Galveston has an urban core that is desperately in need of redevelopment. City Government has a duty to enable tax-paying, job-creating, quality business interests – new and old – to prosper. As Mayor of Galveston I’ll promote business on the Island, recruit new businesses and lead a Council that will create an atmosphere that welcomes businesses: “What can we do to help you succeed?” will be the predominate message businesses will hear from City Hall.

I support the Downtown redevelopment plan because it creates jobs and brings retail development to Galveston. Also, I’ll support the Galveston Wharves in every way I can: promoting trade with Cuba, seeking Congressional action to make Galveston a Port of Call, recruiting shipyard and drilling support business and leveraging our superior proximity to the sea lanes to encourage more cargo traffic. I will fight – as I successfully did in Court last year - for UTMB’s return and continued growth. JOI! Jobs on the Island!

Clean Galveston Island: Keep it Clean!

As Galveston’s Mayor I will pursue a positive agenda to clean Galveston Island’s beaches, streets and neighborhoods.  I hear from visitors and residents that Galveston continues to suffers from a litter problem. We all know it’s true, it’s embarrassing and we often feel the struggle to address the problem is hopeless. Well, it’s finally time to say “Enough!” and make change happen.  The fact is we have tools and manpower available to clean this Island from East end to West end; on our major thoroughfares and in the Strand and Downtown; on undeveloped lands and in our neighborhoods. The Council can make a difference.  We’ll have to update, strengthen and enforce our ordinances to show the law-abiding residents that the City is on their side and ready to take litterers and noncompliant property owners to task. We must continue to beautify Galveston with sustainable and attractive landscaping on public lands.   We’ll encourage land owners, businesses and visitors by keeping City property in pristine condition and making it a policy priority at the City of Galveston to clean this Island and “Keep it Clean.”

Champion Galveston’s Historic 21st Century Recovery

The Galveston Community Recovery Committee has made a vital difference in Galveston’s future. The Committee’s remarkable membership – and its productivity - wowed even the greatest cynics, and its 42-project Report holds many keys to Galveston’s future. We’ve seen numerous consultant reports come and go over the years, most are left to gather dust on that forgotten shelf at City Hall. The Recovery Committee Report, however, deserves a different treatment: As Mayor I will lead a regular discussion, and encourage updating, of the many projects contained within the Report.  The Community Recovery Committee represented us well.  The Committee spoke for us all.  It’s Report deserves a long and productive application, and Galvestonians ought to demand a Mayor and Council who will see to it that such an outcome is done. The Report contains some great ideas; now, let’s get results.

Make commuter rail to Galveston Island a reality by 2016

Galveston is "one gallon away" from the fourth largest city in the Nation, but the drive is a chore, not a pleasure. Imagine the difference it would make to our economy if scheduled commuter rail serviced the Island. Rail is affordable, legal and achievable; and the Houston/Galveston corridor is uniquely qualified to benefit from the Nation's renewed interest in rail. As your Mayor, I will make achieving scheduled commuter rail my number one priority; this success would be as significant to Galveston's well-being as the Seawall has been for a century. The potential benefit is well worth the effort.

Pursue professionalism and reasonableness during Council deliberations

My intent is to lead a Council that respects each member’s views and enjoys vigorous debate.  Business owners, residents, visitors and developers will be welcome to share their vision for Galveston's success before the next Council, and everyone will receive a fair hearing. I'll encourage my fellow council members to be prepared, efficient and motivated to serve. The next Council will meet at a time conducive to getting the people's business done. Expect positive performance, productive deliberations and measurable results. As your Mayor, I will lead a Council you'll be proud of.

Attack poverty: Make Galvestonians' lives empowered financially

Among the many images of beauty and progress in Galveston, I also see poverty every day on the Island. Homelessness, hopelessness and decay occur throughout America, but somehow in Galveston our issues seem more pronounced and even chronic. What if we confronted poverty squarely, rather than avoided it? I'm motivated to pursue policies to help our citizens find work and make smart financial decisions. Our state and federal government have programs designed to address joblessness and poverty, but Cities could do much more. All politics is local; so too are the best solutions. As Mayor, I will leverage the formidable network of local businesses, higher education institutions and social services available on the Island to add a sharper focus to their mission: get Galveston citizens to work and help them improve their financial health.

Create lasting relationships for Galveston's benefit in Houston, Austin and Washington D.C

We've always known this, but especially after Ike we're reminded how we need to be politically active to survive as a community. For example, in just the past few months the The U.T. Board of Regents nearly succeeded in halving UTMB's presence on Galveston Island; FEMA - a political entity to be sure - has left us anxious while considering extensions of time and reimbursement rates, and, as a coastal community, we are regularly affected by the decisions of the General Land Office. Galveston needs a Mayor who can work productively with regional and national leaders to improve our community. I have relationships among leaders in Houston, Austin and Washington D.C., that I can put to great use for Galveston's benefit. That's what a Mayor should do.

Defend and Promote Galveston's Unique Character

Galveston has got its own groove. It’s an open and welcoming community. That's why my wife and I chose to raise our family here. Community Character is a precious commodity, and in this material world of progress it's possible for a community to change and lose its soul. So we must save the good things in Galveston: families, neighborhoods, natural beauty, and local businesses. We must embrace “green” and sustainable technologies, development codes and urban planning practices.  As Mayor I will be mindful of our choices, and I will weigh the consequences. I want all our children to grow up proud of Galveston's history, with the view that their home - Galveston - is a safe, clean and soulful place to live and raise a family.