Council Members Go Head-To-Head For West U Mayor

West U Mayor Pro Tem Bob Fry and Councilmember Steven Segal told InstantNewsWestU today that they plan on running for mayor in the upcoming May 14 election.

Fry, who has served two terms on the city council and two terms as mayor pro tem, is term limited in his current position.

Segal has served a total of six years. During his current council tenure he has served one two-year term.

The West U city charter limits service to two consecutive two-year terms. However, council members may run for a subsequent two-year term after sitting out at least one term.

Bob Fry

Bob Fry

Fry started his own marine transportation company when he was 30 years old and is still working as a consultant. He currently serves as the president of the Harris County Mayors and Councils Association and is West U’s representative on the Houston-Galveston Area Council as an alternate on its board of directors. He also represents HGAC Small Cities as a member of its Transportation Policy Committee.

Fry was recognized as a West U Citizen of the Year in 1995.

“It’s the next step in my community service,” Fry said. “I can do this and do it well.”

Fry has lived in West U with his wife Jo Ann since 1986. They raised their two daughters, now 28 and 25, in West U and he said they moved there in part because of West U Elementary School. Both of his daughters attended St. John’s School after second and third grade.

“I’ve been a leader in many organizations. I can be a good leader,” Fry said. “My heart is in this neighborhood.”

Fry said the current council has taken care of several big uses and he doesn’t expect the new council to have to deal with any large issues right away.

“It’s time to take a breath,” he said. “We don’t have to do a whole lot right now.”

Fry said his experience, credibility and involvement in the community makes him a good candidate for mayor.

“That’s been my whole life, solving problems,” he said. “That’s my strength.”

Steven Segal

Steven Segal

Segal is a retired tax and business lawyer, with a focus on employee benefits and retirements plans. He also practiced as a Certified Public Accountant. He graduated from the College of William and Mary and earned an M.B.A. from the University of Miami. He earned his J.D. from the University of Houston.

Segal serves as one of three elected officials on the advisory committee to the board for the Texas Municipal Retirement System. He is an active member of West U’s Good Neighbor Team and served as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for eight years. He served the Houston Area Women’s Center for many years and coached West U Little League.

Segal was recognized as a West U Citizen of the Year in 2004.

“I think my experience and background qualifies me to run for mayor,” Segal said. “I bring experience and the ability to run our government smoothly.”

Segal and his wife Phyllis have lived in their West U home since 1971. They raised their son and daughter in West U. Their daughter currently lives in West U with her husband and son.

“I represent three generations here in West U,” he said.

Segal said the first thing the new council will have to focus on is getting the new members up to speed and helping them to find their voice.

“There’s always something unexpected that you have to be prepared for,” he said. “We’re a sound city because of the staff.”

Candidate packets will be available on Tuesday, Jan. 18 for those interested in running for city council.