What is the job of the position you are running for?

1) To continue supporting and fully funding public safety

2) To continue promoting strong fiscal politics 

3) To continue preserving the natural beauty of The Woodlands

No conflict of interest

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

As a board certified dermatologist who taught at Baylor College of Medicine and managed my dermatology practice for 30 years, I understand the healthcare industry, academia, and the challenges of running a small business. I have seen the ravages over-regulation, over-taxation, and government that doesn't listen to the people. 

My two terms on The Woodlnds Township Board, three terms on the Houston City Council, and service in the US House of Representatives, (R-TX-22), have given me the institutional knowledge and experience that is critical to serving on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors.

My record is clear. I am a proven conservative Christian leader, not afraid to stand up for God, family, America, and our community. I have delivered on my pledge to be a resident advocate. The relationships I have built at all levels of government: federal, state and local, help to find solutions to the problems facing our community. 

What three major changes would you like to see implemented by the Township?

The Township Board, and indeed every level of government, must strive to be more transparent and more responsive to the people, while upholding the rule of law and honoring the Texas and U.S. Constitutions. 

Do you think The Woodlands should become a city or remain unincorporated? Why or why not (what are some of the pro's and cons)?  And if so, when should incorporation occur and why in that time frame? 

In November 2021, The Woodlands' voters were given the opportunity to vote to become a city. They overwhelmingly voted against incorporation. I fully respect their decision and believe this issue is over and buried, at least for the foreseeable future, probably 30 years.

With new legislation (HB347) prohibiting annexation of smaller communities by larger/adjacent cities unless approved by voters, is The Woodlands still obligated to pay-off Houston ($1 million) and Conroe ($500,000) for that purpose?

The Regional Participation Agreements between The Woodlands and the Cities of Houston and Conroe were signed in 2007. These contracts released The Woodlands from potential annexation by Houston and Conroe until 2057 in exchange for a portion of the Township's sales tax, 1/16 of one penny of sales tax annually. The 2024 RPA payment is expected to total $2.4M. This contract is enforceable and not impacted by legislation signed into law after the fact. 

It's been reported that The Woodlands comprises only 20% of households in the county, yet provides almost double that (35%) of the county total in property taxes. What would/could you do to correct this gross imbalance of tax inequity?

Many residents may not be aware that Woodlands taxpayers subsidize Montgomery County government. As Montgomery County's population increases and more property taxes are generated outside The Woodlands this anomaly may decrease.

Residents should be aware that in the 2024 Budget the Township Board increased the amount of money to be spent on community policing by $3.9M. The Woodlands will now pay $18.6M for enhanced law enforcement services. These funds will pay for salaries and vehicles for 106 law enforcement officers in Montgomery County (MCSO 100 positions and MCCO 6 positions) and 15 positions in the Harris County (HC Constable's Office). The opportunity to enhance law enforcement is defined in the Township's enabling legislation. Fully funding public safety is one of my priorities. 

Did you support the recent construction initiative of a $300,000 bathroom in Capstone Park. Why or why not?

At the August 24, 2022, The Woodlands Township board meeting, the Parks and Recreation department presented several budget requests based on the 2022 Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment. Included in the long list were nine park restroom renovations and two new restroom facilities for Capstone Park and Sundance Park. These new restrooms would cost $840,000 each. Later, the P&R department reduced the price to $302,000 each. The restroom improvements were unanimously approved as part of the 2023 Township Budget. 

In early December, the Township sent Affected Resident Letters to 384 residents of the Capstone neighborhood. The Township erected a sign in Capstone Park notifying visitors that construction would soon begin on a new restroom facility in the park.

During the Christmas Holidays, I received a call from Mrs. Ann Perry who lives across the street from the entrance of Capstone Park. Mrs. Perry wanted me to know that residents were against spending $302,00 in taxpayer money to build unwanted, unrequested restrooms in their park. She invited me to a resident meeting at the park pavilion the following Saturday morning.

That morning, December 31, the director of P&R, his assistant, and I listened to and learned from 29 homeowners about why new restrooms at this park, in particular, were a really bad idea. I told them I did not know any reason the board would object to their appeal. I promised to put the item back on the agenda, to work to have it rescinded, and redirect the funds to other park needs.

On February 16, after hours of public comments, overwhelmingly against building new restrooms, the Township board failed to listen to the residents and voted 6-1 in favor of continuing the project. I expressed my continued support for Capstone residents saying, “We asked for the residents’ opinion and they gave it to us. It behooves us to listen to them.”  I was the only Nay vote.

Undeterred, I encouraged the residents to remain “persistent, professional and charitable”. They did. At every board meeting, scores of residents testified to their opposition to the new restrooms. Occasionally a resident would speak in support (including my opponent on the upcoming November 7 ballot). Over 657 people signed a petition on Change.org opposing new restrooms at Capstone Park. 

Reasons given for opposing new restrooms included: waste of taxpayer money; leads to increase in crime, vandalism, traffic, and noise; increased risk to our children; will provide a haven for drug users and criminals; will attract homeless; will destroy old growth trees; will disrupt drainage and increase flooding; will negatively impact our home values; this park is over 30 years old, why install restrooms now?, etc.

Reasons given in support of restrooms included: people using the park need more restrooms, especially small children, runners, tennis and basketball players; peoples’ fears about public restrooms are speculative; 9 other area parks have restrooms, this one should as well; this park is for everyone not just the residents of Capstone, etc.   

At the April 26, board meeting, after lengthy public comment, I requested to have the Capstone Park restroom issue placed back on the agenda. Here is a Ch 2 report  https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/04/27/some-residents-of-the-woodlands-frustrated-over-planned-restrooms-at-park/

On May 18, after more ardent public testimony, the Township board voted unanimously to reverse all earlier decisions and not build restrooms at Capstone Park. The $302,000 were redirected to other needs in the P&R department. Capstone Park will no longer be designated an “area park” and is now a “neighborhood park”.

I am honored to have worked closely with residents of Capstone and applaud their tenacity and professionalism in protecting their neighborhood park.

Are any of your family members employed by or working under contract to either The Woodlands Township or Montgomery County?

No

The township budget funds all reserves 100% yearly. What is the current surplus and should any of it be returned to the residents or retained in a rainy day fund and if so, how much and why? Any other options for the surplus?

The Woodlands Township 2024 property tax rate is $0.1714 per $100 valuation is an historic low and is the at the No New Revenue rate. It is 59% lower than the rate when the Township began in 2010. Under the direction of Township President Monique Sharp, the board's practice of using excess revenues to fund most capital expenditures through the capital reserves has proven to be successful. It allows the Township to avoid bond issues, keep the tax rate low, fully fund public safety, both police and fire, and maintain outstanding amenities for residents and visitors. 

Should the township be funding non-profit organization events such as Interfaith luncheons, senior pick-up services, Education for tomorrow luncheons, etc...with tax dollars.

The Township services agreement with Interfaith for senior pick-up is a cost-effective way for the Township to satisfy a requirement of the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) Trolley grant. 

Should the economic development reserve fund serve as a general fund, to go to multiple projects such as ice-rinks, museums, buildings, street repairs etc. or should it be a project specific only account?

I have reviewed the Township's reserves for 2023 and 2024 and do not see an economic development reserve fund. Speaking generally, all funds in undesignated reserves can be moved to other accounts when needed. 

With The Woodlands reaching full residential build-out, what do you think the Township should do to generate additional non-property tax revenues to maintain services without a property tax increase?

The Township board and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit The Woodlands) have done an excellent job marketing The Woodlands as a premier destination for business and recreational travel. The Woodlands has become a hub of excellence for business, medicine, education, retail, entertainment, and environmental stewardship.

Previous boards have been able to:

1. Pay off $62M of debt over the past 10 years, saving millions in interest payments. 
2. Refinance $46M of debt over the past 6 years, saving $5.7M in interest payments.
3. Achieve a bond rating of AA+ from Standard & Poor’s, the highest bond rating held by a special purpose district, which has been maintained in 2023. 

Bond rating agency comments include:

• Strong fiscal management
• History of sound reserves 
• Conservative budgeting principles
• Large and diverse tax base
• Low debt and post employment burden

The 2024 budget projects revenues of $159,958,949 coming from diverse sources including:

1. Sales and Use Taxes - $75.7M – 48%
2. Property Tax - $48M – 29% 
3. Hotel Tax - $9.9M – 6%
4. Recreation Programs - $7.9M – 5%
5. Grants $4.3M – 3%
6. Interest Income $3.7M – 2%
7. Bus Fares - $2.1M – 1%
8. Events Tax - $1.8M – 1%
9. Mixed Beverage Tax - $1.2M – 1%
10. Other Rev - $5.3M – 4%

According to the Texas State Comptroller, most local governments raise about $1 in sales tax for every $7 in property tax revenue. In The Woodlands, taxpayers pay $1 in sales tax for every $0.64 in property tax.  

With excellent staff and conservative fiscal policies, The Township is poised to manage national, regional and local uncertainties and continue to thrive.  

Woodlands founder George Mitchell was arguably the godfather of "sustainable" communities and funded international meetings here to that end. What does that mean to you?

My motto is Keep The Woodlands Wonderful and make it even better for future generations. Mr. George Mitchell's vision is sacrosanct. My job on the board is to listen to and advocate for the residents and to protect our unique hometown in a natural forest, where families can "live, work, worship, learn and play". 

Areas of concern that I will continue to address: work with TxDOT and the counties to prevent cut-through traffic, try to mitigate the impact of high density housing, support the village centers, encourage the MUDs, Woodlands Water, SJRA, and LSGCD to use less ground water, encourage outside agencies (SJRA, SJRFPG, TWDB, etc.) to build flood control projects in the Spring Creek drainage area. 

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election? Arrests/Convictions? Bankruptcies?

No

What are your thoughts about the community using the board to promote certain social justice agendas? Should the board maintain neutrality since they represent broad views of all residents?

As a board member, I represent the residents of the Township. I don't think these issues should be part of the board's agenda. 

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?

In my capacity as an at-large Township board director, I represent the residents of The Woodlands, no organizations. 

Commissioner Riley is actively planning the extension of the Mansion's Way parkway. What should the Township do to prevent a flood of cut though traffic on Woodlands Parkway?

Accoding to our enabling legislation, The Woodlands Township has no authority over roads and rights of way. Nevertheless, I oppose more cut-through traffic that will inevitably come from Mansions Way if The Woodlands Parkway is widened. Working with residents, we were successful in persuading TxDOT to not widen SH 242 between Gosling Rd and FM 1488. We must also be united and vigilant to not let The Woodlands Parkway be widened to six and/or eight lanes. 

Regional mobility collaboration is critical for the ongoing success of The Woodlands. A modified “loop” around The Woodlands including parts of I-45, the Grand Parkway, CR 2978, and FM 1488, would be a safer alternative for commuters and spare The Woodlands from the hazards of cut-through traffic. Direct connectors to I-45 and the Grand Parkway would improve commute times. Rep. Steve Toth has been a long-time advocate of The Woodlands Loop concept. 

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

1) Regional mobility collaboration is critical for the ongoing success of The Woodlands. A modified “loop” around The Woodlands including parts of I-45, the Grand Parkway, CR 2978, and FM 1488, would be a safer alternative for commuters and spare The Woodlands from the hazards of cut-through traffic. Direct connectors to I-45 and the Grand Parkway would improve safety and commute times. Rep. Steve Toth has been a long-time advocate of The Woodlands Loop concept. 

2) Township street quality and residents quality of life is negatively impacted by cut-through traffic traveling through The Woodlands to and from I-45 and the Grand Parkway. Reforestation, raising the height of fences, and investing in double wall, lined fencing are all being explored as ways to preserve the natural beauty of our community and support residents enjoyment of their homes. 

3) Trees in the medians are inevitably lost when turning lanes are added. Droughts, freezes and wind storms have taken a toll on our trees. The Township board has trippled our 2024 reforestation budget to $1,000,000 to help restore our natural forest. 

The Woodlands is basically built out, except for some land held by Howard Hughes Corp(HHC). Are you concerned they(HHC) may use that to build multi-family housing? And what are the pros and cons of that?

The Township has no control over what Howard Hughes Inc. or any other commercial property owner builds on their property. In 2021, HHC notified the Township's environmental services department that they planned to build 8 new multi-family projects in the future.

The Woodlands was recognized as the #1 place to live in America. It is not surprising that many of the millions of people who are relocating to Texas want to live here or at least near here. With high density development comes increased traffic, greater utility usage, higher demand on education, law enforcement and fire services, etc. Density also brings more property tax, sales tax and other revenues. The Woodlands is a resilient and talented community. We will succeed through innovation and collaboration. 

What do you perceive to be the biggest threat to our community within the next 5 years?

Traffic - as already discussed.

Water - adequate, reliable, affordable drinking water; updated sewer system, local storm water drainage improvements, and remote flood control projects. 

Overdevelopment both within the Township and nearby areas of Montgomery and Harris Counties.

What is your opinion of the Woodlands (Gay) Pride's representation in the Woodlands Independence Day parade and with it, by rule being a patriotic family event, should they be allowed to participate?

As a community partner, the Township gives $20,000 annually to the South County 4th of July Parade. Without this funding the parade would probably not happen and residents would lose a dearly loved family celebration of American Independence.

The Township does not manage the parade. It is run by the South County 4th of July Parade Committee. This is a non profit 501(c)3 organization, composed of volunteers. I served as the development officer for the 2021 parade. 

Controversy of one kind or another has engulfed the past three parades. Every year the committee seems to change leadership and issue new rules for participants. Unfortunately, they have failed to enforce those rules.

Thanks to the public testimony of many residents, the Township is now aware of this problem. if I am re-elected, I will assure that the Township scrutenizes funding of this event and all nonprofit groups with whom the Township has service agreements. 

What, in your view, are the positive and negative aspects of the Township's current governance structure as opposed to being a city?

Answered in previous questions. 

What is your opinion of the property/land swap Commissioner Noack did with Howard Hughes concerning the Randalls in Grogans Mill Shopping Center with the MoCo So. County Library and Community Center?

The Township has no role in ongoing discussions between HHC and Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner about a land swap. I have asked the Township staff to closely monitor the situation. It remains to be seen how a swap will impact the businesses who operate in Grogan's Mill Village and residents of the Village. 

Which current Township board member do you identify with the most and why?

I am the current Township Board Director in Position 5.  I am asking for your endorsement and support for re-election to the board.