Campaign Website: Chris Hollins for City Controller

Profession: Harris County Clerk

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Issues / Priorities:

• Build a Safer Houston
• Expand Opportunity Across Houston
• Invest in Houston’s Future
• Protect Our Tax Dollars

Public Service Highlights:

• Harris County Clerk

Candidate Introduction (From email inquiry):

My background and qualification for the position of City Controller-

Our city government is facing enormous budget challenges, from the expiration of one-time COVID funds, to near-constant attacks by a hostile, Republican-controlled state government, to an uncertain national and local economy, to new challenges arising from the changing nature of work.

My experience is directly relevant to meeting these challenges head-on. As a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, I pioneered strategies for large government agencies—in public safety, defense, and security—and assisted multinational companies in improving results for the people they serve. In the course of my work, I worked closely with multinational accounting firms and leveraged their knowledge and expertise to make these complex organizations more transparent and accountable.

I currently serve as a member of the Board of Directors of METRO, helping to oversee METRO’s $1.8 billion budget, shape its $7 billion expansion plan, and lead its full transition to renewable fuels by 2030.

As Harris County Clerk, I transformed a government bureaucracy and managed a complex logistical operation to expand voting rights for 2.5 million voters in the middle of a pandemic, while under attack from Gov. Greg Abbott and other MAGA extremists. I plan to bring that same innovative approach to increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the City of Houston.

I should point out that no candidate in the City Controller’s race is a public finance lawyer, investment banker, or CPA. However, neither was Annise Parker, who was the most successful Houston controller in recent history. The job requires the skills and experience to manage large, complex organizations and government agencies. It also requires comfort with large numbers, the ability to understand finance topics that can be quite opaque, and a solutions orientation to drive positive change throughout city operations.  In my work as a management consultant I helped municipal and federal departments to create and execute multi-billion dollar budgets as well as to locate savings and opportunities for improvement.  As a small business owner, I have personally managed the books of multi-million dollar operations.  And as your County Clerk, I created the budget for (and then led) the most efficient and accessible election in the history of Texas.  In addition, I identified and secured alternate funding sources and delivered the election under-budget to return precious resources to county coffers.

Ultimately, the job of city controller is to safeguard the city’s finances and offer recommendations to City Council that will allow us to deliver more for Houston families in a resource-constrained environment.  My professional experience has prepared me to serve in this role at a high level of excellence.

Why I’m running for Houston City Controller-

I was born in this city, and I can truly say that Houston raised me. I will never forget the experiences here that shaped me, or the people who invested in my life. Houston has gotten even better over the years, and today, my wife and I are proud to raise our two children here. But the challenges we face as a city are becoming more difficult to solve. We have more guns on our streets than ever before, leaving many of us fearing for our children’s safety. The cost of living is rising, and seniors who considered Houston home for generations cannot afford to stay in their house. City Hall is facing a massive budget gap at a time when critical city services need more investment, not less.

I’m running for city controller because I accept this challenge, and bringing people together to solve problems against long odds is core to who I am. As Houston’s next city controller, I will provide a sound fiscal and policy foundation that will allow city government to prioritize building safer neighborhoods, stimulating our local economy, and continuing to make City Hall work for everyday residents – and for city employees who are critical to achieving this mission.

As city controller, I will work hard every day to safeguard our tax dollars from fraud, waste and abuse, to invest our city funds safely and wisely, and, by proactively using the controller’s charter-mandated performance audit authority, to make recommendations for improvements based on best practices in major cities around the globe.

Campaign Website: Martin For Houston

Profession: Houston Mayor Pro Tem

Party Affiliation: Republican

Issues / Priorities:

• Fiscal responsibility
• The city pension
• Post-Harvey recovery and resiliency
• Economic development
• Public safety

Public Service Highlights:

• Houston City Council:
  • Chair of the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee
  • Member of Economic Development; Ethics, Elections and Council Governance Committee; and Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee.

Candidate Introduction (From Candidate Website):

Houston City Controller is the second highest elected official in Houston City Government and its Chief Financial Officer. The Office of the Houston City Controller superintends the fiscal affairs of the City. This includes conducting audits, managing investments and debt, preparing financial statements, and providing leadership on policy pertaining to the City’s financial health. A proven leader in business and government, Dave has a strong desire to ensure conservative principles are applied in City government and as Controller would serve as an independently elected “financial watchdog” over City government’s fiscal affairs. He has been influential in providing sound business advice and proven decision-making skills to the Council in dealing with notable issues facing Houston today. First elected in November 2012; fiscal responsibility, economic development, and public safety have been and will continue to be the cornerstone of Dave’s daily priorities. Additionally, he works hard to ensure exemplary constituent service to the residents of District E.

During his time on your Houston City Council, Dave has been appointed to serve as Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Subcommittee on Debt Financing and Pensions, and a member of Economic Development; Ethics, Elections and Council Governance Committee; and Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee. His experience as Chairman of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee has given him an inside look to the Controller’s role as the Controller’s Treasury Division is responsible for managing the City’s over $5 Billion investment portfolio in accordance with state law and the City’s investment policy. On January 2, 2020, Dave was nominated as Mayor Pro Tem by Mayor Sylvester Turner, which was confirmed by City Council Members.

Mayor Pro Tem Martin’s near 40 years of professional experience has more than prepared him for the rigorous activities that are demanded of being a City Controller as the City’s Chief Financial Officer in charge of the City’s Audit Division, Operations and Technical Services Division, and Financial Reporting Division. The Audit Division Adheres to recognized professional auditing standards (Government Auditing Standards and International Standards as issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors).

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana and a graduate of Louisiana State University, Dave served as Managing Director of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and previously worked for two large “Big Four” Accounting Firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and Ernst & Young, LLP. Dave was elected to the Humble ISD Board of Trustees in 2004 and served as President, Board Finance Committee Chairman and Chairman of the Board Audit Committee.

Dave also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Harris County Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) where he was also Chairman of the Board Finance Committee. While serving in this capacity, Dave helped with Houston’s mission to attract the very best sporting events into our city, bringing economic development while ensuring the debt service payments for Houston’s Sports venues are transacted to protect Houston’s tax dollars.

Dave has also been involved with the Greater Houston Partnership where he served on the Education Policy/Strategic Policy Committee.

Dave and his wife Julie have been married for 39 years. They live in Kingwood and have three children, Jennifer, Michael, and David along with daughter in-law Lucy and grandsons Oliver and Connor. They are active parishioners at St. Martha’s Catholic Church.

Campaign Website: Shannan Nobles

Profession: Chief Deputy City Controller

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Issues / Priorities:

• Structurally imbalanced budget
• Controller independence

Public Service Highlights:

• Deputy/Agenda Director, Houston City Council in Districts F, C, and At-Large
• Houston City Deputy Directory and Public Information Officer

Candidate Introduction (From Candidate Website):

2023 will be a major year of transition for the city. We will have elected a new Mayor, several new Council Members, and a new City Controller. In this ever-changing political landscape, a person with experience can best work through this transition. I am that person, especially given that no other individual in this race has experience in the Controller’s Office. I truly understand that experience matters, and that’s why I am looking to become the next City Controller.

My experience as the Chief Deputy City Controller for the past eight (8) years, my 20-plus years of Public Service, and my extensive knowledge of government finance have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the mechanics of city government. With this knowledge base, I can identify potential problems and make informed decisions to ensure the city’s financial stability. In addition, I have a strong track record of successfully managing work teams, purview over budget and financial records. I have facilitated the automation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and discussed strategies to maintain the highest accuracy and accountability.

Furthermore, I have worked with multiple departments to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the city’s financial processes and procedures. In addition, I have a proven history of working with community organizations to foster fiscal responsibility and promote financial literacy.

I have a passion for Public Service and commitment to working with citizens to ensure a strong and secure financial future. Let’s work together to ensure the city remains financially secure and prosperous. With my experience, I am confident I can make a difference as Houston’s City Controller.

Website: OrlandoSanchez.com

Issues / Priorities:

• Re-energizing the internal audit function
• Closely monitor city projects and contracts for compliance and potential conflicts of interest
• Closely monitor and issue formal reports and updates monthly on the City’s budget.

Public Service Highlights:

• Houston City Council, Budget Committee
• Harris County Treasurer, certified County Investment Officer

Candidate Introduction (From email inquiry):

I am running for Controller because the City’s financial status and system of internal controls are in serious disarray. Overspending and financial mismanagement has gone unchecked for over a decade under the control of the current Administration and few meaningful audits have been completed.

My top priorities include re-energizing the internal audit function, closely monitor city projects and contracts for compliance and potential conflicts of interest and I will closely monitor and issue formal reports and updates monthly on the City’s budget.

No other candidate has the background and experience as I have to serve as City Controller.

I’ve been actively engaged in community service since my high school days at HISD’s Bellaire High School. It’s only natural that I want to continue my service to our community and my City based on my experience and proven conservative record.

I immigrated to the US as a child with my family, fleeing an oppressive Communist regime in Cuba. I learned from my own experiences and from my parents how easily and quickly “liberal” politics can turn into a harsh, destructive force. I was determined to make a difference and have always strived to serve my country and my community.

After graduating from the University of Houston I served in the United States Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard. I’ve served 6 years on Houston’s City Council and was assigned to the Council’s Budget Committee. I was elected as Treasurer for Harris County and served for 12 years where I won numerous awards and recognition for providing transparency to the voters of Harris County. I served as vice-chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee for the County Treasurers Association of Texas, and during my time as County Treasurer, I received my certification as a County Investment Officer.

My community service continues in my private life, I am a life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the 100 Club of Houston. I currently chair the University of Houston Foundation Board of Trustees and have served as its Investment Committee Chairman. I am a member of the Board of Directors of Capital Bank and serve on the bank’s Audit Committee and on the Assets & Liabilities Committee. I am a member of the Board of Directors of HCA Hospital Northwest and am a Fellow of the British-American Project and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.