http://www.chron.com/apps/ElectionPub/local.mpl?action=results&nextview=localmatrix&crit=Fort+Bend&conav=1&crittype=COUNTY&colct=
Greyling expresses his sincerest thanks for those who supported him and volunteered their help in this election!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
FBN: Q&A For MC Mayoral Election Candidates (Greyling Poats & Allen Owen)--
FBN: Q&A For MC Mayoral Election Candidates
Early voting for the May 10 election began today, and in Missouri City current mayor Allen Owen is running for a second time against challenger Greyling Poats. FortBendNow.com submitted questions to each candidate, and their answers are as follows.
What do you think are the top three priorities for Missouri City in the next five years?
Owen:
My top 3 prior ties over the next 3 years is to make sure our citizens have a safe place to call home, protect our environment and natural resources, and continue to attract new sales tax revenue so we can begin to replace property taxes with the only other source we have left-sales taxes. We are doing that with all of the new projects mentioned above that are already on the drawing boards and are working as we go to press.
Poats:
1. Business on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 should be the primary concern. The improvement of those areas and the subdivisions attaching these thoroughfares should be a major focal point of the City Manager, Economic Development Coordinator and Council. Federal, State and Local monies along with private developers should come into play not only for curb appeal but for the enhancement of the quality of life for all of Missouri City. The challenge of government is not only to maintain the quality of life for all of its citizens but to improve that quality of life.
2. A well planned economic development plan is also a major concern for the City of Missouri City. While the current administration marvels over Ben E. Keith, Trammel Crowe and Global technical, they haven’t detailed the entire story. Based off a survey completed by a development company, one can deduce that Missouri City has a highly educated, employed and diverse population. The residents are not looking for jobs, but rather an enhancement of current career opportunities. The social economics of the city in general are poor. The lack of interaction and opportunities generally provided by business is virtually non-existent for young people in most areas of the city. Children, not adults in Missouri City, need jobs to learn employment skills and establish discipline which can lead them to careers which will allow them to become productive members of society. The current administration fails in working with citizens and current businesses; and, they have not given any projection on tax revenues for new businesses after the tax exemptions which have been given to new corporate citizens. A focused economic development plan would assist in attracting the types of businesses which would benefit the citizens of Missouri City.
3. Serving all neighborhoods within the corporate city limits is a key issue that council currently does not respond to. Council is oblivious to crime in the certain areas of the City. Council has failed to address the need to provide sidewalks for children walking to school and stoplights for critical intersections where residents have concerns. Council fails the children who walk along bridges which provide no protection. The council neglects the safety of our children on areas where there is a high concentration of pedophiles. Council fails in addressing the vacant commercial property and dilapidated structures on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and Fm 1092. Missouri City also does not have a hospital or doctor’s clinic. I firmly believe that the current mayor and council’s lack of leadership and direction is the reason for the decline of Missouri City. Many of these concerns could be addressed by being attentive to the residents of the city. A primary focus on those areas within the City limits would allow the city to address many of these issues. Additionally, there is a need to focus on attracting certain kinds of businesses to Missouri City while at the same time working with those businesses currently located within the city limits to assure that they remain. We continue to loose critical businesses while building structures which are not inhabited. This is not a reflection of a well planned city. It is imperative that we make this a practice so that we can maintain an excellent quality of life for our citizens.
What steps would you like to see the city take regarding those three priorities?
Owen:
I think we have proven in the past 3-4 years that we are working diligently to do all of the above incentives.
Poats:
1. After determining where our City funds are, an action plan can be put into place. The current administration is looking at a tax increase of more than thirty dollars per household for the acquisition and improvement of the Quail Valley Country Club. If there is to be a tax increase, those funds would better serve Texas Parkway, Cartwright road and FM 1091. The City in readjusting its budget could do the same thing without a tax increase. This is often necessary when cities have to maintain an aging infrastructure.
2. I would direct the City Planning Department to develop a plan for the enhancement of our entire city in general but being very specific for the timely improvements along Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. This plan could give tax abatements to those businesses needed in critical areas. It would provide fast track privileges for development needed in critical areas. For those businesses coming to Missouri City, we would provide assistance similar to or greater than our very large neighbor to assure that those businesses find Missouri City an attractive place.
3. Our collaboration with County, State and Federal government entities would push mobility issues regarding Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. We would change the rural character of certain roads by seeking to add sewers and removing ditches. We would propose that we work with subdivisions regarding the Lexington corridor while making that venture a reality. Having our police department reach out to provide greater service as well as protection to all citizens while eliminating the intimidation that is apparent to law abiding-tax paying citizens would greatly enhance the safety in our community. I would advocate for providing true diversity to City government through our deeds and actions. And finally, focusing on and attaining what the city needs: Hospitals, doctor’s clinics, book stores, arts venues, movie theatres, etc. while providing for the enhancement of a superior quality of life for all Missouri City residents. . .
Source:
http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&article-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates%20=&id=60711-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates&widget=push&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=&
Early voting for the May 10 election began today, and in Missouri City current mayor Allen Owen is running for a second time against challenger Greyling Poats. FortBendNow.com submitted questions to each candidate, and their answers are as follows.
What do you think are the top three priorities for Missouri City in the next five years?
Owen:
My top 3 prior ties over the next 3 years is to make sure our citizens have a safe place to call home, protect our environment and natural resources, and continue to attract new sales tax revenue so we can begin to replace property taxes with the only other source we have left-sales taxes. We are doing that with all of the new projects mentioned above that are already on the drawing boards and are working as we go to press.
Poats:
1. Business on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 should be the primary concern. The improvement of those areas and the subdivisions attaching these thoroughfares should be a major focal point of the City Manager, Economic Development Coordinator and Council. Federal, State and Local monies along with private developers should come into play not only for curb appeal but for the enhancement of the quality of life for all of Missouri City. The challenge of government is not only to maintain the quality of life for all of its citizens but to improve that quality of life.
2. A well planned economic development plan is also a major concern for the City of Missouri City. While the current administration marvels over Ben E. Keith, Trammel Crowe and Global technical, they haven’t detailed the entire story. Based off a survey completed by a development company, one can deduce that Missouri City has a highly educated, employed and diverse population. The residents are not looking for jobs, but rather an enhancement of current career opportunities. The social economics of the city in general are poor. The lack of interaction and opportunities generally provided by business is virtually non-existent for young people in most areas of the city. Children, not adults in Missouri City, need jobs to learn employment skills and establish discipline which can lead them to careers which will allow them to become productive members of society. The current administration fails in working with citizens and current businesses; and, they have not given any projection on tax revenues for new businesses after the tax exemptions which have been given to new corporate citizens. A focused economic development plan would assist in attracting the types of businesses which would benefit the citizens of Missouri City.
3. Serving all neighborhoods within the corporate city limits is a key issue that council currently does not respond to. Council is oblivious to crime in the certain areas of the City. Council has failed to address the need to provide sidewalks for children walking to school and stoplights for critical intersections where residents have concerns. Council fails the children who walk along bridges which provide no protection. The council neglects the safety of our children on areas where there is a high concentration of pedophiles. Council fails in addressing the vacant commercial property and dilapidated structures on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and Fm 1092. Missouri City also does not have a hospital or doctor’s clinic. I firmly believe that the current mayor and council’s lack of leadership and direction is the reason for the decline of Missouri City. Many of these concerns could be addressed by being attentive to the residents of the city. A primary focus on those areas within the City limits would allow the city to address many of these issues. Additionally, there is a need to focus on attracting certain kinds of businesses to Missouri City while at the same time working with those businesses currently located within the city limits to assure that they remain. We continue to loose critical businesses while building structures which are not inhabited. This is not a reflection of a well planned city. It is imperative that we make this a practice so that we can maintain an excellent quality of life for our citizens.
What steps would you like to see the city take regarding those three priorities?
Owen:
I think we have proven in the past 3-4 years that we are working diligently to do all of the above incentives.
Poats:
1. After determining where our City funds are, an action plan can be put into place. The current administration is looking at a tax increase of more than thirty dollars per household for the acquisition and improvement of the Quail Valley Country Club. If there is to be a tax increase, those funds would better serve Texas Parkway, Cartwright road and FM 1091. The City in readjusting its budget could do the same thing without a tax increase. This is often necessary when cities have to maintain an aging infrastructure.
2. I would direct the City Planning Department to develop a plan for the enhancement of our entire city in general but being very specific for the timely improvements along Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. This plan could give tax abatements to those businesses needed in critical areas. It would provide fast track privileges for development needed in critical areas. For those businesses coming to Missouri City, we would provide assistance similar to or greater than our very large neighbor to assure that those businesses find Missouri City an attractive place.
3. Our collaboration with County, State and Federal government entities would push mobility issues regarding Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. We would change the rural character of certain roads by seeking to add sewers and removing ditches. We would propose that we work with subdivisions regarding the Lexington corridor while making that venture a reality. Having our police department reach out to provide greater service as well as protection to all citizens while eliminating the intimidation that is apparent to law abiding-tax paying citizens would greatly enhance the safety in our community. I would advocate for providing true diversity to City government through our deeds and actions. And finally, focusing on and attaining what the city needs: Hospitals, doctor’s clinics, book stores, arts venues, movie theatres, etc. while providing for the enhancement of a superior quality of life for all Missouri City residents. . .
Source:
http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&article-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates%20=&id=60711-Q-A-From-Missouri-City-Mayoral-Candidates&widget=push&instance=home_news_lead_story&open=&
Friday, April 18, 2008
FB Independent: Poats, Owen Lock Horns In FC Debate!
FB Independent: Poats, Owen Lock Horns In FC Debate!
Owen, Poats debate growth versus neglect
SESHADRI KUMAR
In a highly charged political race for Missouri City mayor, the incumbent touts his accomplishments and points to the bright future with plans now underway.
His challenger places all the blame for the real or perceived perils of the city at the mayor’s feet, charges the mayor with promoting a subdivision outside the city, while neglecting the rest of the city and calls for a change.
Mayor Allen Owen is seeking his eighth term as mayor, and businessman Greyling Poats, who wants to unseat him, participated in a debate hosted by the Associations of First Colony last week. . .
Source: http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=360&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com
Owen, Poats debate growth versus neglect
SESHADRI KUMAR
In a highly charged political race for Missouri City mayor, the incumbent touts his accomplishments and points to the bright future with plans now underway.
His challenger places all the blame for the real or perceived perils of the city at the mayor’s feet, charges the mayor with promoting a subdivision outside the city, while neglecting the rest of the city and calls for a change.
Mayor Allen Owen is seeking his eighth term as mayor, and businessman Greyling Poats, who wants to unseat him, participated in a debate hosted by the Associations of First Colony last week. . .
Source: http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=360&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com
Friday, April 11, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
FBN: Poats Addresses Missouri Cities Major Concerns
Poats Wants To Focus On Existing Development, Creating Term Limits
by Jamie Mock, FortBendNow
Missouri City mayoral candidate Greyling Poats says he thinks the focus of the next two years should be improving existing commercial and residential areas within the city and creating term limits for city council.
“You have to find ways to improve the older business structures as well as the commercial development, as well as the older neighborhoods,” said Poats, adding that many of the older neighborhoods lack “curb appeal” that he says the city has not addressed. “You don’t fit each neighborhood into the same box. Each neighborhood has a different character – you have to work on the positives of each neighborhood. We have never reached out to these different neighborhoods to find out exactly what we can do as a city to bring them up. What they need in those neighborhoods, what they don’t need.”
Poats is running for a second time against incumbent Allen Owen, who has been mayor for 14 years. He ran against Owen in 2006 and garnered 1,027 votes to Owen’s 2,239.
“The vote was 66 percent to 33 percent, and that sounds like a large number, but basically it is 2,000 votes to 1,000 votes,” said Poats, who also said fewer than 4 percent of Missouri City voters turned out for the election. “If we have turnout, I will win. People are looking at the real issues – what is the quality of life we have now opposed to the quality of life we had in the past?”
Poats says the current administration has ignored the smaller requests of the residents, and spent too much time focusing on the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, which includes area such as Sienna Plantation.
“If the city is not paying attention to the citizens on the small things, what about the large things?” said Poats. “…The city has started moving towards Hwy. 6 and people are dying on the vine. You have to be proactive in thinking about who is coming into your town – what they are coming into your city for. Are they coming in here to try to help, to make money – because all businesses are in it to make money – or are they coming in to extract money and leave? Had you looked at Quail Valley and the golf course six years ago, would you be in the position you are in now? Where are our tax dollars going …does it serve people who pay taxes in Missouri City, or the people who don’t? Our ETJ is an ETJ that probably won’t be on our city for 20 or 30 years.”
Poats says it is also important for council to have term limits.
“You have a lot of idea here,” said Poats. “My ideas, while I think they are great, if I stay in office 14 or 16 years, things are going to bypass me. You have to get people to come in with newer ideas.” . . . get the full story at http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=54688&article-Poats-Wants-To-Focus-On-Existing-Development--Creating-Term-Limits%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&
by Jamie Mock, FortBendNow
Missouri City mayoral candidate Greyling Poats says he thinks the focus of the next two years should be improving existing commercial and residential areas within the city and creating term limits for city council.
“You have to find ways to improve the older business structures as well as the commercial development, as well as the older neighborhoods,” said Poats, adding that many of the older neighborhoods lack “curb appeal” that he says the city has not addressed. “You don’t fit each neighborhood into the same box. Each neighborhood has a different character – you have to work on the positives of each neighborhood. We have never reached out to these different neighborhoods to find out exactly what we can do as a city to bring them up. What they need in those neighborhoods, what they don’t need.”
Poats is running for a second time against incumbent Allen Owen, who has been mayor for 14 years. He ran against Owen in 2006 and garnered 1,027 votes to Owen’s 2,239.
“The vote was 66 percent to 33 percent, and that sounds like a large number, but basically it is 2,000 votes to 1,000 votes,” said Poats, who also said fewer than 4 percent of Missouri City voters turned out for the election. “If we have turnout, I will win. People are looking at the real issues – what is the quality of life we have now opposed to the quality of life we had in the past?”
Poats says the current administration has ignored the smaller requests of the residents, and spent too much time focusing on the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, which includes area such as Sienna Plantation.
“If the city is not paying attention to the citizens on the small things, what about the large things?” said Poats. “…The city has started moving towards Hwy. 6 and people are dying on the vine. You have to be proactive in thinking about who is coming into your town – what they are coming into your city for. Are they coming in here to try to help, to make money – because all businesses are in it to make money – or are they coming in to extract money and leave? Had you looked at Quail Valley and the golf course six years ago, would you be in the position you are in now? Where are our tax dollars going …does it serve people who pay taxes in Missouri City, or the people who don’t? Our ETJ is an ETJ that probably won’t be on our city for 20 or 30 years.”
Poats says it is also important for council to have term limits.
“You have a lot of idea here,” said Poats. “My ideas, while I think they are great, if I stay in office 14 or 16 years, things are going to bypass me. You have to get people to come in with newer ideas.” . . . get the full story at http://www.fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=54688&article-Poats-Wants-To-Focus-On-Existing-Development--Creating-Term-Limits%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&
Monday, March 24, 2008
FB Sun Interviews Mayoral Candidates In Missouri City
Owen, Poats hold differing views on Missouri City’s future
By DIANE TEZENO
The Missouri City mayoral race has drawn two candidates – incumbent Allen Owen and challenger Greyling Poats - each with differing views and plans for the city’s future.
The upcoming May city elections will be the second time the two have faced off for the city’s top spot. The first time was in May 2006. Owens won the race with 68.55 percent of the vote to Poats 31.45 percent.
Owen has held the mayor’s seat since 1994. Poats, a local insurance agency professional, has lived in Missouri City for 26 years.
Each candidate was given an opportunity to respond in his own words to a series of questions to enlighten voters on his plans for the city’s future.
Q. What are the top priorities of your campaign platform?
A. Owen
The top priorities of my campaign are basically the same they have been since I took office 22 years ago - to promote the city of Missouri City as a place that people want to call home and to provide the quality of life that is necessary to do so. That involves public safety, air and water quality, a good mixture of residential and commercial growth, and to continue to work towards replacing or at least reducing property taxes with sales taxes. That can only be done by continuing to attract commercial and retail businesses. I also want to see the Quail Valley Country Club issue resolved with as small an impact to the community as possible. I want to see us continuing working with our consultants on developing a master plan for the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road corridors that will redevelop and vitalize that part of the City that serves as one of the gateways to our community.
A. Poats
My top priorities will be within the corporate city limits of Missouri City. I will work to revitalize our current subdivisions. I will work to revitalize Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 by bringing new businesses and assisting current center owners and businesses in upgrading their investments. I will work to have the amenities that define a city in Missouri City for the use of our citizens.
Q. What is your vision for Missouri City's future?
A: Owen
My vision for the City is one of being a premiere place to live and work. I see us growing to well over 125,000 people in the next 10 years and we need to be prepared for that. We have aging infrastructure that will need replacing - streets, side-walks, park improvements, and adding the necessary police and fire personnel to keep up with that growth. We will truly embrace the "Show Me" slogan as we begin to attract major employers and industry to our area. This will provide many new jobs as well as stimulate the housing market, while we may see other areas of the State and country not do as well.
A: Poats
My vision is for Missouri City to be the premier city in the state of Texas and in a very short time the premier city in the United States. We have the people and the diversity to attain this goal. I will utilize the many positive ideas of our citizens and stop dealing in antiquated ideas where the interest of one segment of our citizenry or one subdivision’s interest is above the rest of the city’s.
Q. What are some of the concerns expressed by Missouri City residents that you have plans to respond to?
A. Owen
My concerns are how we keep ahead of the growth so we do not lag behind and find ourselves trying to catch up. Replacing that aging infrastructure gradually and as we can afford to do so. Making sure that our staffing is adequate in all areas of the City, and especially public safety. Making sure that we have adequate fresh water for our future will be a tremendous task and one we prepared for over 10 years ago. We will have to start treating ground water before it enters our streams and this will be a costly measure, yet necessary one to provide our future generation with clean water.
A. Poats
Within the corporate city limits of Missouri City, council has failed to address the basic needs of our citizens. Highway 6 at Lakeshore Harbour has needed a traffic light. Gessner in the Colony Crossing needs a traffic light. I will protect our children and citizens by first taking care of our basic needs. We will install sidewalks to assist our children who have to walk to school. Our police department will further its efforts to serve and protect our citizens. We are not going to over commercialize Highway 6. Our fire department will be the best in the area.
Q. What characteristics does the city have to be proud of as "The Show Me City"?
A. Owen
As we adopted the "Show Me" slogan earlier last year, we did so saying that we truly do have things to show. We have a highly educated, highly paid, very diverse population that will continue to attract people who want to be part of our City. We will work through the Quail Valley Country Club issue and end up showing people 400 more acres of beautiful green space, water features, mature trees, and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some part of it. Diversity is the strongest asset we have. We live, work, and play together in a healthy environment that has proven to be our best known strength. We will continue to do that even as we reach a population almost twice what it is today.
A. Poats
We need to be proud of our people. We have a very diverse population and a very good income level in our city, but we don’t work with the people within the corporate city limits. We focus upon minutia instead of focusing on the large things. The large things we need to focus on are our citizens and our children. What are the amenities we have as a city? Why don’t we have real theatre, why don’t we have movie theaters? We have been here long enough to have those things, to have culture. We are focused on Quail Valley which is very good, but why did Quail Valley go down? I believe the answer to that question is that the mayor and his contemporaries have not been proactive, they’ve been reactive. We are going to be a proactive administration, wherein we look at things and try to work with those things now. We want to enhance the wonderful things that we have and then look to add to things in Missouri City.
Q. What areas need improving to make it the "The Show Me City"
A. Owen
We have an aging infrastructure that will need replacing, such as streets, sidewalks, park improvements, and adding the necessary police and fire personnel to keep up with that growth.
A. Poats
Drive around, look at the gateway of the City. Drive around and look at the strip centers on 2234 and on Cartwright Road. Look at how people are really in morose. Why is it that in every facet of the city people are arguing? Quail Valley argues because of the golf course; First Colony argues because of sidewalks; FM 2234 and Cartwright Road residents are arguing because of the way it looks. The subdivisions are arguing because they are not getting any assistance from the city or any direction from the city on what they should do and how they should do it. Our mobility plans are not in place for the city? Those are the things that need improving.
Q. What strengths do you possess that make you the prime candidate to take Missouri City into the future?
A. Owens
I bring my continued commitment to the citizens of Missouri City that I want it to be the best place in the world to live and raise a family. I spent five years on planning and zoning helping plan the future of our City. I then served eight years as an at-large councilman and as mayor pro-tem. I am now completing my 14 years of service as mayor. I have worked for years developing an attitude with outside developers and business owners that we have a lot to offer and we welcome them with open and cooperative arms. This was not always the case. It also does not happen overnight or a couple of years. It takes time and takes having a Council that works together for the same causes and as team. We have that now and I hope we can continue with what we set out to do.
I oversee 13 Wells Fargo banks in Fort Bend County, serve on many charitable boards, volunteer manyhours with community organizations and have always had a simple philosophy - God put me on this earth to serve others and I feel committed to fulfill that purpose. I think I am qualified to represent the citizens of Missouri City for another term as mayor.
A. Poats
I am a very proactive person and have run my own business for several years. I’ve worked with a number of people and I cross all lines, it doesn’t make any difference. I have the ability to sit down and talk with everybody, and after sitting and talking, not only studying, to put things in place and make them happen, not depending on one person or one entity.
Q. What will you focus on in the first six months should you be reelected?
A. Owens
We will work through the Quail Valley Country Club issue and end up showing people 400 more acres of beautiful green space, water features, mature trees, and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some part of it.
A. Poats
My initial focus will be on the health and safety of our citizens. Traffic signals, sidewalks and children’s safety will be the initial undertakings. Concurrently, I will make Texas Parkway’s appearance reflective of the gateway entrance of the greatest city in Texas. I will bring business to Cartwright Road and FM 1092 that reflect the character and values of all Missouri City residents. I will determine where the money from past bond issues has gone and establish and use line item spending for new bond proposals. I will work to bring back community pride and that feeling one has when you know any venture you take on can be accomplished. I will have the citizens of Missouri City knowing their elected officials are working on their behalf and not some entity who may come to Missouri City for that entities financial gain to the detriment of our citizens. I will push for term limits. I will bring back civility, credibility and accountability to the Mayor’s office. I will initiate the work to increase property values. My focus will be proactive, not reactive as things are done with the present office holder.
--------------------------
PFM Comment: Apparently Mr. Owen believes his administrations neglect of the 1092, Cartwright and TX Pkwy corridors, support for the expanding landfill, loss of the hospital and continued catering to the special interests is due more time since his taking office nearly 2-3 decades ago?
By DIANE TEZENO
The Missouri City mayoral race has drawn two candidates – incumbent Allen Owen and challenger Greyling Poats - each with differing views and plans for the city’s future.
The upcoming May city elections will be the second time the two have faced off for the city’s top spot. The first time was in May 2006. Owens won the race with 68.55 percent of the vote to Poats 31.45 percent.
Owen has held the mayor’s seat since 1994. Poats, a local insurance agency professional, has lived in Missouri City for 26 years.
Each candidate was given an opportunity to respond in his own words to a series of questions to enlighten voters on his plans for the city’s future.
Q. What are the top priorities of your campaign platform?
A. Owen
The top priorities of my campaign are basically the same they have been since I took office 22 years ago - to promote the city of Missouri City as a place that people want to call home and to provide the quality of life that is necessary to do so. That involves public safety, air and water quality, a good mixture of residential and commercial growth, and to continue to work towards replacing or at least reducing property taxes with sales taxes. That can only be done by continuing to attract commercial and retail businesses. I also want to see the Quail Valley Country Club issue resolved with as small an impact to the community as possible. I want to see us continuing working with our consultants on developing a master plan for the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road corridors that will redevelop and vitalize that part of the City that serves as one of the gateways to our community.
A. Poats
My top priorities will be within the corporate city limits of Missouri City. I will work to revitalize our current subdivisions. I will work to revitalize Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092 by bringing new businesses and assisting current center owners and businesses in upgrading their investments. I will work to have the amenities that define a city in Missouri City for the use of our citizens.
Q. What is your vision for Missouri City's future?
A: Owen
My vision for the City is one of being a premiere place to live and work. I see us growing to well over 125,000 people in the next 10 years and we need to be prepared for that. We have aging infrastructure that will need replacing - streets, side-walks, park improvements, and adding the necessary police and fire personnel to keep up with that growth. We will truly embrace the "Show Me" slogan as we begin to attract major employers and industry to our area. This will provide many new jobs as well as stimulate the housing market, while we may see other areas of the State and country not do as well.
A: Poats
My vision is for Missouri City to be the premier city in the state of Texas and in a very short time the premier city in the United States. We have the people and the diversity to attain this goal. I will utilize the many positive ideas of our citizens and stop dealing in antiquated ideas where the interest of one segment of our citizenry or one subdivision’s interest is above the rest of the city’s.
Q. What are some of the concerns expressed by Missouri City residents that you have plans to respond to?
A. Owen
My concerns are how we keep ahead of the growth so we do not lag behind and find ourselves trying to catch up. Replacing that aging infrastructure gradually and as we can afford to do so. Making sure that our staffing is adequate in all areas of the City, and especially public safety. Making sure that we have adequate fresh water for our future will be a tremendous task and one we prepared for over 10 years ago. We will have to start treating ground water before it enters our streams and this will be a costly measure, yet necessary one to provide our future generation with clean water.
A. Poats
Within the corporate city limits of Missouri City, council has failed to address the basic needs of our citizens. Highway 6 at Lakeshore Harbour has needed a traffic light. Gessner in the Colony Crossing needs a traffic light. I will protect our children and citizens by first taking care of our basic needs. We will install sidewalks to assist our children who have to walk to school. Our police department will further its efforts to serve and protect our citizens. We are not going to over commercialize Highway 6. Our fire department will be the best in the area.
Q. What characteristics does the city have to be proud of as "The Show Me City"?
A. Owen
As we adopted the "Show Me" slogan earlier last year, we did so saying that we truly do have things to show. We have a highly educated, highly paid, very diverse population that will continue to attract people who want to be part of our City. We will work through the Quail Valley Country Club issue and end up showing people 400 more acres of beautiful green space, water features, mature trees, and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some part of it. Diversity is the strongest asset we have. We live, work, and play together in a healthy environment that has proven to be our best known strength. We will continue to do that even as we reach a population almost twice what it is today.
A. Poats
We need to be proud of our people. We have a very diverse population and a very good income level in our city, but we don’t work with the people within the corporate city limits. We focus upon minutia instead of focusing on the large things. The large things we need to focus on are our citizens and our children. What are the amenities we have as a city? Why don’t we have real theatre, why don’t we have movie theaters? We have been here long enough to have those things, to have culture. We are focused on Quail Valley which is very good, but why did Quail Valley go down? I believe the answer to that question is that the mayor and his contemporaries have not been proactive, they’ve been reactive. We are going to be a proactive administration, wherein we look at things and try to work with those things now. We want to enhance the wonderful things that we have and then look to add to things in Missouri City.
Q. What areas need improving to make it the "The Show Me City"
A. Owen
We have an aging infrastructure that will need replacing, such as streets, sidewalks, park improvements, and adding the necessary police and fire personnel to keep up with that growth.
A. Poats
Drive around, look at the gateway of the City. Drive around and look at the strip centers on 2234 and on Cartwright Road. Look at how people are really in morose. Why is it that in every facet of the city people are arguing? Quail Valley argues because of the golf course; First Colony argues because of sidewalks; FM 2234 and Cartwright Road residents are arguing because of the way it looks. The subdivisions are arguing because they are not getting any assistance from the city or any direction from the city on what they should do and how they should do it. Our mobility plans are not in place for the city? Those are the things that need improving.
Q. What strengths do you possess that make you the prime candidate to take Missouri City into the future?
A. Owens
I bring my continued commitment to the citizens of Missouri City that I want it to be the best place in the world to live and raise a family. I spent five years on planning and zoning helping plan the future of our City. I then served eight years as an at-large councilman and as mayor pro-tem. I am now completing my 14 years of service as mayor. I have worked for years developing an attitude with outside developers and business owners that we have a lot to offer and we welcome them with open and cooperative arms. This was not always the case. It also does not happen overnight or a couple of years. It takes time and takes having a Council that works together for the same causes and as team. We have that now and I hope we can continue with what we set out to do.
I oversee 13 Wells Fargo banks in Fort Bend County, serve on many charitable boards, volunteer manyhours with community organizations and have always had a simple philosophy - God put me on this earth to serve others and I feel committed to fulfill that purpose. I think I am qualified to represent the citizens of Missouri City for another term as mayor.
A. Poats
I am a very proactive person and have run my own business for several years. I’ve worked with a number of people and I cross all lines, it doesn’t make any difference. I have the ability to sit down and talk with everybody, and after sitting and talking, not only studying, to put things in place and make them happen, not depending on one person or one entity.
Q. What will you focus on in the first six months should you be reelected?
A. Owens
We will work through the Quail Valley Country Club issue and end up showing people 400 more acres of beautiful green space, water features, mature trees, and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some part of it.
A. Poats
My initial focus will be on the health and safety of our citizens. Traffic signals, sidewalks and children’s safety will be the initial undertakings. Concurrently, I will make Texas Parkway’s appearance reflective of the gateway entrance of the greatest city in Texas. I will bring business to Cartwright Road and FM 1092 that reflect the character and values of all Missouri City residents. I will determine where the money from past bond issues has gone and establish and use line item spending for new bond proposals. I will work to bring back community pride and that feeling one has when you know any venture you take on can be accomplished. I will have the citizens of Missouri City knowing their elected officials are working on their behalf and not some entity who may come to Missouri City for that entities financial gain to the detriment of our citizens. I will push for term limits. I will bring back civility, credibility and accountability to the Mayor’s office. I will initiate the work to increase property values. My focus will be proactive, not reactive as things are done with the present office holder.
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PFM Comment: Apparently Mr. Owen believes his administrations neglect of the 1092, Cartwright and TX Pkwy corridors, support for the expanding landfill, loss of the hospital and continued catering to the special interests is due more time since his taking office nearly 2-3 decades ago?
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Poats Leads Block-walks For "Operation Clean Sweep"
Greyling Poats, Missouri City mayoral candidate, lead several block-walking efforts into city neighborhoods this weekend. So far over 1400 homeowners have been visited with the message for hope and change. Campaign workers are armed with official city documents, such as council minutes on their votes and the campaign disclosure reports for many seated council members.
Some of the issues that seem to be drawing much attention are the recent increased tax votes (3) by Wyatt, Owen and Jimerson and the campaign finance reports of Eunice Reiter, Barbara Gibson, Allen Owen and Buddy Jimerson. Apparently, from the reports, numerous out of city special interest have become regular campaign contributors to these council members. In some cases these elected officials have voted on projects benefitting some of those company representatives (several from Houston).
One question keeps being raised by the Poats campaign since 2006. Can these officials adequately represent the interests of the average homeowner and taxpayer in our city on issues like development, the landfill expansion, loss of the hospital, redirection of city taxes to some of these special interest, etc.
Stay tuned as we will update the progress as Greyling continues to visit voters in their subdivisions.
Some of the issues that seem to be drawing much attention are the recent increased tax votes (3) by Wyatt, Owen and Jimerson and the campaign finance reports of Eunice Reiter, Barbara Gibson, Allen Owen and Buddy Jimerson. Apparently, from the reports, numerous out of city special interest have become regular campaign contributors to these council members. In some cases these elected officials have voted on projects benefitting some of those company representatives (several from Houston).
One question keeps being raised by the Poats campaign since 2006. Can these officials adequately represent the interests of the average homeowner and taxpayer in our city on issues like development, the landfill expansion, loss of the hospital, redirection of city taxes to some of these special interest, etc.
Stay tuned as we will update the progress as Greyling continues to visit voters in their subdivisions.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
FortBendNow: Poats Files For Missouri City Mayor
Poats Files To Run For Missouri City Mayor
by Jamie Mock
Greyling Poats has officially filed to run for mayor in Missouri City, after having announced last week via a Web site that he was planning to run. This will be his second attempt to oust incumbent Allen Owen, who has held the position since 1994...(get the full release at: http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=18620&article-Poats-Files-To-Run-For-Missouri-City-Mayor%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&)
by Jamie Mock
Greyling Poats has officially filed to run for mayor in Missouri City, after having announced last week via a Web site that he was planning to run. This will be his second attempt to oust incumbent Allen Owen, who has held the position since 1994...(get the full release at: http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home&id=18620&article-Poats-Files-To-Run-For-Missouri-City-Mayor%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&)
Friday, February 15, 2008
FB Sun Covers Greyling's Run For Mayor
Greyling Poats announces plans for mayoral run
By DIANE TEZENO
02/14/2008
For the second time, local insurance agency representative, Greyling Poats, is gearing up to run for the city’s top spot in the 2008 Missouri City elections, although as of Feb. 13 he had not filed for the seat.
Poats, a long time resident of Missouri City, made an unsuccessful bid to unseat Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen in 2006.
In a recent press release, Poats emphasized his focus in the upcoming election.
“This campaign is not against the incumbent and his cohort. It is a race to vitalize the character and direction of our city,” said Poats.
In his announcement, Poats asked residents to assess the current administration’s impact on the quality of life, property values and amenities in Missouri City. . . (get the full article below)
http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19295835&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=635575&rfi=6
By DIANE TEZENO
02/14/2008
For the second time, local insurance agency representative, Greyling Poats, is gearing up to run for the city’s top spot in the 2008 Missouri City elections, although as of Feb. 13 he had not filed for the seat.
Poats, a long time resident of Missouri City, made an unsuccessful bid to unseat Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen in 2006.
In a recent press release, Poats emphasized his focus in the upcoming election.
“This campaign is not against the incumbent and his cohort. It is a race to vitalize the character and direction of our city,” said Poats.
In his announcement, Poats asked residents to assess the current administration’s impact on the quality of life, property values and amenities in Missouri City. . . (get the full article below)
http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19295835&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=635575&rfi=6
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
FortBendNow Covers Greyling's Race For MC Mayor
Follow this link http://fortbendnow.com/pages/full_story?article-Poats-Announces-Another-Run-For-Mayor%20=&page_label=home&id=15669&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=& for more from FBN...
Monday, February 11, 2008
Poats Formally Announces His Candidacy For Missouri City Mayor!
The following is the official campaign announcement for Greyling Poats seeking the position of mayor in Missouri City during the May 2008 elections:
Friends,
With great anticipation of the positive we can make in Missouri City, I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Mayor. The past has taught us Missouri City cannot depend on one subdivision to sustain the standard of living that was the norm here. Our potential is boundless if we use the assets within our corporate city limits and only bring in additional areas to add to our greatness, not deter from the same. Great cities utilize ideas and criticism of it's citizens to prosper and grow, failing cities are staid, barren of new ideas and keep leaders in office far to long eliminating the vitality and vibrancy that it needs. This campaign is not against the incumbent and his cohort. It is a race to vitalize the character and direction of our City.
To assess where we are as a community, one must ask, has the quality of my life improved under the current leadership? Has this administration had ample time to improve the quality of our lives? Have my property values increased while my taxes have been lowered? Have the amenities of my neighborhood and city; doctors offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, grocery stores, churches, coffee shops, golf courses, small businesses, facilities for youth, bookstores, and landfills etc., improved or declined under the current administration? How does my community compare to cities with similar neighborhoods and facilities? Are we better, the same or has this mayor and council let us deteriorate while offering a myriad of excuses on why they cannot do anything to attract businesses and families to Missouri City proper?
Where is the focus of this mayor and council? How often do you hear your neighborhood in a positive light from the current administration? Does this mayor and council spend my tax dollars on enhancements i.e. mobility, drainage, street signs, side-walk repair, bridge construction and improvements, traffic lights, festivals, etc. for the benefit of those who pay MISSOURI CITY TAXES or is their primary concern with the EXTRA TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION that does not pay city property taxes? These are only a few of the questions one must ask when electing a new administration. My campaign request to the Citizens of Missouri City is to critically think about these concerns and other issues you know of before selecting your Mayor. I will file my candidacy for the office of Mayor of Missouri City, Texas. With your help, I and other candidates seeking councilmatic office, will again make Missouri City the preeminent community in Texas.
We will update this as information presents itself...
Friday, January 11, 2008
Recent Reversal Of City Council On TX Pkwy TIRZ Is Welcome, Says Greyling!--
...Just into the "Draft Poats for Council" blog:
Greyling, a community leader and potential mayoral candidate in Missouri City has stated that he fully supports the cities reversal from 2006-2007 on the viability of a TIRZ (tax reinvestment zone) on Cartwright and Texas Parkway. "It is long past due and something as a reform group we have been working on for several years now. I think we are finally making progress after some pretty contested battles on this issue with some entrenched council members".
Further, I strongly agree with city leaders Rodney Griffin, Lou Hunter, Cynthia Gary (council district B) and Kevin Tunstall on the advantages of such a corridor reinvestment. "A much long over-due and needed addition to our city", stated Poats.
We will update this news as it comes in...
Greyling, a community leader and potential mayoral candidate in Missouri City has stated that he fully supports the cities reversal from 2006-2007 on the viability of a TIRZ (tax reinvestment zone) on Cartwright and Texas Parkway. "It is long past due and something as a reform group we have been working on for several years now. I think we are finally making progress after some pretty contested battles on this issue with some entrenched council members".
Further, I strongly agree with city leaders Rodney Griffin, Lou Hunter, Cynthia Gary (council district B) and Kevin Tunstall on the advantages of such a corridor reinvestment. "A much long over-due and needed addition to our city", stated Poats.
We will update this news as it comes in...
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