The city of Bellaire is holding a special election in May for City Council Position 4 after Cindy Cohen-Taylor vacated her seat early in December.
City Council officially adopted an ordinance in January to call a special election to fill the vacant seat, and four candidates have filed to run for it.
The candidate who fills the vacant seat after the election will serve the remainder of the term through January 2028, with the special election taking place May 2, city officials said. Early voting will be conducted from April 20-27 at the Bellaire Civic Center, located at 7008 South Rice Ave.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Why are you running for City Council?
I want to help Bellaire residents continue improving our public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. Most of my family lives, works, or grew up in the Bellaire community, so this is home. I am ready to give back to the city that has supported me throughout my life.
What is your top priority as a council member?
Public safety must always come first. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, while shopping in our local businesses, and while enjoying our parks and public spaces. If we cannot ensure the safety of our community, nothing else matters.
What professional or community experience best prepares you to serve on City Council?
As a civil engineer, I manage public infrastructure projects and have built relationships with local and state partners that Bellaire will need to deliver projects on time and within budget. I also serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Simply put, I can hit the ground running on City Council.
What is the most urgent issue you see Bellaire facing today, and how would you work to solve the issue?
Maintaining our high quality of life while responsibly managing the costs of our aging infrastructure, parks, and public facilities, all while funding exceptional public safety. My approach is to ensure new development and businesses deliver real economic value to help Bellaire offset potential revenue impacts from state property tax relief.
How would you balance redevelopment and growth in Bellaire while preserving neighborhood character?
As I have done on Planning and Zoning, I have consistently worked to protect Bellaire’s neighborhoods while supporting responsible development. Reducing building heights and limiting multifamily units are policies that will preserve the character of our community. Strong public engagement will ensure solutions reflect the priorities of our citizens.
How would you approach flood mitigation and flooding projects in the city?
Work with City staff so current projects are constructed with minimal change orders and delays, coordinate with TxDOT on drainage improvements along IH 610, partner with the Brays Bayou Coalition to get more regional detention capacity, and identify neighborhood improvements that can be funded through the dedicated Drainage Utility Fee.
Why are you running for City Council?
I’m running because Bellaire is a special community, and I want to help protect and strengthen it. As a resident and parent, I care deeply about our neighborhoods, infrastructure, and responsible leadership that keeps Bellaire safe, well-managed, and a great place to live.
What is your top priority as a council member?
My top priority is maintaining Bellaire’s quality of life by investing in infrastructure, addressing flooding concerns, and ensuring responsible financial management. Growth and redevelopment should be handled thoughtfully so we protect neighborhood character while planning for the city’s long-term stability.
What professional or community experience best prepares you to serve on City Council?
My professional background in business and recruiting requires evaluating complex situations, communicating with diverse groups, and finding practical solutions. As a Bellaire resident and parent, I’m engaged in the community and understand the issues families and homeowners care about most.
What is the most urgent issue you see Bellaire facing today, and how would you work to solve the issue?
Flooding and aging infrastructure remain major concerns, but public safety is also critical. Recent break-ins in nearby West University highlight the need to stay vigilant. Bellaire should continue investing in drainage improvements while supporting strong policing, neighborhood awareness, and regional cooperation to keep our community safe.
How would you balance redevelopment and growth in Bellaire while preserving neighborhood character?
Redevelopment should respect the character of Bellaire’s neighborhoods. The city should carefully evaluate zoning and development trends while listening to residents. Thoughtful planning can allow responsible growth while protecting the qualities that make Bellaire such a desirable place to live.
How would you approach flood mitigation and flooding projects in the city?
Flood mitigation requires a long-term approach. I support continued investment in drainage infrastructure, coordination with Harris County Flood Control, and ensuring development considers stormwater impact. Data-driven planning and responsible budgeting will help Bellaire reduce flooding risk over time.
Why are you running for City Council?
As your Bellaire neighbor for more than 35 years, I feel a deep responsibility to give back to the community that has given so much to my family. I want to bring strong financial leadership, thoughtful planning, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while preserving what makes Bellaire special.
What is your top priority as a council member?
My top priority is protecting the city we all call home. That means staying focused on the basics—public safety, flood protection, infrastructure, and responsible budgeting—so Bellaire remains a safe, well-run city where families can continue to thrive for generations to come.
What professional or community experience best prepares you to serve on City Council?
In my career as a financial executive in publicly traded companies, I developed strategic plans and managed budgets. These skills will help me drive more effective spending of your taxpayer dollars. I also serve as Chair of the Culture & Arts Board and previously served on the Parks & Recreation Board.
What is the most urgent issue you see Bellaire facing today, and how would you work to solve the issue?
Bellaire’s aging infrastructure requires ongoing attention. The city must identify infrastructure needs, prioritize them based on the strategic plan, and incorporate them into the annual budget. With disciplined planning and responsible investment, we can maintain reliable infrastructure while continuing to support the city’s broader community priorities.
How would you balance redevelopment and growth in Bellaire while preserving neighborhood character?
Balancing growth with neighborhood character requires thoughtful planning and a clear long-term vision. A strong comprehensive plan guides development and establishes standards reflecting community priorities. At the same time, we must be flexible enough to respond to new growth opportunities while protecting the qualities residents value most.
How would you approach flood mitigation and flooding projects in the city?
I experienced the nightmare of flooding when my home flooded during [Hurricane] Harvey. While we’ve made meaningful progress on flood mitigation, I can bring fresh perspective and financial acumen to future planning. I will continue supporting responsible projects, including Cypress Ditch, that reduce flood risk and better protect Bellaire families.
Why are you running for City Council?
I am running to ensure Bellaire remains the “City of Homes” by prioritizing fiscal responsibility, transparency, and responsive government. I want to protect our unique residential character and high quality of life for future generations, ensuring that city leadership remains focused on the needs and concerns of all local residents.
What is your top priority as a council member?
My top priority is improving communication between City Hall and our neighborhoods. I will champion transparent decision-making and a comprehensive long-term plan that anticipates our city’s evolving needs. By engaging residents early and often, we can ensure every tax dollar spent aligns with our shared vision for Bellaire’s future.
What professional or community experience best prepares you to serve on City Council?
As a Bellaire High School graduate and resident since 1997, I have deep roots here. My experience as a local business owner and Vice Chair of the BLIFE Board, combined with professional fiscal management skills, ensures I can effectively collaborate with residents and city leadership to deliver transparent, practical results.
What is the most urgent issue you see Bellaire facing today, and how would you work to solve the issue?
Our most urgent issue is a lack of cohesive, long-term infrastructure planning. I would solve this by prioritizing a transparent, data-driven roadmap that balances immediate repairs with future needs. By engaging residents in the planning process, we ensure tax dollars are spent efficiently on projects that truly benefit our neighborhoods.
How would you balance redevelopment and growth in Bellaire while preserving neighborhood character?
I will prioritize residents by strictly upholding residential zoning and ensuring any commercial growth enhances, rather than encroaches upon, our neighborhoods. By implementing transparent planning processes and seeking early community feedback, we can encourage quality redevelopment that grows our tax base while protecting the quiet, small-town charm of Bellaire.
How would you approach flood mitigation and flooding projects in the city?
We must be honest: engineering cannot solve a Harvey-level event. My approach focuses on practical resilience—prioritizing high-impact projects that reduce risk for our most vulnerable, frequently flooded residents. By utilizing data-driven mitigation and ensuring transparent oversight of bond funds, we can provide relief and protect homes during more frequent storms.