Sugar Land mayoral candidates speak on local issues and global responsibility at Fort Bend forum

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, residents across Fort Bend County gathered inside Brazos Hall at the University of Houston at Sugar Land for the 2025 Fort Bend Candidate Forum. The event brought together candidates for local races including City of Sugar Land, City of Stafford, Fort Bend ISD, and Lamar CISD. While the forum featured multiple panels, one of the most closely watched and passionately debated was the race for Sugar Land Mayor.

Hosted by a coalition of nonpartisan community groups—EMGAGE, BakerRipley, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the League of Women Voters, and many others—the event offered voters an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to lead one of the most diverse and fastest-growing cities in Texas. The forum emphasized education, civic engagement, and respectful discourse, creating a space where residents could ask questions, hear competing viewpoints, and leave more informed before Election Day on May 3.

🏙️ Candidates for Sugar Land Mayor

The six candidates on the ballot include:

Carol McCutcheon
Naushad Kermally
Michelle Mikeska
William Ferguson
Alex J. Sowell
Sarwar Khan

From small business growth to disaster resilience and global conflicts, candidates laid out their visions—and their values—before a packed audience.

Supporting Small Businesses

The candidates were asked how they would support Sugar Land’s small businesses. Each took a different approach, drawing on personal experience and city initiatives.

William Ferguson opened with a call to shop local:

“You gotta purchase local. Our government’s doing all we can to bring the business here, bring the consumer here, and we will continue to do that. This is absolutely critical that we support our small businesses.”

Carol McCutcheon focused on city-led improvements:

“We do have a new program here where the city is partnering with smaller businesses at shopping centers. I think by revitalizing the exterior of shopping centers, that’s also going to help bring in new businesses.”

Naushad Kermally shared his close ties with business owners:

“Forty-six of my pop-up banners are within small businesses because I’ve been working with them. It’s vital—they put in their entire 401(k) to open up their business. It’s important that we give back to them. In 2019, when Sugar Land Town Center was empty, I got in. Now it’s BB Italia, State Fair, Sweet Paris—it’s not 50% empty like I said earlier. It’s thriving.”

🌊 Flood Mitigation and Infrastructure

The forum also tackled disaster resilience in the wake of recent storms and flooding.

Naushad Kermally emphasized planning and partnerships:

“We’re going to make sure that we’re resilient, number one, by having implementations of different companies ready to come and service here in Sugar Land. I have contacts with CenterPoint Energy. I make sure that they are doing what they’re doing. We also passed a $350 million bond so we can make sure that flooding is not going to happen inside your home.”

Carol McCutcheon pointed to completed and upcoming drainage projects:

“We had homes that flooded during Hurricane Harvey, and other homes that flooded during the May 2019 rain event—some homes in both. In the May and the November 2024 bond election, we have another $35 million for drainage projects. We have $42 million between the city and Fort Bend County to prevent Brazos River erosion. During Hurricane Harvey, we lost 200 feet from Memorial Park.”

William Ferguson focused on the city’s economic vulnerability:

“Our city right now is appraised around $22 billion. That Brazos River alone could affect with flooding 40 to 50% of the value of our city. It’s very important that we use our regional partners to help fund improvements. The federal government, the state government—they’ve really done a great job.”

Michelle Mikeska added a new angle—energy independence:

“What we have not addressed is the power grid. Growing up here in Sugar Land, I was not worried about the power going out as often as I am. This is a real problem. ERCOT is undependable. The solution is microgrids, and we can do this with environmentally sustainable energy like solar power. There are grants galore for it. This would not cost the city money.”

🌍 Gaza Conflict and the Role of City Government

Candidates were asked whether they would support a ceasefire resolution related to the war in Gaza—a question that revealed divisions in philosophy and governance.

Michelle Mikeska took a clear stance:

“Absolutely. Our world is getting smaller and more interconnected, and a leader needs to be able to say something about atrocities that are going on – especially if it’s affecting their residents. Even if they don’t vote – we need concern for people who are suffering. A leader must lead with empathy. That is rule number one.”

William Ferguson respectfully disagreed:

“I am responsible as your City Council member and as your future mayor to every single person that is a resident of this city. That is my lane. My lane is your police, fire, EMS, sewer, fresh water, mobility. I stay in my lane. I may have personal views… but my platform should not be used to support any opinion outside of this city.”

Carol McCutcheon expressed concern about precedent:

“If your house is broken into, if your house is on fire, if you have a heart attack – we’re sending Sugar Land emergency responders to you. We don’t have any control over international affairs. If we give a resolution for one situation, we’re really opening up a floodgate.”

Naushad Kermally shared his personal conflict as a Muslim candidate:

“Unfortunately, I cannot put out a resolution. I represent you, the people. You pay U.S. tax dollars to spend your money wisely. I empathize with what happened in India as well. My own Muslim community is attacking me now because I haven’t done it as your City Council member over the past six years. I’m hurt, absolutely hurt, but it’s not about me—it’s about all of us.”

Closing Remarks

Each candidate offered a final message to voters:

Carol McCutcheon:

“I have the knowledge, experience, and leadership qualities needed to keep Sugar Land strong. I want to keep our tax rate as low as possible while maintaining critical services. I’m #6 on the ballot, but I hope to be #1 in your hearts.”

William Ferguson:

“Safety is your top priority. Economic development and redevelopment is my second. Third, I want to put this city back together emotionally after this election—we are the most divided city right now. I don’t protest this city, I don’t have conflicts of interest, and I will make the tough decisions.”

Michelle Mikeska:

“Since 2019, we’ve lost 10,000 residents in Sugar Land. I have the plans to bring young families back. As a mom of a six-year-old, I will allow anyone to speak during public comments. You can protest me—that’s your right.”

Naushad Kermally:

“I started a company – we took one retail store to 2,000 nationwide. I’m the only one that’s run a billion-dollar business. Sugar Land has a $450 million budget this year. I promise to wedge myself into every City Hall meeting, even if we’re not full time.”