The County Gin reached out to each candidate that filed for a position for the City of Wharton Council, requesting a short bio and photograph.
City of Wharton, Mayor Position
Marie Johnston, for Mayor
My name is Anna Marie Perez Johnston. I am 53 and have been all over the Country as a Navy wife. I have had to start from nothing countless times in new and unknown places. I say that to say, “I am a no excuses person.” I understand the obstacles to growth and the things we need to overcome as a community to move forward. I have lead what some would call innovative outreach programs and have started several successful businesses. In all my adventures, I have learned these things all people have these things in common:we want a safe place to be; we want the opportunity to grow financially; and we want a future for our children. More than that we want quality of life a place to enjoy the fruits of our labor. In that, I feel I’m uniquely qualified to bring those things to Wharton.
Tim Barker, for Mayor (Incumbent)
As the City of Wharton Mayor, my main focus is looking out for each and every citizen of this great city. By working with the city’s administration and council, Wharton has the following projects approved or in the process of gaining approval: FULLY FUNDED $74 million Flood Reduction/Levee Project; FM 1301 Extension (allowing for future economical development of the city); I-69/ HWY 59 expansion (coordination with TxDot); estimated 38 housing projects by working with GLO, WCRT, HOME and 2016 Disaster funding; a new water well to ensure our citizens have a clean and ample water supply, as well as continuation of internal drainage projects; and street program (repairing and improving our city streets). By continuing to work TOGETHER, we will build this city up. I have an open door policy, and I am an open book. I will gladly work with each of you to address any concerns or answer any questions you might have.
Steven Roberts, for Mayor
My name is Steven Roberts. I have been in Wharton for the last 15 years. I have served on several boards: Wharton Recovery Team; Matagorda County Crisis Center; Wharton Rotary Club President; Youth Football President; Wharton Beautification Commission Chairperson; Central Appraisal District; School board Vice President; and Youth Minister. I have seen how this city had went down in the last four years from job loss and the closing of businesses, like the lumber yard. If I’m given the chance to be elected as Mayor. I will rebuild this City by recruiting new businesses that brings in real good paying jobs, not low paying ones like a Chicken Shack and affordable homes.
City of Wharton Councilmember At Large, Place 6
Larry Pittman, Councilmember At Large Place 6
I grew up in Wharton as a child and lived here until my Dad, Archie Pittman, relocated the family to Houston for his job. I attended HCC and U of H – graduating with a degree in Police Science. I embarked on an extremely successful 33 year law enforcement career where I gained diversified experience in local government operations. I was twice awarded the Officer of the Year award – once by the PD and once by the Houston 100 Club. I promoted through the ranks and routinely dealt with the writing and administration of local government budgets, policies, personnel matters and other local government matters. I retired in “Honorable” status after 33 years of service. Following retirement, we moved back to Wharton where I want to give back to my community by utilizing the skills and knowledge gained in those 33 years by representing the citizens of Wharton on City Council.
Alice Heard-Roberts, Councilmember At Large Place 6 (Incumbent)
As a lifelong resident of Wharton, I always dreamed about making our community a better place. I attended schools in the W.I.SD., graduating with the class of 1998. I have since earned a degree in mortuary science along with a master’s degree in nursing. I work as a registered nurse, contract mortician, full-time wife and mother. I became engaged in activities around the community after seeing the disastrous effects of the floods. My goal while in office remains to ensure all people of the community are informed and afforded equal opportunities, while making decisions to stimulate the growth our city. We must rebuild and revitalize while looking forward to the future. Even with this being my first term as a council member, I’ve gained so much knowledge asking questions during our meetings. I look forward to learning more about local government operations, while making the best decisions regarding our city.
This election is in conjunction with the November 3, 2020 General Election. For polling locations and times for Wharton County, please see below.
