What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?

First, I do not see any potential conflict of interest except to the extent that a person may derive some personal satisfaction from being elected into office and to the opportunty to serve one's community (if so inclined and valued). 

Second, I really have one main reason for running for office.

1. My dad was a preacher, and I knew I was not going to do that when I grew up. But I found a calling in community service more broadly. I have spent much of my life studing and preparing to be an elected official and did not know if I would ever get the chance. So, it is just who I am or who I am meant to be. It has been a very long journey. I recall a hero of mine Jesus Christ who spent much of his life preparing for his ministry before he began. The difference is that I did not know if I would ever get a chance.

2. I have continued to pursue my calling to be who I am, and have found encouragment from books, from the PhD in Leadership Studies, people whom I know, and from service on the Grogan's Mill Village Association as well as Cochran's Crossing Village Association Boards.

3. The literature indicates a lack of leadership and a lack of good/effective leadership. It is my hope and my struggle to work toward that.  

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? 

Wow, you don't mince words on this question. This question brings up so much emotion for me now and for so many in the community. I have found people diametrically opposed and when I am asked this question it is a forced-choice/false-choice answer that is expected. I don't want to do that. I want to be open, honest, and me and don't want to take a position to get votes. Because I desire to be a good leader this means providing direction when I know it and listening - not out of weakness but out of strength - there is much to the relationship between leader and led. 

I came up with the phrase "no incorporation or annexation without justification" out of my concern for an increase in government power and for the concern to keep taxes low. As I have spent time studying this issue, I intend to lead with the idea that we MUST plan for future incorporation. This is a complex issue and I find three major areas that must be adequately dealt with: 

1. the legal

2. the administrative/practical

3. the political. 

I am constantly learning more about each but they all must become aligned. We must be able to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the situation and we currently do not have adequate information to do that. The Matrix study suggests an increase in taxes to both: double at maximum and negligable at minimum. This is only one possible cost and benefit to add to the equation. One is not going to engage their logical side of the brain without due consideration the monetary cost. So we must acquire a more narrow and accurate assessment of the monetary cost. 

I have served on two village boards and I have observed people in the community and strong personalities very opposed to incorporation, if a person goes in and demands incorporation they will get no where fast. I have gotten things passed on these two boards that did not find acceptance at first and know how to do it. For the poltical piece it is much better to gain acceptance and reduce resistance as well as gain the optimal number of votes in favor of incorporation should it happen. 

Having written all of this as a context, we are learning more clearly about the current legal situation and what that can mean. Practical aspects of incorporation mean that the process is slow, tedious, and requires boxes to be checked and many of them in order. So, it is that to not incorporate is far easier than to incorporate. The poltiical situation is such that many people will reject you outright and not listen to you again if you come out on "the wrong side" of this issue. 

Given all factors, my position, in short, follows this logic.

1. Because incorporation requires many pieces to come together to work and we currently do not have sufficient information upon which to make a decision right now. 

2. Because there may be a future where incorporation is the lesser of two evils and keeps taxes lower. 

3. Because incorporation takes a long time; and,

4. Because there may come a situation in which annexation or other events could come on us suddently with incorporation clearly being the better choice but we would not have time to do so: 

we must plan for incoporation now!  As we plan, we begin to check the appropriate boxes needed. Fears and opposition to incorporation need not exist as we are only preparing for a possibility. Throught the process we will find out more information and become clearer as a community as to what is better for us as we work toward a consensus, which is the goal. We must establish certain goals, which include: planning for incorporation, working toward consensus, and acquire adequate information for a future decision by the voters.

This is not indecisiveness. This is a path forward. This is leadership.  

We must take a vote on the issue to move forward with incorporation as both a political and practical matter; so we will need someone who can be perceived as objective and trustworthy that will do what is in the best interest of our community and can bring as much unity around the answer as possible. I believe I am that person. 

In short, it remains to be seen what is best for The Woodlands as to whether we incorporate or not. We should proceed with a plan to incorporate, in the event we decide it should be. It is my major goal as an elected official to try and bring finality to this issue within my first term (2 years) during which a decision may be made and executed in the time frame necessary for the situation at the time. 

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?

Based on the legal opinions I have currently seen, the RPAs remain intact, which means The Woodlands will still owe the amount. We should seek to update/change them to the benefit of our residents before the political winds change. We can use this legislation as a basis for negotiation beginning with the City of Houston and the fact of the unethical annexation of Kingwood as other grounds. As I am thinking this through it is possible to see if the broader quid pro quo laws of the United States might be in effect here and the contract should be nullified because it is unfair contract terms in that something must be given for something. If the payment is for no annexation and Houston is no longer able to offer no annexation, as a matter of law, then it may be that the contract has no effect and the payments, as a matter of law, should cease. This is an interesting question that I currently do not know the answer to. Thanks to whomever thought of it. 

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

1. I have spent many years studying government, 3 internships in running government, professional work in government. I have much knowledge concerning political philosophy, ideology, historical context of the creation of the US Constitution and government, and broad life experience that helps me to put it all into perspective as well as deal with the chaos that exists in grey areas like interorganizational/governmental relations. My educational background includes a BA in Political Science, a Master's degree in Public Administration, and less than two years to completion of a PhD in Leadership Studies. I have a sincere and deep commitment to the founding documents of our nation and see the wisdom and value in them missed by so many people today. It is sad to me that people who take an oath to protect and defind the constitution don't even understand or properly value it.

2. I see myself as and organizational scientist who can contribute significantly to organizational related matters. Leadership skills and knowledge and how leadership interacts with organizational, group and individual performance.

3. According to someone who knows me well: Honesty, communication, commitment, a critical and deep thinker.   

What, in your view, are the positive and negative aspects of the Township's current governance structure?

The Woodlands Township provides a decent level of effectiveness; but it can be better. Soon The Woodlands Township will be taking over grass cutting responsibilites from Hughes Corporation. I recommend an "Office of Strategic Leadership and Budget" to collect and disseminate data for all services provided to our residents in order to protect community interests and effectively lead. Specifically and in particular, a repository for data and analysis:

• to be collected concerning: costs of services, quality of services, as well as a comparative analysis to other (the best and the worst) and entities of comparable size and cost/benefit analysis.

• this entity would work under the authority, supervision and direction of the Board. 

• Further recommend an analysis of leadership style and evaluation of influence tactics employed within The Township to increase: individual, team, and organizational performance and maintenance of an organizational culture of excellence. 

This would require an FTE and costs associated with that; however, the benefits are expected to be returned with efficiency, effectiveness, enhanced decision-making, increase leadership over the bureaucracy without creating a micro-management over experts in their fields and a counter to the influence of administration on recommendations for future expenditures. 

With Don Norrel retiring this would be a good time to implement such an organizational change before the new President takes his/her post. 

Apart from this The Woodlands structure was designed for relative cost-effectiveness. I am looking into the history of the thinking behind the current structure and am glad to provide more input as I learn more. I currently have questions about the onboarding procedures and wish to learn if they are the most suitable.

Are you in favor of allowing the residents to vote on the incorporation question once the incorporation planning process is complete? Why or why not?

Of course. There are no options on that. It is a requirement of the incorporation process and best practices if that were to change.

Did you attend any of the Special Planning meetings on incorporation? If so, how many?

No, I have not attended in person the Special Planning meetings on incorporation and this is not necessary as the meetings are available on-line. I expect that my candidancy, messaging, and questions have already begun to have an influence. I have noticed other candidates looking at my website and following my lead on positions. 

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?

The economic development fund should be specific for projects approved on the basis that they will contribute to the economic development of and to promote The Woodlands. No funds should be used to support e.g. favored individual artists or arts groups. These projects should be considered also on the basis of the economic return on investment and prioritized in that manner regardless of personal preferences. 

What are your thoughts regarding the 2020 Preliminary budget?  Do you fully support it in full and, if not, what do you object to?

I will need more time to review the budget and do not have the time to do so at this moment. I understand the time given to complete this questionnaire ends in less than an hour from now. As far as my support, I cannot lend support in full without completing my review. 

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.

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?

I have two principles that come into play here. 1. The money does not belong to the government. I believe that money should go back to whom it belongs. 2. The leaders have a duty to use the funds provided in the best possible way. I also know that today's money can be used as an investment to keep future payments down. In all cases, the taxpayer, the people who own the money, have the primary concern. 

It's been reported that The Woodlands comprises only 20% of households in the county, yet provides almost double that (38.5%) of the county total in property taxes. What would/could you do to correct this gross imbalance of tax inequity?

I heard of this only just recently and have not looked into it. I assumed when I first heard it, last week, that the amount differences were due to the property values of The Woodlands being significantly higher on average, and the density of housing significantly greater than the rest of the county. To make any correction, would require I understand what causes the imbalance in the first place. I am glad to look into this and find out. If you have such information, I would be glad to recieve it. 

What the problem is exactly might change how to best handle it. If there exists an imbalance without good reason, like actual property values, I could attempt to influence the county to make changes. What influence and how much will greatly depend on other people. An information campaign would be useufl. I could later run for county office to be a position to make change and potentially kick out an abuser of their authority. This appears to be out the purview of The Woodlands Township.

If The Woodlands residents vote to incorporate, will their tax obligations to the county be reduced, remain the same or increase. How much in any case?

In this case, taxes are likely to increase as their tax dollars will be used elsewhere by the current county officials and The Woodlands would be stuck having to pay for it's own maintenance and improvements. However, how much exactly it would increase ranges from double to negligable and, as far as I know, is unknown. As much money as has been spent on consultants we should know this by now and have been provided a precise level of confidence within reasonable levels for those figures. And, those numbers minimum and maximum should be fairly narrow and the report cite exactly where they came from and the methods used to obtain them. It is quite possible that the increase to taxes, whatever that be, may be significantly less than if The Woodlands were annexed. 

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?

I believe there is still opportunity to buy a large piece of land nearby and expand. Few know of this opportunity. We need to begin by filling our vacant commercial buildings starting with our former Anadarko building, work closely with our Economic Development Executive to expand opportunities that don't encroach on residents, and diversify our revenue porfolio as recommended by the most recent consulting report as appropriate. Becoming more efficent as an organization may help reduce costs as well. 

What is your position on the Homestead, Over 65 and Disabled Exemptions available to the residents of the Township?

Homestead should be provided. 

What is the effective tax rate for The Woodlands Township? What's the significance of this if home values (appraisals) go up and the tax rate stays the same as the previous year?

a. unanswered.

b. property owners will be forced to pay more. 

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

I have never been arrested. No tax liens. Therefore no dates to give. 

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

I probably identify most with a particular member of the Board that you have previously endorsed. However, I find my personality to differ from his.

Have you and/or any of your family members ever ben employed by or worked under contract to either The Woodlands Township, Woodlands Development Company or Montgomery County?

No.

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

I have participated in meetings and voting in primaries for the Montgomery Republican Party and made phone calls on their behalf. I have contributed to the Campain for Liberty. I have contributed to Greg Abott's campaign. I served as an intern with Steve Toth's HD15 District Office when he was previously elected in that position in 2013. I have been a part of the Grogan's Mill Village Association for 3 years and the Cochran's Crossing for over 1 year. I served on The Woodlands Law Enforcement Advisory Council for over 2 years. 

Are you now or have you ever done business with the township and/or township/county official?

No.

Should political subdivisions post their detailed check registers and credit card statements online for public viewing?

Of course, minus the account numbers to avoid theft. I am committed to transparency. I would be concerned about people who would want to do otherwise. 

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?

As I understand it, Commissioner Riley is secretly buying property (possibly in the name of an attorney) either in (south) or just outside (south) of The Woodlands for this purpose. He needs only to connect it on the West side of The Woodlands to have his way, is my understanding. I have seen a satelite image with the roadway overlaid on it and believe the person providing me this information to be legitimate. 

I have seen legal opinions indicating that Montgomery County has the authority to do it. I currently do not know all the options available; however, I would suggest The Woodlands Township vote a sense of The Township that this type of thing is generally unacceptable to the people of The Woodlands as a means of creating a future political cost should he go through with it. 

At this point, I am not sure what can be done and am willing to work with those willing to help as his purposes and values do not align with the residents of this community. 

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

Issues:

1. Allow traffic to flow freely so people can get where they are going efficiently. 

2. People violating stop signs, traffic lights, proper distance, speeding and general safety. 

3. Reduce traffic on the roads, increase use of pathways when possible, make it more convienent for people to use paths. 

Preferred Solution:

1. Everything hinges on properly allowing traffic to flow freely as much as possible. If this issue is solved it massively helps all following issues. To do this effectively would require a new model of traffic design. We can design the roads so that it takes away the incentives that exist to violate the traffic rules as well. For example, many people don't come to a full stop at stop signs. We can replace many stop signs with yield signs and provide so that cars can filter onto major roads instead of constantly stopping and going. Four-way stops induce crashes when one party misses the sign or traffic light. We can avoid unintentional catastrophic failure in the way intersections are designed as well as our expectations for the flow of traffic. We must predict development in such a way as to permit pique traffic flows to not exceed road capacity.

2. Solving issue #1 and using congestion reduction measures should also reduce traffic and safety violations. However, a combination of increased reporting and enforcement may also be needed for people becoming a real risk to serious injury. Law Enforcment can be diverted to assist in keeping traffic flowing safely during pique times and intersections and encorage safe behavior. 

3. As new development occurs and as work needs to be done to repair old pathways we should seek to make The Woodlands more walkable and bikeable, which means straightening paths so they do not unnessarily wind back-and-forth and create more direct routes to destinations. We need to create pathways to avoid crossing directly on top of major roads. People would use the paths more if there were less mosquitoes in some places as well. 

This will necessarily be a complicated and comprehensive plan for transportation that will require closer coordination with the county to reduce congestion and increase efficiency. It will involve economic development activity. But most important to running The Woodlands effeciently will be the previoulsy disucssed Office of Strategic Leadership and Budget that will work directly for the elected officials to solve and lead on the most pressing issues and constantly drive effeciency, effectiveness, and the data necessary for decision-making of the entire organization. 

What political party do you affiliate with? Do you believe in that party platform(all of it or % part - if %, please describe what you disagree with?

I affiliate wtih the Republican Party. I believe in the party platform as stated. I don't disagree with the party platform as stated.

Do you agree/disagree with MCTP Core Values?  Please explain if you disagree

Whole-heartedly every word.

However, I want to clarify on certain words. Specifically, the omnipresence of the Lord and Creator. I do believe in an inner dwelling such that there is a presence that watches over us and is aware of what we do for accountability, inspirational purposes and et cetera. However, I don't believe that God can be both all-knowing and everywhere existing simultaneously in the 3 dimensional empirical world as this would be impossible on the basis of how large the physical universe is. 

A free market is an economic system in which prices are determined by unrestricted competition between private entitites. Government intrusion in the marketplace distorts the efficiency with which a competitive market economy can allocate society's resources. A market failure occurs when the private market is not efficient. A completely free economic market has led to a monopoly (form of commercial tyranny) or a completely free poitical market has led to political bosses over cities (corruption). With regard to free markets I believe in the stated goals, in your mentioned core values, of "pursuit of happiness and economic liberty".

I believe government may intervene "to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" (Preamble to the US Constitution).