Incumbent Justin Beckendorff, a Republican, is facing challenger Ethel Wilmore, a Democrat, for Waller County Pct. 4 commissioner. The precinct, which comprises the southern portion of the county, includes the eastern side of Katy along with the cities of Brookshire and Pattison.
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Incumbent Justin Beckendorff, a Republican, is facing challenger Ethel Wilmore, a Democrat, for Waller County Pct. 4 commissioner. The precinct, which comprises the southern portion of the county, includes the eastern side of Katy along with the cities of Brookshire and Pattison.
Beckendorff did not return a candidate questionnaire.
1. Briefly describe your professional background, and how it will help you if elected.
WILMORE: I am a registered nurse with a master’s degree in Nursing Administration. I have been a nurse for over 45 years and a successful business owner for 35+ years. I have dedicated my life to caring for others. I believe that the job of the Waller County commissioner is to take care of the residents in their precinct. As a nurse I have been blessed to work in various capacities as a floor nurse, operating room nurse, a nurse administrator, and professor. Throughout my nursing career I’ve had experience dealing with people from all walks of life and with all types of personalities. I contribute my business and nursing success in part to the business and legal courses taken when obtaining my degrees. My college education and years of real-world experience will be beneficial to Waller County if I am elected as the next Commissioner of Waller County Pct. 4.
2. How do you think the precinct can best manage its growth?
WILMORE: Growth is a good thing. However, it must be managed appropriately to prevent problems. In recent years our area has experienced exponential growth. With increased growth we have also seen an increase in crime, street flooding, and public-school crowding.
I believe big business and new home builders must equally share the county’s tax burden. It is not right to expect the taxpayers to foot the bill of rapid growth without sufficient help from those influencing the growth.
3. Several county roads near Katy must be expanded as the area population grows. How can you as commissioner accelerate the redevelopment of these roads and make traffic less of a burden?
WILMORE: As the commissioner I would work closely with city planners and all city officials that are involved with housing development and road and bridge redevelopment to ensure that adequate transportation corridors and drainage are created for new subdivisions to limit traffic congestion and road flooding. Existing roadways and drainage systems should be reevaluated and updated to ensure the same efficiency as newer developments.
4. If elected, what would your top three priorities be, and why?
WILMORE: As a healthcare professional, my top three priorities will focus on public safety and public health.
My first focus would be the redevelopment of roads and bridges that are deemed a safety hazard and the reopening of roads or bridges that have been closed. When our transportation corridors are in poor condition, they are a safety hazard for all individuals that must travel them.
My second priority would focus on proper street drainage in new and established neighborhoods. Flooding of streets and roads can lead to major property damage. Standing water is also a health and travel hazard.
My third priority would be to address neighborhood safety. This includes working with city and county officials to limit the building of warehouses in residential neighborhoods. Abandoned warehouses are a safety hazard, encouraging the presence of vagrants and the occurrence of undesirable activity in our neighborhoods. This can lead to decreases in safety for residents and decreases property values. I would also petition for the installation of better lighting for our streets and parks to help deter crime and improve public safety.