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Proclamation Mayoral and council candidates outline vision for Missouri City By Juhi Varma first for the seven council candiDay recognizes dates, then for the two mayoral Robin Elackatt and individuals and Last week, the Fort Bend candidates, Jeffrey Boney. The city council candidates Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidates’ forum for the upcomare Shad Bogany, Sonya Brownorganizations ing 2025 General Election, giving Marshall, Lynn Clouser, Bruce voters a look at the contenders Zaborowski, Danishi Abayaraththat contribute for mayor and three city coun- na, James Davidson, and Sharita cil seats. Election Day is set for Thompson. Topics covered includTuesday, November 4. ed economic development, redeto county In Missouri City, the mayor, velopment, public safety, infraCONTRIBUTING WRITER
By Juhi Varma CONTRIBUTING WRITER
On Thursday, September 25, the Office of Fort Bend County Judge KP George hosted a special Proclamation Day ceremony recognizing several individuals and organizations that contribute to the county’s safety, service, and cultural strength. The ceremony at the Fort Bend County Historic Courthouse celebrated the achievements of the following honorees, Pastor David L. Sincere of Fort Bend Transformation Church was recognized for his work in suicide prevention. The proclamation highlighted the church’s leadership in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and fostering compassion in Fort Bend County. “Fort Bend Transformation Church is honored to be recognized by the County of Fort Bend for our leadership in the area of mental health and suicide prevention,” Sincere said in a written statement. The proclamation was accepted on behalf of the church by Sherian Scott. Kayla Elwood Agudo, a licensed professional counselor, provides therapy, training, and suicide prevention education through the First Responder Wellness program. She was also recognized with a proclamation for her work in suicide prevention. Fort Bend County’s First Responder Wellness program was created to support the emotional health of first responders. Mark Ned, Fort Bend County’s Veteran Service Officer, was honored with a proclamation for his service to local veterans and for his actions during the 9/11 attacks. “(Mark Ned’s efforts) directly strengthened the United States Army’s ability to defend our nation,” the proclamation said. “His dedication and service embodying the highest values, a powerful reminder of the resilience of the American spirit following one of the darkest days of nation’s history.” Nina Jimenez received a proclamation for her work as Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Foster Grandparents Program with Texas Health and Human Services. The program connects adults aged 55 and older with children who have special needs, offering mentoring, tutoring, and emotional support in schools, hospitals, and community centers.
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two at-large council members, and four district council members serve three-year terms. This year’s races feature a mix of seasoned incumbents and fresh challengers. Moderator Christopher Breaux split the forum into two parts:
structure, and traffic congestion. Candidates emphasized the need for transparency, better planning, and community engagement. Specific proposals included
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The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidates’ forum for the upcoming 2025 General Election, giving voters a first look at the contenders for mayor and three city council seats. Courtesy Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce
REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE VOTES TO FORWARD FIVE MAPS TO COMMISSIONERS COURT
Members of the Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee hold their final meeting at the Fort Bend County Historic Courthouse on Monday. The committee voted to forward five maps to Commissioners Court for consideration. Photo by Ken Fountain
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fort Bend County commissioners will have five proposed maps to choose from after their appointed Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee voted - with a bit of acrimony - voted on them at their final scheduled meeting Monday evening. Two of the maps were the top two vote-getters voted on by committee members, with the remaining three being maps that had tie votes among the bipartisan body. One member, Mike Gibson, objected to the proposal that the tie-vote maps be
forwarded to Commissioners Court, but was outvoted by the rest of the committee. The committee – comprised of two members each appointed by the four commissioners and County Judge KP George - met in the main courtroom of the county’s historic courthouse. Some of the maps - before additions and modifications - had previously been presented publicly at hearings held in each of the county’s four commissioner precincts and on a special page of the county’s website. One map considered was drawn by community member and political activist Chris Pino, the only resident
to submit one in this rare, mid-decade redistricting of the county’s precincts that kicked off in March. Ostensibly, the original reason had been the finding that many of the county’s voting precincts had either too few or too many voters, it later morphed into a full redo of the map passed by a then-Democratic majority on Commissioners Court, which the county’s Republican have long said was done under a controversial process. That map created two solidly Democratic precincts, one solidly Republican precinct, and one “swing” precinct. The current redistricting effort
gained momentum in June when George, who is facing several political and legal challenges, announced he was switching his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican, reversing the partisan balance of Commissioners Court. Monday’s meeting began with public comments from the substantial but not packed audience, with many speakers from the Democratic side questioning the entire process, and others from the Republican side arguing that any new map
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Fort Bend celebrates Diwali with vibrant events and festivities By Juhi Varma CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates Lord Ram’s victory over the demon king Ravan and marks the beginning of the Hindu new year. Other faith traditions that originate in South Asia also celebrate the holiday. Fort Bend County will host a variety of Diwali events for the community to enjoy. 14th International DiwaliDussehra Festival The Shri Sita Ram Foundation, USA, is hosting its 14th International Diwali-Dussehra Festival at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. The celebration will feature a grand parade, cultural performances, family and kids activities, food vendors,
and more. The evening will conclude with the burning of an effigy of Ravan, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 4–10 p.m. Where: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77498 Tickets: $10 in advance / $15 day of event | Children 7 and under free Parking: Free
Fort Bend Diwali Celebrate Diwali in the heart of Sugar Land at Town Square. Enjoy traditional performances, food, family-friendly activities, and community fun. The event also features a 1,000-meal food drive in the spirit of giving. Where: Sugar Land Town Square When: Friday, October 18, 2025 | Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Tickets: Limited free entry Global Diwali Expo available at FortBendDiwali2025. Looking for the perfect Diwali Eventbrite.com outfit? Top designers from across the U.S. will be showcased under one roof. Diwali Celebration at T.E. HarBrowse exclusive festive styles, enjoy man Senior Center special deals, and get ready for the Celebrate Diwali with light, culcelebrations. ture, and community at the T.E. Where: Sugar Land Marriott, Harman Senior Center. Enjoy festive 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX activities and connect with friends When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 and neighbors.
Where: T.E. Harman Senior Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land, TX 77478 When: Monday, October 20, 2025 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. Cost: $10 per person | Membership required (ages 50+) Register: www.SugarLandTX.gov/ ParksRegister or call 281-275-2893 Diwali & Annakut Celebration at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Fort Bend County will be the site of Join the annual Diwali and several events celebrating Diwali, Annakut celebration with cultural the “festival of lights” which marks and spiritual highlights, including the the Hindu new year. File photo Journey of Unity exhibition, a lights and sound show, grand Annakut ofWhen: October 18–19, 2025 fering, and a family-friendly Festival Learn more at www.baps.org/ of Unity with a kids’ carnival. Global-Network/North-America/ Where: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Houston.aspx Mandir, 1150 Brand Lane, Stafford, Varma can be reached at TX 77477 juhi.varma@gmail.com.