Each candidate on the May 1 ballot for the alderperson and mayoral seats for Brookshire were sent a questionnaire and offered an equal amount of time and space to respond. Only two candidates for Brookshire City Council, Susette Baines who is running for the position three alderperson’s chair, and Monique Taylor who is running for position one, chose to respond.

We are disappointed the other candidates refused to participate, primarily because the lack of participation in the discussion on important issues leaves voters within the city without any clear means of deciding on whom to vote for.

As ongoing growth transforms Brookshire from a rural community into a small industrial city, discourse and discussion from local officials and candidates will be important. Without a discussion among the candidates, voters rely on word-of-mouth or name recognition to choose their representatives on council.

Brookshire is growing quickly and may soon pass the point where name recognition and reputation are all that are needed to choose its leaders. In 1990, Brookshire had a population of about 2,900 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Today, that population is estimated at 5,400. Growth appears to be increasing exponentially.

Given the rapid rate of growth, spurred in part by the county’s increased desire to bring industrial hubs to the area, it won’t take long for Brookshire to become like Fulshear. About 10 years ago, Fulshear had a population of only about 1,100 people. Today – initial findings from the 2020 census show its population at around 16,000.

Deciding who is going to lead Brookshire into the oncoming rapid growth is important, and not something that should be tackled by an uninformed electorate.

Baines’ answers are below and Brookshire readers are encouraged to reach out to the other candidates to discuss the issues facing the city prior to going to the polls April 19-27 for early voting and on Election Day this May 1.

Questions and Answers

Why are you running for Brookshire City Council and what should voters know about you as a person?

Taylor: I am the daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Joyce) Taylor and the youngest of three girls.  I am the mother of 5-year-old Charleston.  This Brookshire native is a proud Royal Falcon Alumni representing the class of 1999.  I am a long-time faithful member at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Willie Johnson.  And why now you asked:  I want to give back to the city that gave me so much growing up.  The values I learned from my family, teachers, and neighbors were a positive force on me.  Furthermore, it’s time for tenures to end and real change to begin.  It’s time to do more than talk about change we’ve got to be the change.  It’s time to stop voting because of familiarity and start voting based on actions.  I am ready to serve!

Baines: First and foremost, the City of Brookshire has to be open to change. Change is going to happen so why not use your vote to have a voice in how it changes. I want to see our economy grow and to become the beautiful city that it once was. I’ve lived in and around the Brookshire area for 25 years. My three children attached Royal ISD. I’ve worked on the financial side of healthcare for over 30 years. I am an active volunteer within the community.

What should the city do to partner with the county to ensure economic opportunities are maximized for Brookshire residents?

Taylor: In order to make sure economic opportunities are maximized for local residents, we as City Council members should formulate a sit down with Waller County officials.  This sit down should introduce the idea of establishing a local agreement between the two in order to ensure future collaborations.

Baines: Ensure that our own Economic Board is reaching out and utilizing all county agencies while ensuring that the decisions being made are in the best overall interest of our city.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the city of Brookshire and how do you think the city should address that challenge?

Taylor: The biggest challenge facing the city of Brookshire is our hindering growth, regarding revenue and lack of laws that will push for improvement.  My idea to address these challenges involves me working with the entire city council to create an economic board involving the citizens.  This board will showcase collaborated ideas pushing new business opportunities, the development of a local recreation center for our children, and more city-hosted community events.  These events will allow more people from different areas to contribute to our local economy.  We must support our own local businesses which means more money for the city of Brookshire, resulting in lower city taxes.

Baines: We want people to move to Brookshire but there appears to be a lack of housing. We have warehouses that have a Brookshire address, but a vast majority of workers don’t live in Brookshire. This means that the city is not getting much revenue. We have to work to make this city a place people want to raise families.

What do you feel Brookshire should do regarding its current lack of an Animal Control Department?

Taylor:  To address the city of Brookshire’s lack of animal control, there’s only one real resolution; which is the development of an Animal Control Department.

Baines: Why not look into outsourcing to surrounding cities until the City of Brookshire can come up with a plan that is in the best interest of the community?

Many city streets are in need of improvement with maintenance concerns due to aging. What do you feel the city should do to improve its roadways?

Taylor: We must look at different ways to get ahead of aging infrastructure.  Our current budget includes revenue set aside for street repairs already in poor condition.  I would like to take a triage approach as well and give city staff the flexibility to make fast and lasting repairs to potholes as they spring up.  That way, we prevent our streets currently in good condition from deteriorating over time and we will come out ahead. 

Baines: This has been an ongoing issue for many years. Set an agenda on how much can be spent and work on the ones that are in the most disrepair.

Correction: Monique Taylor responded in time to be included but her responses were missed due to an email issue. Her information and responses have been appended above.