By George Slaughter
Larry Gore
Businessman and former council member Larry Gore is running for the at-large position on the Katy City Council. He faces first-time candidate Chris Harris, an analyst at the U.S. Department of Justice. The incumbent, Steve Pierson, is stepping down due to term limits.
For polling times and places, including absentee voting information, see the city’s election page.
1. Why do you want this job?
I am running for the at-large position to help the people of Katy, to make a better more livable town for all the families of Katy and to make a better place for our children. I have 40 years of service to the community; as first a citizen, business owner and taxpayer; and then, through many charitable works and organizations. Over the years I have been a part of and a founder of organizations that contribute to the betterment of the people and the land of our area. Please go to VoteLarryGore.com for more information on this and other issues that show where my heart is on these matters. I have extensive experience in the most critical area of concern right now; which is flooding and flood mitigation. No other candidate has the experience, expertise or “know how” that I do in this critical arena. I will put that experience and knowledge to work for the people of Katy immediately without the need for on-the-job training.
2. If elected, what would your top three priorities be, and why?
Flooding—Preventing flooding where possible and mitigating as much as possible is my number one priority. Everyone agrees that this is the top issue for Katy. I have 40+ years of practical experience in this arena. Hunting and working the rice fields from Katy to Eagle Lake over the last decades has given me invaluable insight into the drainage of the Katy Prairie. Then, for the last 25 years I have sat on the Fort Bend Levee Improvement District Board (LID #12) which is responsible for taking properties south of Westheimer and George Bush Park out of the flood plane. Finally, I founded the Katy Prairie Conservancy to help property owners and preserve the heritage of this unique place for wildlife. My opponent does not have this experience or interaction with the Katy Prairie like I have had for the past 40+ years. Please go to VoteLarryGore.com. This critical experience is an important asset I can lend to the families of Katy if you elect me to council.
Customer Service—The city needs to have better customer service. The city does many things right but better communication to the citizens and getting that communication out in a timely manner is a top priority. I am known as one who will not back down from standing up for the people of Katy.
Accountability—The city departments need all the tools, equipment and personnel to do the right job. However, we also must see to it that the contractors hired by the city are held accountable for getting the job done right and in a timely manner. I will fight to get this done for you. I will hold our city government accountable to you.
3. Would you encourage citizens to vote for or against the bond proposal, and why?
I am for the bond proposal. I am a fiscal conservative. The government should count every dollar spent and do it responsibly; just like a family must do with their budget. As a business owner too, I know about preventing cost over runs and making budgets and payrolls. We must not do like other local governmental districts have done and over spend. We are going to need a lot of money for these projects now and in the future. I will not let our city bond money be wasted. As an elected official in the past I have dealt with bond issues several times. I have real life working experience in this area. Additionally the citizens, including myself, expect a certain amount of service from the city; and that, includes drainage issues. The work should be done in a professional and cost effective way. At this time the city needs additional monies to start to try to mitigate as much of the flooding and drainage issues as we can. We must do everything possible to at least try to prevent any more devastating flooding like our town experienced. Too many hard-working people in Katy had their homes and businesses severely damaged. We must try to prevent this wherever possible. The bond is needed.
4. Is Katy handling growth properly? If yes, why? If not, how would you, if elected, change that?
No. If elected, I will fight for sustainable growth that every time looks at the return on investment the city receives. All property owners, including homeowners, have constitutional rights which must be respected. We can encourage development that fits to the overall comprehensive plan of Katy. We should also update the plan to reflect the conditions of the times. This includes revising and/or eliminating redundant and necessary rules and regulations; and adding common sense property rights issues like preventing light trespass from neighboring properties, especially near residential areas. All of these are important as we grow. It is going to take strong proven experienced leadership to accomplish this. I have both. I have taken no endorsements from special interests or any outside group. My focus will be to fight for the people of Katy first and foremost. I will not be influenced by any outside or special interest group. I have a record of standing up for the people of Katy.
5. Is there anything else about your candidacy that Katy News readers should know?
I am the conservative proven candidate in this race. I have a life record of fighting for people and the greater good. I will fight to prevent flooding, to make our city government more accountable and to make Katy a better more livable town for our families. I am the experienced candidate in the race. I do not need “on-the-job” training. I will not be swayed by others in the Government. I will stand up for the citizens of Katy. There is no doubt where I stand. I am dependable, proven and conservative. Please join me and help me go to work for you. I will fight for you. I will stand up for you. I will work for you.