Tommy Cones is running for reelection to League City Council Position 2 in the Nov. 3 general election. The race is nonpartisan. Gregory Van Etten is also running.

Asked why he is seeking the office, Cones said in our candidate questionnaire: "As a 45-year resident and community leader in League City, I'm committed to making the city the best place to live and raise a family. … We need to keep lowering taxes, maintain professional public safety departments to keep citizens safe from crime, and provide excellent fire and emergency medical services. We need to continue building on the Capital Improvement plans to reduce traffic, flooding, and drainage concerns."

Candidate information

Name: Tommy Cones

Party affiliation: Cones said in our questionnaire: "Republican. I have voted in every Republican primary since 2006, which included general and special elections."

Family: Cones said: "I am pleased to be married to my wife, Jerie, and to have a daughter, 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. …"

Education: Cones said: "I hold a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Columbia Southern University. I also hold an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science and Safety Technology. Currently, I hold master's certifications as a Police Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Material Incident Commander, Fire Inspector, and Arson Investigator. …"

Experience and public service

Work history: Cones said: "I retired from the City of Houston after 32 years of dedicated service as an Engineer/Operator and Firefighter. I also retired from the City of League City after 20 years as a Firefighter, Police Officer, and Emergency Medical Technician, during which I served as Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal. I served as Administrative Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Nassau Bay for 15 years."

Elected and appointed office: Cones said: "… I have served on the League City Council for 13 years and as Mayor Pro Tem for 2 years. I have held and currently hold several appointed positions with organizations that benefit the city government, including Board of Directors positions with the Houston Galveston Area Council and the HGAC Transportation Policy Committee. I am a founding member and former board member of the League City Proud organization and Holiday in the Park for 25 years."

On the issues

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this post?

Cones said: "The main difference between my opponent and me is my 13 years of experience as a current City Council member. I bring 45 years of city government experience in public safety, budget policy, development and land use, zoning and planning regulations, and management. … My opponent is a single-issue candidate with no government experience. …"

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Cones said: "While serving on City Council, I have helped shape policies and ordinances that have reduced the tax rate from 63 cents to 35 cents per hundred. I have sponsored legislation that reduced the tax burden on seniors and individuals with disabilities by increasing the tax deduction from $45,000 to $200,000. … Five former Mayors of League City and several council members have endorsed me for reelection for these reasons."

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Cones said: "To treat individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of the difficulties or situations they may have endured. That is why I believe my life's journey was to serve the public and help people through my public safety career."

Candidate responses were collected through the League City Herald's candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been independently verified unless otherwise noted.