Meet the City of Katy’s mayoral candidates

May 3 is Election Day in the City of Katy, when local voters will choose the person to lead the city for the next three years – either incumbent William H. “Dusty” Thiele, or challenger Michael Payne. The Katy Times posed the same questions to each candidate and their answers are below for voters to consider. (Responses have been edited for length, clarity and adherence to AP style.)

· What led to your decision to seek re-election and to run for mayor

THIELE: Serving as Mayor of Katy has been one of the greatest honors of my life. My decision to seek re-election is driven by my deep commitment to this community and my desire to continue the progress we’ve made. Throughout my first term, we have strengthened our city’s infrastructure, enhanced public safety, and preserved the small-town charm that makes Katy special. There is still important work ahead — particularly in the areas of drainage, mobility, and economic growth — and I am eager to build on our momentum to ensure Katy remains a thriving and vibrant city for generations to come.

PAYNE: As someone who’s lived in Katy for 15+ years, I and many others are sick and tired of how our local government is growing way too big with unchecked power and have concerns about how the city proper is being [run] lately with our current administration, I’ve thought about running for a while but what pushed me over the edge was the Katy Market Days fiasco, and shortly after entering an abuse of power with bypassing the charter commission where at first they tried to abolish term limits completely, now down to doubling council limits.

· What unique qualifications do you bring to the position?

THIELE: With over three decades of experience as a business owner in Katy, I understand the importance of economic stability and smart growth. Before becoming mayor, I served on the City Planning and Zoning Commission, giving me firsthand insight into the city’s long-term development needs. My leadership is built on collaboration, strong relationships, and an unwavering commitment to Katy’s residents. Working closely with City Council, department heads, and community members, I’ve been able to drive meaningful progress, and I intend to keep that momentum going.

PAYNE: An outsider that graduated high school, about to receive an A.A.S. Associates Business degree at HCC, technology and I.T. experience and began getting involved, now working, for my parents’ local business, Advanced Roofing Solutions LLC, since I was 12-13, and went through my own set of struggles in life; basically I can offer a fresh perspective, bring back a sense of normalcy and even prosperity for the [City of Katy] while trying to restore a some of that currently lost small town charm.

· What are your three top priorities – and concrete plans -- for Katy for the next two years?

THIELE: 1. Public Safety remains the top priority for the City of Katy, reflected in the fact that it comprises 46% of the City’s budget. Since 2015, we have consistently increased funding for public safety, ensuring that our police, fire, and emergency medical services have the resources they need. That

commitment will not change. Residents expect and deserve a rapid response when they call for help, and we take great pride in our ability to provide that. Leadership is key to maintaining and improving these services. Fire Chief Kenneth Parker, appointed on April 12, 2021, leads with integrity and dedication, ensuring our firefighters and paramedics are well-trained and well-equipped to respond to emergencies. On December 9, 2024, I appointed Bryon Woytek as Chief of Police. A 30-year veteran of the Katy Police Department, Chief Woytek brings experience, integrity, and a deep commitment to our community’s safety. Together, their leadership not only enhances public safety but also strengthens the trust and connection between the City and its residents.

2. Flood mitigation, drainage improvements, mobility, and infrastructure: We’ve made significant investments in flood mitigation and drainage projects, but the work isn’t done. I will continue securing funding and partnerships to complete major improvements that protect homes and businesses from flooding. Traffic congestion is a growing concern as Katy expands. I will work with local and regional leaders to implement solutions that improve traffic flow and ensure our roads and infrastructure keep pace with our city’s growth.

3. Preserving Katy’s small-town charm: As we grow, maintaining our city’s rich history and sense of community is a priority. Enhancing our Historic Town Square, supporting local businesses, and providing high-quality parks and recreational spaces are all part of that mission.

PAYNE: 1. Identifying and reducing or eliminating inefficiencies, overreach and interference that’ll lead up to reshaping [City of Katy] local government that’ll work with and for the people, 2. Bring back traditional pro-community and small business policy and ideals to not only cut barriers for citizens but also help revitalize our immediate downtown-area economy (e.g. 1st to 5th street), 3. Do whatever’s necessary to ensure decent quality of life is upheld and prioritize projects that are for the betterment of Katy.

· How do you plan to address infrastructure needs — especially drainage and mobility issues?

THIELE: We are proactively addressing these challenges with a combination of strategic planning, partnerships, and funding initiatives. Drainage remains a top priority, and we are already making progress through targeted projects designed to mitigate flooding risks. On mobility, we recently secured funding for key road improvements, and I am committed to advocating for additional infrastructure investments that will keep our city moving efficiently as it grows.

PAYNE: There wouldn’t be a major divergence from Mr. Thiele’s leadership on this but [I]have three priorities in this area: 1. Have the water section of public works fixed once and for all to eliminate the increasingly frequent issue of rust-tinted or funky tasting water, 2. Shift around some resources to address flooding in high-risk areas previously skipped. 3. Temporarily pause all underground telecommunications work and launch a full-scale investigation to determine whether they’re fully responsible or if the city shares blame should it come out that pipes might’ve not been legally dug deep enough.

· How will you develop future economic opportunities as the city continues to grow — but runs out of land?

THIELE: As Katy nears full buildout, our economic strategy must evolve to maximize the land and resources we have. This means prioritizing redevelopment, attracting businesses that align with our long-term vision, and fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation. The revitalization of downtown Katy is a perfect example of how we can enhance existing areas to support economic growth while preserving our city’s character.

PAYNE: In terms of economic opportunities within City of Katy that’s been substantially hindered by this current administration to be the most difficult city to work with and forcing potential clientele to other friendlier areas, The solution is simple: launch a pro-community and business stance and having city staff that share a similar vision, and as for land this is unlikely to become an issue over the next three-year term but should it in the future, there’s plenty of ways around this like building re-use and re-development.

· What are the top two reasons that voters should cast their votes for you?

THIELE: 1. Proven leadership and dedication: I have a deep love for Katy and a track record of delivering results. My leadership is built on collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to doing what’s best for our residents.

2. A clear vision for Katy’s future: From infrastructure improvements to economic development and quality of life initiatives, I have a well-defined plan to ensure Katy continues to thrive while maintaining the charm and traditions that make it so special.

PAYNE: 1. Being community-led: Bring back Katy Market Days, open up Katy Civic Center for venues, small conventions and events, Open opportunities for varied sized events or vendors to sell stuff downtown, 2. Addressing inefficiencies: reform and streamline our permitting department, cut wasteful spending (if possible) and repairing/bolstering our water dept at Public Works to eliminate the increasingly frequent water issues.

· What else should readers of the Katy Times know about you, your candidacy and your vision for Katy?

THIELE: Katy is more than just where I live — it’s where I built my family, my business, and my community. I am honored to serve as mayor and remain committed to working tirelessly on behalf of our residents. My focus is on smart growth, strong infrastructure, and preserving the small-town feel that makes Katy unique. With the continued support of our community, I know we can achieve great things together.

PAYNE: Essentially this is a battle of either accepting the current status quo, or choosing someone new that’ll bring back what worked in the past, retain present positive things working well, while also thrusting forward with new innovative ideas -- the choice is all yours.