The Deer Park Gazette posed five questions to city council & mayoral candidates in the upcoming election, including those running unopposed. These questions delve into candidates’ priorities, views, perspectives, approaches, and how personal beliefs have shaped their direction.
The Deer Park City Council has voted to settle a dispute with Halme Construction over the city’s aeration lagoon project. The decision was made during a special City Council meeting on August 27, where city leaders chose mediation over litigation to resolve the matter.
The Deer Park City Council has unanimously appointed Tom Gaines to fill a vacant seat, bypassing two active candidates campaigning for the position in the November election. Gaines expects to be sworn in just before a special meeting next week, which has been called to address potential litigation against the city.
Due to a nationwide egg shortage, Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed by President Trump, suggested on Fox News that one solution could be for some families to raise backyard chickens. This marks the second major egg shortage in the past five years. The first, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was driven by hoarding and delivery disruptions, while the current shortage is primarily due to Bird Flu and industrial farming practice
Deer Park’s city council has expanded from five to seven members in response to the city’s population growth, reaching 5,000 residents. Ross Hall, a former teacher and coach, and Chase Vining, a local business owner, were appointed to serve through 2025.
Following Heather Newsom’s resignation, the city council had 90 days to appoint a replacement. Six people applied and were interviewed, and ultimately, the council unanimously voted to appoint Ellen Standen.
Pickleball discussion was a break from the business as normal at the last city council meeting. Angela McBride presented some information about Pickleball, the courts, and the community.
Deer Park City is seeking a new city council member following Heather Newsom’s resignation. Applications are now open, and residents have a unique opportunity to shape their local government.
After years of debate, City Councilmembers have now been given access to official city email accounts. The discussion started before COVID and ended following the recent election, with the majority of Councilmembers in favor of joining the rest of the world online.
For the first time in over 20 years, three new Councilmembers have simultaneously taken the oath of office. Former Councilmember Hellen “Dee” Cragun first took her position in 1997, lost her reelection attempt last year.