To My Friends and Neighbors,
I have lived in Bellaire for the last 7 plus years and over time, I got very engaged with issues facing our city. This decision to get involved led me to serve on city boards and commissions and now, I am running for Position 4 Bellaire City Council Nov.7, 2023 election. Early voting starts Oct. 23 and runs through Nov.3, 2023.
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself a little bit further to you. I am a devoted dad and husband to three amazing kids and my wife, Kayla, who is the greatest stepmom we could’ve ever asked for in our lives. I have lived in Bellaire since 2016. I am a home builder (and real estate broker) and I’ve built two of my homes in Bellaire. While living here, I grew more aware of issues facing the city and wanted to start getting involved rather than just talking or complaining about them. Having served on the Environmental Sustainability Board and now serving as Vice-Chair of the Building and Standards Commission, I have worked very hard to make changes to strengthen our tree ordinance along with supporting other initiatives. Serving on these boards separates me as THE CANDIDATE with the experience with city staff, the knowledge of how the city works and who is ready to serve on day one. I have dedicated myself to my prior and current positions. I have a proven record of working with residents who require assistance and getting answers or results. I want to continue this unfinished work and I would be honored to have your support this November for City Council Position 4 to make a difference in Bellaire for YOU!
My Top Issues:
- The Right Development and Maintaining the character of Bellaire
- Keeping Property Tax Rates Down; Continuing to Reduce the Debt
- Improving Citizen Services and Amenities
- Proactive Flood Hazard Mitigation
- Keeping Our Flood Insurance Rates Low
- Emergency Services/Crime Prevention
- Code Enforcement and Public Works/Tree Ordinance Enhancement
I am running on a “Bellaire4All” platform which serves all residents with different viewpoints, but a shared desire to make the City of Bellaire a better place to live for generations to come. One of the greatest things I’ve gotten to experience during this campaign, thus far, has been meeting so many different residents with so many different viewpoints, needs from and ideas for our city. The one constant is that everyone wants a greater, successful Bellaire. Those who don’t know about all the ins and outs of the city want to learn about them and become aware. I think that’s fantastic.
As noted earlier, I am a home builder and Realtor with my own business, The Tavor Company. While I used to build in Bellaire, I don’t anymore because I am currently the Vice-Chair of the Building and Standards Commission (BSC). Ethically, it is the right decision to do business elsewhere, but being on the BSC combined with my prior service on the Environmental Sustainability Board – Vice-Chair, as well – has given me the experience that has me ready to go on day one and that’s what this city needs. I have had the fortunate opportunity to work closely with city staff and city council members and have learned about their roles and limitations. I know what council members can and cannot do so I won’t over promise and under-deliver if I’m elected.
In addition to my service to the city on a government level, I am very active as a coach in Bellaire Little League (BLL). It’s a highlight of my spring and fall; my son and I just love it and BLL is part of the fabric of our city. My family and I just joined the Friends of the Bellaire Library organization. My kids are avid readers so what better group to join than one supporting our library. Many nights of the week, you will find me walking on the Newcastle Trail.
If I am fortunate enough to be elected and you see me on the trail or anywhere around, please feel free to say hello and let me know if there is anything on your mind. Our job is to communicate, be accessible and accountable. I am elected to serve you, the residents, not the other way around. Public service is an opportunity not to be wasted.
My experience will help with the following:
- Continuing the work to get our tree ordinance in line with West University’s
- Close the loopholes in our building codes which there are many
- Propose the necessary flood hazard mitigation ordinances
- Work on strengthening the powers of our Code Enforcement Officer to more efficiently resolve issues with having to go through multiple departments
- Communicating weekly with the City Manager to discuss the views of the residents and what we need from city staff
A Recap of My Qualifications:
- Building and Standards Commission, 2022-present, Currently Vice-Chair
- Environmental Sustainability Board, 2020-2022, Vice-Chair both years
- Volunteer with Bellaire Little League, 2016-present, Coaching
- Friends of the Bellaire Library, 2023-present, Lifetime Member
- Houston Assoc. of Realtors, Member, 2010-present
- Texas Assoc. of Realtors, Member, 2010-present
- National Assoc. of Realtors, Member, 2010-present
I would greatly appreciate your show of support by you placing a free yard sign in front of your home. Please visit my website at: www.tavor4bellaire.com if you would like a sign, want to get involved during the stretch run of the campaign or If you would like me to answer any questions or concerns about issues in our city. I’m always up for a great conversation over a cup of coffee, a Zoom chat or a phone call. You can find me on Tuesday mornings hosting ‘Breakfast in the Park” at one of our beautiful parks.
With gratitude,
Elan Tavor
Candidate for Bellaire City Council, Position 4
Contact:
Email: t4b@tavoremail.com Website: www.tavor4bellaire.com