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Mayoral candidates debate growth, annexation and developer accountability at Montgomery forum
Summary
Four mayoral candidates debated how Montgomery should manage rapid growth: incumbent Sarah Countryman highlighted a $134 million capital plan, Mark Guess urged preparedness and fiscal discipline, Art Aguilar proposed annexation and cited Section 22.037, and another candidate raised a lawsuit with developer Steve Bowen and a recent water-permit application.
Mayoral candidates at a Montgomery forum split over how to manage growth, fund infrastructure and hold developers accountable.
Incumbent Mayor Sarah Countryman pointed to a multi-year capital program she said totals $134,000,000 for water, sewer and roads and described efforts such as bringing a fourth water plant online and repurposing an old sewer plant to avoid future moratoriums. "We have a $134,000,000 in front of us for capital improvements," she said, tying the plan to protections for taxpayers and future residents.
Mark Guess, another candidate, emphasized execution and fiscal caution, warning that costs have risen and that the city must improve enforcement of developer agreements. "If we don't keep our costs under control, we're not gonna be able to keep up," he said, urging stronger delivery and oversight.
Art Aguilar proposed annexation as a revenue strategy and cited statute-level authority to frame mayoral responsibility: referencing Section 22.037 of the local government code, he argued increasing population past a 5,000 threshold could give the city more ordinance authority and revenue options. "Annexation is a great way to get revenue right now, not 15 years from now," he said.
One candidate raised the city's litigation with a developer over the Waterstone neighborhood, saying the city is "involved in a lawsuit with the developer, Steve Bowen" and describing that dispute as evidence the city needs stronger contract language and legal expertise to protect homeowners. In closing remarks a candidate also said the city had recently applied for a water permit from the Lone Star Water Conservation District to address water availability.
Across the answers, candidates offered different mixes of short-term fixes and long-term planning: some stressed negotiating tougher development agreements and impact fees, others favored annexation and direct voter measures for big decisions. The forum concluded with short closing statements from each candidate and a reminder about ongoing projects such as HEB and downtown street improvements.
