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2021 District D Candidates
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There are two individuals running for the City of Pasadena District D City Council position, with one seat available. Please see below for information on these candidates.
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Pat Van Houte
Pat Van Houte
Email: patvanhoute@yahoo.com
Phone: 713-475-1506
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Pat4Pasadena
Why are you running for city council?
I think the people of the city should be represented by someone who will look at each issue and how it affects people, and not be an automatic yes vote. I try to research and consider what things are needed in the city, and what is an effective use of tax money. When the incumbent decided not to run again, it gave an opportunity to return to a job I enjoy doing.
Each council district is comprised of thousands of people who live and work in Pasadena. What qualifications, job training and/or volunteer experiences prepare you to serve as the representative of your district?
The best qualification to represent the people of my district does not come from job or volunteer experience. It comes from knocking on the door of every house in my district, and many of the apartments, and asking as many of the residents as I can reach, what they want done. I have good reading comprehension, which helps when reviewing proposed ordinances. I speak some Spanish, so I can communicate with almost all the residents of the district.
What are your top three priorities in serving the city of Pasadena and one thing you want to advocate for specifically on behalf of your district?
1. Transparency in government, and better access for citizens. 2. Infrastructure work within neighborhoods. 3. Ensure that redevelopment respects those who are already here. /Safe sidewalks that connect to each other.
What needs to be done to support and grow existing businesses and to attract new businesses to our city?
Pasadena is lucky to be by the Houston Ship Channel. Industry wants to be here, because of that location. Retail and service businesses are attracted to areas with customers. That means we want to be a place where people want to live, and that means the city needs to look better. Residents like being in a place that feels like a small town, so we need to keep the community feel, but repair/redo infrastructure and help people clean up their property.
I support the grant program through the EDC that will help businesses improve their appearance. I also support training programs with dual goals of preparing Pasadena residents for good jobs, and helping employees get qualified workers.
Our city is mostly developed, and in order to grow, will have to begin to redevelop. How would you facilitate redevelopment? What tools (TIRZ, chapter 380 agreements, municipal bonds, livable community funding, management districts, grants) would you support to assist with redevelopment?
I am most interested in grants and any funding available for livable communities. I would prefer to lower the city's debt, so preferably not bonds. However, voter-approved bonds would be preferable to more certificates of obligation, which accrue debt without voter approval. I am willing to consider the other forms of funding, depending what they are intended to do, and how they would affect the people living in the city.
“Pasadena Loves Local” is an initiative focused on supporting local business and encouraging all citizens to choose local to benefit our community. In your opinion, what can be done to improve the quality of life in Pasadena so that it is a great place for people to choose Pasadena to live, work, play and shop?
More events and activities to keep people engaged here in Pasadena during their time off. Anything that gets people into parks and health-related activities is good, because that will help people live longer here. More enforcement of speed limits would make many residents happy. Reducing air pollution would help the health of people here, and help combat a frequently-used epithet. -
Stephen Terry
Stephen Terry
Email: stephenterrytx@gmail.com
Phone: 281-831-5109
Facebook: www.facebook.com/StephenTerryTXCLICK HERE to watch Candidate Video
Why are you running for city council?
I am running to advocate for my community at City Hall. I feel District D has been underrepresented for a long time. I care about my hometown and I want the best for my family and my neighbors.
Each council district is comprised of thousands of people who live and work in Pasadena. What qualifications, job training and/or volunteer experiences prepare you to serve as the representative of your district?
I have served in the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department and am currently in the Citizen Police Academy. I am a local business owner and I consistently attend the Deepwater Neighborhood Association. I am invested in this city and know I have what it takes to represent District D.
What are your top three priorities in serving the city of Pasadena and one thing you want to advocate for specifically on behalf of your district?
1) Supporting our First Responders.
2) Street and Drainage projects to prevent flooding.
3) Encourage involvement from my constituents at City Hall.I want to advocate for more infrastructure projects in District D.
What needs to be done to support and grow existing businesses and to attract new businesses to our city?
I feel that the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation have done an excellent job welcoming businesses to Pasadena. I feel with my experience as a local business owner and having gone through the process of starting a business, I can bring some new ideas to the table to make Pasadena as attractive as possible.
Our city is mostly developed, and in order to grow, will have to begin to redevelop. How would you facilitate redevelopment? What tools (TIRZ, chapter 380 agreements, municipal bonds, livable community funding, management districts, grants) would you support to assist with redevelopment?
I will work the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation to understand the potential within District D and develop a plan to meet the needs for not only my district but all of Pasadena.
“Pasadena Loves Local” is an initiative focused on supporting local business and encouraging all citizens to choose local to benefit our community. In your opinion, what can be done to improve the quality of life in Pasadena so that it is a great place for people to choose Pasadena to live, work, play and shop?
Pasadena is a great city and I feel like it is underrated in so many ways. People are starting to take notice of the excellent city services, abundance of retail and the beautiful parks. It is the perfect place to start a family and I am confident in the direction we are heading.
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Advocates for Pasadena Businesses and Citizens.