Press Release

Gary Renola, Seabrook City Council Position 6, has announced his plans to run for Mayor of Seabrook in the May 2008 election.  Gary is completing his first 3-year term on Seabrook City Council and has served previously on Seabrook’s Economic Development Corporation for three years.  The current Seabrook Mayor, Robin Riley, is term limited and supports Renola’s bid to succeed him.  “Seabrook has made a lot of progress in the three years I have been on City Council.  If elected, I want to continue the positive direction that has been established”, stated Renola.

Gary and his wife, Elaine, have been married for 33 years.  Gary and Elaine have lived in Seabrook for 16 years and the Bay Area for 29 years.  Gary works for a major petrochemical company as a Project Executive for capital projects.  In this capacity, he manages multi-million dollar projects from inception through construction.

Gary has an undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Chemical Engineering.  He obtained his MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Gary is serving in his third year on Seabrook City Council, Position #6 and has served as Mayor Pro Tem.  While on City Council, Gary has been fiscally conservative and supportive of keeping the property tax rate constant.  Gary was supportive of negotiations to end the long-standing legal conflict with the Port of Houston that was recently settled recently to Seabrook’s benefit.  Seabrook and the PHA signed an agreement that minimizes PHA’s encroachment into Seabrook, creates a buffer space via a 40 acre park donation to Seabrook, and ensures the restoration of Pine Gully.

During his term on City Council, Gary was a leader in negotiations with the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD).  These negotiations led to a new multi-year agreement and fostered mutual respect between the two organizations.  In support of SVFD, the city has recently accepted delivery of a new ladder truck to bolster the city’s fire protection.

Gary has served on Seabrook Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) for three years, including one year as President.  As President of SEDC, the Seabrook Marine District Study was completed which has catalyzed waterfront development on Seabrook’s waterfront.  This development includes the recently announced Endeavor Project, a five building complex featuring a five-star Westin Hotel, two Class A office buildings, residential units and commercial shops.

He recently served six years as Board member of the West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce, including serving as Chairman of the Board in 2004.  Other involvements included Capital Campaign Chair and Long Range Plan Chair. 

Gary is active with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater Houston.   He has mentored youth in the program for over 10 years and is currently mentoring a 16 year-old.  Gary recently served six years on the BBBS Board of Directors and continues to participate in the BBBS locally through the Friends of BBBS.  

Other charity events supported by Gary include the Men Who Cook, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival War on Drugs.

Gary is an avid, accomplished tennis player having played tournaments throughout the state. Gary also enjoys photography, especially nature and sports photography.  This enjoyment of photography extends to Seabrook events including the fishing tournament, Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Festival, and Breakfast with Santa.