On May 2, voters in the City of Katy will choose their representatives for the At Large position (currently held by Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris) who is term-limited and cannot run again. The Katy Times posed the same questions to each candidate, and their answers are below for voters to consider. Candidates for Ward A will be featured in the March 12 edition of the Katy Times, and Ward B candidates will appear on March 19.

Responses have been edited for length, clarity and adherence to AP style. Candidates are listed in the same order as on the City of Katy website.

AT LARGE: Paul Follis and AJ Bailey

· What propelled you to run for the council position?

FOLLIS: I am a long-time event volunteer in the City of Katy. Since my retirement from law enforcement, I have served on two city boards and numerous advisory groups for different city projects. Running for City Council seems like the logical next step in the progression of working for the residents of Katy. The At-Large council position would allow me to continue to do this on a larger scale, while serving as a voice for the City of Katy as a whole.

BAILEY: I decided to run because I care deeply about Katy’s future and want to ensure our city grows in a way that protects residents’ quality of life. When the council voted to extend term limits from six years to twelve, I felt it was important for residents to have a real choice and a stronger voice in the city’s direction. Local government works best when leadership remains accountable and responsive to the entire community. Katy is changing quickly, and many residents are concerned about traffic, flooding, infrastructure, public safety, and rising costs. Water security is especially important. We have experienced both drought conditions and severe flooding in recent years, and disasters across the region show how critical preparation is. Public flood-risk data indicates long-term vulnerability, which means we must plan ahead rather than react after emergencies. Residents want leadership that is accessible, transparent, and focused on long-term solutions. I am running to help keep Katy safe, prepared, and moving forward responsibly.

· What are your unique qualifications to represent the community on council?

FOLLIS: I am very much a family and community-oriented person. In my 34-year career in law enforcement, I proudly provided selfless service to the community in different roles, from volunteering with charitable organizations and events on a personal basis, to working with neighborhood and city leaders on a professional basis. I developed a strong reputation as not only a leader within my department, but also a strong leader within the communities in which I served. I understand what is needed in providing service to the community on a daily basis, as well as what is needed for large scale and catastrophic events. I was involved in the planning of two World Series events, Superbowl 51, one of

the NCAA Final Four events in Houston, to name a few. I was also intricately involved in the Hurricane Harvey response and recovery in 2017 and the George Floyd demonstrations in 2020. I was able to participate in and help plan these events in large part due to my leadership capabilities and being able to work with and coordinate activities with many stakeholders from within and outside of law enforcement. I look forward to bringing this type of leadership to the Katy City Council, if elected.

BAILEY: My background includes public service experience at the federal, state, and local levels. I served as a White House intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence in the Fall 2022 class. I also interned for Colorado Governor Jared Polis and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, supporting research, communications, and constituent services. These experiences showed me how government decisions directly affect people’s lives and why responsiveness and professionalism matter in public service. I am currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, focusing on how local governments operate, manage budgets, and respond to emergencies. I also have experience in community engagement and voter outreach, including coordinating programs and working with volunteers across Harris and Waller counties. Most importantly, I have spent significant time listening to residents. Many people feel disconnected from local government, and I want to help bridge that gap. My approach is simple: listen first, collaborate, and focus on practical solutions that benefit the entire community.

· What is the most significant issue that needs to be addressed in the area you represent?

FOLLIS: As the At-Large council member, I would represent all of the City of Katy. One of the most significant issues facing Katy is the aging infrastructure, primarily the roadways that are not suited for the [current] amount of traffic due to the explosive growth, both north and south of the city. I look forward to working with council, city staff, and the community to address these issues and find realistic solutions to this increasing problem. Other issues I would like to see addressed are transparency and focusing on responsible growth. I believe the city could improve on enhancing the level of communication that actually gets circulated to the community. Currently, most residents rely on information they receive on social media, which by nature, is not 100% reliable. Katy is a city with a great deal of small-town charm and historical pride. The exponential growth we are experiencing can sometimes make these time-honored qualities and characteristics of our city feel like they are eroding. I would like to work on this issue, so that no matter how large our city gets, our historical past is always remembered.

BAILEY: Maintaining infrastructure while protecting safety and reliability is one of the most significant challenges our city faces. Water management is at the top of that list. Katy must be prepared for both drought and flooding. That includes repairing aging systems, reducing water loss, improving conservation efforts, and maintaining emergency readiness so residents and first responders have reliable service during crises. Residents also want safe neighborhoods, dependable services, and development that does not overwhelm roads or drainage systems. Thoughtful planning today prevents larger problems tomorrow.

· What are the three most significant issues facing the City of Katy as a whole?

FOLLIS: See answer above. As the At-Large member, I will deal with issues of the entire city, not just Ward A or B. This is why I combined my answer to these two questions.

BAILEY: 1. Water security and flood preparedness. Katy must plan for extreme weather on both ends: droughts and floods. Investing in modern infrastructure, conservation, and emergency readiness will protect homes, businesses, and public safety.2. Infrastructure, traffic, and mobility, Growth has increased congestion and pressure on roads. I support targeted improvements such as better lighting, sidewalks, and traffic planning, especially in areas residents say feel unsafe or overlooked. Working with regional partners like the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) and TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) is essential to improving mobility.3. Small business support. Small businesses are the backbone of Katy, but many owners struggle with slow or unclear permitting processes. I want to modernize the system so applicants can apply online, track their permit status, see estimated timelines, and know exactly who to contact with questions. A transparent and efficient process will help businesses open faster and create jobs in our community.

· The information packets prepared for each council meeting are large and detailed. How do you plan to prepare for council meetings and what additional outside research will you do?

FOLLIS: As a proven leader that has dealt with issues, projects and agendas that affect others for more than three decades, I will prepare in much the same way I always have, which includes: Read and research all of the material provided in the packets; reach out to subject matter experts on whatever issue is being discussed and make sure I understand the issue fully and completely; ensure I understand how the issue being discussed will affect our city and its residents, and most importantly, I will have spoken to constituents and understand their concerns before the issue is to be discussed by council. I will always be fully prepared before I vote on a decision that will affect our city and its residents.

BAILEY: Preparation is key. I would review all materials carefully before meetings, take detailed notes, and focus on how each item affects residents and the city’s long-term future. When clarification is needed, I would consult city staff, engineers, public safety officials, and regional partners when appropriate. I am not afraid to ask questions to ensure I fully understand the issues before making decisions. Equally important is listening to residents. Their experiences often highlight concerns that may not appear in reports alone. It is my responsibility to ensure people feel heard and that their perspectives are part of the decision-making process.

· What else should readers of the Katy Times know about you and your plans for the City of Katy?

FOLLIS: I believe Katy is an incredible city in which to live and raise a family. Because of my strong ties to this community, I would like to continue serving this community as its next At-Large council member. My decision to run for this council position is fueled by my desire to continue to serve with a commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, strong community leadership, and an overarching commitment to public safety and emergency management. I would certainly appreciate your vote on May 2 so that together, we can make this great city of ours just a little bit better.

BAILEY: I am running to serve the people of Katy and help ensure the city remains safe and welcoming for future generations. My priorities include: 1. Water and infrastructure: Strengthening water systems, preparing for droughts and floods, and protecting critical infrastructure.2. Small business support: Supporting access to grants and recovery resources while reducing unnecessary red tape through

modern online permitting and faster approvals.3. Community engagement: Local leadership should not only appear during elections. I support regular public forums, youth engagement opportunities, and neighborhood programs that build trust and keep residents involved year-round. 4. Government transparency: Residents deserve clear information about how decisions are made and how public funds are used. I support expanding access to city data and improving communication so people can easily stay informed.

For more information, please visit:

Paul Follis: www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61584706606462 AJ Bailey: www.baileyforkaty.com.