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? 

I believe that the residents of The Woodlands should strive for self governance through our right to incorporate.  This would give our citizens more power at the ballot box and the ability to hold elected officials accountable for their actions.  In addition, it would protect our community from potential annexation from Houston and Conroe.  

As far as a time line goes for incorporation, I believe that we should do it as soon as it makes sense for our community.

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

Character- What you see is what you get.  I will never think that I am smarter than those I represent, otherwise, I am not their representative.

Integrity- I was raised in a military family and was taught never to sacrifice my principles or values for anyone or anything.  I hold that dear to my heart because once it is gone, it is gone forever.

Experience- During my time as an Infantry Executive Officer, I was in charge of leading 60+ soldiers and maintaining equipment valued at over $2.4 million dollars.  As an S-3 Operations Officer, I was responsible for future training, operations planning, and logistics on a Battalion level.  These experiences qualify me to intelligently discuss and plan for the future of the Township.

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

No.  I have never done business with any township or county official.

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

I am running for office because I care about the community I am raising my family in.  I strongly believe that it is our responsibility to give our children in a community they can be proud of.

The three major goals I want to be measured by are as follows:

1.  I will fight to make sure our local roads don't become major thoroughfares through our community.

2.  Making sure that the Board remains fiscally conservative with the taxpayers money.

3.  Working toward responsible incorporation and not kicking the can down the road.

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

1.  I would like to work towards a strategic plan for incorporation, making sure that we are planning and saving accordingly to offset the costs.

2.  I would add greater protections for our roadways to ensure that we don't face situations like we did with the Woodlands Parkway expansion.

3.  I would encourage more outreach, education, and participation by the public into local politics. 

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

Although I have always been privately opposed to clear cutting, I have not taken a public stance against it.  As an Eagle Scout, I was always taught to appreciate nature and one of the things that drew me to The Woodlands was its natural landscape.  My direction will always be to protect and preserve what makes our community unique.

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? 

I am currently still reviewing the budget, but I am overall satisfied with what I have seen so far.  We must maintain our fiscally conservative principles when dealing with our residents' money.

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?

It is my understanding of our budget that the only reserve that is 100% funded is the debt service fund.  No other funds are required to be 100% funded.  As it stands right now, we are seeing a tax rate of $0.23 cents for ever $100 and are getting exceptional service for our community.  If we were going for the Mike Bass proposed $0.22/$100, it would create an unnecessary strain on future services for what would equate to a household savings of $30, or two large pizzas.  

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.

To my knowledge, these organizations aren't funded by taxpayer money with the exception of the senior pick-up service which is federally mandated through the UZA due to our FTA grants.

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?

It is my opinion that projects should be funded by specific accounts for transparency purposes.

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

It is my opinion that their presence adds to the ambiance of The Woodlands and provides a visible security presence.

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

This should remain a voluntary position.

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

The water taxi service is no longer funded by taxpayer dollars and it should stay that way.

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?

The Township can only act as influencers with the county over our tax rates.  The Montgomery County Appraisal District has the taxing authority over The Woodlands. 

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?

In order to know if tax rates will go up from becoming and incorporated city, an independent study needs to be conducted, first and foremost, to see what the actual cost of incorporation would be so we would be able to discuss tax rates.  At this point we haven't had an actual tax analysis done so that would be the first step.  

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

The advantage of the EDP is that it can drive more business to our community but we must be careful that we aren't developing so much that it takes away from what The Woodlands represents.  Clear cutting to make room for more businesses has been a problem for many of the residents for some time now.  It is important for the Township and the EDP to work together to strike a balance that is mutally beneficial to businesses and residents.

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

I respect the members of the board and their willingness to represent our community.  

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?

We need synergy between the Board and EDP to enable them to bring in good companies desirable to The Woodlands residents and businesses.

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

We currently have no control of how, when, and where roads are developed as it is currently left up to the county developers.  If incorporation occurs, we will have the power to protect our roadways from becoming major thoroughfares, specifically on the planned expansion of Branch Crossing, Gosling, and Grogans Mill.

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

The WRUD was very useful to build our major thoroughfares through The Woodlands. Now that they are done, I believe it has served its purpose and should be sunsetted.  

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 voted against the May 9th road bond.  This was an attempt to satisfy business interests of the county over the expressed interests of The Woodlands residents.  

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 am currently studying the mobility plan and the suggestions put forward to evaluate the overall impact on our community.  

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?

No, I am not currently active with any Tea Party or conservative organization.

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

Township directors should serve at large since their votes affect all residents.