1of5
Candidates for Beaumont City Council's Ward III seat
Photos courtesy of candidates

Q1: What do you believe should be the council’s top priorities?

Q2: Issues with water infrastructure, such as sewer and drainage, are constantly discussed throughout the community. If elected, what are some steps you would help lead the city into taking?

Q3: What is the best way for council to work to improve economic development in Beaumont?

Q4: Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Ward III on Beaumont City Council?

Audwin Samuel (I)

Age: 68

Occupation: Attorney at the Samuel Law Firm

Highest level of education: Graduated Thurgood Marshall with a J.D.

Volunteer work or previously elected office (up to three):

Served as a Beaumont ISD trustee
Served on the board directors of the National Black Caucus Local Elected Officials
Member of the National League of cities

A1: Fiscal prudence, economic development and public safety.

A2: I believe in a city like Beaumont, with the age of our city, we're going to have continual issues with infrastructure because as we rehabilitate older areas, the newer infrastructure is becoming worn. So, that's going to be a continuous effort to stay on top of it. It takes management, adequate management, and planning to address those concerns before they get too bad and just understand that we have to be vigilant in maintaining.

A3: Maintaining a good fiscal relationship, we have to be on top of our budget. We have to look at the quality of life issues, that's important to everyone. I think everyone wants to live in a safe place. They want to raise a family in a safe environment. We have to always be concerned about public safety. We are always looking to develop the business community as well as making sure we have quality of life products for the citizens, such as parks and recreation, other halls and museums, providing things for people to do as a family, as well as individuals. So, we're trying to do those things.

A4: I have the knowledge, I experience and the commitment. I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two and we work toward it. I realize that it's not about any individual. One person on council can't do anything alone. It's having to work with other members of council. I've done that for over 30 years. I know how to get things done. I know how to research issues and look at the issues from the standpoint of what's going to be in the best interest the majority of our citizens then I make my decisions based on that.

Carlton Sharp

Age: 56

Occupation: Founder and pastor of Faith Christian Church

Highest level of education: Graduated from West Brook High School, some college

Volunteer work or previously elected office (up to three):

Business partner with Beaumont ISD
City of Beaumont civil service commissioner
Member of Beaumont's Community Development Action Committee

A1: The top priorities should be water, sewer, police, fire and EMS.

A2: In Ward III, one of the biggest infrastructure issues is the streets. If you look at the city's PCI report, it indicates that Ward III has some of the worst roads in our city.

A3: First of all, we have to attract new businesses in our city, but what they're looking for is return on investment -- the quality of our schools, the infrastructure, the workforce, crime and whatever incentive the city will provide.

A4: I'm a servant leader and I've been serving people in the city of Beaumont all my life. That would make me qualified to serve the people of Ward III, to serve their needs, to listen to their concerns and be an advocate for the issues.

Geary Senigaur, Jr.

Seniguar did not grant an interview by publication time.