Pasadena City Council District E Candidate:

 

1. What inspired you to seek this position? 
I am running for city council because I believe our community deserves a leader who listens, is easy to reach, and takes action on important issues. Too often, people feel like the government doesn’t hear them, and I want to change that.
I care deeply about helping others and making our city better. I have talked to neighbors, business owners, and community leaders who want real change. I will work hard to make sure everyone’s voice is heard and that our local government is open, fair, and works for the people. Together, we can make our neighborhoods stronger, improve city services, and create opportunities for everyone in District E.

 

2. What qualifications, experience, and leadership skills prepare you for this role, including crisis response, crime prevention, financial literacy, and public communication?
I am running for city council because I have experience, leadership skills, and dedication to serve our community well. I’ve spent over 32 years working in Harris County local government, holding leadership roles that have prepared me to be an effective and responsive representative
For 20 years, I worked with Harris County Public Health, where I helped respond to public health threats. This gave me hands-on experience in crisis management and emergency response, teaching me how to act quickly and effectively to protect our community.
I have also managed a $4 million government budget for over a decade, handling budgeting, payroll, and financial planning. This experience has prepared me to make smart financial decisions and ensure our city spends money wisely.
For the past four years, I have worked in community relations, where I have connected with residents, listened to their concerns, and worked on solutions that bring people together.
With my background in crisis response, financial management, and public communication, I am ready to lead with honesty, accountability, and a strong commitment to our community. I will work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe, manage our city’s finances responsibly, and make sure every resident’s voice is heard.

 

3. What are your top priorities for the first 100 days if elected, and which city policies or initiatives will you continue or change?
In my first 100 days as a city council member, I will focus on three main goals to improve our community.
1. I will make the permit process faster because right now, businesses face long delays when trying to get permits to build or make changes to their property. I will work to speed up this process so businesses can open, grow, and invest in our city without unnecessary wait times.
2. Restarting a Public Transportation System, too many people in our community don’t have an easy way to get to important places like hospitals, grocery stores, the local college, or entertainment spots. I will push to create a transportation system that helps people get where they need to go more easily.
3. Bringing more city services online will make it possible for people to quickly find information, apply for permits, make payments, and stay updated on city business without having to visit an office in person.
I will also take a close look at current city policies to see what’s working and what needs to change. My goal is to make local government work better, faster, and in a way that truly serves the people in our community.

 

4. How do you plan to embrace the city of Pasadena, including uniting City Council, foster collaboration, and ensure transparency in your leadership while effectively representing all Pasadena constituents?
As a city council member, I want to bring people together, encourage teamwork, and make sure the local government is open and honest with the community.
I will work closely with the new Mayor and other city council members to solve the challenges our city faces. By working as a team instead of focusing on differences, we can create policies that make life better for everyone.
Being open with the public is important for establishing trust. I will make sure residents know how the city is using taxpayer money and keep them informed about city decisions. When people know what’s happening, they can feel more confident that the city is being managed well.
Most importantly, I will listen to all of our district residents and make sure every one of our neighbors get the attention they deserve. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected city for Pasadenians.

 

5. What actions will you take to increase the number of city projects awarded to small and local businesses? 
These are the actions I will take to make sure more city projects go to small and local businesses by doing the following:
• Setting aside more contracts, by pushing for rules that make sure a bigger share of city projects goes to small and local businesses.
• Making the process easier by cutting down on complicated paperwork, so small businesses have a fair chance to apply for city projects.
• Provide training and help by setting up workshops and programs to teach small business owners how to apply for city contracts and be more competitive.
• Supporting local businesses first by fighting for policies that give priority to businesses in our own community when awarding city projects.
• Sharing more information by creating an online site where small businesses can easily find city projects they can apply for.
• Keeping the system fair by making sure the city follows through on its promises by checking how many small businesses get contracts and holding leaders accountable.

 

6. What is your vision for Pasadena’s economic development, including plans for the convention center, city-owned land, and infrastructure improvements to encourage business investment?
I want to make Pasadena a place where both big industries and small businesses can grow and succeed. To do this, I will work with the new Mayor and city council members to partner with San Jacinto College, Harris County, and Economic Alliances on a plan to turn our convention center into a major hub for business, entertainment, and events. This will bring more visitors and create new opportunities for local businesses.
Supporting small businesses is a top priority. I will push for policies that make it easier to start and grow a business by cutting red tape, offering grants and low-interest loans, and providing resources to help businesses succeed. I also want local vendors, food trucks, and small businesses to have more chances to benefit from events at the convention center.
Improving roads, public spaces, and city-owned land will make Pasadena a better place for businesses and residents. With smart planning and strong partnerships, we can create a thriving local economy that supports businesses of all sizes and makes Pasadena a top destination for work and entertainment.

 

7. Business-friendly policies rank as the number one priority for chamber members. What are your plans to streamline the permitting process and improve ordinances to attract and support new businesses while also improving flexibility for development in Pasadena?
Pasadena should be a place where businesses of all sizes can succeed without dealing with too much red tape. This is why I want to create a Small Business-Friendly Office to help small businesses, especially mom-and-pop shops, get through the permitting process, find resources, and grow.
This office will work to speed up permits, remove confusing rules, and use online tools to make approvals easier. I also want to update city rules to make sure they support businesses while keeping smart growth and safety in mind.
We need more flexibility in how we develop our city. I will push for better infrastructure so new businesses can open, and existing ones can expand. This is more than just talk, I will take real action to support our local economy. When we help businesses succeed, we create jobs, boost tax revenue, and build a stronger Pasadena for everyone.

 

8. What are your plans for improving and maintaining Pasadena’s infrastructure, including roads, sewage, drainage, water supply, high speed internet, and the power grid?
I want to make Pasadena have a strong, reliable infrastructure that works for everyone. That means fixing roads, improving drainage, protecting our water supply, and making sure we have a stable power grid. Here’s how I plan to do it:
Roads & Transportation: Fix roads by using better materials that last longer; Improve traffic flow with smarter traffic lights and better-designed intersections; Start a public transportation service to help reduce traffic and road damage; Make streets safer with better sidewalks and bike lanes.
Sewage & Drainage: Upgrade old sewage systems to prevent leaks and overflows; Reduce flooding with better drainage and green solutions like rain gardens; Keep up with maintenance to avoid expensive emergency repairs.
Water Supply: Fix old pipes to stop leaks and save water; Encourage water conservation with programs that help homeowners and businesses use less water.
Power Grid: Expand solar and renewable energy to lower costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels; Improve energy storage so we have power during outages; Help homeowners and businesses switch to solar energy and energy-efficient systems.

I believe investing in infrastructure now will keep Pasadena strong for years to come. If elected, I will work hard to make these improvements happen!

9. How will you leverage modern technology to streamline city operations, improve efficiency, and prioritize long-term growth? What specific innovations or technology solutions will you implement to enhance public services, economic development, and infrastructure management in Pasadena?
I believe modern technology can make Pasadena run more smoothly, improve services, and help our city grow. My plan focuses on using smart tools to make life easier for residents and businesses by:
• Making City Services Easier to Use by creating a simple online system where people can pay bills, report problems, and find city services quickly; Using chatbots to answer common questions so people don’t have to wait on hold; Moving permit applications online to speed up home and business projects.

• Helping Local Businesses Grow by making a business dashboard with useful info on market trends and zoning rules; Supporting tech startups by offering incentives and creating a hub for small businesses.

• Improving Traffic & Utilities by using smart traffic lights to reduce congestion and improve driving times; Installing smart water meters to detect leaks and save water.

 

10. Business and citizens alike require a secure city in which to work and live.  What is your experience and plan for public safety for Pasadena?
Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live and work. My experience with the Healthy Living Matters Initiative with Build Environment concepts taught me how better city design, like well-lit streets and safe public spaces, can help prevent crime. I will use these ideas to improve safety in the district by:

•Making Our Streets Safer by adding more streetlights to prevent crime and make neighborhoods safer at night; Fixing sidewalks and crosswalks to protect people walking or biking; Designing parks and public spaces that bring people together and reduce crime.
•Building Trust Between Police & the Community by supporting community policing so officers know and work closely with residents; Expanding mental health teams to help in non-violent situations; Investing in programs that keep young people out of trouble.
•Preparing for Emergencies by using better technology so police and firefighters can respond faster; Improving disaster plans for floods, and other emergencies; Implement neighborhood watch programs to keep communities informed and safe.
By planning smarter, working together, and being prepared, we can make Pasadena a safer place for families and businesses. If elected, I will fight for these changes!

 

11. How can the city ensure adequate healthcare infrastructure, including mental health care, hospitals, doctors, and accountability in healthcare services?
Good healthcare is important for Pasadena’s future. We have a strong medical center at Spencer Hwy and Burke Rd, but we need to make sure everyone in the city has access to doctors, hospitals, and mental health care.As a Board Member of the Pasadena Health Center, I have seen firsthand the challenges our residents face in getting quality care. That’s why I want to offer tax incentives to encourage medical providers to build a smaller healthcare center on the north side of the city. This will help families in that area get medical care closer to home.
We also need to expand mental health services by working with local doctors and nonprofits to provide more counseling, crisis support, and addiction recovery programs. At the same time, I will make sure hospitals and clinics that work with the city provide high-quality care and are held accountable.
By investing in healthcare and making smart decisions, we can attract great doctors, improve services, and make sure everyone in Pasadena gets the care they need.

 

12. Access to talent and workforce is the number one challenge facing Pasadena businesses. What role should the government play in workforce development, including investment in training programs and partnerships with colleges and the ISDs?
Pasadena businesses need skilled workers, and the city should help people get the training they need for good-paying jobs.
I will work with the new Mayor and city council members to partner with San Jacinto College, Pasadena ISD, and local businesses to create more job training programs in areas like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. We also need to invest in vocational training and apprenticeships so students and workers can learn hands-on skills that lead to long-term careers.
The city can also help by connecting businesses with job seekers through job fairs, online job boards, and career workshops. By working closely with schools, colleges, and local industries, we can build a strong workforce that brings new businesses to Pasadena and helps our economy grow.
We can give all the hardworking people of Pasadena the right resources for success.