On May 2, voters in the City of Katy will choose their representatives for the Ward A position (currently held by Janet Corte, who is term-limited and cannot run again). The Katy Times posed the same questions to each candidate, and their answers are below for voters to consider. Candidates for Ward B candidates will appear on March 19.

Responses have been edited for length, clarity and adherence to AP style. Candidates are listed in the same order as on the City of Katy website.

WARD A: J. R. Richardson and Johnston Dietz

· What propelled you to run for the council position?

RICHARDSON: Katy isn’t just where I live, it’s my home. Over the years, serving on local boards and working alongside families and business owners, I’ve seen how city decisions directly affect everyday life. I’m running because I believe Ward A deserves representation that listens, communicates clearly, and plans responsibly for the future while protecting what makes Katy special.

DIETZ: I decided to run because Katy is entering a period of complete transition on City Council, with all members reaching the end of their terms within a year and significant institutional knowledge stepping away. During times like this, experience matters. My executive leadership background, combined with my work engaging state and federal legislators on complex policy issues, positions me to provide stability and thoughtful guidance through this transition. At the same time, conversations with local business owners have raised real concerns about the investability and business climate of our city. I’m running to ensure Katy remains rooted in strong community and conservative values, supporting families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, and protecting what so many have worked hard to build.

· What are your unique qualifications to represent the community on council

RICHARDSON: First, I want to be clear. I don’t come from politics. I come from this community and that’s who I’ll represent. I’ve built relationships across Ward A, from longtime Old Katy residents to families in growing neighborhoods like Cane Island. Our area isn’t one-size-fits-all, and every neighborhood deserves to feel heard. I bring a balanced approach, supporting smart economic development while prioritizing infrastructure, public safety, and responsible growth. I’m not stepping into this role to start serving… I’ve already been serving.

DIETZ: My professional background in executive management, operations, budgeting, and strategic planning allows me to evaluate complex issues and make disciplined, data-driven decisions. I’ve led teams and managed high-stakes projects where accountability and financial stewardship were essential. I’ve also worked with the Texas State Legislature and at the federal level on tariff policy and its impact on direct foreign investment, giving me firsthand insight into how public policy influences economic growth and business confidence. As a small business advocate, I understand how local decisions connect to

broader state and federal dynamics. Combined with years of volunteer leadership, I bring a strategic perspective and a servant-leader mindset focused on delivering practical results for Katy.

· What is the most significant issue that needs to be addressed in the area you represent?

RICHARDSON: Infrastructure and responsible growth are the most pressing concerns in Ward A. Traffic, drainage, and public safety must keep pace with development especially on the south side of I-10. Growth is coming whether we like it or not. The question is whether we manage it wisely and proactively.

DIETZ: The most significant issue in Ward A is flooding and stormwater management. The current council has made meaningful progress in improving how water moves through our city, and we must continue and complete those infrastructure improvements. However, the City of Katy can only operate within its boundaries, which makes coordination with regional partners essential. We must continue to actively engage with the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District and Harris County Flood Control, which oversee much of the land north of Katy, to ensure upstream development does not negatively impact our residents. Protecting our homes and businesses requires not only strong city infrastructure, but [also] disciplined regional coordination and long-term planning.

· What are the three most significant issues facing the City of Katy as a whole?

RICHARDSON:

1. Infrastructure and mobility planning

2. Public safety as our population grows

3. Transparency and communication with residents

Residents deserve clear information about how decisions are made and how taxpayer dollars are spent.

DIETZ: The most significant issues facing our city are (1) investability and small business support, (2) flooding and stormwater management, and (3) mobility. To remain competitive, Katy must be a place where small businesses can thrive and where the permitting process is efficient and predictable, so investment isn’t pushed outside our city limits. As we support responsible growth, we must also continue improving drainage and flood control to protect homes, businesses, and property values. Furthermore, with Katy ranking among the top destinations for new movers seeking suburban living near Houston, proactive mobility planning is more important than ever. These issues are interconnected and will shape our long-term success.

· The information packets prepared for each council meeting are large and detailed. How do you plan to prepare for council meetings and what additional outside research will you do?

RICHARDSON: Preparation is part of the responsibility. I plan to thoroughly review every packet, study the financial impact of each item, and ask questions before meetings whenever possible. Beyond that, I will seek input from city staff, subject-matter experts, and residents who are directly impacted by agenda items. Being informed isn’t optional; it’s part of earning the public’s trust.

DIETZ: I take preparation seriously. Having completed my MBA from Texas A&M while raising three children with my wife, I’m accustomed to reviewing dense material late at night to fully understand complex issues. I will read every council packet thoroughly, analyze the financial impact of each agenda item, and prepare specific questions in advance to ensure meetings are focused and productive. My role as a private-sector executive provides schedule flexibility, allowing me to engage with City staff during business hours and gain deeper context before votes are taken. I’ve also built strong relationships with former mayors, past and current council members, and respected community leaders, and I will draw on that network to better understand community concerns and historical context. Thoughtful preparation, sound judgment, and integrity will guide every decision I make.

· What else should readers of the Katy Times know about you and your plans for the City of Katy?

RICHARDSON: We all call Katy home — whether we grew up here or just moved here.My goal is simple: protect our history, preserve our character, and plan responsibly so our kids can grow up loving Katy the same way we do. I believe informed residents create stronger communities. My job isn’t just to vote — it’s to communicate.

DIETZ: Readers should know that first and foremost, I'm a husband and father of 3, and my wife and I have been married for nearly 16 years. We’re raising our family grounded in conservative Christian values, personal responsibility, and service to others. I’m an avid outdoorsman and enjoy teaching our kids to appreciate nature, work hard, and to develop strong moral character. I strive to model strong integrity and moral values for my children, teaching them the importance of doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult. My plan isn’t to change Katy into something new, but to protect what already makes it great. As our city transitions in leadership, I want to ensure we remain rooted in the values, identity, and community spirit that so many have worked hard to build.

To learn more about the candidates:

· J. R. Richardson: www.facebook.com/people/JR-Richardson-for-Katy-City-Council-Ward-A/61586660476786/

· Johnston Dietz: www.facebook.com/groups/2731405017213549