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

1. Teresa and I love The Woodlands. We have always considered it home, even when we moved away for 10 years for our jobs. After much personal prayer and with many friends, along with the consult with my wife, Teresa, I felt that this was a new way for me to step up and serve my community. I believe the residents need servants who serve for them as opposed to political reasons.

2. I believe my experience collaborating with many in The Woodlands across many different beliefs will help me in building consensus among residents, community leaders, and the township leaders on the many key issues facing The Woodlands in the future.

3. I believe I can bring an independent, fiscal conservative voice to the leadership of The Woodlands by serving on the board.

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? 

I believe there is much work left to do to fully understand the question of incorporation and the timing of such. I would not recommend incorporating if the cost to incorporate would place an undue tax burden on the residents of The Woodlands or if it would compromise the social and business culture of The Woodlands being a place to "Live, Work, Play and Pray". At the end of the day, I am but one of approximately 119,000 residents of The Woodlands and I believe if I am blessed to be elected to represent that 119k, then my responsibility is to provide accurate, unbiased, and factual information regarding incorporation to the residents and let the residents decide for themselves within an estimated framework whether incorporation is what they want or don't want. 

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?

I don't believe we know the answer to that question. At the surface, it might appear that we would no longer owe that debt for the protection that the previous agreement provided. However, HB347 does not contain language that addresses pre-existing legal agreements or contracts between entities. Until any potential challenge to this agreement is litigated and we understand how the courts may interpret it, there is a lot of unknown. HB347 definitely clearly addresses any actions from the date of becoming law. If Houston decided they wanted to challenge the ruling in a liberal court of law in their domain, would The Woodlands have both the resources and the legal support in that debate?

There are 19 more legislative sessions between now and 2057. The current trend in politics is a slow move towards socialism, so I for one would not be in favor of that wave to impact what a conservative residency has the ability to control. 

I don't know the answer to this question, but I do know if I were sitting on the board I would not stake the future of The Woodlands against the budget of a liberal city like Houston to provide funds to litigate against an entity the size of The Woodlands. I also would not want to put the hands of the future of The Woodlands in the hands of a liberal judicial system in Houston. 

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

1. I have been a successful business leader for years. I have worked with budgets for operations that generate 1/2 of a billion dollars in revenue. I have helped to develop the acquisition strategy and the integration strategy of a major automotive retailer. One result of that experience is being recognized as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

2. I believe my years of service in the local community with my time and finances; along with serving on many local boards has helped me to build a relationship across the community of consensus, integrity and strategic planning for future success.

3. I am a fiscal, conservative who at the end of the day believes my job as an elected Director would be to lead the residents in helping to guide our community on a path of responsible development and growth in a way that does not compromise the integrity of Mr. Mitchell's vision, the desires of the residents and builds a future for our children's grandchildren. I believe in limited government and maintaining a tax structure that is a low as possible to provide what the residents want. 

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

The Special-purpose district created by the 73rd Texas Legislature in 1993 gave The Woodlands very limited rights to govern. The positive of that governance structure is that many of those rights are similar to an incorporated city and many aren't. The governance structure also helped protect us from unwelcome incorporation for a period of time, allowing The Woodlands to better plan for its future and determine at what point it chooses to protect itself by incorporating it.  Some negative aspects are The Woodlands is still dependant on many other parties in its overall rule and The Woodlands also does not benefit from many forms of potential income that would benefit it if it were incorporated. It also has a very limited voice and influence on many of the issues that truly negatively affect and impact the residents of The Woodlands.

Currently, we are dependant on others for the mobility planning that affects us, for the management of subsidence and flood mitigation, and the control of development within our boundaries. One other issue I don't believe enough people understand and take into consideration enough is while the county has done a good job of collaborating with The Woodlands, The Woodlands currently pays approximately 40% of the Montgomery Tax while being only 20% of the population. Plus The Woodlands pays for all of our Law Enforcement services as a "pass-through" item in the MoCo budget to help maintain and provide the service the residents deserve and desire. This equals approximately $11 million dollars. 

One other negative is as we have seen in the most recent budget cycle, we at times have very little impact on financial burdens being placed on The Woodlands without any input or control - as seen by the recent decision of The Woodlands Development Company to stop paying for the $1.1m in streetscaping and passing that responsibility on to The Woodlands. 

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?

Yes, at the end of the day I am but 1 of 119,000 residents in The Woodlands, and if elected I believe my role is to represent them and not represent myself. I believe all important and controversial items should be decided by the voters at the ballot box and not by 7 elected representatives.

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

I was able to attend 2 of them while traveling back and forth acquiring 3 businesses out of state. I have also watched every meeting online and have a team helping me to stay on top of the flow of information and understand it.

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 current method of reserving funds for operating, capital reserve, debt redemption, incorporation, and sales tax reserve is a good system to continue to maintain the excellent financial ratings The Woodlands currently enjoys. It is this system of reserving for the future that provides confidence to the financial community. Each fund is used to pay off debt, pre-fund capital replacement items such as fire trucks and park renovation instead of issuing debt. They also help to protect against sales tax losses, create a "pre-fund" for potential incorporation needs (of to pay off debt if we do not move to incorporate).

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 believe it is a good budget that will place minimal impact on the residents while maintaining the community to standards the residents have become to expect and enjoy. I believe The Woodlands could have maintained the effective tax rate in the 2020 budget plan had it not been for 3 things:

1. Revenue as of August 2019 was projected to be approximately $1 million less than planned for based on the state not sharing the internet sales tax.

2. The solid waste management agreement is projected to increase by approximately $1.6 million due to changes in the agreement.

3. The additional $1.1 million for the streetscaping the township is taking over the costs of from The Woodlands Development Corp.

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.

I do not believe that Township should be a "sponsor" to non-profit events with resident tax dollars. 

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 currently has approximately $89mm in various reserve funds to use for future capital expenditures or to plan for emergencies. These reserve funds in effect act as "rainy day" funds for specific areas of expense exposure. These reserves are a reason for The Woodlands having such a good financial debt rating. They ensure the high level of services the residents have come to expect that constantly rank The Woodlands as one of the Top 10 places to live in America. They also help to ensure tax rate stability and have enabled The Woodlands to redeem over 50% of their outstanding debt over the past several years. This debt redemption and tax rate stability is one way of returning it to the residents by maintaining one of the lowest tax rates for any entity close to its size in the area. 

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 would work to build consensus with the county commissioners who share territory in The Woodlands and the County Judge to maintain our fair share of our constituent support. There is nothing that says the county can't continue to fund resources to The Woodlands given the amount of tax revenue the county receives from The Woodlands. We are not in a position to force the county to provide an equitable allocation of funds, but I would be a strong voice and advocate for the commissioners to do exactly that.

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?

It is believed that the potential incorporation would reduce the county budget in year 2. The current transition agreement has the county providing services from the county levy in year 1. The Woodlands is still a significant constituent of the county and should press for financial support in the areas the potential new city would absorb. The Woodlands would still receive county services, as do all other municipalities in MoCo. I don't believe I have enough information yet to fully understand the potential financial impact this would be. The study needs to be completed and we need to hear the voice of the county before we may truly know the answer to this question. 

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?

It is important to note that property tax is only approximately 40% of the current revenue supporting the budget. There are several things The Woodlands could do to grow revenue.

1. Focus on increasing retail development within the constraints of the governing plan to increase sales tax revenue from restaurants, entertainment, and retail shops.

2. Collect Franchise Tax fees for the use of the phrase "The Woodlands". Currently, all of those fees go to the development company.

3. The current study of a Performing Arts theater could provide a positive contribution to the revenue generated through ticket sales, refreshments and bringing additional people from outside of The Woodlands to eat in our restaurants and potentially stay in our hotels.

4. If The Woodlands were a city, the alcohol sales tax would go to the city instead of the county.

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

I would be in favor of supporting relief for those over 65 and a disabled person exemption (including disabled veterans.). There would need to be a comprehensive study performed to understand the impact of a Homestead exemption. That revenue would have to be replaced somehow.

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?

The effective tax rate for the 2020 budget year is .2240 with a proposed rate of .23. Upon review of the past year's budgets, the budget has been at or below the effective tax rate approximately 90% of the time. I would need to better understand the impact of Senate Bill 2 from the most recent session before I could effectively give an opinion on the significance of the impact increasing home appraisals would have on the ETR.

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

No I have not.

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

While I would participate as an independent thinker focused on transparency of information; I most affiliate with Gordy Bunch. Both of us are/have been successful in business. We have proven that success in good and bad economic times. I believe he does a good job of helping all parties understand the issues, find the best solutions to analyze and inform on those issues, and then present it in a way that is transparent and understandable to the residents.

I also associate with Bruce Reiser and Brian Boniface because they are not afraid to "ask the tough questions on the issues" and be the "devil's advocate" if you will. I admire their methods of planning on important community issues to reach consensus. I also believe their service has shown a dedication to our community and the world around it.

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 am an active member of the Republican's President's Club. I have contributed to the campaigns of Donald Trump for President, Ted Cruz for Senate, Governor Abbott, State Senator Creighton, County Judge Mark Keough, Constable Ryan Gable, County Commissioner James Noack, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Constable Phillip Cash, JP Wayne Mack, JP  Mark Beasley, County Tax Accessor Tammy McRae, County Treasurer Melanie Bush, The Woodlands Township Board Director Gordy Bunch, County Attorney J. D. Lambright, County DA Brett Ligon, County Judge Ed Emmitt, Constable Mark Hermann, County Commissioner Jack Cagle (we live in Creekside which is in Harris County). I have contributed to with time and/or financial support to First Liberty Institute, Montgomery County "Yes to Youth", Memorial Hermann "In the Pink of Health", Memorial Hermann Canopy Cancer support center, The Cynthia Woods Pavilion, Montgomery County Crimestoppers, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, Interfaith of The Woodlands, The Montgomery County Go Red Luncheon, The Montgomery County Crisis Center, The Montgomery County Community Foundation, The Montgomery County Food Bank, The Montgomery County Meals on Wheels program, Angel Reach, The Woodlands Christian Acadmey, John Cooper School, College Park High School, The Woodlands High School, Oakridge High School Athletics, Lonestar College Foundation, The Patriots PAC, The Montgomery County Tea Party, Montgomery County LLS Foundation, The Montgomery County Junior Golf Association, numerous animal rescues including: The Montgomery County Animal Shelter, Westie and Scottie Rescue of Houston, HART, Lonestar Animal Welfare League, Tiny Paws, OPA, Pure Mutts Animal Sanctuary, Schnauzer Rescue of Texas, Denison Animal Rescue, and Abandoned Animal Rescue to name a few. I am sure there are more, but these are the ones that I can come up with off of the top of my head.

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

No I have not.

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

I believe in the complete transparency of budgets, expenses, and revenues - within the constraints of legal protection. Within the limits of the law, taxpayers have a right to know what their money is being used for.

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 a Director, I would do everything within my power to ensure that the Mansion's Way (TWPX) does not create a thoroughfare on Woodlands Parkway. 92% of the residents in Sterling Ridge and 80% of the residents in The Woodlands voted against the WPX in the last election. As a director representing those voters, it would be my responsibility to ensure their voice is heard and protected. 

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

1. Incorporation - I believe we need to complete the current study so that the residents have a full understanding of the benefits and costs to incorporate. The residents have the right to decide this issue based on receiving transparent and accurate information. 

2. Mobility - The Woodlands needs a mobility plan that prevents outside influence from making our roads thoroughfares, but also addresses the need for mobility within the community for the workforce. We also need to collaborate with county, state and federal governments to improve the mobility planning for our medical corridor along I-45 and the educational corridor along Hwy 242.

3. Water Subsidence / Flood Mitigation - currently there are too many parties involved in managing the water subsidence and services. The Woodlands has very minimal impact on flood mitigation as most of the responsibility falls to the many MUD's, special districts and the county. The Woodlands only has influence on the paths and parks within its boundaries.

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 with and have voted across the board the Republican party platform. I support and believe in the entirety of the party platform.

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

I believe in, agree with and fully support all 6 tenets of the MCTP Core Values.