Have you ever been arrested? Ever had any tax liens? If so, start & resolution dates?

No I have not been arrested nor have I ever had a tax lien.

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

 Infrastructure and Mobility are two pressing issues.- Roads and Flooding

It is important that we are able to travel throughout the community without being impeded by poorly managed roads.  Some roads are in need of improvement while others will need to be constructed. This is also a requirement for our first responders. If a road needs improvement or repairs it must be done in a timely fashion.  And it is important to build adequate roads for our growing community.  As we grow we need to look at the current traffic patters as well as predict future possible patterns that might lead to congestion.  By preempting these issues we can also avoid safety issues.

As more residential communities are being developed in our area we must insure that future flooding is avoided. This can be done with proper techniques, such as containment and drainage utilized in the design of the communities. The City Council needs to require these techniques be met from all companies.

Safety -  Mobility of our first responders (police, fire and medical) is critical.  By addressing the mobility issues we are addressing some of the safety issues.  In addition to this Conroe must be prepared to protect its' citizens from threats both within and without.  It is the job of the city council to insure all first responders have access to proper funding and support beyond our roads.

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

Just like Trump is keeping America great I, Kelley Inman, will work to keep The City of Conroe great!  As Conroe grows we need to work to keep the citizens safe while helping them prosper.  Montgomery County has been the fastest growing county in the great United States for several years and I don't expect that to change.  Nor, do I want to see the hometown feel of Conroe change into a metropolis where the individual becomes lost in the masses.

I am most qualified for this position because I am the one individual who is currently working toward maintaining individual rights in Montgomery County.  I am working with the Montgomery County Republican party to ensure the rights of the individuals are kept safe.  I am working with families of our city to help them prosper individually while working within the community.  I am a strong supporter of all of our first responders and am currently working with a group of individuals to insure that these responders receive the support they need and deserve.  I have lived and worked in Conroe for over 45 years.  I am familiar with issues she has faced in the past and will face again in the future.  As a member of the City Council I plan to listen to the citizens and make improvements and changes they need to make Conroe their home without taxing them beyond their means. 

How do you feel about inner-city MUDs and why?

I support inner-city MUDs because when run well they have more benefits than disadvantages.  I agree with these mainly because they are paid for by the people who use them.  Any additional funds derived from these MUD taxes can go toward the development of community projects that will benefit those same individuals paying for the bond created by that MUD district.  As with any tax, I believe they should be kept as low as possible and as the MUD district begins to decrease the bond they should decrease the taxes collected for that bond.

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

As with any large group responsible for millions of dollars I am confident there is room for improvement and better spending efficiency.  Before I make a decision on what operations need adjustment I would want to listen to those departments and individuals concerned.  They are the experts on their departments.  They know why they need the money allotments.  I would not want to reallocate funds from one part of the city budget before I knew all the facts concerning those funds.

Do you feel that City of Conroe police and fire is adequately funded?  Explain.

Under current population with current staffing I feel they are properly funded.  Of course, a primary duty of government is to protect the citizens.   I would be open to reallocating funds where the need is greatest.  Having had an opportunity to speak with both the fire and police department I am aware they both are requesting more funding.

This council position pays $7,200/yr. Do you think this amount should be increased, decreased or even, like The Woodlands Township, receive no compensation at all?

I believe this is a fair amount of compensation for the time demanded of council members.  However, if all compensation were eliminated, I would still be interested in running for this office.  It is imperative that a fiscal conservative voice be a member of the council in order to insure that spending is kept in control.

Do you support term limits for the council?  If so, how many terms? Which current Magnolia board member do you identify with the most and why?

Yes, I support term limits for all forms of government.  Regardless of the possition, people who play a roll in government need to limit their terms in each position.  It is easy to become a career politician and thus no longer in tune with the people who are being served.  I believe a two term limit is a good standard.

I most identify with Duke Coon.  I believe his philosophy of local control and individual rights aligns with mine.  I too believe in fewer taxes, transparency in government, individual rights and conservative leadership.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Economic Development Partnerships can have a greater impact on the community as a whole than to an individual.  If the partnership is designed in such a way to bring more advantages to the individual than the giant developer then I am excited to back this partnership.  If however, it proves that the majority of the benefits are designed for the developer then I would encourage the City of Conroe to refrain from becoming involved.  Ultimately I support the individual over the larger group.  

How do you feel about private property rights, with respect to City ordinances?  Which one take precedence?

I am a strong supporter of private property rights.  I am aware there are times when the welfare of others may supercede that of the individual property owner.  If the individual property owner's actions cause injury to others, be it monetarily or otherwise, government may need to get involved.  If this occurs it is important that the private property owner be compensated justly.  

Because I am such a strong believer in a person's right to own and use his property as he deems fit, I will make every effort to insure that the owner's rights are upheld.  I disagree with many imminent domain ideologies.  A person should be allowed to use his/her property in the way they choose as long as it does not conflict with originally agreed upon terms at the time of purchase.

What's your position on the SJRA and Lonestar Groundwater boards?  Explain.  Where do you stand on the GRP (Groundwater Reduction Plan) Contract and why?

.

Where do you stand on the GRP (Groundwater Reduction Plan) Contract and why?

After reviewing the GRP I am left feeling concerned.  I understand the need of reducing the amount of ground water usage, however I believe need to look at the costs associated with the reduction plan.  I know the data used to justify the GRP came from the drought of 2011, almost a decade ago.  Perhaps it is time to relook at the data.  Is it possible that the clean ground water is now sufficient to supply the demand?  If not, is there grounds for revising the plan?

Do you feel that City of Conroe employees are adequetely funded? If not, please explain

Based on the research I have done, I feel the City of Conroe employees are adequetely funded.  I have also found that salary increases are above average in relation to inflation.  Some increases are as high as 10% annually.  This is disproportionate to cost of living increases.  

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

Again, based on my research I do not believe salaried employees should be paid overtime unless it is originally agreed upon in the terms of employments.  This being said - by definition salary does not allow for overtime.  There are many jobs that require additional work in order to accomplish the tasks needed to keep the business running effectively and efficiently.  As with any job related to a government entity there may be times that personal sacrifice is required in order to provide for the safety and security of the community.

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

As of yet, I do not see a valid reason to increase the annual city budget.  There is currently a surplus.  I am an advocate of spending the money entrusted to me as wisely as possible.  At no point should a government official spend money they do not have.  Nor should they spend money they have in order to justify money for the up comming year.

Areas within the budget I would like to look at more closely and propose altering are as follows:

Culture and Recreation - Why do we need 6+million for this area of the budget? And how does this differ from Community Development?

Debt Service:  By using some of the surplus to pay down the principle this would also greatly reduce the interest.

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?

It appears as though there is a revolving surplus of between 12 and 14 million dollars.  If this is accurate, then I would argue for a lower taxation and pay down debt.  Debt only increases problems.  I would keep 15%-25% in a rainy day fund.  As I have reviewed several years budgets, I have noticed times when extra monies were needed.  It is wise to have a 90 day supply of funds avalible.

What is the Sales Tax Rate for the City of Conroe?  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?

I am for a sales tax increase.  I am against all property tax increases.  It has been decades since there has been an increase in city sales tax.  I am also for an increase in the hotel tax rate.  This brings in outside revenue with no additional expense to our citizens.

The current Sales Tax Rate for Conroe: 8.25% - 6.25% to State of Texas, 1% City of Conroe, 0.5% to reduce property tax, 0.5 to Conroe Industrial Development Corporation; This is 42.5% of the General Fund budget.

The current Property Tax Rate:  was increased by 9.5% to 0.4375 of every $100 which is 34% of the General Fund budget.

I do not believe it is necessary to increase any taxes to increase revenues because of the amount of growth in our area.  This growth will provide increased revenue through the current tax base.

Are you now or have you ever done business with The City of County and/or a Conroe/county official and if so, the nature of that relationship?

The only business I have conducted with the City of Conroe is in normal daily dealings such as would occur when making purchases within the city limits or  operating a business within the city limits.

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?

As with any situation involving a conflict, I would research both sides and make a decision that is most fair from the view point of a constitutional conservative.

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

Texas Right to Life

Montgomery Republican Party

Fosters for The Kingdom

Alliance Defending Freedom

Texas Home School Coalition

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

No, I have never been employed by the City of Conroe nor Montgomery County.  My father, Judge Olen Underwood, has served Montgomery County as a district judge, regional judge and juvenile judge.

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

I am in favor of Improvement Districts and Economic Development Districts so long as they do not result in property rights that supercede the individual rights.  Any development that increases jobs and community improvement is good for the public both as a whole and an individual.

Do you agree with Conroe's Pro-Tax Sharing (Abatement) policy?  Why or why not and what changes would you make? 

I am for this policy in the event it is offered to all businesses.  I am a firm believer in equality for all individuals.  I am aware that by reducing or relieving the tax burden on a business it will bring in less immediate revenue to the government.  However, it will also bring in more economic growth which in turn will offset this lack of revenue.  The end result should actually mean more money to the individual, the business and the taxing entity.

How long have you been consistently voting in elections? For which parties candidates? List all the elections you have voted in for the past 3 years (2014-2016).

To my knowledge I have voted in every election for the past 20+ years.  I vote in federal, state and local races which include primary elections, run-off elections and general elections.  I have only ever voted republican.  And when voting in primary or local races, I vote conservative republican.  Other elections such as bond issues I have also participated in.