Today, The Courier offers its endorsements in the race for Conroe City Council.
In deciding the endorsements and during our interviews, we sought the following qualities -- a broad vision for Conroe's future development, including a downtown arts and entertainment district, an outspoken sensitivity to the concerns of property taxpayers, a commitment to ensure quality services and infrastructure for all city residents, support for continuing the city's War on Drugs, and the experience, background and maturity to implement those views on the council.
During our interviews, none of the candidates was the perfect fit, but the following represent the best possible collection of those qualities:

...Conroe City Council, Position 5 - Incumbent Councilman Jay Ross Martin has been a controversial figure at times, but there is no mistaking his commitment to the city of Conroe. He has become known as the most visible proponent of a downtown arts and entertainment district, but in our interviews he demonstrated a commitment to growth for the entire city and an understanding how to make that growth happen, in part by continuing to encourage the development of middle class housing within the city. Martin was a leader in identifying flaws in previous city projects and operations, including the city Police Station, and supported solutions to address those problems. He has been criticized for his ownership of a downtown building and casting votes on policies that encourage downtown development, but we believe his votes to date can be supported legally and ethically. A longtime Conroe resident - he graduated Conroe High School in 1967 - Jay Ross Martin has been devoted to the community for years, and in our view has earned another four years on council to secure a bright future for the city.