By: Tom Behrens
Katy City Council declares Chris Harris, Ward A, and Rory Robertson, Ward B, winners by default as they have no opposition. Janet Corte and Cara Bonin continue to state their platforms for Ward A.
Harris has served in the at-large position since 2018. He also serves as mayor pro tem of Katy. “I have been honored to serve the citizens of Katy and plan to continue working on drainage, public safety and infrastructure improvements,” Harris said.
Robertson said he was really honored to serve the city of Katy again for three years as councilmember. “Working alongside Mayor (Dusty) Thiele, city administrator Byron Hebert and the rest of council has been really rewarding, but the best part is working directly with the families and businesses of our city.”
Janet Corte is the incumbent; Cara Bonin is the challenger for the Ward A position.
Janet Corte:
Corte has five years’ service on the City Council of Katy. Additional experience includes project management; multiple volunteer roles, such as Girl Scout leader, team mom, Boy Scout events, church youth group, and school events. She lists her occupation as an IT business analyst/project manager.
Corte said a deep care for the City of Katy and its residents as her impetus for seeking re-election.
“During my time on city council, much has been accomplished, including multiple road and drainage projects, improving parks, and enhancing public safety. These are important areas that improve quality of life for our residents.”
Her top priority is improving drainage and repairing or replacing aging infrastructure. “Residents still get nervous during heavy rains since the Tax Day Flood and Hurricane Harvey. I have worked with city staff to help identify the most affected areas. While we have made several improvements, studies and assessments are currently underway for future projects. Once the studies are completed, the engineers and city staff will evaluate and prioritize these areas.”
With the area around Katy continuing to grow, public safety and traffic control are important to Katy residents. “We must continue to invest in public safety, and I fully support our first responders. Residents want to know their homes and family are protected, and someone will be there within minutes when needed. Traffic is harder to control, and we need to work with surrounding entities, such as Texas Department of Transportation on mobility planning.
“The current council and mayor work well together and we will continue moving Katy forward in a positive direction.”
Cara Bonin:
Bonin’s legislative work includes working with the state legislature and governor. Policy work includes working with Harris County sheriff, district attorney and judges. She has served as Harris County Republican Precinct 639 chair. She lists her occupation as a contractor.
Bonin believes her experience as a longtime Katy resident makes her qualified to understand the city’s needs. Her top priority, she said, is increasing civic engagement.
“I intend to work along with Mayor and council mitigating the growing pains the people of Katy are experiencing,” Bonin said. “Ward A has some of the oldest homes and neighborhoods in our city which require attention from city engineers to update infrastructure.
“As a sixth-generation Katy Texan, I want to be the nonpartisan representative working for the positive changes I feel everyone deserves to have in council. My public policy directives improved through world travel, and studies of history and statesmen who believe that we the people are here to direct our government and not be subjects of it. As alderman, my priorities are to the people while protecting our rights, powers, privileges, duties, and immunities.”
Bonin said, if elected, her top priority would be expediting improvements of drainage and storage of flood water. “Residents are still living with flood damage and feel panic when we experience rainfall year-round,” said Bonin. “Old structures sink with time as the water table depletes. New developments overwhelm existing drainage paths. A more aggressive approach needs to be implemented in the charter and the comprehensive plan concerning restoration of existing issues and prevention of future floods.”
Other issues are the growing pains associated with the exponential population boom. Our current infrastructure is not performing well with the growing population. Increased traffic, lack of sidewalks and public transportation. Tap water should be high-quality, clean drinking water. The cost of city water is rising while the quality lowers as the city converts to surface water by 80 percent. “City utilities and services must be exceptional.”
Early voting is available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., ending Tuesday May 2, 2023. Voting locations are Leonard Merrell Center, Room 143-144, 6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy; Cinco Ranch High School, 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy; Seven Lakes High School, 9251 S. Fry Road, Katy; Paetow High School, 23111 Stockdick School Road, Katy; and James E. Taylor High School, 20700 Kingsland Blvd., Katy.
Election Day, May 6, 2023 Polling Location, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ward A: Katy Civic Center, 910 Ave C, Katy