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

Yes, when I was 18 years old, while travelling on the professional bull rider circuit.   My life has totally changed since then, I am married, with 3 children and I live to serve the Lord.

No leins.

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

~Not Answered Yet~

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

~Not Answered Yet~

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

Data Driven Decisions:  Every decision made by a municipality should be driven only by the data.  The data will generate the best answers to the questions of "What is best for the community?"  With Jody Czajkoski as your Mayor, the decision on where to spend your tax dollars are made based on the needs, the numbers and the statistics - not the squeaky wheels or political friendships.  Jody promises to use data when making decisions on what is best for the City of Conroe.

Focus on the Fundamentals: Basic fundamentals of what makes a city run such as trash pickup, good roads, clean streets, reasonable water and sewer rates are the top priorities with Jody Czajkoski as your Mayor.  As Mayor, a plan for growth and the insfrastructure to support it  will be of the utmost importance to attract businesses to keep jobs in Conroe.  Jody promises that he will make sure the fundamentals are taken care of by the City of Conroe.

Putting YOU in the Community:  We have a fantastic quality of life in Conroe and we need all the citizens to participate. Jody will continue to promote Conroe far and wide, promote community engagement, and focus on the future.  Jody's heart drives through this community, his involvement in non-profits, small business and community organizations showcase his effort to make Conroe the wonderful place it is.  Jody promises to continue to promote community engagement and empower citizens to get involved and give back - everybody benefits.

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

I have developed a deep love for Conroe and it's citizens.  I see so much potential for our area and I feel that we need the right leaders to ensure we maintain our quality of life in the face of such rapid growth.  

1) I consider myself a forward thinker - I can see what's coming and find ways to make it better. 

2) I have conservative values - both fiscally and personally.  I believe that most folks who live in Conroe share these values and I want to represent them in our government. 

3) I will work harder and longer than anyone!  My drive and determination will serve the City well as we continue to grow - it's Conroe's Time to Shine!

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

Inner-City MUDs are a temporary solution to the growth that the City of Conroe has been experiencing.  While they are not ever our first choice, they sometimes must be utilized to solve a problem.  

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

Always looking for new ways to achieve better results.  Technology, economies of scale and data driven decisions will make our city more efficient and cost effective.

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

One of the biggest problems we face in the Fire and Police ranks is the pay inequity.  Compared to other municipalities of comprable size, we have a lower payscale.  We also have great training facilities.  What this means is that we train lots of first responders, only to have them leave us for more pay.  We are working a plan to get the compensation in line with others so that we can have our best and brightest stay in Conroe.  I have been a strong advocate for our Fire and Police and will continue to be as long as I live in Conroe.  

This council position pays $7,200/yr. Do you think this amount should be increased, decreased or even, like The Woodlands Township, receive no compensation at all?

Council members and the Mayor of Conroe are reimbursed for expenses and paid a stipend per meeting attended.  There is no salary.

Do you support term limits for the council?  If so, how many terms? Which current Magnolia board member do you identify with the most and why?

Yes, the current limits are sufficient.

I am a current City Council member, so I will have to say Jody Czajkoski!

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Economic development partnerships are, when done right, a fantastic benefit to the City.  Spreading the risks and rewards is good in business and in government.  These partnerships can disadvantage the citizens when they are done in secret and without everyone getting a shot at the deal.  I will always publicize any opportunity well in advance of the deadlines to give as many entities as possible a chance to succeed.

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

I am and have always been a strong proponent of private property rights.  Serving on the City Council has allowed me to see the other side of this issue, but I will always stand with property owners when it comes to their rights.

What's your position on the SJRA and Lonestar Groundwater boards?  Explain.  Where do you stand on the GRP (Groundwater Reduction Plan) Contract and why?

Unfortunately, as a City Council member, I am precluded from discussing this issue at length because there is current litigation.  I encourage every citizen to  read the most recent Judge's orders in this case.  It is very enlightening.

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

Unfortunately, as a City Council member, I am precluded from discussing this issue at length because there is current litigation. 

Citizens may rest assured that my only concerns are the cost and quality of our water and I will always be a strong advocate for getting the water that is rightfully ours at a reasonable price.

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

On the whole - yes.  There are a few that make too much and some that make too little, but in general, we have a good compensation plan.

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

No.  Salaried employees are paid to do a job.  They must manage their time and get the job done.  In only the most extraordinary circumstances, executives and council can make exceptions.

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

Anyone who tells you they will reduce the City of Conroe's annual budget is simply wrong.  The City is growing by large amounts every year and the need for more services and staff will grow as well.  With the right growth, the tax rate can be controlled and the annual budget can be  increased as necessary with the population growth.  It should not be necessary to raise taxes to meet our 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?

There is no current budget surplus.  In the event of a surplus, I would advocate for a close look at the tax rate, and a mix of paying down debt ahead of schedule and funding a rainy day fund.

What is the Sales Tax Rate for the City of Conroe?  Property Tax rate?  How much of the revenue is derived from each? Do you think it would be a good idea to broaden either or both of them to increase revenues?

The tax rates are being set as we speak.  I am not in favor of tax increases, the growth of the City's tax base is providing adequate resources for maintaining services.

Are you now or have you ever done business with The City of County and/or a Conroe/county official and if so, the nature of that relationship?

N/A

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?

While this question does not pertain to me directly, I will state that I would handle conflict the way I always do.  Listen to all stakeholders, consider the financial and quality of life repercussions and make the best decision for the residents of Conroe.  

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

My wife and I are very active in several organizations sponsored by the Catholic Church.  I am founder of FaithFest, a Christian concert series.  I serve on the Montgomery County Homeless Coalition.  Working, serving my church and my City while raising 3 children keeps me busy!

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

I am currently a City Council member.  My wife Nicole, is an attorney and spent many years working in the Montgomery County District Attorney's office as Lead Prosecutor in both the Major Crimes and Fraud Units.

Do you support or oppose creation of Improvement Districts and Economic Development Districts? Why or why not?

It would be foolhardy to state that I am for or against Improvement Districts.  The details and the data will determine the necessity of creating a District.  It is impossible to know what situations may arise that will result in a District.  I do believe the paramenters should be drawn tightly and that it is sometimes necessary to include an ending date.

Do you agree with Conroe's Pro-Tax Sharing (Abatement) policy?  Why or why not and what changes would you make? 

Tax abatements are so widespread because they work.  Bringing good, high-paying jobs to a community increases the tax base in a way that no other governmental activity can do.  As long as a governmental entity gets good data and acts upon it, tax abatements are positive.

How long have you been consistently voting in elections? For which parties candidates? List all the elections you have voted in for the past 3 years (2014-2016).

I have been voting consistenly for close to 20 years.  I vote in the Republican primaries.  I have voted in every primary, general, bond and municipal election since moving to Conroe.