Meet the Katy City Council Candidates: Diane Walker

By George Slaughter [caption id="attachment_349819" align="alignright" width="223"] Diane Walker (Diane Walker photo)[/caption] Diane Walker, who works as a virtual assistant, is seeking a Ward A seat on the Katy City Council. This is her second bid for a council seat. Last year she unsuccessfully ran for the seat held by Janet Corte. This year she faces Dan Smith, a territory senior manager. In addition to the council race, voters will decide whether to approve a $6 million bond proposal. The proposal has two propositions:

• Proposition A, for $1.8 million, is for construction of improvements to municipal public buildings. These include reimbursement of expenses for Fire Station No. 1, construction of a training tower, expansion of the city's fleet maintenance facility, and refurbishing of existing police facilities.
• Proposition B, for $4.2 million, is for constructions of city park improvements, including a hike and bile trail system, and the construction of a city parks administration building.

Voters will also decide whether to approve changes to the city charter, a summary of which can be seen at the city's website. Early voting is April 19-27. Election Day is May 1.

1. Why do you want this job?

I want to be a voice for all residents. Between growing up here and my volunteering, I have met and cultivated relationships with many members of the community. Katy is changing and we can’t keep doing things one way because “that is how it’s always been done.” We need to join together as a community and be able to respectfully express our ideas and concerns and be heard. I will be the candidate uniting natives, new, young, and old.

2. Briefly discuss your professional background, and how that will help you if elected.

I spent 11 years on active duty in the U.S Navy and 13 years as a federal law enforcement analyst. I believe that working within the government gives me a much better understanding of how the government works and allows me to navigate within governmental organizations better than those with only private sector backgrounds. I am an analyst by trade. Research and tough questions are a welcomed challenge and my passion.

3. If elected, what would your top three priorities be, and why?

My top three priorities are:

• Infrastructure Improvements and Maintenance.
• Public Safety.
• Parks.

In regards to infrastructure, we need a computerized, set, maintenance schedule for our infrastructure. We need to ensure that our sewage and water pipes are updated and maintained on a regular basis. My second priority is public safety. Our city is growing, and we need to ensure that our police department and the fire department have the staff and funding needed to keep us safe. I would like to see blue light call buttons installed in some of our city parks and along the new Katy Boardwalk. These “panic buttons” would allow citizens to reach the police department in an emergency if they do not have a phone readily available. My third priority is our parks. I am all for acquiring additional greenspace; however, we need to update and maintain our current parks before building new ones. I would also like to see a larger variety of activities available at our parks. For example, volleyball courts, cornhole, and possibly disc golf.

4. Do you support bond proposals on the ballot? Do you support the proposed city charter changes on the ballot? Why or why not?

On large projects like these current bonds, it is always good to let the people decide. This election we have two bonds on the ballot. Proposition A, in the amount of $1.8 million, is for necessary improvements being made to the fire station and the Police Department. I support Proposition A 100%. Proposition B, in the amount of $4.2 million, is for a new parks administration building and a new hike and bike trails system. We definitely need a new parks administration building, but I am not completely on board with the proposed trail system. I like the idea of it, but wonder how I would feel if I lived in the Falls at Green Meadows or Cane Island where the homeowners' association dictates that my back fence must be iron. This bike system will practically be in these people’s backyards which will leave them with little to no privacy. I would also like to know what it will cost to maintain these trails yearly. I would like to see functional, ADA-compliant sidewalks installed in high traffic areas first. The number of kids walking home from school everyday has doubled over the last two years. We need to ensure their safety first and foremost. I appreciate all the hard work that the charter review committee put into reviewing and updating the charter. I fully support this being on the ballot.

5. What specific changes would you like to see made to the Katy Animal Control Department in light of the concerns expressed in council meetings this year?

The City of Katy has already made good strides towards changing Katy Animal Control. They extended the hold times for animals and have formed an animal control advisory board that has already met a few times. Animal control currently works with local non-profits to find homes for unclaimed animals, but I would like to see an adoption program implemented in the near future. I would also like to see some very clear policies in place that are published on the city’s website.

6. Is there anything else that Katy News readers should know about your candidacy?

I have enjoyed serving the residents of this city for most of my life. I am on the board of directors for the Katy Heritage Society, the oldest nonprofit in Katy. I am also on the board of directors for a local nonprofit called Stuff the Sleigh which provides support to kids with cancer and rare blood diseases. I have held many different roles at my church, Katy First Methodist. You can find out more about me and what I stand for on my Facebook page. I look forward to serving our residents if elected.