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Mayoral challengers debate taxes, policing and David Memorial Drive in Shenandoah forum
Summary
Incumbent Mayor John Escoto and challenger Ron Raymaker debated whether to study an interlocal with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office to curb projected tax pressure, disputed the sheriff's interest status, and discussed mobility projects including David Memorial Drive.
In a Shenandoah candidate forum hosted by Community Impact, incumbent Mayor John Escoto and challenger Ron Raymaker clashed over whether the city should seek an interlocal policing agreement with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office to contain rising public-safety costs.
Ron Raymaker, a 10-year councilman running for mayor, said he would pursue an interlocal agreement in his first 100 days and present the numbers to residents at town halls. Raymaker argued the city faces large recurring costs from pay-parity and projected that, without structural changes, Shenandoah could see the tax rate rise substantially: "Unless spending changes, Shenandoah moves from an 18 cent tax rate today to roughly 31 cents within 3 years," he said, adding a conservative 5% appraisal forecast and multi-year expense assumptions in his math.
Escoto, the incumbent mayor, defended the city's police department and said he had received a letter from the sheriff indicating the sheriff was not interested in taking over policing responsibilities; Escoto warned that handing over responsibility could sacrifice local relationships and the department's gatekeeper role on I-45. He also said the city has been pursuing mobility projects and expects updates on David Memorial Drive soon.
Both candidates emphasized transparency and resident engagement but proposed different remedies. Raymaker prioritized an immediate fiscal review and more regular town halls and office hours; Escoto emphasized continuing the city's regional partnerships, citing his role with the Houston-Galveston Area Council and work with TxDOT on traffic flow at I-45 and Research Forest.
On budgeting, Raymaker argued for multi-year forecasting and said Shenandoah should adopt three-year projections and transparency standards so the city can plan for pay-parity and other anticipated costs. Escoto pointed to completed phases of projects and ongoing work with neighboring jurisdictions that have affected timelines.
The forum produced no formal council action. The candidates reminded voters of early voting and May 2 election day before closing.
