Do you think The Woodlands should become a city or remain unincorporated? Why or why not (what are some of the pro's and cons)?  And if so, when should incorporation occur and why in that time frame? 

Yes, The Woodlands will become a city and the only question is the timing.

There is no permanent option to remain an unincorporated Township as the annexation rights for Houston and Conroe reinstate in 2057 or earlier through legislative action. In 2013 the legislature had a bill that would have required the Township to justify its existence every 6 years. The choice comes down to do we want to be divided into two cities (Houston & Conroe) where our residents will be a minority of those cities populations, pay much higher taxes or do we want to be self-governed as one city at a much lower tax rate with local control.

The timing has become critical given the aggressive actions to extend and convert Woodlands Parkway into a major thoroughfare similar to 1960. I lead the Vote No efforts against the May 9th 2015 Bond, garnered 6,000 resident signatures petitioning to have the project removed and ultimately 83 % of The Woodlands voters rejected the bond. 

County Judge Doyal and Commissioner Riley are committed to building the Woodlands Parkway extension against the will of the people, our petitions, votes and Township resolutions are being ignored. In 2016 HGAC and Montgomery County updated the major thoroughfare plans and not only included the Woodlands Parkway Extension but added two additional major thoroughfares through The Woodlands extending Gosling and Branch Crossing roads north as an alternate route to I-45. As a City, The Woodlands will have the authority to remove these projects and be in control of our future.

Continuing to allow county officials to determine The Woodlands future would be a mistake. The Woodlands Township Board needs to update our incorporation plan, set aside funds to mitigate the transition impact, host meetings for public feedback in every Village and ultimately present the pros, cons, costs and allow The Woodlands residents an opportunity vote for or against becoming a city.

What are the three main attributes that make you the most qualified for this position?

Proven leadership over the past 4 years I have demonstrated the will to stand up for our community while others sat idle or silent. I have consistently advocated the county provide additional county funded law enforcement which led to a 50% increase in county funded deputies last year. I led the opposition efforts to help defeat The Woodlands Parkway Extension May 9th 2015 Bond which had the highest May election turnout in The Woodlands 40 year history with 83% of the community rallying together against that project.

Constant conservative values reducing tax rates, paying down debt and expenses. The tax rate was .33 when I was elected in 2012 and today it is .23. I pro-actively reviewed our community’s insurance coverages and found we were paying too much and missing much needed coverages. The recommended changes saved The Woodlands $800,000 per year while actually increasing our community’s coverages.

Committed and engaged in our community through service, volunteerism, charity, sponsorships, being physically and emotionally available to act in the best interest of our residents. I am willing to dedicate time, effort and personal funds to protect our community.

Are you now or have you ever done business with any township and/or county official?

I do not accept business from the The Woodlands Township, Montgomery County or any elected officials.

Why are you running for this office and what 3 major goals do you want to be measured by if you are elected?

I believe our community is at a crossroad and needs leadership to help navigate towards self governance and local control. I have proven over the past 4 1/2 years  to be effective at lowering taxes, reducing debt and advocating for the best interests of our community. I want to be measured by the results of my efforts.

What three changes would you like to see implemented by the Township?

I would like to see the board commit extra time towards incorporation planning that includes adding public meetings with every village and stakeholders providing an opportunity for all to provide feedback. I want to see an incorporation rereserve fund established to set the community up for a smooth transition if the voters choose to incorporate and if not these funds can be used to pay off debt. I want the township to stop volunteering township funding towards items other entities are responsible for funding. 

Did you take a public position on clear-cutting of trees and if so, what was it? And in a few sentences, explain why.

I signed the petition originated by Mathew Burton in 2015 as I do not agree with developers clear cutting trees to maximize their profits. We are The Woodlands and retaining our forest reserves is critical to our quality of life and to maintain our initial design standards. 

List all civic, political or union organizations or individuals to whom you have contributed time or money in the last five years.

Gordy and TWFG are title sponsors of Gran Fondo Bike Race for Multiple Sclerosis & The Medical Center Orchestra, Muddy Trails Bash for Kids, IronMan Triathlon in which Gordy is also an active Participant. TWFG and the Bunch family also support or contribute to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Toys for Tots, Interfaith of The Woodlands, YMCA Dragon Boat race, American Heart Association, CASA Child Advocacy, University of North Texas, Texas A&M, member of University of Houston-Downtown Advisory Board; Waterway Arts Council; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and Texas Rush Kid’s Soccer. 

Are any of your family members employed by or working under contract to either The Woodlands Township or Montgomery County?

No

What are your thoughts regarding the 2018 Budget Provided at the August 14, 2017 Board Meeting? 

I felt the budget that was adopted fell short of planning for the long term needs of our community. The last minute removal of an incorporation reserve fund was a mistake and for that reason I voted against the budget. I also voted against expanding the Trolly System before demand could be demonstrated. 

The township budget funds all reserves 100% yearly. What is the current surplus and should any of it be returned to the residents or retained in a rainy day fund and if so, how much and why? Any other options for the surplus?

I don't have the numbers in front of me but the Township has adequate reserves for all needs except the future cost to incorporate or address facillities to be developed on the 11.5 acres acquired in 2015. Previous excess reserves have been used to pay down $14.5m of debt that saved taxpayers $5m in future interest payments. I don't have a problem with the reserves as it provides a rainy day fund as well as opportunity to reduce debt if no need arises.

Should the township be funding non-profit organization events such as Interfaith luncheons, senior pick-up services, Education for tomorrow luncheons, etc...with tax dollars.

The Township funds demand response through Interfaith and the south county community center. These rides are required as part of the FTA funding within  The Woodlands. I don't think the Township should fund non essential events or sponsorships. We recently were approached to fund meals on wheels but the Township is prohibited from funding social services items. Director Bass was the only Director willing to support this service and wanted to define this as economic development to circumvent the restrictions. 

Should the economic development reserve fund serve as a general fund, to go to multiple projects such as ice-rinks, museums, buildings, street repairs etc. or should it be a project specific only account?

We have on going projects that take years to materialize so the flexible funding allows the Township options. If time passes with no pending projects these funds can be directed to reduce debt. 

What's your understanding and opinion on the Alpha Omega Security Services? And should the Township continue to fund/utilize it?

We are waiting for a law enforcement impact report to illustrate the benefit related to crime where the service is provided. Once received we need to evaluate the service, locations and hours of operation to match where the service is effective. 

This is a non-paid position. Do you think this role should receive compensation?

No compensation is needed.

Do you consider the water taxi service an amenity in The Woodlands? If so what level of funding should be paid by taxpayer dollars?

As Chairman of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau I worked to have this service privatized in 2016. There is no local or federal tax dollars being used to support this service.

It's been reported that The Woodlands comprises only 20% of households in the county, yet provides almost double that (38.5%) of the county total in property taxes. What would/could you do to correct this gross imbalance of tax inequity?

Fire them all

If The Woodlands incorporates, do you think it will raise taxes for residents.  If so, how much and what is your basis for that claim?

The below chart was created by The Woodlands Township:  These estimates are not accurate nor has there ever been an actual tax impact study. The Woodlands Township Board needs to hire a competent expert in Texas municipal law with experience transistioning special purpose districts through the incorporation process. A real tax impact study needs to be performed and the true costs, pros and cons need to be presented to the residents of The Woodlands so the people can decide whether or not they want to vote to become a City.  The below chart indicates the updated impcat to be around 5% of the total property tax bill. Again, this is not accurate and anyone claiming to know the actual costs is lying.These are staff estimates that are not fully vetted or qualified estimates to be relied upon. There is a lot of work to be done to create a plan and present more credible cost projections.        

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

EDP has been instrumental in recruiting large employers to relocate to The Woodlands area and also coordinates with other entities on local initiatives. The relocated companies improved the diversity of industries and expanded employment opportunities for our local residents. 

The EDP getting politcal and taking positions opposite of The Woodlands Board is the only negative. The new service agreement will restrict the EDP from taking positions contrary to a board resolution.

Which current Township board member do you identify with the most and why?

Myself

In this role, you'll be representing both residents & organizations. In the event of a conflict with the Woodlands Development Company and/or the Economic Development Partnership, how would handling this situation?

I handle these types of issues as what is in the best interest for our community.

What are the 3 most pressing mobility issues in The Woodlands and what is your preferred solution to each?

Stopping the county from building the 3 proposed thoroughfare extensions. Coordinating the near term needs with the 3 commissioners responsible for The Woodlands Roads. 

Please list at least 3 positives and 3 negatives of the WRUD and describe your proposed solutions for the negatives?

The WRUD built initial roadways but with only 3 voters allowed to vote for this taxing entity it needs to be shut down

Did you take a public position on the May 9, 2015 Road Bond, and if so, what was it? And in a few sentences, explain why.

I led the opposition efforts to help defeat The Woodlands Parkway Extension May 9th 2015 Bond which had the highest May election turnout in The Woodlands 40 year history with 83% of the community rallying together against that project. I debated Judge Doyal and others throughout the county to protect our community. Allowing a major thoroughfare through the heart of The Woodlands jeopardizes our quality of life, property values and public safety.

Do you have any main disagreements with the Precinct 3 Mobility Plan and if so, explain what they are and the rationale behind them.

Some of the long term proposed expansions included the 3 thoroughfares. I don't believe these thoroughfares are desired by our residents and we should remove from the plan. 

Are you active with any Tea Party or conservative grassroots organization? If so, list which, how long and what capacity? If not, what's your opinion of Tea Party groups here as to their effectiveness?

Texas Patriots PAC & NRA. Speaker at MCTP

Should Township directors serve at large or represent specific villages (districts)?

At large