Richard Tew

Richey looks to hold on to Position 3 seat

First elected in 2007, Deer Park City Council Member Chris Richey is looking to be re-elected to serve another term at Position 3 in the upcoming city elections to be held in May. Now eyeing his third term as a council member, Richey faces one challenger in this election cycle.

According to his biography posted on the city of Deer Park's website, Council Member Richey is married with four children and is a life-long resident of Deer Park. Richey is the pastor of San Jacinto Baptist Church. He was previously the youth pastor of First Baptist Church of Deer Park (1996-2001). He is also the recipient of the Felton F. Wagoneer Hall of Honor, and the Community Builder Award. He is a member of the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce and is the director of “Field of Dreams,” which is a baseball camp for special needs children.
 
 As for his philosophy as to what a city should provide its residents: “Your basic services are first and foremost, after that, quality of life services,” said Richey. He says that quality of life services are relative to the stage of life each resident might be in. “Quality of life depends on who you are, what stage of life you are in and how it impacts you.”
 
As for “amenities” provided by cities to their residents: “I think an amenity is obviously a luxury,” said Richey. When it comes to amities, I think—once again—it's what can you provide; what means do you have to be able to do that.” He says amenities such as the Battleground Golf Course are enjoyed by many residents from Deer Park as well as neighboring cities. Still others in the community think the golf course could be better managed and promoted through a private entity. Richey says deciding the fate of the course isn't an easy one. Though not a golfer himself, he says, “It's a tough call. The library loses money. I think at some point you have to ask yourself, 'Is this an asset to our residents in general?'” He also notes both the Maxwell Center and the library both run in a deficit like the golf course has but still utilized and enjoyed by many in the community.

As for the proposed Type B sales tax, Richey says that because of the minimum impact it will have on his family and the potentially positive impact the generated revenue can have on the community as a whole, he will be voting for it. “Enhanced fire (department) benefits our residents. Enhanced police (department) benefits our residents,” said Richey. “It's not a manipulation strategy, it's something that benefits everybody.” He also said that the economic development aspect of the tax will also benefit area residents and businesses.

Richey said that despite the less than stellar economy, Deer Park has faired well. “A lot of cities are having to lay people off; we have not gotten to that point,” said Richey. He says the city's best years are yet to come.

Richey said he feels all of the candidates in this year's election have the best intentions for the Deer Park community. For more information about voting times and polling places, please visit the city of Deer Park website at www.deerparktx.gov.