Candidate Profile: John Champagne Jr. Montgomery Council Place 3

Editor's note: Some responses have been edited for clarity.

Montgomery County voters will soon make their decision on local races in the May 1 election.

John Champagne Jr., who is running for Montgomery City Council Place 3, shared with Patch why he should be elected to represent Montgomery residents.

Profile: John Champagne Jr.

Age (as of Election Day): 67

Position sought: Montgomery City Council, Place 3

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Barbara Champagne - wife

Previous or current elected or appointed office: 10 years Montgomery City Council; 5 years Montgomery Economic Development Corp.

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/Montg...

Q&A with Champagne

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

What is your educational background?

Pharmacy Curriculum

What is your occupation?

Managing Partner for Toro Tubulars LLC; 40 years in Sales & Operations

Why are you seeking elective office?

To re-establish sound fiscal policy and focus the city's resources on improving city infrastructure and zoning ordinances that maintain the unique character of Montgomery.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Maintaining an appropriate balance of growth in the city by observing zoning and architectural essentials, improving roads and walkways, and traffic bottlenecks that will help maintain the unique qualities of our community.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe in limited government that utilizes the tax dollars of our citizens to provide essential services that improve the quality of life of our community. Lowering ad valorem taxes that have increased with the rising values of homes. I disagree with involving the city in areas that are outside its purview. Tax dollars should be directed towards the community not for growing government bureaucracy.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board member or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Misdirected funds on property acquisitions, no focus on streets and walkways, traffic control, and improving process efficiencies with water and sewer service.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What, if anything, would you have done differently?

Basically in step with Texas' overall philosophy. However, it is past time for council meetings to be held in city hall and not virtually.

Describe the other issues that define you campaign platform.

Resisting federal zoning laws that would usurp our city's autonomy for managing the growth and character of our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In 2010, I introduced a motion not to participate in the San Jacinto River Authority and have our city become self sufficient in providing water to our citizens. Recruiting and participating in hiring excellent staff personnel.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

To receive by faith the undeserved gift of imputed righteousness offered by virtue of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm a business owner and believe that government should be managed as a business entity constantly pursuing excellence.