This is a Republican primary race.  Do you promise, if elected, to abide by the RPT platform? And if not, please enumerate what problems you have.

Yes

What political party registrations have you held in the last 20 years?

Republican

What are the 3 largest challenges currently facing this position/office and your road map to address them?

Mobility, County Spending, Conflicts of Interest

Will you vote to limit budget increases to a factor based on population growth and inflation? Explain.

I would vote to limit budget increases to a factor based on population growth and inflation, but I do believe we need to cut spending significantly first, then limit budget increases to a factor based on population growth and inflation.

What are the top 3 areas where the budget for this office needs to be adjusted?

Listing out employee salaries and titles, this will allow for better visibility into pay and salary expenditures. Professional Services expenditures, and All Capital Outlay expenditures.

Do you support using zero-based budget practices for every governmental entity, elected and appointed?

Yes

What are the balanced budget “rules” for Texas counties in general and for Montgomery County in particular & how/when would you balance the Montgomery County budget & pay off debt?

Given counties have duties conferred by the Texas Constitution and state law, Counties follow the budget process according to state law. As such a county cannot spend more than its expected revenue.

Do you oppose the use of public funds, other than for needed infrastructure, to subsidize the cost of private facilities such as stadiums, arenas, hotels and other such entities?  

Yes

Will you vote to award any contract with less than three qualified bidders?

No, the Montgomery County purchasing department is more than capable of finding three qualified bidders for contacts, given our location to large municipalities.

What are your criteria for granting tax abatements and under what, if any, conditions should the county offer incentives for corporations? Why?

While as a County Commissioner, I did vote for tax abatements, we did not offer them often. I don't recall more than 5 in the entire 8 years I was a commissioner. Government picking winners and losers is very problematic, this is why it was used very sparingly. Criteria for granting such include but are not limited to; the number of jobs created, tax revenue abated, stability of the company, etc... Further, as a County Commissioner, I created the county's Tax Abatement Compliance Committee in my previous to monitor the companies compliance for the few abatements we did have.

Do you support the granting of public tax dollars for economic development in areas that are not economically disadvantaged? Why?

See previous question

Will you vote for or against Certificate of Obligation Bonds?  When is a Cert. of Obligation warranted?  Though statutory(created by legislature), would you publicly condemn it's use for anything other than a true emergency for which it's intended?

Texas law gives counties the flexibility to issue debt through certificates of obligation (CO's). This is a valid funding source in which the voters have the final say. With that said, I do understand the current opposition to CO's because of the nefarious way Montgomery County Commissioner’s Court issued $30 million in COs for a road project after voters rejected a $200 million bond proposal including the same project. Further, I understand 2015’s H.B. 1378, which prohibits the issuance of COs for any project voters rejected in the preceding three years. Exceptions include a “public calamity” that threatens property or public health, or the immediate need to comply with a state or federal regulation, rule or law. I pledge to stay within the guidelines of H.B. 1378 for issuing CO's. I would publicly condemn the use of CO's to betray the voters as Montgomery County Commissioner’s Court did.

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election? Arrests/Convictions? Bankruptcys?

Bankruptcy, and Tax Lien

Do you believe the private conduct of a public official is relevant to that official’s suitability for office?

Criminal conduct yes, administrative errors no.

What special interest groups have you belonged to or attended meetings of? Include business, social, civic, educational, environmental or any other cause for which you have advocated or supported with time or money.

I have supported domestic violence prevention groups, veterans groups

How much of a problem is county hiring based on the "good old boy" / "loyalty to leadership" instead of one's ability to efficiently and ethically perform their tasks and functions? and what can realistically be done about it?

This is a significant problem. 1) obtaining commissioner's authority back from the county judge, will allow commissioners to have greater say into department heads review, hiring and dismissal. In turn creating a atmosphere by which these department heads  are held accountable. 2) leadership or professional training, 3) fire employees if needed.

How will you improve the transparency and access to financial and other records for the public?

I believe we can improve transparency and access to financial information, by implementing what I call "Agenda reform" These reforms include but are not limited to 1) creating a solid meeting procedures document, 2) limiting consent agenda items to routine payroll, certificates and proclamations, 3) move to weekly meetings rather than bi-weekly meetings, 4) Use hand votes instead of voice votes, 5) no item is placed on the agenda without backup, 6) move agenda prep to county clerk's office and away from the County Judge's office, 7) no pre-meetings, 8) electronic submission of items and backup, with said documents released on the website. Further, continuing to move the county further with the Comptroller of Public Accounts Leadership Circle program. Set a goal to be a recognize by the Comptroller as a local government across that is striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online.

What's your position on Toll Roads?

No Toll Roads, and I have a proven track record of fighting toll roads as a former County Commissioner.

What amount of road bonds are needed for Montgomery county and why is that the appropriate amount?

I do not beleive any road bonds are needed at this time.

Will you vote for increasing the public debt of Montgomery County to fund road construction/maintenance?

At this time I do not see the need for any public debt  to fund road construction or maintenance.

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 attend the meeting for the MCTP, and the TP Pac

Do religious and moral views have any role in the county governance process? Why or why not?

Yes, such religious and moral values should be enbed within the individual.