Three candidates are running for a two-year term in Ward II on the Houston City Council. Learn more about the candidates.
Current Ward II alderpersons are Sheila Walker and Tim Ceplina. Ceplina’s seat – which he is not running for – is open.
Candidates are Ann Tottingham, Brittany Weinpert and David Weybright. Weybright did not provide responses.
Ann Tottingham
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Eminence, attended college in Springfield and moved to Houston in April 1982 to take a job as a city letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. I retired after 35 years with USPS and now enjoy my grandchildren and participating in community activities. I’m a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church and have taught Children’s Church and Sunday School, as well as serving as treasurer for over 25 years. I served several years on Citizens for Education and I am currently on the Ozark Cemetery Board, the Houston Housing Authority Board and I am a member of Community Betterment. My children, stepchildren and grandchildren have all attended Houston Schools and participated in sports and other activities.
What makes you uniquely qualified for this role?
I have spent many years working with the public and I believe that it’s important to allow feedback from the community on issues concerning them. This feedback should be addressed through appropriate channels and not on social media. I care about the City of Houston and want to see it prosper through more job opportunities, more housing availability and supporting our parks and recreation. I also think that fiscal responsibility is crucial to doing these things, so careful planning is necessary. I was responsible for budgeting while serving as postmaster at Summersville as well as serving as treasurer at church, and feel that will benefit me in addressing city issues.
What is the most important project in the city in the next two years?
There are several projects going on in the city that I feel are equally important. The sports complex is one that will require careful planning. The expansion of industry is important for families to be able to support themselves and affordable housing will tie in with that. I don’t believe that we should narrow our focus to one issue because that could result in not enough planning in other areas. The council needs to be informed and able to concentrate on several different projects. They have to decide what takes priority and honestly that can fluctuate depending on so many factors including economic issues, weather disasters and opportunities that might open up unexpectedly.
When hiring a new economic developer, what is your expectation for the role?
The economic director should have experience with a variety of business types. Each business will have different needs for training their employees, type of building and equipment needed, etc. Our school has a good Career and Technical Education (CTE) department and that is definitely a plus for the community. The economic developer should be aware of where to look for grants that would assist a new or existing business and should be able to make presentations to companies that might be interested in expanding to the area. The sports complex will attract young athletes and their families and Houston does not have a lot of available hotel/motel rooms so that is something to be addressed.
Cite how you view the city government’s current operation and discuss some positive trends and areas that need improvement.
The city has been very responsive with weather related issues, quickly restoring electricity after storm damage, etc. There has been a lack of communication about things like trash and recycling services but I think the arrangement with Houston Herald text announcements is a positive and will keep more people informed. The employees and the council need to work together to serve the community and make sure that all processes flow as smoothly as possible. There are different departments within the city but they need to be able to work together for the good of the city.
Brittany Weinpert
Tell us about yourself.
I am not a Houston native originally, but Houston has grown in me in the nearly last 20 years I have lived here. I work in health care, which is my passion! I love helping people, making a difference and deviating from the norm of today’s society.
What makes you uniquely qualified for this role?
I grew up in a small town similar to this one, it has so much to offer like our little town. Sadly, due to it being poorly run for so many years and lack of economic growth it is now a drug town and impoverished. With that being said, I feel that I know the signs of a town going downhill and I would love to have the opportunity to “Make Houston Great Again!”
As previously mentioned, I deviate from the norm and stand for what I feel is right, I am not easily persuaded if I stand firmly for what I believe is right.
What is the most important project in the city in the next two years?
I’d like to see the community center being built, nothing worse than spending the money on a piece of land just for it to sit.
When hiring a new economic developer, what is your expectation for the role?
We as a community need businesses to drive our economic development upward. We need someone who can bring in actual companies that will facilitate in our growth as a community, but also provide jobs to our own citizens and outlying communities, most people are driving to Rolla, Lebanon and Springfield for their jobs due to the lack of access here, which in turn they do most of their shopping there. We need someone who will work with our small, family-owned businesses to ensure the longevity of their growth and business. We have lost far too many over the years.
Cite how you view the city government’s current operation and discuss some positive trends and areas that need improvement.
There are far too many things that bother me with the current governing officials. To spare the details, I’ll sum it up as I have the same concerns that the residents of Houston have that have been publicly voiced. Specifically, lack of communication and follow through. I will say, however, since our current mayor has taken office, I have noticed more of a positive impact in our community versus previous years.
