Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Now that the signs have been pulled out of the yards and the elections have come to an end, I want to thank The Katy News for excellent coverage of the 2017 Mayoral and Council Member Ward B races. Thank you for giving each candidate equal coverage of unbiased facts. Also, thank you for sponsoring the first Katy News Forum at Midway Bar B Que.

I want to congratulate Katy’s new Mayor, Chuck Brawner and Jimmy Mendez (478 votes to my 316) on retaining his seat for Council Member Ward B. Running in this election was a great experience! I learned much about our City’s process, met great people and enjoyed walking the neighborhoods of my ward. A big “Thank You” to all Friends, Neighbors and Citizens who gave me support, allowed me to put a sign in their yard, voted for me, and encouraged me along the way.

I began this race by seeking Mayor Hugh’s blessing to run. I know I didn’t have to have his approval to run for office, but I wanted him to know my intentions, that my motive wasn’t fueled by discontent; rather, I respected him and the work of the City Officials.

I learned some lessons during the campaign: (1) The City’s boundary lines! (2) Many citizens using the Katy address who live in the greater Katy area THINK they live in the City of Katy!! (3) Signs appear larger on a computer screen than they do when printed. My opponent, Jessie Campbell, and myself shared a laugh over my first attempt at signs when she admitted that she almost called me to make sure I realized my signs couldn’t be read from the street! (4) Get your rest instead of rearranging your furniture the night before a forum (5) However, the biggest lesson learned had to be that I didn’t run AGAINST my opponents, but with them, in this race for the City of Katy. While votes were cast regarding our differences, we shared a fraternity of like-mindedness, wanting the best for Katy, with a conviction of what we believed in, and a willingness to serve. I want to thank Jimmy and Jessie for a race well ran.

My platform has been “Kayse for Katy”, and win or lose, it’s been an honor to participate in the democratic process for our city and to have received each vote. The city has decided that Jimmy is the best candidate to represent our Ward and I honor this decision and will continue to serve our city in whatever manner needed, with or without title. I heard concerns and ideas from many while walking the neighborhoods and those concerns are etched in my memory. I’d like to see everyone receive valid answers to concerns. Its been my life to volunteer, walk with others needing strength to stand for what is right, to be an advocate for the underdog. Serving is so new quotient, having worked alongside my own parents from an early age in learning how to assist others in need. For anyone fighting a battle to preserve the quality of life or liberty, I’m in their court. I am an advocate, a voice, one that stands and keeps standing, whether in City Hall or elsewhere.

I recognize that no matter how many degrees one has, a candidate gets the job because she works at building relationships. In knowing each other, we can see firsthand what one is made of and gather insight to the caliber that person is. The greatest attribute I have to bring to the table is engagement, encouragement and empowerment to others rather than cause people to feel demeaned, belittled or ostracized. Together we can celebrate because we continued, we are victorious and we progress. It is all about what we can do together.

Together, let’s enjoy Historic Katy, a place where our families can live, grow and prosper in solidarity of heritage, sanctity of growth and safety of citizens. I am Kayse Kendall Johnson, and I live this message.