(I have asked the candidates involved in next Saturday’s runoff to send me a brief statement saying why people should vote for them in that runoff. I will run the responses for candidates for each race concurrently. This statement is from Annette Dwyer in District E.)
Why should voters of District E vote for Annette Dwyer? I believe that District E voters will agree that I am uniquely qualified to serve as their next council member for three reasons: Education, experience and a demonstrated commitment to serve.
When it comes to experience, I am the only candidate in this race with a broad base of professional experience working in both the private and public sectors.
When it comes to education, residents of District E share a high level of education, and a strong commitment to supporting education to benefit our families and the future of our community. I share this commitment.
I am the only candidate in this race with a college degree. I worked hard to earn the money to put myself through college, and later through graduate school. I received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and worked for a number of years as a newspaper reporter and editor. I earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Houston Clear Lake, and put that education to use as an economic development planner with the Harris County Department of Community and Economic Development. I worked to develop county construction projects, learned the value of thoroughly analyzing contracts and budgets, and scrutinized proposed projects to make sure goals would be met and budgets adhered to.
No other candidate has this hands-on experience creating and improving infrastructure. The district relies on its council member to bring tax dollars back to the community for Capital Improvement Projects, including street improvements, flooding and drainage projects, libraries and fire stations, and other “big-ticket” items. There are a number of important projects that need to be completed in District E, and we can’t afford to have a council member who needs “on-the-job” training, or who is still learning about budgets and contracts.
I have already demonstrated that I am not afraid to stand up against special interests to fight for what is right for the community. I spent more than three years leading efforts to bring the proposed San Jacinto Rail Line to a successful resolution, avoiding construction of a rail line which would have been used to transport highly toxic chemicals through residential areas. Residents of District E should expect nothing less of their council representative, and I will continue to fight for what is right for all areas of the district.
Residents throughout District E have expressed concerns about development, and possible negative impacts on our neighborhoods. I share these concerns and will work to make sure that future development has a positive, and not a negative, impact on our community. Because I have not received money from developers, I will be able to act in the best interests of District E residents.
Since 2001, I have served on the Citizens Advisory Committee for District E, and have earned the respect and trust of other community leaders throughout the district. I continue to serve on a number of boards dealing with civic and regional issues, including flooding, transportation, police staffing, business development and park space. I have met with the mayor, city council members, police chief and county commissioners, and with representatives from TxDOT, Harris County Flood Control and other organizations and agencies to take action and address these issues.
District E Voters — I believe that District E deserves to be represented by a council member with education, experience, and a demonstrated commitment to working on issues and getting things done. I have built a reputation for taking action, solving problems and building consensus, and I ask for your vote on December 8.
For more information, please visit my web site at www.annettedwyer.com, or contact me at (832) 201 9009. Thank you for this opportunity to share my qualifications and my passion for public service.
Thank you, Annette Dwyer. Please click here for a statement from Michael Sullivan.