Maryanne Rogers is running for County Commissioner, Precinct 1, which includes Bolivar Peninsula. In the office above Pat’s Tires, with the cool breeze blowing in off the Gulf, we had the opportunity to sit down with Maryanne and talk about the upcoming campaign.

You are a long time resident of Bolivar?
I am a long time resident, 34 years, 28 years in the Republican party, serving as precinct chair, election judge, poll watcher, attending county and state conventions, named Republican volunteer in the year 2000.

How did you find your way to Bolivar?
I grew up in New Jersey. I had been working in Manhattan for seven years as a buyer for a department store and came to Houston for a friend’s wedding, then again for the christening of her baby. When I went back to Manhattan, I decided, “I want to live in Texas!” I lived in Houston for 7–8 months, when I met Pat and we got married. He was from Bolivar. He always wanted a shrimp boat and I didn’t ever want to work, I wanted a family.

I’ve been active in politics, as well as others in my family. My brother is in politics in Westchester County, NY. Dad was a mayor of a town, I have always been a campaign person, helping someone or another to get elected.

You know I did run for JP here in 1998 against Pat Vondra, but lost. There weren’t many Republicans here, but there’s been a change.

Even at the JP level, is it pretty much party-oriented?
Yes, absolutely. It’s a shame; I think judges should run on a merit system. We’re going to be voting for a lot of judges, merit instead of a party thing. It’s hard to make a decision, when you don’t see them out and about. It’s helpful to see them, talk to them, see how they feel about things.

Why did you decide to run for County Commissioner?
I decided to run for County Commissioner when we were put in Precinct 3, which would have been against Steven Holmes and I thought we needed representation (on Bolivar). Then, we were moved to Precinct 1 in redistricting. I said I wouldn’t run against Patrick Doyle because he was a well-liked County Commissioner and I wouldn’t want to have to run against him because he actually did a lot for Bolivar Peninsula. When I opened Sunday’s paper, and saw that he wasn’t going to run, I decided that for our community and our area and for all unincorporated areas, because Precinct 1 also includes Baycliff and San Leon, they truly need representation on Commissioner’s Court. I felt there was a need for us to be represented.

What is on your Agenda?
I have 3 very important issues, I call them PIT.

First, the Panama Canal (expansion project) opening in 2014, will change the economic development of this whole county. When the canal opens up and the port opens to all big boats coming through the canal we’re going to have to vie to bring these boats, economy, jobs, etc.

Second, infrastructure, not just roads, we have issues with water in North County, not getting enough water. We have conditions of waste water here on the peninsula. There are a lot of infrastructure issues to be taken into consideration.

Third, transportation, there’s a lot of concern. If the Panama Canal opens and the Port of Galveston (experiences) the economic growth, we’ll have to look at our existing railroad systems, where they can unload these containers and shuffle them around the country. We also need to look at mass transportation, some kind of a rail system to take people from Galveston up to North County, to Houston, to Kingwood, something to take cars off highways. Some of the existing roads right now that need help. The City needs a lot of help on their roads; we need help over here to elevate Hwy. 87.

Those would be my 3 agenda items. There’s a lot!

How effective can a County Commissioner be in addressing those issues?
Very effective. And I think it’s like this, when you pick up the phone and you say you’re the County Commissioner, and you’re working hand in hand with and calling State Reps, House Reps, Senatorial Reps, working with your Congressman, they will listen. Also, as I’ve worked with a party for 28 years, I’ve made so many connections. Just the fact they’ll listen to me now, I feel like when I can say we need to sit down and talk about this as a County Commissioner, I feel like they would sit down and talk to me. It is important – the people you’ve met during your political career. That also helps, that you do have these people’s names in your directory and you can call on them to sit down and talk about issues.

Would you be in favor of a bridge from the peninsula to the mainland?
Absolutely, I’m going to say this, because it’s just trickled down information. I don’t have the hard core facts, but I have heard that there will be, when the Panama Canal opens, some kind of bay bridge. Somewhere, be it this direction or through Texas City, because of the transportation issue that’s going to come out of this. This is one reason why we need to be represented. Our community right here will grow to take the brink of everything.

What campaign events do you have scheduled?
Oh my goodness, I have 8 weeks. I would love to have everyone, I know it’s difficult for some people to vote in the Republican primary, to pick my name. I think it’s important that people in the community be united together to put in a good candidate. I’m going to try to do a Meet & Greet at Stingaree. I’m going to work Baycliff & San Leon, get down there in the trenches, talk to people, meet people and explain, like I said to you, unincorporated areas rely heavily on County Commissioners to make their decisions and it’s very important to have someone they can trust and go to.

There are three other candidates in the primary?
Yes, three others. Brian Dennard lives in League City, Bill Chuoke lives in Texas City and Mark Foster lives in Kemah.

Maryanne Rogers on the Courthouse steps with Ryan Dennard (L) and Bill Chuoke drawing for ballot position. The 4th candidate, Mark Foster, was not present.

=============================================
Primary elections will be held on May 29th. Early voting starts on May 14th and runs through May 25th.