Katy-area voters to vote in two different elections May 7

By George Slaughter, News Editor
Posted 4/20/22

Katy-area voters are preparing to cast their ballots for two Katy Independent School District Board of Trustee seats in the May 7 election. But they, like voters across the state, will also be asked to vote in a separate state election to decide whether to adopt two proposed constitutional amendments.

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Katy-area voters to vote in two different elections May 7

Posted

Katy-area voters are preparing to cast their ballots for two Katy Independent School District Board of Trustee seats in the May 7 election. But they, like voters across the state, will also be asked to vote in a separate state election to decide whether to adopt two proposed constitutional amendments.

The proposed amendments, written by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, deal with local property taxes. Proposition 1 is to benefit individuals with an over age 65 or disabled exemption on their homestead. Proposition 2 is to increase the homestead exemption by $15,000.

Typically, state constitutional amendments requiring voter approval are on the November general election ballot. But a Bettencourt staff member said last week that extended legislative special sessions kept the propositions from receiving the needed approval in time for placement on the November ballot. As a result, they are on the next ballot, which is May 7.

In a statement describing the propositions, Bettencourt said many voters have found the ballot language to be confusing.

“I want to clarify what these amendments actually do,” Bettencourt said. “Homeowners over the age of 65 will see their freeze values for school taxes actually decline, a.k.a., ISD property tax bills if Proposition 1 passes. Also, if passed, Proposition 2 will lower independent school district property tax bills by increasing the homestead exemption that will save money for the 5.6 million homesteads in the state of Texas.”

For more information about state voter registration, visit the website votetexas.gov.

In the school board election, Duke Keller, an attorney, is seeking his second term as trustee, position 1. He has drawn four challengers. All are seeking their first term on the board. Saki Krishamurthy is an engineer and executive. Eliz Markowitz is an educator. Victor Perez is retired. Cicely Taylor is an educator.

Lance Redmon, who works in building material sales, is seeking his second term as trustee, position 2. He has drawn two challengers. Bonnie Anderson is an IT manager who is making her second bid for office. Patricia Haggard is a stay-at-home parent who is making her first bid for office.

April 25 is the first day to vote early in person. May 3 is the last day to vote early in person.

Katy city voters would typically have an election in May, but the only position that was open, the mayoralty, is uncontested. Dusty Thiele, an insurance executive and former council member, will take the oath of office May 13. He will succeed Bill Hastings, who is retiring after one term in office.

The state and school board elections are not to be confused with the May 24 party primary runoff for both the Texas Democratic and Republican parties.

The runoffs enable Democrats and Republicans to decide their nominees for statewide office. Here’s a preview of the contested runoffs.

Lieutenant governor

  • Democratic: Michelle Beckley vs. Mike Collier

Attorney general

  • Democratic: Rochelle Garza vs. Joe Jaworski
  • Republican: George P. Bush vs. Ken Paxton

Land Commissioner

  • Democratic: Jay Kleberg vs. Sandragrace Martinez
  • Republican: Dawn Buckingham vs. Tim Westley

Comptroller

  • Democratic: Janet T. Dudding vs. Angel Luis Vega

Railroad Commissioner

  • Republican: Wayne Christian vs. Sarah Stogner
property tax, constitutional amendment