NEDERLAND —
Attorney and former executive director of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation, Rick Williams, is concerned about the economy and the city’s future.
His concern, coupled with encouragement from friends, prompted him to make a run for the Ward I seat on Nederland City Council.
“I have been recently encouraged by many friends who are, like me, concerned about the economy and how our city will be impacted going forward. There are concerns about tough decisions that will need to be made in this economic climate. Unlike other candidates, I live in Nederland, I own a business in Nederland, all of my children and grandchildren live in Nederland,” Williams said. “I am fully invested in this city and it is time for me to give back the talents I have accumulated.”
Williams believes the city’s most pressing issue revolves around the city’s economic climate.
“I have the opportunity to see many real estate transactions in my practice. In the past year or so we have noticed that homes in the area are selling for less than the appraised value,” he said. “This is an indication that appraised values will begin to go down thus putting a strain on city resources. Unfortunately, Nederland is not shielded from the economic problems facing the rest of the nation. I think we can all agree that the economy will not recover overnight so there will be difficult times ahead.”
Williams is a former State District Judge appointed by Gov. Perry, president of the Nederland Educational Foundation, past commissioner of the Nederland Civil Service Commission, past chairman of the Nederland City Charter Task Force, former executive director of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation, past president of the Nederland Chamber of Commerce, past chairman of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Response Team, board of directors Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation and SBAlliance Capital.
He is president of the Nederland Rotary Club, Rotary District 5910 Texas Roll of Fame, board of directors for IEA (Ben’s Kids) Juvenile Intervention Program and a member of the board of directors of the Southeast Texas Communities in Schools.
He and his wife Amy have two children and five grandchildren. He is a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
1. What do you think about the tax rate in your community and what should be done about it?
1. I believe that a city should never take more from its citizens than is necessary to pay for the essential services of police, fire, streets, water and wastewater services and trash collection. However, the city must take what is necessary to provide those services effectively. We must maintain that balance.
2) What do you think should be done with the Nederland Economic Development Corporation?
Continue to support the Nederland EDC. The fingerprints of the EDC can be seen all over the city. In the last decade, the EDC has been responsible for adding millions of dollars to the tax rolls in the city and bringing in hundreds of employees. The EDC has been recognized at the state level for its success.
3) What are the major issues that face the Nederland City Council?
While we need street repairs and further work on the wastewater system, the water treatment plant is the most pressing infrastructure need. Our water service delivery system is old and has fallen into disrepair. It must be updated to allow for the city to continue to provide safe, clean drinking water.
4) What is your platform?
Over the past 10 years I have served as President of the Chamber, Rotary, Chairman of the City Charter Task Force, Executive Director of the EDC, and as Commissioner of the Nederland Civil Service Commission. As such, I understand every aspect of the operation of the city. We must begin to address our infrastructure problems and the growing problem of low income rent houses in our city.
Elections
Related Photos
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Rick Williams File photo
Discussion
Nederland Council Ward 1 Rick Williams
- Elections
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- Local sample ballots
- Candidate field crowded; polling sites not
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Turnout ‘fair’ so far in early voting
See candidate profiles and election Q&As in the Elections section of panews.com.
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Nederland voters to choose; street maintenance or economic development
Proposition
“The reauthorization of the local sales and use tax in the City of Nederland, Texas at the rate of one-quarter of one-percent to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.” -
Nederland Council Ward 1 Talmadge Austin
Name: Talmadge Austin
Age: 48
Employment: DuPont Sabine River Works, Orange
Education: Graduated from NHS in 1981. Served U.S. Navy 1982 to 1986
Political experience/public service:
Civic/social involvement: Coached girls softball in Nederland for 10 years. Served on the board for Nederland Girls Softball League
Family: Wife, Theresa Austin; daughters Caitlin and Cara; son, Colton
Church affiliation: St. Charles Catholic Church; ACTS member -
Nederland Council Ward 1 Jeffrey J. Ortiz
Name: Jeffrey J. Ortiz
Age: 28
Employment: Owner-Ortiz Fashions, management-Tuxedo Junction
Education: Nederland High School graduate, attended Lamar Institute of Technology
Political experience/public service: Serving first time on Nederland City Council, board member for United Way of Mid and South Jefferson County
Civic /social involvement:
Family: Mother, Patricia Ortiz Coffman; brother, John Ortiz
Church affiliation: Triumph Church Nederland -
Nederland Council Ward 1 Rick Williams
Name: Rick Williams
Age: 56
Employment: Law office of Rick Williams
Education: Nederland High School, Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (Political Science emphasis) Lamar University, Doctor of Jurisprudence South Texas College of Law, Graduate Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma, State Certified Mediator.
Political experience/public service: Former State District Judge appointed by Governor Perry, president of the Nederland Educational Foundation, past commissioner of the Nederland Civil Service Commission, past chairman of the Nederland City Charter Task Force, former executive director of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation, past president of the Nederland Chamber of Commerce, past chairman of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Response Team, board of directors Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation and SBAlliance Capital
Civic/social involvement: President of the Nederland Rotary Club, Rotary District 5910 Texas Roll of Fame, board of directors for IEA (Ben’s Kids) Juvenile Intervention Program, board of directors of the Southeast Texas Communities in Schools
Family: Wife, Amy; two children, Jason Williams and Leah Hallmark; five grandchildren
Church affiliation: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church; served six years on the Vestry and 3 terms as senior warden of the parish, regularly serves as lecture for the Sunday service -
PN Council Pl. 5 Julie Gauthier
Name: Julie Gauthier
Age: 34
Employment: Port Neches-Groves ISD, Ridgewood Elementary Principal
Education: Port Neches-Groves High School graduate 1995, Bachelors from Texas A & M 1999, Masters from Lamar 2002.
Political experience/public service: City of Port Neches Board of Adjustment, alternate
Civic/social involvement: Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, District 5, second vice-president; member of Delta Theta Educator Sorority
Family: Husband, Blake Gauthier; two children, Jake, 8, and Claire, 4
Church affiliation: Member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church -
PN Council Pl. 5 Matt Vincent
Name: Matt Vincent
Age: 52
Employment: Real Estate
Education: Port Neches-Groves ISD graduate, 1977; attended Lamar University; licensed Realtor over 30 years
Political experience/public service: Port Neches City Councilmember since 1999; Planning and Zoning Commission five years prior to council; board of directors of the Port Neches Economic Development Corporation for past 10 years; commission on the Jefferson County Mosquito Control District for Mid-County
Civic/social involvement: Port Neches Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited,
Family: Wife, Linda; daughters, Lindsey and Leah
Church affiliation: First Baptist Church Nederland -
PN Council Pl. 3 John Davenport
Name: John Davenport
Age: 44
Employment: Owner and founder of United Unlimited Sales in Port Neches
Education:
Political experience/public service: First time candidate
Civic/social involvement: Mid-County Optimist Club, supported events for the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce, the Hughen Center and other civic and charitable organizations
Family: Wife, Dianna; three children
Church affiliation: St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - More Elections Headlines
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