Our Bureau
Bellaire, TX
The Indian American Public Affairs Council (IAPAC) successfully hosted a Conversations Over Coffee candidate forum, bringing together residents and candidates for Bellaire City Council Position 4 ahead of the upcoming May special election.
The event provided a thoughtful and engaging platform for civic dialogue in Bellaire, widely known as the “City of Homes” for its strong neighborhoods, excellent schools, and close-knit community.
Participating candidates Todd Thurber, Kevin Newman, and Gay Mayeux, each brought distinct professional perspectives shaped by their backgrounds in engineering, business operations, and financial leadership. Candidate Shuba Grewal, an advocate for responsible growth, transparency, and community engagement was unable to attend due to being out of town.
Todd Thurber, a civil engineer, emphasized proactive, long-term infrastructure planning and resilience. He underscored the importance of structured capital improvement programs and regional coordination to address aging systems and flooding challenges. “We need to stop reacting to problems and start planning ahead with a long-term infrastructure strategy,” he said.
Kevin Newman, a business leader and entrepreneur, focused on accountability, efficiency, and practical governance. He advocated for a results-driven approach to city management. “We need to take a common-sense business approach to running the city. That means improving efficiency, eliminating waste, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly,” he stated.
Gay Mayeux, a former CFO and CPA, highlighted the importance of fiscal discipline and strategic execution. She emphasized aligning priorities with responsible budgeting to support long-term sustainability. “Money matters. We must align strategy, budgeting, and execution to ensure we invest in priorities, while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources,” she said.
“One of IAPAC’s core missions is to strengthen civic awareness and engagement within our community,” said Dr. Roopa Gir, who provided opening remarks for the event.
The discussion was moderated by Ruchi Gupta, Board Member of IAPAC, who emphasized constructive dialogue, stating, “Our goal is to create a respectful space where participants can listen, learn, and engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas.”
Across the discussion, several shared priorities emerged. Candidates agreed on the need for long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and maintaining Bellaire’s high quality of life.
Flood mitigation was identified as one of the city’s most pressing challenges. Candidates discussed expanding drainage capacity, strengthening regional partnerships, and implementing infrastructure improvements to better manage flood risks in this low-lying area.
The forum also addressed the balance between economic development and preserving Bellaire’s residential character. Candidates emphasized attracting high-quality businesses while maintaining zoning protections to prevent overdevelopment and safeguarding neighborhoods.
Public safety, infrastructure modernization, and fiscal responsibility were also central themes. Candidates highlighted the importance of upgrading aging systems, improving police visibility and technology, and maintaining transparency in budgeting and spending.
The forum included an engaging question-and-answer session directly from the residents, reflecting strong community interest in local governance and civic participation. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Nellie Naidoo, a community member of IAPAC.
IAPAC expressed appreciation to the candidates, attendees, and volunteers for contributing to a meaningful dialogue that supports informed decision-making.
About IAPAC
The Indian American Public Affairs Council (IAPAC) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting civic engagement, leadership, and public service. Through initiatives such as Conversations Over Coffee, IAPAC connects community members with public leaders to encourage informed civic participation.
