Frank Yonish, a Sugar Land resident and former elected official, has announced his candidacy for Sugar Land City Council, District 4 in the May 14, 2011 election. The District 4 seat is currently held by Councilman Michael Schiff, who is stepping down due to term limits.
Prior to moving back into Sugar Land in 1999, Yonish served as an elected city council member in Missouri City for six years.
“I am ready to serve Sugar Land by once again seeking public office,” said Yonish. “This is a time in our city’s history that requires a unique blend of leadership and expertise. With the national economy still struggling to regain momentum, and the Texas Legislature facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall, we must undertake steps now to ensure that Sugar Land remains strong in the face of our challenges.
“My decision to run for this seat is based upon my desire to provide Sugar Land and District 4 with Councilman Schiff’s same levels of leadership and expertise on the issues that impact our city and our economy. I believe that my experience and my conservative approach to government will be crucial during these tough economic times. Sugar Land needs another effective, fiscally-minded voice on Council to work with Mayor Thompson and other Fort Bend leaders to protect our quality of life and our city’s high standards of excellence.”
Yonish said there are many “challenges” ahead for the city, including preparing for the surface water conversion by 2020, continuing strong economic development, maintaining a high level of city services, and finding cost-effective solutions to the transportation and mobility demands of a growing community and most importantly addressing growing concerns of public safety.
“I take an uncompromising stance toward dealing with these thugs and law breakers, and I am committed to supporting our police and law enforcement as they protect all our families and residents,” said Yonish.
Yonish is a former Chairman of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and has served in many leadership roles with that organization. In 2008, he was appointed by Commissioners’ Court to the Board of Directors for the Fort Bend LID #15. In other notable roles of community leadership, Yonish has served on the Board of Directors for Fort Bend Child Advocates, as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Sweetwater Country Club, and as a Republican precinct chairman in two different precincts (#4065 and #4131.)
Born in Michigan, Yonish holds a BA in Economics and International Studies from the University of Michigan. He moved to Sugar Land in 1984, then to Missouri City in the Lake Colony subdivision, before moving back to Sugar Land in 1999. He has two daughters, Lauren and Lindsey, and is a member of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land. In his professional career, Yonish is employed by Bank of Texas, and serves as the Chairman of Fort Bend County and Manager of Houston commercial lending.
For more information on the campaign, visit his campaign website at www.FrankYonish.com.
