In the May 7 General Election, Austin County voters will determine winners in races for positions on such councils as the Sealy ISD Board of Trustees, Wallis City Council, San Felipe Town Council, Bellville City Council and Bellville ISD Board of Trustees. Voters in the City of Sealy will also weigh in on propositions regarding the city charter. 

Early voting runs from April 25 to May 3 and for this Austin County Voter Guide, The Sealy News provided the same questions to each candidate with the same deadline to submit written answers. All those who submitted written answers before the deadline were included in this section. No edits were made to the candidates’ written responses.

Stay tuned to The Sealy News for election results as they become available online (sealynews.com), on social media (@TheSealyNews) and in the print edition.

— By Cole McNanna

Sealy ISD Board of Trustees

RYAN REICHARDT, POSITION 5

1. Why are you running for this position?

I am seeking re-election to SISD Board of Trustees because educating our kids and preparing them socially, emotionally and intellectually for their futures is my first priority. I am the product of a SISD education and have been blessed with success and experiences which I feel obligated to share with the next generation of our community. I have a vested interest in ensuring the best education possible for every student in our district as they will all be our future workforce, community leaders and ultimately determine our future. Serving as a board member has been a humbling and most rewarding …

2. How have you already been volunteering or serving the community?

I am completing my ninth year on the SISD Board of Trustees, the last six years as board president. I also helped create and serve on the Sealy Education Foundation, which this year raised and awarded $50,000 in teacher grants. I am chair of the Austin County A&M Scholarship Committee and serve on the Sealy Scholarship Foundation which combined awarded $130,000 in scholarships to Sealy students last year. I call Tiger Football games for STSN and serve as VP for LL Baseball and coach several teams throughout the year. I was also recently placed on the ACAD Board of Directors. 3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during

3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during your time in office? If re-elected, our district is currently going through a strate

If re-elected, our district is currently going through a strategic planning process and I plan to use those results to set new district goals and action plans tailored to the requests of our stakeholders and needs of our district. I also hope to see the continued expansion of our Career and Technology Programs, specifically the creation of Electrical, HVAC and Construction Management certifications. We will also have to continue working with our state senator and representative to improve school funding, local taxes continue to go up with increased appraisals; however, our local school district does not receive any increases … 4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work

4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work on ideas or issues that are important to you?

I would continue to serve and help in any capacity that was needed and there are plenty. Regardless, if I am a board member, my priorities are the same, helping to ensure the success and education of every kid in our community which impacts all of us.

5. What makes you stand out as a unique candidate?

I have been blessed from my experiences and relationships formed both previously attending and currently serving SISD, each of them have served as the foundation for my success personally and professionally. I have the ability to use my experience from serving in various professional leadership roles as well as positive relationships with our community and legislators to get the most benefit for our local school district. I am sensitive to our tax burden as a business and property owner as well as focused on spending efficiently for quality programs to educate our students and fairly compensate our teachers. Everything listed …

RALPH BOND, POSITION 5

1. Why are you running for this position?

I want to help make Sealy ISD one of the best school districts in the state of Texas! Our students should be ready for the next stage of their life. My opponent voted to take away a property tax discount; it is a nice way of saying he raised your Sealy ISD property taxes by 10% during a pandemic. The bank account grew during the pandemic aside from the unnecessary tax increase. My opponent has been on the board for nine years, serving six as president. It is time for a change; vote Ralph Bond!

2. How have you already been volunteering or serving the community?

I am currently the president of the Ministerial Alliance. I helped to organize the Sealy ISD staff-wide luncheon, where two of our community’s churches fed teachers, coaches, and staff members. I help with the Houston Food Bank Mobilization Unit, and the Sealy Food Pantry. In my local church, I help to organize and operate fundraisers each year to help students attend summer camp. I also serve as a member of the Deacon Ministry, Treasurer and head of the church Building & Grounds Ministry at First Baptist Church of Sealy.

3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during your time in office?

Our number one priority has to be the students, so the focus needs to be on the classroom. Our students need to receive the highest quality education in the state. Currently, the TEA rates our district as a C with surrounding districts rating higher. Addressing this will need to be our number one budgeting priority. Due to the loss of time with the pandemic, this will be even more challenging to increase the test scores and that is why I want to start in the classroom.

4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work on ideas or issues that are important to you?

I will continue to stay involved and advocate for teachers/ staff, students, and taxpayers of Sealy ISD. I stay involved with activities as a volunteer. Anywhere that needs a helping hand, I will be willing to serve!

5. What makes you stand out as a unique candidate?

I will not sit around and vote yes on everything and just not ask questions. I want to be a part of the solution to the areas that require improvement. Our kids deserve to be fully supported by the people who represent the school districts! My involvement in the community as a parent and volunteer has shown me the needs for our kids to be successful. I provide fresh new insight for the district. If you give me this opportunity, I will fight for our teachers, students, and taxpayers. I will work hard for Sealy ISD. Also running for Sealy ISD Board of Trustees but did not submit

answers include Kristen Novicke (unopposed for Position 1) and Brian Owen (unopposed for Position 4).

Wallis City Council

ADAM KROL

1. Why are you running for this position?

I’m running to find ways to improve the city infrastructure.

2. How have you already been volunteering or serving the community?

I have volunteered my time watching the city council conduct business as normal without a mission to improve the town.

3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during your time in office?

Bring

Leadership and accountability, starts at the top with City Council and the mayor;

Evaluate city employees to ensure they are certified, qualified, and equipped to do the job;

Assess the infrastructure from the towers to the sewers and roads in between;

Decide what needs the most attention, likely to fail. Prioritize and focus on the objective.

4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work on ideas or issues that are important to you?

Provide this plan as a guide to focus city resources to improve the city.

5. What makes you stand out as a unique candidate?

21 years of military service and USAF Inspector General experience. Currently a Manufacturing Engineer with Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Internal auditor background.

DANIEL DRONBERGER 1. Why are you running for this position?

1. Why are you running for this position?

I am seeking a position to be more involved in the direction our city is headed. I hope that as a lifelong citizen of Wallis I can bring new ideas that might help our city progress into the future. Over the past couple of years, I have noticed a lack of transparency. I feel that council and the citizens need to be provided detailed materials via PowerPoint presentations to make informed decisions. They need to fully understand what’s being discussed, as well as the timeline of a project and how the project will financially impact the city and its citizens.

2. How have you already been volunteering or serving the community?

I try and support many local events and organizations as much as possible. Whether it be purchasing raffle tickets, donating to an organization or event, supporting our Legion members at the Wallis Arts and Crafts Show or Thursday Bingo Nights and my all-time favorite event the KC Fish Fry’s. I also support our local businesses in town. I volunteer outside the community as well for the Agricultural Mechanics Committee for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo which helps our local FFA Chapter at Brazos High School, as well as other school districts within our county and state.

3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during your time in office?

I would like to accomplish creating council operating procedures to streamline the meetings and public comment. Ultimately no one council member can accomplish anything on their own. I would work with the other council members as well as listen to our citizens to make our city better.

4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work on ideas or issues that are important to you?

If I don’t get elected, I plan on communicating my concerns and the concerns from our citizens with the council members. As a person who lives in Wallis, I still plan to continue supporting our local businesses, organizations and events.

5. What makes you stand out as a unique candidate?

I believe as a person who has lived in Wallis almost my entire life, who graduated from Brazos ISD and whose mother was a business owner in Wallis for many years, I can keep our country feel while providing a new perspective on what would benefit our citizens. I also believe that having a technology background will help with providing transparency for our citizens by making sure our city website is up to date with current information, recorded council meetings, as well as making sure presentations and documentation from our council meetings are posted.

JOELL PRADO

1. Why are you running for this position?

After being actively involved with the Wallis EDC, Wallis Chamber of Commerce and volunteering for various community events and programs, I decided to run for city council to protect the health and safety of my neighbors, promote positive city growth, and encourage the entities that we already have established. And after meeting and getting to know many community members, I wanted to bring some true compassion to the citizens of Wallis. 2. How have you already been volun

2. How have you already been volunteering or serving the community? I volunteer for the Chamber of

I volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce promoting membership and local events. I have overseen and helped with the summer teen dance series, Annual BBB, July 4th festivities and more! Recently, I have become more active in the EDC and city issues such as learning about grants, sewer and water systems, etc. I have helped with the Helping Hands of Wallis, which makes sure families have food, especially during the holidays. My friends and family have helped me organize multiple benefits and events for citizens needing help with medical issues, weather related disasters, or just feeding their families.

3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during your time in office?

My goals when elected are better communication with the community, continue to support, encourage and build up the entities we already have established (police, fire, public works, city admin) and lay a foundation for proper growth in Wallis.

4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work on ideas or issues that are important to you?

Even if I am not elected, I want to continue to volunteer within the community, learn about grants that can positively help Wallis, stay active with city council and city issues and help our community as best as I can. My care and concerns for this town don’t just run skin deep. I truly do want to see the best for my town. My hope is to have a town that my children want to come back to and raise their families.

5. What makes you stand out as a unique candidate?

My willingness to put others first! I am not afraid of hard work, serving others, educating myself and using my common sense. I know I don’t have all the answers but I know I can count on the citizens of Wallis to guide me in making the best decisions for our town. I am truly for the people.

Also running for Wallis City Council but did not submit answers include James King, Daniel Martinez and Clark Main, Jr.

San Felipe Town Council

Running for San Felipe Town Council but did not submit answers include Kent McAllister, Derrick D. Dabney, Andra Ellis, Alfred Hall and Michael Elliot.

Bellville City Council

ASHLEY SLATER, POSITION 3

1. Why are you running for this position?

My main reason for running for re-election isn’t different than my reason for originally running two years ago; I love Bellville. This is my home. This is where my family is rooted. This is where I see myself growing old and where I have chosen to raise my children. I genuinely care about this community and its citizens. Bellville is part of who I am. I am not done serving this community. Current city council has worked as a united, cohesive group with city management to improve Bellville for its citizens. I want a chance to continue building on that.

2. How have you already been volunteering or serving the community?

Serving my community is part of who I am. I was proudly included with the inaugural group of five women who were asked to join the Bellville Lions Club. I am a current member of the Bluebonnet Society; raising funds for local non-profits. I am the Event Director for Bellville Small Town Christmas, which is recognized statewide, and serve on the fundraiser committee for the Boys & Girls Club. I am a coach this year for the Bellville Little League and have been approached about serving on the board next year. I have previously served on the Fair Board, as …

3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during your time in office?

The first priority is building the new police department so for the first time in Bellville’s history, our brave officers will have a permanent home. The land has been purchased and we break ground soon. We must continue to focus on the city’s infrastructure and develop a long-term strategy to best maintain the identity of Bellville during this period of growth. I’m also focused on holding those who are elected accountable for following existing state statutes and not using their position for any self-serving purposes. I value the trust placed in me and will do what is best for Bellville.

4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work on ideas or issues that are important to you?

Regardless of if I hold an official office or not, I’ll always be an active supporter and participant in the Bellville community. I will stay aware of current events and city council plans, speaking out if necessary. I’ll work to keep other citizens informed and encourage their participation. I’ll continue to serve in my many volunteer roles, stepping up to the plate should there be additional need with other organizations. I’ll always believe Bellville is the best place to raise a family and build your village and I’ll never give up on this city that means so much to me.

5. What makes you stand out as a unique candidate?

I am Bellville’s most accessible and active current City Council member. I have served a solid example of what it means to represent others. I do not have a hidden agenda. I’m known to tell it like it is and those who know me might call me blunt – but I do it with respect. I have spent two years showing up and listening every time there has been a need and that involvement has given me thorough understanding of what Bellville’s needs are and what the citizens’ priorities are. I am best positioned to serve Bellville as we move forward.

Also running for Bellville City Council but did not submit answers include Wayne Browning, Betty Hollon and Dallas Bozich – Position 1, Robert “Bob” Hancock – Position 3 and Garrett Dornon (unopposed for Position 5).

Bellville ISD Board of Trustees

JESSICA GORDON, POSITION 6

1. Why are you running for this position? I’m seeking election to the

I’m seeking election to the BISD Board because of my children, my Girl Scouts, the kids I coach, the teachers I’ve worked years to build connections with, the paraprofessionals who’ve helped my son, the coaches who’ve given their time to our kids, and my neighbors with their own kids grown but who are now part of my village. I believe my greatest accomplishment in life will be what I have done to make the community I live in better for others. Service to our district and the people who are so important to me epitomizes that belief.

2. How have you already been volunteering or serving the community?

I believe service to others is our responsibility and give my time generously. My husband and I founded Challenger Baseball, providing special needs children the opportunity to play baseball. I serve as the Bellville Little League Board Treasurer and am serving my second term on the Bellville Sens Center Board. I’m a Girl Scout leader and assist with the ACF Champion Drive. Within BISD, I serve as a room mom, on District Advisory Council, as a field trip chaperone, and as a classroom parent assistant. I’ve previously delivered for Meals on Wheels, coached soccer, and volunteered with Vacation Bible School.

3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during your time in office?

I have four goals I’d like to work toward. I want to improve teacher recruitment and retention, so our district is filled with teachers passionate about their roles. I’m also going to prioritize fiscal responsibility by focusing on funding alternatives and conscientious, proactive efforts toward repairs. Third, I want to grow the focus on student mental health and be an example of what a district can accomplish when they take a comprehensive approach to supporting students and families. Finally, I want to grow communication and trust with the community by focusing on being accessible and available for conversations. 4. If not elected, what

4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work on ideas or issues that are important to you?

If it’s taught me anything, being a special needs parent has taught me that you never give up. I’ll continue to serve BISD in all of my volunteer roles as well as continue to be present at bi-monthly board meetings. I will also work to increase parent involvement at board meetings, with agenda items, and with the District Advisory Committee. The decisions being made impact our children and parents must take the lead in our district. Finally, I’ll continue to create and grow a special needs parents’ group for BISD. I’ll never stop advocating for the underdogs in our community.

5. What makes you stand out as a unique candidate?

My long-term involvement in BISD has given me an exceptional perspective on the strengths and weaknesses in our district. I’m able to jump right in because I’ve already built the relationships and trust. My experience as a special needs parent has taught me that I need to advocate ferociously for what’s right and what’s needed, but also work respectfully with those addressing an issue from a different perspective because we’re all on the same team. With that background, I believe that I can complete the BISD board in a way that will best serve the students, parents, and community.

ANDREW MURRELL, POSITION 7

1. Why are you running for this position? Over the past three years, I

Over the past three years, I served on the BISD School Board, working to create an environment that allows every child to pursue his or her path, whatever it may be. We have increased granularity in primary school education, focused on core academics, and added courses to allow our kids to develop skills in work areas relevant to the regional and local economy as they transition out of school. Working to obtain better outcomes for all children is something often said, and continuing to serve BISD allows me the rare opportunity to see tangible changes that will achieve this goal.

2. How have you already been volunteering or serving the community?

Since moving here five years ago, I have served several volunteer positions throughout the community. I spent three years as an officer of the Austin County Texas Exes, a year on the Bellville Hospital Foundation Board, a year in Lion’s Club, founded the BISD Partners in Education Foundation, and most importantly, served a three-year term on the BISD School Board.

3. If elected, what do you plan on accomplishing during your time in office?

Upon re-election, I would continue the board’s efforts on improving efficiency. This includes closing Spicer, reevaluating the district’s assets, and finding a solution to the decaying OBI campus. We also aim to further increase teachers’ salaries. We recently increased salaries, increased loyalty stipends, and started recruitment bonuses. In 2019, teacher salaries were 75% of the budget. They are now 85%. I would also continue the efforts of increasing academic rigor and improving test scores through the development of skills-based assessments at lower campuses and continuing remediation efforts initially initiated in response to COVID-19 to improve our overall student test performance.

4. If not elected, what would you do to try to help work on ideas or issues that are important to you?

I would continue my work on the BISD Partners in Education Foundation. This year, we have already raised $50,000 in private-party donations. Our goal for the rest of 2022 is to raise $100,000 to support teachers. Last week, I served breakfast at OBI to announce our district-wide grant program. 75% of the funds raised are marked to fulfill teacher requests such as purchasing sensory lab materials, growing a student garden, and paying AP test fees for students. Teachers can apply for BISD Partners in Education grants of $1,000 for individual teacher requests and $5,000 for departmental requests.

5. What makes you stand out as a unique candidate? As a tax attorney, I have a

As a tax attorney, I have a deep understanding of the law and implications of tax changes. My experience serving as an executive allows me to advise on people management, multi-year budgeting, and setting a roadmap for achieving organizational goals. My viewpoint as a board member is often focused toward managing legal risk for the school district. Having founded my own firm and serving as a leader for the past 12 years, I possess a global viewpoint that allows me to quickly assess and resolve any issues that I encounter. I am especially adept at organizational efficiencies and long-range planning.

Also running for Bellville ISD Board of Trustees but did not submit answers include Kenneth Stein (unopposed for Position 5), Mimi Rettig – Position 6 and Heather Novicke – Position 7.