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 affirm that The Woodlands Township system is one that should be replicated in our state rather than eliminated. The Woodlands Township is one of the top-rated communities in the nation and #1 in our State, not because it is or is not a city, but because it is a special purpose district we call the Township formed through exclusive legislation that enables it to operate uniquely. The Township government offers an extremely effective management system for the community, with a highly efficient use of our tax dollars. Incorporation and the cost of incorporating with the development of more bureaucratic infrastructures will lead to massive tax burdens, squelch  corporate and business development laying a very heavy burden on the individual property owner, not to mention another layer of city taxes. We have until 2057 and then some to make decisions about our governance. Now is not the time to rush.

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

1. As Founding Pastor and Senior Minister for 29 years to Christ Church United Methodist, I am well-versed in the administration of public institutions and businesses.
2. My skill set includes the principles of visioning for the future, leading a 4,000-member congregation, developing a large ministry and its correlating business management from ground zero to a large organization, managing a sizable staff and multi-million dollar budgets for the church and school, building 100,000 square feet of church campus in multiple structures, and overseeing capital campaigns to fund it all – skills essential for leading a public entity such as The Woodlands Township.  
3. As a resident and civic contributor of The Woodlands for 30 years, I am deeply immersed in support of and participation in the total community life of our hometown.

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?

If and when a majority of the residents wish to consider incorporation, then a vote may be in order. However, with recent legislation that eliminates the threat of forced annexation, the main rationalization for incorporation is gone. In any event, we have until 2057 and then some to make decisions about or governance. Now is not the time to rush.  

Should board members actively engage with other government entities to fight to reduce burdens placed on them by other taxing entities?

The Township Board’s main job is to control taxes and manage a budget to the benefit of all taxpayers. The Township Budget is being negatively affected by sales tax loss due to COVID-19. The first answer is NOT a property tax increase. The Board must sensibly address budget shortfalls without simply a default response of higher taxes or cutting desirable services. I pledge to use my business experience to work diligently at preserving and enhancing our superb quality of life, our exceptional community amenities,

Board members must follow federal, state, county laws, and contract agreements of the special purpose district which created the Township when seeking to engage other entities in negotiations for the township.  Proper boundries must be maintatined at all time by Board Members and the Executive Officers of the Township.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

The great advantage of the Economic Development Partnership is found in the large tax revenue which comes to the Township through its operation.  Commercial sales tax, hotel tax, commercial real estate tax are generated by the fine work of Economic Development Partnership.  Tax Revenue is crucial to the Township, and the Economic Development Partnership inherently acts as the economic department for the Township through a private/public partnership.  

Are you familiar with the FTA grant requirements that enable Federal Funding for the Park and RIde and Trolley services? Would you try to modify those agreements? Why or why not?

I am generally familiar with FTA grant requirements, however, I am open to understanding more about grants for trolley services. I would be in favor of any modification that actually benefits the Township.

As a representative of a Top Rated Master Planned Community, what are the challenges you see with balancing the expected ammenities and the increasing costs with property taxes associated with them?

As previously stated,The Township Board’s main job is to control taxes and manage a budget to the benefit of all taxpayers. The Township Budget is being negatively affected by sales tax loss due to COVID-19. The first answer is NOT a property tax increase. The Board must sensibly address budget shortfalls without simply a default response of higher taxes or cutting desirable services. I pledge to use my business experience to work diligently at preserving and enhancing our superb quality of life, our exceptional community amenities,

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

I support it, knowing that diligent time and effort was placed into its development. However, as a Township Board member, I will bring a fresh perspective and my extensive fiscal experience to examine the budget process thoroughly. I always support lower tax rates.

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?

Reserve fund should be for just that--economic developoment which, can take many forms.  

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 should fund community partners which perform governmental and quasi-govermental funcitons on behalf of the township.

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 support it, knowing that diligent time and effort was placed into its development. However, as a Township Board member, I will bring a fresh perspective and my extensive fiscal experience to examine the budget process thoroughly. I always support lower tax rates.

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

I support the exemptions currenlty offered by the Township.

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?

Township coleciton of sales taxes have continued to be a major relief for property tax rates.

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?

state property tax law governs this situation.  

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

No.  

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

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?

The duty of an elected board member is to consider and act fairly and impartially to benefit the constituents of the Township.

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

Existing traffic, Growth of traffic, Management of traffic. We must keep up with infrastructure in view of our community’s enormous growth in population, without burdening our citizens with high taxes.  

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?

Management of traffic, including encouragement of use of alternate routes through and around The Woodlands.

What is your opinion of the WRUD (Woodlands Road Utility District) and how is it useful and what's the downside?

The WRUD is a useful entity to improve roads without taxing the entire population of The Woodlands. However, its usage must be carefully managed.

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

Critical Issues before The Township:

1. Incorporation Decisions – Preserve our Township
2. Public Safety/Law Enforcement – Security for our families
3. Controlling Budget and Taxes

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

As The Woodlands Township experiences its growth and devellpment I precieve the three threats to be: Traffic Mobility; Public Safety, Flood Control

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 are binding contracts, and can be useful beyond annexation considerations.

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

I wholeheartedly agree with and endorse the 6 Core Values of the MCTP. These are in keeping with my theological and political orientation.  The Lord Creator, The Founding Documents, Free Markets, limited govenrment, and fiscal resonsiblity are the hallmarks of a free and open society.  

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)?

Republican