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? 

In my view, The Woodlands should incorporate sooner, rather than later.  At the very least I support a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits associated with incorporation and a series of public hearings be held to provide the best information possible to our residents and taxpayers.  In its current form, The Township has very limited powers to control road construction, tax rates, MUD rates, the SJRA, traffic, noise etc.  Further, we are fast approaching our maximum size, and as such we only comprise approximately 20% of the total Montgomery County population.  Our ability to influence the County Commissioners through the ballot box is swiftly eroding as development and population continues to flourish in other areas of the County. 

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

Leadership, Thoughfulness and Integrity.

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

No, 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?

I believe that The Woodlands is reaching a critical juncture in it's nearly 43 year development.  As a twenty-seven year resident, I've seen my community grow from a small village to medium sized city.  I will try to bring my experience as both a corporate manager and a small business owner to bear on the three crucial issues facing us today, Taxation, Transportation and Incorporation.  At the end of my tenure I would hope that people will say that I made a difference in those three areas.

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

~Not Answered Yet~

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, I did.  I thought that the clearcutting of trees that was going on predominantly in Creekside was not consistant with the overall planning vision of the The Woodlands and should cease.

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

1. The Houston Golf Association - www.hga.org - One of the least know charitable institutions in Houston.  The HGA has raised millions of dollars in support of children's charities in the Houston area since its inception in 1946.

2. Emergency Ministries - www.emergencychaplain.org - This ministry, headed by Skip Strauss, provides counselling service for first responders, Fire, Police and EMTs

3. Woodsedge Community Church - woodsedge.org

4. Resourcing Christian Education 

5. The Texas Patriots PAC

6. Senate Conservatives Fund

7. Ted Cruz

8. Steve Toth

9. Greg Abbott

10. Ken Paxton

11. Matt Bevin

12. Kelly Ward

13. Laura Fillaut

14. Rob Harmon

15. James Noack

16. Mark Bosma

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

No, nor have any of them at any time been employed or worked under contract to The Woodlands Township or Montgomery County.

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

It appears from the available documents that the Township has done a pretty solid job of budgeting for 2017.  The Board's primary job is to ensure the financial viability of the Township on a multi-year basis.  As you can see from the funding sources table, sales tax revenues have been relatively flat during the past three years. This trend obviously puts more pressure on the other primary source of funding, ie property taxes.  The other issue at work here is that from a residential standpoint, The Woodlands is nearly built-out.   New home sales have fueled an ever expanding tax base since the founding of The Woodlands, which coupled with prudent financial practices, has allowed the Board to lower the per capita tax rate significantly over the past five years.  Further, they have done so without significantly lowering the standards and amenities that residents and businesses in The Woodlands have come to expect.  

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?

The Woodlands economy is driven primarily by the oil and gas sector.  In looking through the budget it is clear that sales tax revenues are flat and hotel taxes are down nearly 15%.  Until such time as we see positive signs that economy is in recovery and oil and gas prices return to a more profitable level, I would resist the temptation to pull down reserves to fund a temporary tax cut.

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.

I don't think you can lump all those items into one catagory.  If elected, I promise that I will evaluate every proposal that is tabled and be prepared to defend my position for or against funding to our residents and taxpayers. I think the Township has a role in senior mobility for example.

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?

In my view the economic development reserve fund should be used for economic development.  By that I mean we should evaluate projects that can expand our property tax base, provide additional sales tax revenue, hotel tax revenue or provide a desired amenity that would be self sustaining on an operating basis, ie without long-term tax payer subsidy.

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

I know that they operate the Mounted Patrols we see in Town Center.  I do not have any specifics around the nature of the contract between Alpha Omega and the Township.  In my view, anything we fund should be evaluated as to the pros and cons of the service provided, and the value to the community as a whole.

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

No, I do not.  

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 am opposed to the use of local funding of the water taxi service.  It is a nice touch, but it doesn't significantly improve our mobility in the Town Center area.

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?

As a Township Director, I can only take a public position on the issue.  The appraisal district process is incredibly cumbersome for the individual homeowner, and appears from my own experience to be extremely arbitrary in the way that decisions are taken.  We can certainly lobby our state lawmakers about the process, but this problem is much bigger than The Woodlands Township.  I think the disparity is another reason for us to look seriously at incorporation, so that we can have more control over how our tax dollars are spent.

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 fact is that no one knows what the tax ramifications of incorporation will be, and that is an inconvenient fact for those who are attempting to scare the community with visions of massive tax hikes.  Why don't we know?  Simple, because the anti-incorporation majority on the current Board has avoided the prudent course of commissioning an independent review of what additional services might be required and the projected costs to provide them.  

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Economic Development Partnerships can produce added value for communities if used properly.  For example, when I served on the Board of The Children's Assessment Center in Houston, we formed  a public/private partnership that was used to build and then to subsequently expand the CAC. The Center was originally formed to facilitate the care and protection of sexually abused children as an adjunct to Child Protective Services in Harris County.  When completed, it was judged to be one of the best facilities of its kind anywhere in the U.S., and a model for integrated child advocacy centers.

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

Every one of the existing Board Members brings a unique set of values and skills to the Board.  I probably identify most  with John McMullen.  I think John is a really solid Board member.  Fiscally conservative, thoughful and will fight for what he believes is best for 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?

In my view, on any Board there will be conflicting views and priorities.  The Woodlands exists in a delicate balance, and the needs of business and the needs of the residents will frequently clash.  Businesses come here because we have an affluent, well educated population, and our residents are attracted by the array of amenities that few communities anywhere in the country can match.  As a small businessman and a resident, I think that I am sensitive to both sides.  However, of paramount importance to me is that we always ensure that we do everything we can to maintain the quality of life that we have come to expect in our hometown, and to protect and grow our tax base.

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

First and foremost, I think that we should have a county-wide mobility plan.  Looking at South County issues in isolation is at least a start, but we need an integrated plan as it is not simply Woodlands residents that are using The Woodlands infrastructure.  

Secondly, we need better east/west mobility.  Woodlands Parkway and Research Forrest are not sufficient to handle to the volume of traffic to and from I-45.  I think that we need to look at all of the "loop" roads around The Woodlands, SH242, FM1488, FM2978, and I-45 as well as the I-45 feeders to move traffic acound The Woodlands, not through it..

Thirdly we need to improve southbound mobility out of The Woodlands and onto TX 99 to relieve the pressure on the eastern end of Woodlands Parkway.

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

State law regulates the formation and use of all of the special utility districts.  The mechanism was designed to find a way to fund debt for large capital projects that the state is prohibited from taking on under the Texas Constitution.  When used properly they can allow developers to fund expensive long term investments such as utilities and roads that will ultimately be paid off by the home owners.  I am concerned, however, about lack of acountabily and transparency around the formation and administration of MRUD, their low number of registered voters, and their ability to obligate our tax base to millions of dollars in bond funding with limited oversight.

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 strongly opposed to the May 9 Road Bond.  It was clear through the mobility studies done in South County that the increased traffic on Woodlands Parkway would have failed our current infrastructure.

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

The Mobility Plan does not provide much relief for Woodlands residents.  There should be more focus on east-west mobility.  The "loop" roads around The Woodlands, SH242, FM1488, FM2978 and I-45 and its feeders should be improved to allow traffic to go around The Woodlands, not through it.  Driving all of the traffic north of The Woodlands to Research Forrest or Woodlands Parkway is not the answer.  Further, the building of six lane thoroughfares through residential areas of The Woodlands will destroy the hometown feel that we planned so diligently to avoid.  

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 served for a short time on the Board of the Texas Patriots PAC.  I am a member of the Heritage Foundation.

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

I believe that the current system is best, as it makes candidates focus on issues throughout our community and not just the issues of their particular neighborhood.