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

1. Tax Reform: Unite our elected officials to take a stand to have the Appraisal District only re-evaluate every 2 years. This, coupled with our recent 4% limitation, would result in a 2% average increase per year or push for a complete 5 year freeze. Reduce ALL taxes including CCO, GMO, JNH, and SCO.
2. Infrastructure: Design a working flood/drainage plan, mobility plan, and economic development plan.
3. Water: Lobby Austin to do a study on the accuracy of information used by the Ground Water District (GWD) and SJRA. Eliminate the Ground Water District specail interst/conflict of interest.

Do you feel that City of Conroe police and fire is adequately funded?  Explain.

No. Despite being underfunded, both departments strive for perfection in their services. The City asked both departments to create a Plan of Action, which was quickly disregarded due to cost. It is time to FUND these departments. Restructuring top heavy departments and overhauling the budget would allow for the proper funding to be allocated these departments, without increasing the tax burden of the people.

How do you feel about private property rights, with respect to City ordinances?  Which one take precedence?

If you choose to live in a POA or HOA, you have willingly forfeited your rights. Ordinances are a way for the City to strip away private property rights. I have spoken out on this at least 3 times at City Council meetings. The City continues their attack on the citizens despite the public outcry.

How  do you feel about inner-city MUDs and why?

It is yet another way to tax people into submission in a democracy-style governmental system. Municipal Utility Districts are funded through bonds. The bonds are then paid by taxing the property owners in the district. Name a time these bonds have been paid in full and the tax removed and I will show you my support for them.

Where do you stand on the GRP (Groundwater Reduction Plan) Contract and why?

The GRP was formed under misinformation. To put this plainly, the group was created under fallacy and should be disbanded!

What's your position on the SJRA and Lonestar Groundwater boards?  Explain.

There are two entities that are colluding against the taxpayers and getting away with it. They have created a government monoply take to play Prince John to the people.

In this role, you'll be representing both residents & organizations. In the event of a conflict, how would handle this situation?

Conflicts often arise when special interests are involved. There is always a solution to balance both the needs of the residents and organizations.

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

I would say I best identify with Duke Coon. He represents the people as they see fit. Even if the peoples' will falls short of the City's goals, he governs as dictated by the voters.

How can the operation of your city government be made more efficient and cost effective?

It is time to restructure the organization. Some positions create silo work and an excess of idlr time. HR Departments should be using organizational development tools to cross-train employees. Functions that take shorter amounts of times can be filled by temp workers. This reduces the cost of creating a position with a salary and benefits.

Should salaried employees be paid overtime?  And if so, should their be a limit and how much?

Name one type of business that pays overtime for salaried employees. They typically have higher pay standards than hourly employees with flucuating time needs.

What is the current budget surplus and should any of it be returned to the residents, pay down debt or retained in a rainy day fund and if so, how much and why?

As per the Proposed FY18 Budget, the City would be operating at a deficit of $12,384,847 ( Budgeted Revenues of 168,190,186 vs. Budgeted Expenditures of $180,725,033). When you look at the CAFR for 16-17 Fiscal Year, the City has a total Fund Balance of $61,493,191 (See page 39 of FY 17 CAFR on City website at: http://www.cityofconroe.org/transparency/financial-reports), so it can absorb this. 

In a typical year, when there is a surplus, 25% should go to paying down debts, 25% should be allocated for residential tax relief, and the remaining 50% should be invested as a rainy day fund with the resulting interest being allocated back for tax relief. 

Will you vote to increase or reduce the annual city budget?  Why?  What changes will you propose in your city’s budget?  Why?

I will vote to reduce the city budget because the only organization that continues to function under a repetitive deficit is government. Reorganizing and redesigning job functions within the City will reduce budgets and trim the fat of bloated departments. 

Do you feel that City of Conroe employees are adequetely funded? If not, please explain

Yes and no. I personally feel that many of our employees go above and beyond their duties and are not compensated for their efforts. Whereas, many positions result in wasteful taxpayer dollars to be paid to less than phenomenal employees. Everyone should be paid according to their efforts. 

Does the City Administrator need a vehicle and/or car allowance in performance of his job?

No. It is his/her duty as both citizen and a public servant to perform the duties that they are already being paid for. 

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

I think there are both advantages and disadvantages to these partnerships. Under a Chapter 380 agreement, it benefits the community by providing employment opportunities to its citizens and tax growth that can be reinvested back into the community. The disadvantages to them are they don't hold the companies accountable for performance. Once the alloted time of the agreement has ended, a company often leaves to a new area to continue receiving an abatement and other outlined benefits. 

Do you feel the city should be in the real estate business and to what extent(granting abatements)?  (example - Industrial/Technolgy Park)

No. The government's primary functions should be the safety of its citizens, providing schools, providing hospitals, and maintaining infrastructure. 

Are you now or have you ever done business with the city and/or any other taxing entity? If so, what was the nature of that relationship?

No. Please update the question to read "The City of Conroe", rather than "The City of County". 

Have you and/or any of your family members been employed by or working under contract to any taxing entity in your jurisdiction?

No.

Please describe what measures you propose to improve transparency and accountability to the public.

Open meetings without closed door sessions. 

List Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed time or money (past five years).

No political or union organizations. Matthew 6:3 states "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."

Would you vote in favor of spousal benefits for same-sex partners of State, County and City employees? Please explain your reasons.

No, It is not a marriage of God. However, the State feels differently. 

Have you ever been arrested?  Ever had any tax liens? If so, give start & resolution dates?

Yes, I have been arrested. This occurred in 2009 from an unpaid ticket resulting in a bench warrant. I was released under my own recognizance and paid my fine.