The Think Brazos Podcast

30. Brent Hairston | 2022 Candidate for Mayor of Bryan, Texas

Brent Hairston sits down with the Think Brazos Podcast. Hairston is currently a city councilman and is running to be the next mayor of Bryan, Texas. In this episode, he discusses his background, housing affordability, local government transparency, and Downtown and Midtown in Bryan, Texas.

Brent Hairston's campaign website

Think Brazos website

Disclosure and disclaimer:

The purpose of the Think Brazos Podcast is to present to the public a deeper sense of who the candidates are who hope to lead this community and to create a space for them to present their ideas, especially about housing and affordability. However, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity (which created and sponsors Think Brazos) does not and cannot endorse any particular candidate or political party. The open dialogue we create by doing our utmost to speak to every candidate for a particular political race we decide to cover should in no way be construed as an endorsement of the candidate or his/her political party. Further, the ideas and opinions expressed by the candidates we interview are purely their own and not necessarily those of Habitat for Humanity. Housing affordability is an important issue, so we thank you for following the Think Brazos Podcast.

 

29. Mike Southerland | 2022 Candidate for Mayor of Bryan, Texas

Mike Southerland sits down with the Think Brazos Podcast to discuss how he got involved in politics and what his goals are should he become the next mayor of Bryan, Texas. Topics include Mike's time in the military, housing affordability in Bryan, and relations with College Station and Texas A&M University.

Mike Southerland's campaign website

Think Brazos website

Disclosure and disclaimer:

The purpose of the Think Brazos Podcast is to present to the public a deeper sense of who the candidates are who hope to lead this community and to create a space for them to present their ideas, especially about housing and affordability. However, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity (which created and sponsors Think Brazos) does not and cannot endorse any particular candidate or political party. The open dialogue we create by doing our utmost to speak to every candidate for a particular political race we decide to cover should in no way be construed as an endorsement of the candidate or his/her political party. Further, the ideas and opinions expressed by the candidates we interview are purely their own and not necessarily those of Habitat for Humanity. Housing affordability is an important issue, so we appreciate you following the Think Brazos Podcast.

28. Wanda Watson | 2022 Candidate for Precinct 4 Brazos County Commissioner

Wanda Watson is the former chair of the Democratic Party in Brazos County and is running to represent Precinct 4 on the Brazos County Commissioners Court. In this episode, she talks about her background and goals with Think Brazos Podcast host Charles Coats.

The run-off election for the Democratic primary is May 24th, 2022 between Wanda Watson and Prentiss Madison. Early voting is May 16-20, 2022. The winner will face a Republican in the November 2022 election.

27. Prentiss Madison | 2022 Candidate for Precinct 4 Brazos County Commissioner

Prentiss Madison is running for Precinct 4 Brazos County Commissioner. In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, he discusses his experience and goals with host Charles Coats. 

Madison is currently a member of the Bryan City Council and has served on the Bryan Planning and Zoning Commission and the Bryan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

The run-off election is May 24, 2022 between Prentiss Madison and Wanda Watson for the Democratic primary. The winner will face a Republican in the November 2022 election.

26. James Edge joins the Bryan City Council for Single Member District 4

James Edge will soon be sworn in as the new city council member in the City of Bryan for single member district 4. He's filling a vacant seat previously held by Flynn Adcock, who died earlier this year. 

James spent almost 10 years working in the local district office for former Congressman Bill Flores and now brings that experience to the Bryan City Council.

If you listen to the end, you'll hear who the next guest is!

Think local. Think Brazos!

website: thinkbrazos.org

25. Russ Ford | 2022 Candidate for Brazos County Commissioner Precinct 2

Russ Ford is running for re-election to the Brazos County Commissioners Court. He represents precinct 2, which is the northeast quadrant of Brazos County. In this interview, he talks with Think Brazos host Charles Coats about his experience and how he would continue serving as commissioner. Some of the issues discussed include urban growth, housing, and broadband. Think Brazos interviewed all four Republican candidates running for this position so be sure to check out the other interviews in this series before you vote on (or before) March 1, 2022.

 

Useful links:

Russ Ford's campaign website

Brazos Votes 2022 primary ballots

24. Ronnie Vitulli Sr | 2022 Candidate for Brazos County Commissioner Precinct 2

The former mayor of Kurten, Texas sits down with the Think Brazos Podcast to talk about his campaign for Brazos County Commissioner. Ronnie Vitulli Sr. is running for Brazos County Precinct 2 Commissioner, which is the northeast quadrant of Brazos County and includes Kurten, Wixon Valley, Edge, Tabor, and portions of Bryan and College Station, Texas. The Think Brazos Podcast interviewed all four Republican candidates for this primary election. There are no Democrats running for this position, so this primary IS the election. Be sure to check out the other interviews in the series before you vote on or before March 1, 2022.

Useful links:

Ronnie Vitulli's campaign website

Brazos Votes' 2022 sample primary ballots

23. Chuck Konderla | 2022 Candidate for Brazos County Commissioner Precinct 2

Chuck Konderla is one of four candidates vying for Brazos County Precinct 2 Commissioner. Precinct 2 is the northeast quadrant of Brazos County and includes Kurten, Edge, Wixon Valley, Tabor, and parts of Bryan and College Station, Texas. Mr. Konderla is a Bryan business owner who brings experience from city council and the Brazos County Commissioners Court. The Think Brazos Podcast conducted with all four candidates to help voters meet the candidates and learn about county issues. Be sure to watch the other interviews in this series before you vote in the primary election on March 1, 2022. 

Useful links: Chuck Konderla's campaign website 

Brazos Votes 2022 primary ballots

22. Silas Garrett Jr. | 2022 Candidate for Brazos County Commissioner Precinct 2

Silas Garrett is running for Precinct 2 of the Brazos County Commissioners Court.  Precinct 2 is the northeast quadrant of Brazos County. Mr. Garrett and his wife own George's Paint and Body in Bryan, Texas and, on this show, Mr. Garrett describes how he would serve as your next county commissioner. The Think Brazos Podcast interviewed all four Republican candidates vying for this position, so check out the other videos in this series before you vote in the primary election on March 1, 2022. 

Useful links:

Silas Garrett Jr.'s campaign page

Brazos Votes 2022 primary ballots

21. College Station Impact Fees with Fred Dupriest

In this episode, Think Brazos Podcast host Charles Coats interviews Fred Dupriest about the use of impact fees for College Station.

What are impact fees? They're basically an up front, one-time charge to a developer (someone who prepares land for or builds a home or business) in order to help the city pay for anticipated future expenses related to the development (water, sewer, roadway, etc). Here's a link to the College Station City website for more information.

As with any policy, there are people for it and against it, and we've interviewed both. Be sure to check out our episode with Randy French on impact fees too.

Whatever you think about impact fees, we can agree that we want all residents of College Station to benefit from the growth we're experiencing.

Thanks for listening to the Think Brazos Podcast and just remember - "Think local. Think Brazos!"

Think Brazos is a project of Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity, focused on affordability, opportunity, and resiliency for families in Brazos County.

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