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

1.  I strongly believe in bringing new ideas and a fresh look to our local, state and federal government. ie,. Term limites

2. Magnolia is growing rapidly.  It is no longer the sleepy little town of the past.  My experience in Chairing the Planning and Zoning Commision, Commercial Real Estate and taking time to be part of the development meetings with the new residential and commercial developers I believe I have a much better understanding of what coming to Magnolia. I have worked closely with our Economic Developmentment Director Tana Ross to ensure the businesses we are attracting are good for the citizens. We also have worked closely to rezone many areas which were improperly zoned or were not zoned with the interest of the highest and best use.

3. In the past 2 years I have consistently made myself available to the public and staff in Magnolia working to support them.  I have also taken advantage of the TML continueing educaitonal system.  In doing so I have earned over 70 hours of education to help me better make decisions for the future of Magnolia and earning the designation of Certified Municiple Officer.

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

1. Staying a breast of the current and future needs of the City at Large and not just one geographical area or topic. 

Ill address this as I have over the last two years. By attending meetings outside council, meeting with developers and creating solutions which are good for attracting developement and benefits the city. 

2, Understaning growth, preparation and the sense of urgency as the roads are coming

Working with engineers, our ecomonic developer and professionals who specialize in each area to determine the best decisions in each case

3. Working with surrounding Citys and County officials to create more of a Global out look and support.

I have attending meetings at the county and state level to address specific needs and issues such as Texas Water Board and a collaborate meeting with all the City Mayors to address San Jacinto Water Authority 

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

Our City Government "Council and Mayor" are volunteer positions. It would be hard to run more cost effectively than it is

What's your interpretation of the "Separation of Church and State"?

The Goverment in accordance with the first Amendment must maintain an neutrality to religion. 

What is your primary resource to help you make difficult decisions as it relates to public policy?

I dont have one primary resource other than God.   I find it more beneficial to speak to experts in their area of expertise to help me see all angles.  

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

~Not Answered Yet~

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?

~Not Answered Yet~

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

No, 

What is the Sales Tax Rate for the City in which you're running?  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?

~Not Answered Yet~

What is city's bond rating?  What is the current debt load and is it too high? Please describe how you will determine the proper debt load.

Due to the decision making of Council and leadership of staff we have a 5A Rating. The majorty of our debt is in infrustructure which is needed for the upcoming growth.  This was funded through some bonds but also with resources such as FEMA grants and other. Paul has done a great job with leveraging our Federal and State support systems to keep the City's debt to a bare minimum while still providing the structure and repair to prepare for the future. 

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

I believe and support Ecomonic Development in the areas of attracting new businesses to the community which provides jobs to our citizens. As far as Improvement Districts or EDD we have not had a need for either and I would have to review the needs of the communty for such districts to be created before making a decision on this matter. Please excuse my ignorance as this has not been an issue which I have experience with.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

~Not Answered Yet~

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

No I have no family members employed by the City, County or on any boards which provide guidance to Council. 

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

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

Five years is a long time so i will do my best to recall.  Most of my contributions to the City, County and State have been with physical support of events, meetings, prayer breakfasts

Montgomery Fair Association for the past 4 years as a committe member and captian (Time)

The Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce (Time)

The Magnolia Police Department with events and support (Time)

The Magnolia Fire Department (Time)

Society of Samaritians  Hurrican Relief (Time)

Conroe VFW-(also a member) I led a fundraiser to support the VFW in attaining a new van to transport the color guard to its over 200 burial ceremonies performed each year.  When its not transporting the guard it is used to take veterans to the Houston VA.  At the time their van was breaking down consistently.  We worked with local businesses in gainin support to get them a new van and raised an additional $4500 to support the Veterans of Montgomery County.(Time)

Boy Scouts of America 

Board Member of the Texas Brain Injury Alliance (time)

PCT 5 Constable Citizens Academeny (time)

Texas State Trooper Association (Donation)

Texas Brain Injury Assoccation (Time)

Prisoner Entrepreneurship Program (Time and Donations) to help Texas State Prisoners become small business owners and not return to prison.  At that time we have a 80% success rate of the prisoners who took part in the program not returning to prison which is a huge success rate when you look at the state average rate of former prisoners returning with in 5 years is 77%.

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

I will continue to seek ways to improve tranparency and accountability through every means we have at our disposal. All our meeting and events are listed on the City Website in addition to my personal sell number and email allowing citizens to reach out to me with any questions. 

List all governmental entities you've done business with during the past five years

I have not done business with any governmental entitie resulting in any personal financial gain. 

My wife and I work in healthcare.  We work with mulitple governmental benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Afforbable Care Act plans. We also work with the state on surveys and ensuring the organizations we work with are meeting state guidelines. We are however not directly working with them as we work for an employer who provides services for the beneficiaries. 

Please explain why you do or do not support the government providing financial benefits to non-citizens.

There is a reason why we are proud to be Americans and Texans.  Some of us were blessed with being born here others moved here and went through the process of gaining citizenship to become Americans. Financial benefits should only be offered to individuals who want to take part in the process to become Americans Citizens. It is careless to our tax paying citizen base to support those not interested in paying taxes and contributing to our society. 

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

I think this is a great question and viewed in many different ways. First off I believe there is only one God who has the ability to judge. Second I believe in republical values of less government and restrictions on people. We will continue to follow the states direction on this matter. 

Do you own property in Montgomery County?  Do you own or operate a business in Montgomery County?

I live with my wife in Montgomery County with in the City of Magnolia.  We dont own any other property or businesses. 

Should City employees living out of the city and/or county take home city vehicles?  Why or why not?

I think this is a case by case situation which should be based on each individuals responsibilities to the City, reviewed by staff and decided on by council. 

Are you a member of ANY Chamber of Commerce group? Are you aware of and/or have you attended or plan to attend Leadership Montgomery County?

I am a member and active in the Greater Magnolia Chamber.  I think it is important to be active in the chamber to learn more about upcoming development, new and established businesses, and listening to the community at large. Our City has some unique challenges with our small businesses and being a part of the chamber allows me to stay in contact with them and provide support where I can. 

I was not able to participate in Leadership Montgomery County Leadership Development.  However have participated in meetings in 2018.  I do look forward to attending in 2019 and the upcoming meeting March 7th on "infrustructure".