Mayor Gretchen Fagan

What do you see for Tomball in 2010?

2010 will bring our 10th Annual German Heritage Festival in March, 39th Tomball Night in August and 3rd Annual German Christmas Market in December, as well as the Candlelight Tours at the Tomball Museum Center. We will also have 2nd Saturday at the Depot every month with music, games, food and a free movie at dark. We will also continue the Famers Market the second and fourth Saturdays of every month at 9 a.m. on the corner of Cherry and Main Street.

The Lone Star College Foundation, Tomball Independent School District, Tomball Regional Hospital and Tomball Rotary Club will be dedicating a bronze statue to commemorate our heritage in agriculture. The face of the statue will be Elmer Beckendorf. Mr. Beckendorf has done so much for our community and these fine organizations over the years, it is only fitting to honor him.  The unveiling will be held in conjunction with 2nd Saturday in December and the annual Christmas Tree lighting.

How do you think the year ahead will compare to last year in terms of the economy?

Tomball was not hit as hard as other places in 2009 and I believe we will improve in 2010. I encourage everyone to Shop Tomball. If we keep our sales taxes in our city, instead of paying other communities, we will keep our local economy strong. Northwest Harris County’s Census Office will be located in Tomball, bringing immediate jobs.  Anyone interested can go to www.2010censusjobs.gov for information about employment.

Do you think the city will continue to grow?

I do believe the city will continue to grow and new businesses will come.  The Tomball Economic Development Corporation is introducing a new incentive program for Tomball businesses. The Business Improvement Grant Program is designed to promote the development and expansion of new and existing Tomball businesses.

Is there anything you want to improve on from last year?

We worked on communication last year and I would like to see that improved even further. We now have a quarterly newsletter, weekly E-newsletter, quarterly Mayor’s Coffee and a hot line for questions at City Hall. The more we communicate with one another the better the city will be.

We are holding a reception for anyone interested in getting involved with city boards and commissions on Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

What did you learn in 2009?

It reminds me of what my grandmother always told me...you can’t make all the people happy all the time, so follow your conscience, do what is right and do the most you can for as many as possible. I try to focus on the positive and look for opportunities to change the negative.

Magnolia City Administrator Ryan Kelley

What do you see for Magnolia in 2010?

I see the city continuing to provide good public services to its citizens, while continuing to improve our court operations, police department and other administrative activities. We don’t have any major water or sewer projects planned, but we will have a number of street improvements done this year.

We plan to continue our efforts in code enforcement to help make the city safer, cleaner and more attractive. The Unity Park and Downtown Projects should be completed and we plan to step up working with TxDOT on safety issues and the upcoming 1774 construction project. The city, through the hotel-motel tax, has budgeted funds to help sponsor both the Second Annual July Fourth Celebration and Hometown Christmas. Even though the city is not directly involved, we certainly look forward to the second year of the Magnolia Music Festival in May.

How do you think the year ahead will compare to last year in terms of the economy?

I think and certainly hope, that the economy will rebound in the next year and that the city will see some much needed private investment begin to occur again.

Do you think the city will continue to grow?

I do think we will have some new growth this year. The city, in conjunction with the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce, has active plans to begin business recruitment efforts in the new year.

Is there anything you want to improve on from last year?

I think we definitely need to improve on our efforts to let the citizens and public at large know more about the positive, good programs, projects and efforts that the city is involved with.

What did you learn in 2009?

I have learned how important it is for the city to work with and partner with other agencies, businesses and groups for the betterment of the entire community.

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