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? 

Although it is up to the residents to decide the fate of our governing structure, it is up to the board of directors to responsibly prepare a true cost of incorporation. I will join proponents of incorporation as Director at Position 3. The key benefits of incorporation are multifold in a municipality that functions with self-governance. The new city would have the right to prohibit extensions of our roads and could remove county plans for major new thoroughfares through our community, such as Woodlands Parkway, Branch Crossing and Gosling Roads. We could enact ordinances regarding development, removal of trees and other natural resources. This would also halt the encroachment on our desirable and successful community from county and other outside special interests.

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

1. My management experience as a Facilities Supervisor and Contract Negotiator. In a community saturated with public facilities my skills will be available to The Woodlands Township at no cost.

2. My experience in contract management and negotiations has been successfully applied to Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia; University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, and achieved a savings of more than five million dollars at my employer, Huntsman International.

3. I have served on the Alden Bridge Village Association Board over 5 years with a nomination as Volunteer of the Year for Alden Bridge in 2015.

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

I have not.

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

The Woodlands is between Today and Tomorrow. I share residents’ concerns about future governance, family values, public safety, taxes, and daily quality of life. We must maintain and protect The Woodlands through smart governance and without tax increases. Self-Governance and Incorporation is the question and the answer. I want to help plan the first steps to incorporation. There are numerous items in current discussions on the board and throughout the community that I would like to see resolved. The pedestrian/bike master plan, YMCA, special events, and transportation around The Woodlands, just to name a few.I will join the Residents’ Advocates already on the board to address these issues with proper planning, both in terms of fiscal and environmental impact. Huntsman International, the company I am proud to represent as Facilities Supervisor, states that our mission is: Enriching lives through innovation. I will carry this same motivation to enrich the lives of my neighbors in The Woodlands.”

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

1. Incorporation.

2. Better Control of Development to preserve our natural attributes.

3. Stop Intrusion of County and self-serving interests into our Hometown.

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

Yes. Our trees are our most precious physical assets, not the brick and mortar becoming all-too-common on our landscape.

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

None

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? 

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors and the Management staff have always done a fiscally responsible job in managing the current budget. Until we see a upturn in our economy we should remain conservative and I am glad to see our tax rate stay even.

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?

Any reserves should be applied to budgetary items that have the most impact to the residents. Currently, I would like to see a good amount to start being applied to an Incoporation Fund. We should also be proactive in making sure we pay down any debt and be fiscally repsonsible about planning for our future.

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.

Yes. Any help to our social organizations and residents in need benefits everyone in the community.

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?

The economic development reserve fund should benefit projects that have a return economic value to the community. I would like us to do a better job at investing more into our own economic reserve fund.

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

This service provides double duty for the Township – both Security and as a Tourism feature. I support it at its current cost. 

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

At this time, I do not think compensation is necessary since we volunteer to run and serve. We should be seeking ways to reduce expenses, not increase them with a compensation and/or retirement plan for Township Directors.

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

I was glad to see the Water Taxis transferred to a private operator and think that is where they should remain. Under the new arrangement, we are relieved of a liability and gain a cost-free tourism attraction.

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?

Unless we become  our own county, not much can be done. I would like to see the county provide more services to The Woodlands in proportionate to what we pay.

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 exact costs today are still unknown and the original study was erroneous and not an actual impact study, but really a grossly
inflated assumption study. 

Generally, it has been confirmed by Township staff that the original study is no longer accurate. Until we have a thorough updated
Impact Study, we would be making an irresponsible assumption on the true cost of incorporation. Conducting a thorough study of the implications of incorporation is a vital first step - and that is all anyone is suggesting at this point.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Economic development is critical to any community, however corporations are investment properties for stockholders who are the ultimate benefactors of a company’s success. They provide some important services that are beneficial, but would like to see the Township cut back on the funding amount.  We can and will support EDP in other ways by cooperating with them on recruiting presentations, tours, special events, and hospitality.

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

Each board member has their own strengths and weaknesses. I affiliate most with those board members who service the Residents needs above others.

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?

The EDP and/or The Woodlands Development Company as corporations do not vote to elect our board members.This requires balance of working to resolve issues, but in the end our duties are to the residents that elected us.

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

Woodlands Parkway Extension and the revised thoroughfare plan implemented after what was already approved is a very important issue. New roads were implemented into the plan. Possibly pushing through roads on Branch Crossing and Gosling, while also pushing through the Woodlands Parkway extension will greatly increase traffic. Only through Incorporation can these issues be addressed and protected.

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

The WRUD is an entity empowered by Texas law to levy taxes and spend the revenue on road improvements in The Woodlands. They do not ask for input of The Woodlands residents and can be influenced by special interests. A lot of how the WRUD is elected and what power they have is ambiguous to the residents and I bet most residents will not know who is even on the WRUD.

One positive if that most of the roads built in The Woodlands today were because of the WRUD.

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 was and remain strongly opposed to the extension of Woodlands Parkway. I adamantly campaigned against it through personal contacts and supported the Board Members who shared my concerns. This would have been detrimental to the quality of life in our community by adding traffic to an already overwhelmed thoroughfare system. Unfortunately, the County continues to plan intrusions that would sectionalize a home town dedicated to preserving nature.

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

I have no main disagreements, but it is primarily due to Commissioner Noacks active involvement with resident and business input.

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?

I support the mission of the Tea Party because it is in line with my conservative values, but I am not active with any Tea Party organization.

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

The Woodlands was built with a village concept with each village offering a compatible mix of resident types, costs, and features all under the umbrella of a master-planned community. The Woodlands’ planned pathways and nature trails are without boundaries. This philosophy should continue with our elected representatives who view and govern The Woodlands as one entity with separate but equal features and offerings for all. As a true Residents’ Advocate, I know that the actions taken by the Township board affect every man, woman, and child in The Woodlands.