Bean regards volunteering as part of humanism
Published 11:38 am Saturday, July 16, 2016
- Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader James Bean enjoys a run to relax. Bean believes in being involved with the community as a way of life.
By Dawn Burleigh
dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com
James ‘Jim’ Bean, 24, is known for becoming actively involved with family and friends.
“He was involved in activities at St. Mary,” Alex Almendarez, a friend, said. “In college, he would volunteer in organizations.”
Bean graduated third in his class in 2010 from Deweyville High School before attending Texas A&M where he obtained a degree in Urban and Regional Planning.
“My ultimate goal is to work for the city of Orange one day,” Bean said. “Possibly as City Manager or Mayor.”
At this time, Bean is a Data Collection Specialist at Cabell’s International in Beaumont.
Before Cabell’s, Bean held a temporary position in Austin, Texas and also volunteers on the City of Orange Board of Adjustments.
His term is from June 9, 2015 – December 31, 2016. Members serve two-year terms.
Orange Director of Planning and Community Development Kelvin Knauf asked Bean if he was interested in serving on the board while Bean was running for mayor.
“It is almost like Planning and Zoning,” Bean said. “If a person wants an eight foot fence but the ordinance says six foot, it goes before the board.”
Typically, the board meets once a month.
“We meet if someone applies,” Bean said. “So we may meet in January and then not meet again until June.”
Serving on the board has been an interesting experience for Bean.
“I have learned more about the community and people,” Bean said.
He was already familiar the community through volunteer activities with his parents, David and Georgiana Bean.
“We are part of a Mardi Gras Krewe,” Bean said. “For 2015 Mardi Gras, I was Fred Flintstone.”
While enjoying the festivities of Mardi Gras, Bean said his favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.
Bean is not known for being sedentary.
“I am always busy,” Bean said. “Physical activity is important.”
He enjoys running at Northway Park as one way to stay active.
“It is my favorite park,” Bean said as he spoke of the asset to the city.
Alex Almendarez, a friend of Bean’s since school, described Bean as a person who genuinely cares about the city.
“He had ideas from College and living in College Station which he wants to bring to Orange,” Almendarez said.
