download)

Question: 10
What efforts should the city undertake to diversify the tax base? 

I've heard many good ideas in the last weeks. Resident's with ideas should get those to the EDC/Council. Council should be working with EDC to prioritize projects based on community input.

Question: 11
How would you rate the performance of the city administrator? 

Meets expectations: I've not perceived something missed or left undone. I believe Administrator Shelley has done what's been asked of him. If there ever is an issue, Council has oversight responsibilities. An under-performing committee or city employee is within Council's responsibility, authority to address.