In the May 10th election, Alvin residents were given the opportunity to recall Jim Landriault, a city council member representing District C.
According to the Brazoria County Facts, the issue stems from Landriault's support of a Mobile Home ordinance that passed last October. The paper tells us that the ordinance: gives mobile home owners up to five years to create paved roads, have proper and readable signs and make designated pedestrian walkways, among other improvements.
Up to a third of Alvin residents are said to live in mobile homes of some sort, so the industry has some clout. Following the passage of the ordinance the industry spearheaded an effort to remove Landriault from office. A source tells me that he shifted his position on the issue once in office.
From the Facts:
Those who organized the petition claimed Landriault voted to raise taxes, trash rates and to close Hugh Adams Park, Landriault has said.
Alvin City Clerk Tommy Peebles has said the trash contract was approved nine years before Landriault came to the council and property taxes have not been increased since 1994.
Landriault also has said he voted to keep the half-acre Hugh Adams Park open.
“None of it was true,” Landriault said of the petitioners’ claims.
Landriault said he has been campaigning throughout his district telling voters the facts about his voting record. Many of those who signed the petition have called him and said they were sorry for signing the petition, he said.
Landriault said he believes the recall has to do with his support for the mobile home ordinance.
For those who want him removed, Landriault said, “I don’t hold any hard feelings for that.”
A woman hired to speak for the mobile home owners who organized the petition drive did not return calls Friday seeking comment.
Landriault survived the vote 2/3rds to 1/3rd.
A website, Citizens for Alvin, accusing the mobile home industry of attempting to control Alvin politics can be found here.
