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Flooding and drainage emerge as top issues; candidates split on assessment fee
Summary
Candidates acknowledged chronic flooding and drainage problems but disagreed on a drainage-assessment fee: some urged exploring targeted fees and intergovernmental partnerships, others opposed new resident charges.
Flooding and drainage drew sustained attention at the forum. Tim Wood described his work forming a drainage committee and told the audience he is "willing to explore" a drainage-assessment fee; he said the city must collaborate with Harris County and neighboring cities because "water wants to go to a lower elevation" and crosses boundaries. Wood framed the issue as one of resources and long-term planning.
Kenneth Grant strongly opposed a drainage-assessment fee, calling it "just a pretty word of saying they're trying to tax our residents" and urged local community action and oversight. Frank Heathcock emphasized basic maintenance — clearing drains and encouraging resident reporting — while Xavier Herrera promoted needs assessments and public–private partnerships to find alternative funding and technical solutions. The forum exchange made clear candidates differ on whether to pursue new fees, rely on sales tax growth, or seek partnerships to address drainage needs.
