What makes you qualified for this office?  Name three main reasons you believe you’re the best candidate for this position?

1. I am a Certified Fraud Examiner as recognized by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.  I am uniquely qualified to serve in this role and help restore transparency and fiscial responsibility to the deicison making process. 

2. I have been a certified peace officer for approximately 18 years.  I am a proud public servant and look forward to having the opportunity to continue to serve my community in this role.  I am proud to fight crime -but also government waste!

3.  I am a voice for the future of Precinct 4.  With the rapid growth in East Montgomery County we have seen a new influx of families like ours who are new to Montgomery County.  I am excited about continuing to inveest in the community where we will raise our children, and ensuring that living in Montgomery County is afforadable.

In your opinion, does Does Montgomery County have a water resource or regulation problem?  Why?

Montgomery County has a water regulation problem.  There is not any verifiable science to back up the claims that we are truly experiencing a water shortage.  The fees that are imposed under the guise of conservation are a burden on the backs of the citizens of Montgomery County.

Is this position currently fulfilling its obligations?

No.  The current board is over-reaching in its authority.  Claims have been made about the self-serving intersts of the board which require a thorough investigation.  These claims cast doubt on all decision making.  It's time to bring transparency to the LSGCD.

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

1.      Entrenched staff members:  I would propose a thorough review of the staff, compensation and benefits.

2.      A lack of transparency:  Throughout the course of my campaign I have been met with roadblock after roadblock when requesting information that should be available to all citizens.  The board should reinforce in its staff the understanding that the board works for the people and information should be accessible and decision making transparent.

3.      Public Apathy:  Many people complain about their water bill but do not understand the “hows” and “whys” and the fees that result in water no longer being affordable to the average family.  I plan to educate the public about this throughout my campaign, and will continue to do so if elected. 

Who has ownership of the land below and the air above and how far of each?  Is groundwater considered a person’s private property under the Texas Constitution?

The surface owner owns all non-mineral rights below his / her surface.  Groundwater is a private property right vested in the surface owner.  Groundwater is a person's private property under the Texas Constitution. 

Are you familiar with the enabling legislation and any subsequent legislation regarding the LSGCD creation, powers, authorities, duties, etc.?

Yes.

What aquifer or aquifers does LSGCD regulate?

Jasper Aquifer, Evangeline Aquifer, Catahoula & Chicot Aquifer

How much subsurface water is contained under Montgomery County, as determined by Texas Development Water Board in their TERS(Total Estimated Recoverable Storage)  Report 2014?

180,000,000 acre feet

What impact does the LSGCD have on our water bills?

Fees imposed by SJRA in concert with LSGCD cause an increase in water bills.

Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?

I have been endorsed by Restore Afforadable Water - no relationship

Should an aquifer be regulated based on its physical boundaries, or based on the boundaries of political subdivisions of the state?

Physical Boundaries

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.

National Rifle Association - Life Member

Texas Municipal Police Association

Fraternal Order of Police

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

What impact does the LSGCD have on our water bills?

Fees imposed by SJRA in concert with LSGCD cause an increase in water bills.

List all individuals/groups you have represented or lobbied for before any governmental entity during the past five years.

None.

Do you support fair and equitable rules for all owners of the common reservoir?  Do you believe that a “common reservoir” is the same as an “aquifer” or “aquifer subdivision”?  Explain.

Yes – I support fair and equitable rules for all owners.  And believe that a common reservoir is the same as an aquifer.  As defined in groundwater terminology, a common groundwater reservoir is the same as an aquifer or subdivision of an aquifer. 

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

1.  Evaluate over head - the building is nicer that most private sector buildings

2.  Evaluate personnel expenses including take home vehicles by the employees

3.  Reign in excessive spending.  Throughout the course of my campaign I have submitted a few benign public information reuqests.  Rather than just providing that information they incurred untold legal fees having their Dallas attorney create road blocks to my request. 

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

Yes.

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

Yes.  The budget should not be out pacing the population.  As citizens we have to live within our means and manage our money responsibly - the government should do that as well. 

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

No.  However, there are instances where a niche market may limit the pool of qualified bidderes.  However, I am firmly opposed to any type of "back room" or "brother-in-law deal" and would fight to ensure transparency and honesty in the bidding process. 

Have you ever been convicted as result of arrest? Ever had any tax liens? If so, give start & resolution dates?

No.

Should two local government entities force residents to pay billions of dollars for infrastructure development without a vote?

No!

Do you support the new board engaging an independent third party to conduct an audit of LSGCD operations and make the findings public?

Yes.

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.

What political party have you affilated with over the last twenty years? Do you believe in that party platform(all of it or % part - if %, please describe what you disagree with?

Republican Party

Yes,  I believe in our party's platform.

What actions should the LSGCD take to implement change that would result in lower water rates for consumers?

-Abolish the burdensome fees that are currently in place

-Abolish the GRP

In 2009, the LSGCD mandated a 30% reduction on water withdrawal from underground aquifers.  On what scientific data was that decision based on?

None! 

When and how was the LSGD created?  What are the duties? Where is their authority derived?

The LSGCD was created in 2001.  It was authorized by the 77th Texas Legislature through HB 2362 and confirmed by the voters of Montgomery County.   

Its duties are to:  1) Require existing or historic user of groundwater to obtain a historic use permit, and 2) Establish management zones. 

Its authority is derived from Chapter 1321, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001

Chapter 994, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003

Texas Water Code, Chapter 35