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

I have lived in southwest Montgomery county since 1998. In 2003 we purchased property inside the city limits with the understanding that we would be able to move a manufactured home onto our lot. Due to city ordinances being in conflict with state law (which they still are), it took four months of fighting city hall to get the permits to move in.  It was at that time that I knew there were issues with our local government. While I do read the local papers and have attended a few meetings over the years I have regrettably not paid closer attention to what our city government has been up to. I wasn’t active politically before moving into the city, but started becoming active several years later with state level issues and with the Republican party.

People have suggested I run for public office ever since I got politically involved, and I have toyed with the idea of running for council for years, but I was involved with other issues and did not have the time and energy to devote to this position.  The tipping point that led me to run was the creation of the new institutional water rate that has tripled the water bill for local schools and churches. Part of the reason for this new category is water rates have not increased since 2005.  If the rates were gradually increased to keep up with inflation during the last 14 years, this situation would not have had to occur. 

I know many people who have extensive experience both running campaigns as well as running for office themselves. Their first suggestion was to see which incumbent has the worst voting record and challenge that member.  After reviewing minutes, the votes are almost always unanimous.  It would appear there is little to no dissent on the council. There are three positions on the ballot.  The member for position one is running against the incumbent for position two and a new person is running for that position. That left position three with the only unopposed incumbent. My opponent is obviously more experienced than I am,  but my years of working hard on helping craft the platform of the Republican party, and communicating with the state legislature on advancing the conservative issues that we stand for make me the most qualified. While my one vote will not make  much of a difference, healthy debate might change the direction of some of these votes and I will not be afraid to bring tough discussions to the table.

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

Our population will substantially increase within the next few years, with several major commercial and residential developments already in the works. We will need to ensure that city services stay in pace with the growing community primarily 1) water/sewer, 2) transportation and 3) law enforcement.  My main vision is using the sales tax of the added commercial development rather than property tax on the residents to fund the needs of our city. 

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

I work in a lean manufacturing facility and have gone through six sigma green belt training. I have participated in many projects to improve efficiency within my workplace and saw fantastic results.  I will use the same techniques to identify, reduce and eliminate waste as it is discovered. Sharing resources between departments

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

Our country is based on Judeo-Christian values and that is reflected in our founding documents. it is naïve to think the founders of our country were not Christians, but they don’t want those of other faiths, or those who lack faith to be persecuted as had been done in Europe. The first sentence of the first amendment to the constitution is as follows: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”  Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptists with this quote and added the words ”thus building a wall of separation between Church & State” at the end of this quote. This simply means the government does not institute an official religion, or prevent any religions from practicing. The term freedom of religion does NOT mean freedom from religion

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

I have met with the city secretary Lynn George and city administrator Paul Mendes and I have them for a direct resource for what the city needs are. I have built relationships with dozens of elected officials both current and former, as well as their staffers, during my years of political activity.  These include state legislators, city council members, county commissioners. county judges, school boards, as well as other taxing entities. They are all just a phone call away if I need advice. Ultimately it is the residents of the city that I answer to and their needs and wants are my priorities.

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

As a strong fiscal conservative, I would love to automatically respond that I would cut the budget, but realistically he budget will need to be increased to meet our growing needs.  The real challenge will be the funding mechanisms for the budget. Currently red-light cameras make up over $300,000 of the budget and traffic fines total nearly $300,000 as well.  The red-light cameras are going away.  It is not a matter of when, not if. Pending legislation could make this possible by the time of the election. I strongly support our law enforcement; however, their primary function should not be a revenue gathering source. I also envision a gradual transition from property tax to the point it can be eliminated. The city of Stafford has shown this can be accomplished

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?

The city operates a balanced budget and has approximately $250,000 in reserves.  I agree with all the above uses for a surplus, but I would have to have further discussions on which methods and amounts would be best beneficial.

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

Salaried positions are taken with the expectation that there will be weeks that will exceed the standard 40-hour work week. 50-60 hours on occasion is one thing but if this becomes the norm, or hours start reaching more than 60 hours a week we can either look into additional personnel or restructuring the position to salaried non-exempt, whichever is more cost effective.

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?

Sales tax rate is 2 percent and some is allocated for the 4A (economic development) and 4B (community development) Property tax .4675 rate .29 is for debt service with a majority of the property tax being dedicated to debt service, the general fund is primarily funded with sales tax.  The sales tax base will be dramatically increased in the next few years and as I stated earlier can see the eventual elimination of property tax.

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.

Our bond rating is AA. Total outstanding debt is just over 22 million. Any debt is too high but it is sometimes necessary for large capital projects. The city has used bonds for needed projects such as roads and water/sewer plants but we need to figure a way to reduce our outstanding debt. Our primary source of revenue for debt service is local property taxes and we should be able to use the increase in sales tax to become more aggressive with paying it down. . There is no formal debt policy for the city and we should draft one as soon as possible.

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

Some programs may be beneficial but I am not in favor of using government resources for promotion of economic and community development. The best incentive for business to come to an area is low regulation and low taxation.  I would like to look into the possibility of absorbing our improvement corporations  into the general city government.  We also have a hotel occupancy tax (HOT) that raises approximately $45,000 per year. These funds can only be used to promote private events in the area to increase tourism. Promotion of private business in not a proper role of government and I would venture to say the majority of hotel occupants are not tourists and elimination of the HOT would benefit residents who use these hotels for out of town guests.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Low regulations and low taxes are the best incentive for growth.

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

No

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).

Republican Party of Texas, Tea parties, Eagle Forum and several candidates for public office.

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

I was arrested for failure to pay a speeding ticket when I was a teenager That is the extent of any legal troubles.

 I have always paid my taxes and have not had any tax liens Due to unfortunate financial circumstances I have in the past made the difficult decision to default on a private debt. My unfortunate decision to default on a private debt will not affect public spending as I am only one vote towards the budget.

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

The city does a TREMENDOUS job of operating a website that is easy to navigate and contains years of budget and tax information as well as council meeting minutes.  An email list is maintained sending out notices on upcoming meetings.  The city secretary and admnitrastor are strong believers in TOMA and went into details regarding it.

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

None

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

While my heart goes out to those in need regardless of citizenship, this is not a proper role of government.  Charity is best handled by churches and other private organizations.

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

Regardless of the Obergefel decision, gay marriage is unconstitutional in the state of Texas.  Unmarried partners are ineligible for spousal benefits.

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

I have owned property and proudly lived in Montgomery county since 1998.  I do not own or operate a private business.

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

Regardless of where they live, city owned vehicles should only be used for official city business. Vehicles purchased with tax dollars should not be used for private use.

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 not a member of any chamber group. I am not aware of Leadership Montgomery County, but I am open to attending any meetings or training that will be beneficial.