Voter guide: Port Arthur City Council, District 2

Q3: How would you describe your governing philosophy and how do you think it will best serve Port Arthur?

Q4: What in your previous experience best lends itself to council-management government?

Tiffany L. Hamilton

Age: 43

Occupation: Owner, TL Hamilton Enterprises, LLC

Highest level of education pursued or completed: Master’s degree in International Business, American InterContinental University (online program at Schaumburg, Illinois campus)

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

• Co-founder of Port Arthur-based program called The Box (housed first responders and provided them equipment, also helped residents needing supplies, during post-Hurricane Harvey recovery); assists unhoused people and supports domestic violence victims
• Endorsed by Jefferson County Commissioner Michael Senegal, Port Arthur firefighters union, Unite Port Arthur
• Port Arthur City Council District 2 (2014 to 2017)

A1: Water infrastructure is a problem throughout our city, with some pipes being 100-plus years old.

During the last hurricane, there was a lot of flooding in District 2, that I would definitely want us to address. 

(It should be addressed) by having greater communications with the community on the plan of action that’s been set forth and how the funds have already been allocated for our underground water infrastructure and how they will be dispersed throughout the city.

A2: One, by being a good listener and snowing a willingness to collaborate because we’re all just one vote.

Even though my responsibility will be to represent District 2, I still need the support of the other council members to pass something that I would need for District 2. When we vote, we vote on what’s going to affect the community as a whole.

A3: The first thing that comes to mind is inclusion because of how diverse our community is. (I’d) make sure that we govern with humility, strategy, action and be fair and inclusive to our diverse community.

That approach will best serve Port Arthur by helping us to be more efficient in our communication between government and the citizens, and I think that it would empower citizens to be more engaged.

A4: Studying people. Human development is extremely important, no matter what type of business it is. We all have to learn to work effectively with people. 

Because we come from all different walks of life, it is important to learn how other people think. It’s imperative that we humble ourselves enough and not think that our way is the only way.

Learning how to navigate through difficult conversations is one of the greatest benefits I believe I’ll be able to offer.

Armando Ruiz

Age: 29

Occupation: Owner of A Ruiz Financial Agency; former owner of El Noticiero newspaper in Port Arthur

Highest level of education pursued or completed: Associate’s degree in general studies at Lamar State College – Port Arthur

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

• Member of Port Arthur Hispanic Business Association
• Port Arthur Rotary Club (2019 to 2021, giving out food boxes to unhoused people)
• Port Arthur Beautification Commission (2019)

A1: District 2 is one of the districts that usually floods whenever there’s a small rain. So, that district has a lot of flooding happen.

Drainage and also security is what I’ve been gathering these past couple months, and streets. Those are three major issues.

The city has to work with the Draining District 7. They have to find a way where they manage and build bigger ponds so that those areas in Port Arthur do not flood anymore. (There) has to be a lot better communication between the city and Drainage District 7.

A2: I am only running for that specific district, but my job is to work with all councilmen. That way, we can come together as all five, six, seven of us and come up with a plan where it doesn’t only benefit one district, but the entire city.

My job is just to be able to work well with them… and how I can be of service to them, so that way they can also be of service to me… just being a team player.

A3: (A motto) “Service above Self…” that’s one of my philosophies in running for City Council -- seeing how can I be of service to the community. 

I got involved in politics when I owned a Spanish newspaper. There was not a source where the Hispanic community could gather Spanish local news.

After filling the void and that need, I decided to just get in politics, seeing how I can be of service in the community, seeing how I can add value and make change happen.

A4: It’s just mainly being a guide (for) the people… just being out there in the mud, figuring out what problem that people want fixed, and then just me trying to be a voice for those people.

I owned that newspaper, so I have some business management (experience).