By George Slaughter
Jenifer Jordan Stockdick (Jenifer Jordan Stockdick photo)
Jenifer Jordan Stockdick, a business owner, is seeking re-election to her Ward B seat on the Katy City Council.
She faces Gina Hicks, a cybersecurity professional,
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?
In my short time on council, I have started projects and learned more about what the residents of Katy want from their government. I am seeking re-election so I can complete unfinished projects and continue to serve as a voice for the residents of Katy.
2. Briefly discuss your professional background, and how that will help you if elected.
I have 29 years in banking and finance which allow me to dive into the city budget, financing, and tax rate. Currently, I am a small business owner & CFO and have grown to understand the struggles that many small businesses face in Katy today. I believe small business is the backbone of our community and country, so I want to help small businesses really understand our building and development codes and requirements, flood plain, and fire regulations, and really have open discussions about it. In other words, I want to continue my work to make Katy more business friendly. I have also served on three boards for the City of Katy before I ever ran for council: parks & recreation board, convention & tourism board, and the board of adjustments. By serving in these capacities, it really gave me a better insight to our city operates.
3. If re-elected, what would your top three priorities be, and why?
- Operational reform–I see many areas where the city can improve operations. The animal control issue is one such example of needed change to bring the city up to date in operations. There is room for improvement as well with our permits department in areas of communication and responsiveness. We need to update our software and technology to help support the changes needed so that it will help streamline the process, and the customers will always know where they stand. And lastly, I also see room for improvement with overtime in some departments.
- Transparency—I want to have more in-depth open discussion between council, staff and the public during our council meetings. There is always room for improvement of social and other media engagement with the community. I will also work to ensure I am always available to residents to voice concerns, comments and questions.
- Infrastructure—We must increase our investment in sidewalks, roads, and water and sewer systems, as without these the city cannot function. This is not only the installation of new infrastructure to meet increasing demands, but also the maintenance of new and aging infrastructure to protect the large investment that has already been made by the taxpayers when they were installed.
4. Do you support bond proposals on the ballot? Do you support the proposed city charter changes on the ballot? Why or why not?
In my view, there should have been more planning in preparation of placing these items on the ballot. At the end of the day, it is up the voters of Katy to decide. Moving forward, I want to see more public comments and open discussions before we ask the voters to approve bond projects. I believe in the need for these items that the bonds would fund and support these types of projects.
In reviewing the charter amendments, I have come to realize that most of these items are old and outdated. I am in support of the new amendment changes.
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?
As I stated in an earlier question, I want to see operational changes to bring the department into best practices for a modern animal control department. This would include direct animal adoptions to the public, vaccinations upon intake, spay/neuter programs, increased work with rescue groups, increased transparency, bringing in volunteers (we currently only have one) which can help with our webpage, social media and providing communications with other local rescues, and other such actions. The goal here needs to be to rescue and return all pets to their owners. The city I represent and love is a compassionate community. I have stood strong for the defenseless and I will continue fighting for their safety. Join me and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. The community wants change in animal control, and I have listened.
6. Is there anything else that Katy News readers should know about your candidacy?
I am a lifelong resident of Katy and have a deep love for this community that has raised me and formed me into the woman I am today, and I believe strongly in giving back to Katy. My service to Katy started over 30 years ago, long before I decided to run for council, and has spanned from driving a bus, to riding an ambulance with Katy Fire Department, to mentoring Katy ISD students, serving on numerous volunteer boards, to raising two daughters that graduated from Katy High School as the fifth generation, to my current position on city council. I am Katy Strong and Katy Proud!