3rd Quarter September 2013

Citizen Survey Indicates Most Important IssueToday is AttractingBusinessesTo DiversifyTax Base

The results of the Citizen Survey that was conducted in June 2013indicated that Friendswood residents stated the most important issue facingFriendswood today is taxes/diversifying the tax base. Regarding commercialdevelopment, almost half of the residents weren’t aware that Friendswood’ssales tax was lower than in surrounding communities.

Eighty-eight percent of respondents said it is important to attractbusinesses to Friendswood and the types of businesses preferred arerestaurants, retail, hotels, recreational facilities, and small independentbusinesses.

What Is the Most Important Issue Facing Friendswood Today?

What Type of Commercial Development is Preferred?

How Important Is It to Attract Business to Friendswood?

88%Very Important 61%

Somewhat Important 27%

Residential Development

2013 Single-family home building permits

Month #Homes Valuation(in millions)

January 11 $ 3.95February 22 $ 8.30March 19 $ 6.42April 26 $ 5.77May 17 $ 6.25June 13 $ 4.12July 7 $ 2.98

Total 105 $37.79

Business News

New Businesses:• Friendswood Dermatology, 1111 S. Friendswood Dr., #107• Subway, 3141 FM 528, Suite 352• Friends Uncorked, 111 S. Friendswood Dr.• Blue Monkey, 202 E. Edgewood Dr.• Pro Dentures, 4 Oak Tree Dr.• Silver Bee Boutique, 180 S. Friendswood Dr.• One Glance, LLC., 607 S. Friendswood Dr.• Apps Financial, 214 E. Edgewood Dr.• Veterans Plus, 306 W. Edgewood Dr., Suite A• Twenty 20 Vision Center, 105 E. Parkwood Ave., #107• Watermill Express, 112 W. Edgewood Dr.• Furniture Boutique, 307 E. Edgewood Dr.• Benny’s Beauty & Barber Shop, 212 S. Friendswood Dr., Suite A

Business Relocations/Expansions/ Remodels:

• Dance Expressions, 204 W. Heritage Dr.• King’s Kids, 209 S. Friendswood Dr.• McDonald’s,100 W. Parkwood Ave.

FeaturingAltonToddThe Law Firm of Alton C. Todd

A resident of Friendswood forover thirty-eight years, AltonC. Todd was born in Dallas andraised in Hamilton, Texas. Hegraduated from the Universityof North Texas in Dentonand earned his law degree atSouthern Methodist University.Alton was admitted to the StateBar of Texas in 1971 and movedto Galveston. He first practiced

with a Galveston insurance defense firm, and laterjoined the law firm of Wellborn, Britt and Brown inAlvin, Texas. It was during his 25-year personal injurypractice in Alvin that The Law Firm of Alton C. Toddwas formed.

His law practice was moved to Friendswood in2000 to the historic Brown house located in the heartof downtown Friendswood at 312 S. FriendswoodDrive. The three-story, 4,500 square foot dwellingwas built in 1938 for the cost of $32,000. Designedby Houston architect Henry A. Stubee, the house wasbuilt for local church and business leader, Cecil Brownand his wife Frances. The French eclectic style housewas the first and only brick residence in the area formany years after its construction. The Browns werefrom pioneer Quaker families and had wanted a sturdyhome thatwould endure a hurricane.About the benefits

of having his business in downtown Friendswood,Alton says “Our offices are conveniently located forour clients and provide a comfortable atmosphere toconsult and advise on minor or extremely complicatedlegal matters.”

The firm now has ten employees, four who areattorneys that are licensed not only in Texas butGeorgia, New York, and New Jersey specializing inpersonal injury litigation and general civil trial law.This includes trucking, auto, train, plant premises, andproduct liability lawsuits.

Alton has seven children that all graduatedfrom Friendswood High School. After moving toFriendswood from Galveston in August of 1975, hisfamily lived in the Sun Meadow subdivision becausethey could not find housing in Alvin that met theirneeds. “On the second day of school for my twins who

were in the third grade, I went to pick them up andthey came to the car with Friendswood Chiefs’ footballequipment.WewerehookedonFriendswoodandneverregretted moving here.Friendswood, as its namesuggests, was foundedupon the fundamentalprinciples of theimportance of religion,family, and education.It is an economicallyand intellectuallysophisticated smalltown. For many, thosevalues may seem likeintangible qualities, butin Friendswood, they are tangible. You can feel it.”said Alton.

Alton Todd is a member of the American Board ofTrial Advocates, American College of Trial Lawyers,and International Academy of Trial Lawyers whichhas a limited membership of 500. He has been electedto Texas Monthly Super Lawyers in personal injurylitigation since it began such recognition. He hasalso been recognized as one of the top 100 lawyersin Houston, Best Lawyers in America and holds aPreeminent Rating by the lawyer rating organizationMartindale Hubbel.

1. Restaurants

2. Retail Shopping

3. Hotels, Recreational Facilities, etc.

1. Taxes, Diversify Tax Base

2. Too much growth, growing too fast, planning for growth

3. Crime, SafetyFor more results from Citizens Survey: www.friendswood.com