Mike Wolfe

Healthcare The law notes that “born alive” indicates any sign of life, and our healthcare system must take this definition into account in their billing practices. The mother should not have to bear the cost of an ultimately nonviable birth alone, nor should hospitals be forced to write off costs when the mother is unable to pay. Education Secondly, we must work with our industry partners to create specialized trade schools that function similarly to dual-credit programs. These schools would offer students the opportunity to learn valuable trades while earning high school credits, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. Working with one’s hands is just as honorable and beneficial to society as working with one’s mind. Criminal Justice / Public Safety At the same time, it’s crucial to address the root causes of crime wherever possible. While municipal courts may have limited power to tackle these underlying issues directly, they can play a crucial role as a screening and referral source to help resolve the smaller problems that often entangle individuals in the justice system. Taxes / Budget With interest rates likely to fall in the near future, it’s crucial that we approach bond issuance with a strategic mindset. This means issuing bonds in smaller increments, allowing us to capitalize on future lower interest rates. By adopting a “pay-as-you-go” approach to bond issuance, we can ensure that we’re managing our debt efficiently while minimizing the financial burden on our community. Infrastructure / Transportation I will prioritize investing in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect against cyber threats. This includes regular security audits, advanced security protocols, and continuous training for city employees. Ensuring our city’s cybersecurity is not only about protecting information but also about maintaining the trust and safety of our residents. Government Reform I propose implementing a data-driven decision-making process that utilizes analytics to inform city planning, infrastructure development, and public safety measures. By analyzing trends in population growth, traffic patterns, and resource usage, we can make more informed and efficient decisions that better serve our community. Additionally, I support launching an open data initiative, making city data transparent and accessible to the public. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Crime affects every one of us, and addressing it requires a multifaceted approach that combines strong support for law enforcement with effective anti-recidivism measures. We must ensure that our law enforcement agencies are adequately staffed and equipped to carry out their vital duties of protecting and serving our community safely and effectively. Infrastructure / Transportation As Baytown continues to grow, managing traffic efficiently is critical to reducing congestion and ensuring safety on our roads. I propose implementing a smart traffic management system that uses advanced sensors and real-time data to optimize traffic flow. These systems can adjust traffic signals based on current conditions, reducing commute times and emissions while enhancing road safety. Infrastructure / Transportation As we tackle the sewage and drainage problem, we must integrate flood control measures into our approach. By improving our sewage and drainage systems simultaneously, we can reduce the risk of both flooding and sewage overflows, protecting homes, businesses, and public health. Criminal Justice / Public Safety For instance, when someone appears before the court for driving without a license, we should assist them in obtaining an occupational license through the Justice of the Peace. I will actively seek attorneys willing to provide this service pro bono, helping individuals drive legally and avoid the cycle of repeated offenses related to driving without a license. By offering support where it’s needed, we can help reduce recidivism and contribute to a safer, more law-abiding community. Abortion / Contraception Both baby and mother need access to appropriate nutrition and healthcare. To this end, we will provide information to crisis pregnancy centers on how expectant mothers can access WIC and Medicaid eligibility criteria for pregnancy as determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Our goal is to empower women to access services they are already eligible to receive. Abortion / Contraception Life is a fundamental issue that must be addressed holistically, from conception through to natural death. We believe that protecting and supporting life requires a comprehensive approach that considers the entire spectrum of human existence. This includes not only ensuring the legal protection of life before birth but also providing the necessary support systems that help individuals and families at every stage of life. Housing As we work to improve our sewage and water systems, we can also look at how these infrastructure upgrades can support new housing developments, particularly affordable housing. By integrating infrastructure improvements with housing initiatives, we can attract state and federal funding, fostering partnerships with developers to create affordable housing options that meet the needs of our growing population. Education First, we need to engage with our community colleges to ensure they are prepared to offer services under a school choice program. I propose a collaboration between the city and community colleges to establish schools focused on a dual-credit philosophy. This would allow students to earn college credits while completing their high school education, providing them with a head start on higher education and reducing the overall cost of a college degree. Government Reform I envision a Baytown that actively works to reduce crime, not only through effective policing but also by taking intentional steps to focus on anti-recidivism measures. Fiscal responsibility should never mean leaving the most vulnerable behind. We must collaborate with our community partners to ensure that everyone has appropriate access to healthcare.