FB Star Reports MC Candidates Positions--see below--

http://www.fortbendstar.com/042110/n_missouricityincumbents.htm

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/04/22/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_mc_mayor_s_race_412.txt

Cynthia Lenton-Gary – Mayoral Candidate and Current City Councilmember, District B

Running for the top city public office, Cynthia Lenton Gary challenges the 16-year incumbent mayor. “I believe that all citizens of Missouri City deserve transparency in government,” she states and wants to address revitalization needs, referring to the Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road corridors, and combating the issues that impede the city’s economic growth.

Gary pledges efforts to keep taxes low, increase public safety, and raise awareness of city issues. With light rail coming, she says the city must be more aggressive and become a more business friendly city.

Serving her second council term, Gary’s vision is to make the city stand out in “the quadruplex” -- among Pearland, Missouri City, Stafford and Sugar Land. A point of destination and city hall in its downtown area is what she envisions and says the police department must be better supported to maintain the safest city status- low crime rates increase property value but high crime rates have an adverse affect.

Supporting the vote to remove the homestead exemption from the ballot, she said the monies are for more police and the homestead exemption needs to be addressed in the very near future since every dollar saved at this time is a help to every residential household budget.

She said she voted against 2 of the last 3 tax increases and “unlike my opponent, property tax rates and appraisal caps should be considered as part of a full tax relief package for our citizens.”

Exclusive: Raymond Endorses Gary For Mayor of Missouri City!

http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1314-exclusive-raymond-endorses-gary-for-mayor-of-missouri-city

Richard Raymond Endorses Missouri City Council-member Cynthia Lenton-Gary For Mayor of Missouri City!

Former candidate for district attorney and long-time Missouri City resident, Richard Raymond, announced today that he is formerly endorsing Cynthia Lenton-Gary for Mayor of the city. He said he has met with Council-member Gary on several occasions and discussed her goals for the future of the community and he believes her plan will take us in a positive and balanced direction. That combined with her energy and proactive beliefs in people gives me a great deal of hope for her administration. She is courteous and always polite in her dealings with others and was a joy to be around.

I believe the work she has done regarding several projects over the last few years helping to bring jobs and growth to the city has set the standard that she will continue as mayor. With the current budget concerns and increasing foreclosure problems I believe she is the leader we need to move Missouri City forward during these tough times.

Professor Gary responded that she is very honored by this support and appreciates Mr. Raymond’s efforts at drawing attention to some of the ethical problems in our county and local taxing entities when he ran a very spirited race for the district attorneys seat last March. I know that with his help and guidance we can move our city in the direction of a more open and transparent government, one that is responsive to all her citizens and follows the laws of the state in the spirit of ethical praxis.

Raymond concurred that he felt Ms. Gary’s tax policies will help hold the line on city spending and an ever spiraling property tax burden on its citizens. “Cynthia has voted against 2 of the last 3 tax increases and very much supports a closer examination of the proposal for a first ever universal homeowners exemption for all our residents”, said Raymond. She also agrees, unlike her opponent, that property tax rates and appraisal caps should be considered as part of a full tax relief package for our citizens.

Gary Campaign Addresses Misinformation By Danny Nguyen Campaign In Missouri City!

UPDATE: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/04/08/45052

FB Sun update: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/04/08/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_endorsement_claim_48.txt

For Immediate Release:

EJ Gary, husband of Missouri City mayoral candidate and District B City Councilmember, Cynthia Lenton-Gary, has issued a public statement disavowing the use of his name on the campaign endorsement literature of at large council candidate Danny Nguyen. He states, "At no time have I given Mr. Nguyen permission or signed any releases to utilize my name for his campaign. Additionally, my wife and I have decided not to endorse any candidate during this election cycle and made it known to our campaign team. Furthermore, I am not in a position to endorse a candidate who has publicly endorsed my wife's opponent."

Cynthia Lenton-Gary, candidate in the mayoral race added, "We have been working hard to keep our campaign open and transparent. Unlike my opponent, we are not running a slate and have been very encouraged by the many responses we are receiving during our public meetings, forums and block-walking efforts."

EJ went on to say, "this is an unfortunate incident that all to often happens in our local elections and thought that drawing attention to it would help remedy possible future problems. We don't need anymore confusion and thought clarification was needed....We are looking forward to the month ahead and continued service to our community and all of Missouri City."