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

1. I have 38 years in the private sector in Senior Management positions which allows me the insight to see how private companies can be run efficiently & profitably by constantly watching revenue and operating expenses.
2. I feel that I am responsible to the electorate (constituants) for being a good Steward of the public's money (tax dollars) to make sure the funds are spent effectively.
3. I operate a successful business in the historic district which gives me a better insight as to who remits sales taxes and how those funds are spent as well as the needs and concerns of the downtown business operators.

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

1. Traffic and mobility: work with the City and TxDot to develop effective traffic management on expansion, repairs and maintenance.
2. City wide vision for a well thought out and controlled growth plan
3. Fiscal responsibility-ie. who are the City vendors and why do we pay them what we do.  Are we being good Stewards for the taxpayer and giving them their moneys worth?

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

Develop a realistic strict budget and don't deviate.  Don't pay inflated invoices.  Don't allow vendors to overcharge.

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

The government; Federal, State and local does not tell us how to worship or who to worship, and stays out of religious freedom issues.  As a Christian I respect the rights of others to worship how they feel they must, likewise I expect the same consideration. 

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

Disect the issue and break it down into components.  Take one component at a time.  Do your research.  Talk to people that you trust and are intelligent and not emotional about issues.

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

Our City is growing and within another 1-2 years will be facing unprecendted growth.  We will have to increase the City's annual budget as we grow and have enough of a tax base to provide for that growth.  Grow smart and efficiently.  We currently have two issues where others want to add staf just because.  I am against that.  Justify the positions with facts and data.  If it is justified, request it in the next budget.  I woul propose a bottom up style of budgeting as opposed to a top down when developing the budget.  Each department has to justify ANY expenditure.

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?

Currently the City does not anticipate a surplus and anticipates a negative $110,000  that will be made up by interfund transfes bringing the balance to zero. I was not involved in the preparation or analysis of the current FY 2019 busget.

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

No.  There should be an expectation of hours worked but working additional hours while on salary, is a part of being on salary.

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?

The City of Montgomery sales tax rate is around 2%. Revenue from Sales tax (and franchise fees) is around $2.88 million dollars.  Property tax revenue is around$558,000.  No the only way to grow sales tax revenue is to add businesses that will remit sales taxes.  Absolutely no increse in 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.

I don't believe the City of Montgomery has any bond debt.

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

It depends. Currently the City of Montgomery has not approved any improvement districts or economic development districts.  Although if formed, the district resients are the ones that are "on the hook" for the bonds obligations of the district.  So it doe not burden the entire taxpayer base, only those directly benefitting from the obligation.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

The advantages of Economic Development Partnerships are generally, that the entities benefitting directly are paying the obligation.  The disadvantages are sometimes the taxpayers are unfairly burdened with additional taxation that others in the municipality are not obligated to pay.  

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?

Yes, the City (before my time) used my restaurant for a City Employee Christmas party.

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

Will Metcalf for Texas State Representative, District 16

James Napolitano for Montgomery County Sheriff

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

No

No

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

Town hall meetings, meet and greets, accessability.

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

City of Montgomery, Christmas Party at my restaurant.

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

Only citizens of the US should enjoy the financial benefits of the taxpayers.

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

No.  Same sex partnerships are not legal Marriages and I feel the same sex partner has "no skin in the game."  It is an unfair burden on the taxpayers.

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

Yes

Yes

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

No.  A perk such as this is not available to all governemnt employees or all taxpayers.  Too often, this situation could be taken advantage of.

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?

Not a Chamber Member.  Have attended annual Leadership conference at La Toretta put on by the chamber.