Mayoral Candidates Again Fail To Respond

The second article in our Q&A series deals with Bellaire’s proposed comprehensive plan. In this series, candidates receive questions twice per week and have 24 hours to respond with an answer that is less than 300 words long. The answers publish with no editing.

Do you have a question for candidates about Bellaire issues? Please email it to agrant [at] instantnewsbellaire [dot] com.

InstantnewsBellaire asked the candidates this question:

On Monday, the city held a public hearing on Bellaire’s proposed Comprehensive Plan. The plan proposes a “vision” and specific guidelines to shape Bellaire’s future look and feel. Within the plan, what do you think is the most important guideline, and why? If elected, how will you work to ensure that this guideline is implemented?

Neither mayoral candidate, Cindy Siegel and Robert Riquelmy, responded to this question by the deadline. They did not respond to the first question either. Cindy Siegel responded to the question late, indicating she experienced technical difficulties with her email account. InstantnewsBellaire is checking with Robert Riquelmy to ensure he received the question.

Cindy Siegel

Cindy Siegel

“I think one of the most critical guidelines on Bellaire’s future look and feel is the guideline that says that Bellaire should “ensure neighborhood integrity and the safety of adults and kids.”  This to me is and should be the basis for and the driver in implementing the plan in the future.  Our history is that we are a “City of Homes”.  This means that we are predominantly a residential community and the first obligation of the City is to protect the health, welfare, and safety of our citizens.

I am excited about the ideas defined in the proposed plan to improve our commercial area in a way that is compatible with our residential community.  Now is the time to position the City for commercial redevelopment when the economy improves.   We have the opportunity to create the vision and associated zoning regulations that will help develop a downtown where Bellaire residents will want to shop.  Additionally, the plan addresses housing in these commercial areas that are smaller in size for Bellaire seniors, empty nesters, and residents who do not want or can afford the large homes that exist in our residential areas.  I am opposed to apartments and I believe the majority of Bellaire residents are, too. The plan addresses the possibility of homes with smaller footprints, brownstones or patio homes in and adjacent to our commercial areas.

The Comprehensive Plan is “the peoples’ document”.  It is important for all of Bellaire residents to inform your elected officials about your views on this vision and expectations.”