Mayor Andrew Friedberg has endorsed Win Frazier, Ross Gordon, and Brian Witt for Bellaire City Council. The following is his letter of endorsement.
Dear Friends,
If everyone voted, the majority could never lose … I urge you to join me in voting for Win Frazier, Ross Gordon and Brian Witt for Bellaire City Council.
As many of you know, I’ve historically declined to make endorsements in Bellaire City Council races, for the simple reason that as Mayor I always do my best to represent the entire community, and will cheerfully work with whatever Council Members the voters choose. But this year, the conduct of this election has gotten so out of hand, and so polarized, I feel compelled to break with my past practice. It’s hard to stay above the fray when I’m being dragged through it myself. This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly, but it’s the right and necessary thing to do.
My endorsements aren’t at all outcome driven. I respect opposing viewpoints, and appreciate that a diversity of opinion leads to the best answers. Whether or not I agree with Win, Ross and Brian on any given issue isn’t the point. It’s about a properly functioning local government. Win, Ross and Brian all have prior experience serving on Bellaire boards and commissions, and understand how our local government operates. And they have demonstrated the right temperament to serve on City Council.
Win, Ross and Brian understand Council’s role in setting the policy direction for the City, and then supporting — not undermining — the staff in implementing that direction. They won’t approach every Council meeting looking for a fight, or every interaction with staff as adversarial. They will listen to public input and do their best to represent all of Bellaire, rather than push individual agendas.
Win, Ross and Brian understand that Council sets the tone from the top. The current tone is an increasingly hostile one, and has created a toxic work environment throughout the city organization. This has consequences, as evidenced by the recent departures of several key employees. The very people we rely upon, day in and day out, to provide the essential city services we all take for granted.
Win, Ross and Brian share my positive vision for the future of our city. They believe in Bellaire as I do, as a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I hope you’ll take a moment to visit their campaign websites to learn more about them and their priorities for enhancing our residential quality of life, promoting community, and maintaining premier public safety and city services, including a serious commitment to funding necessary flood control improvements.
The constant drumbeat of negativity may be loud, but we mustn’t let it drown out all that makes Bellaire special.
Early voting continues through 7:00 p.m. tomorrow, and Election Day is Tuesday. Please join me in voting for Win Frazier, Ross Gordon and Brian Witt, and encourage your friends and neighbors to do so as well. Every. Vote. Counts.
