Meet the Katy City Council Candidates: Gina Hicks

By George Slaughter

Gina Hicks (Gina Hicks photo)

Gina Hicks, a cybersecurity professional, is seeking a Ward B seat on the Katy City Council.

She faces incumbent Jenifer Jordan Stockdick, a business owner, who was elected in 2019.

In addition to the council race, voters will decide whether to approve a $6 million bond proposal. The proposal has two propositions:

  • Proposition A, for $1.8 million, is for construction of improvements to municipal public buildings. These include reimbursement of expenses for Fire Station No. 1, construction of a training tower, expansion of the city’s fleet maintenance facility, and refurbishing of existing police facilities.
  • Proposition B, for $4.2 million, is for constructions of city park improvements, including a hike and bile trail system, and the construction of a city parks administration building.

Voters will also decide whether to approve changes to the city charter, a summary of which can be seen at the city’s website.

Early voting is April 19-27. Election Day is May 1.

1. Why do you want this job?

Community involvement and loving people is what I have always been about. The past several years I have been serving in various roles in Katy and neighboring cities with youth sports leagues, church volunteer service, speaking at conferences or to Rotary and other community groups, and looking to make more of an impact closer to home where we chose to raise our family. City council is the closest an elected official gets to residents. I am about people. Being a resource, an advocate, and strategically working to get things done. Using my network, relationships, and leadership I will help the city move forward in a strategic manner.

2. Briefly discuss your professional background, and how that will help you if elected.

My experience in various professional roles carries a common theme, and that is community service. I was a director in a non-profit ministry for 13 years serving thousands of families, recruiting volunteers, hosting events, and serving the community. All the while, I was a small business owner with an IT business that focused on customer service and serving the community. Most recently, I have worked as a strategic account manager in cybersecurity and networked with several municipalities, chambers, and local businesses. My role was to do an assessment or find vulnerabilities, and help clients strategically navigate the right solutions for their company. Specifically, I worked with municipalities, and it was then that I became motivated to serve in my city and be a resource for the city. After the recent freeze I had the opportunity to be on the leadership team of a restoration company and serve homeowners in Houston who have been through a catastrophic event.

3. If elected, what would your top three priorities be, and why?

  • Living in a safe neighborhood is a top priority for all of us. I will continue to support our police and fire departments and fight for preventative safety measures in areas where kids play.
  • Drainage and flooding remain a concern for many residents so I will work with city staff and other council members to lobby for flood prevention projects and improved drainage throughout the city.
  • With so much growth surrounding Katy, I will encourage the city to focus on quality growth. This includes updating our comprehensive and strategic plans, encouraging partnerships with surrounding entities and improving internal technology.

4. Do you support the bond proposals on the ballot? Do you support the proposed city charter changes on the ballot? Why or why not?

I have looked into both bond proposals and toured the areas in need of the funding from the bonds. One of my priorities is public safety. Our first responders need to have solid station to function and with more multi-level hotels coming into the city having our own training tower is a necessity. The parks bond will provide the city to develop an overall plan for all our parks. My family very much enjoys visiting the city parks and some updates are definitely needed. Many in our city have dreamed of a park system and a better outdoor lifestyle for their family. The funding provided by a bond will allow this to happen by providing for feasibility studies, design concepts and engineering. It is the time for voters to voice their opinion on the matter for the city to know if it is what the residents want.

The city charter is the basis for how our city works. It is basically the constitution for the operation of the city. I recommend that each resident go to the website, scroll down to the ballot, study the proposed changes and make their own decision. Any questions they have on the changes should be directed to citysecretary@cityofkaty.com.

5. What specific changes would you like to see made to the Katy Animal Control Department in light of the concerns expressed in council meetings this year?

I am an animal lover, like many of our residents, and have two dogs and a cat. I am not afraid of my pets getting out and being snatched up. I had a rescue dog that escaped often and every experience with Katy Animal Control was helpful and very pleasant. If elected, I will work to increase the placement rating for adoptable animals and to develop mutually beneficial relationships with 501(c)3 shelters and adoption agencies. I will work with the police chief to ensure all animal control employees receive the necessary training and that team members are cross-trained. I have visited the animal control facility and like the changes that Chief Noe Diaz has implemented. I am interested in seeing what changes the advisory group recommends.

6. Is there anything else that Katy News readers should know about your candidacy?

I have loved and served people for decades. That is what my life has always been about. I want our kids to grow up in a Katy that is kind and where they are safe to ride their bikes to the park, where neighbors know and care about each other. I’m willing to work hard and fight not only for our children but all Katy residents. I want to be the voice for all of us who love Katy and are proud to call Katy home. I’m here to make an impact and would be honored to have your vote.