Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed (five years):

Ted Cruz - Campaign Committee

City of Montgomery - Memorial Park

City of Montgomery - Cedar Park

City of Montgomery - Fernland 

Miscellaneous events associated with City of Montgomery

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

No

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

I'm running for this position to re-establish sound fiscal policies and focus on providing excellent customer service to the ciitzens of Montgomery.

1. Business owner with 40 years of experience managing all aspects of successful company.
2. Ability to provide common sense solutions to maintaining and improving the essential services of city government.
3. Served for 10 years on Montgomery city council and 5 years on MEDC and MIDC. 

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

1. Growth of government -
   1. Review spending trends and re-directing to essential services i.e. water, sewer, streets, walkways.
   2. Review city contracts regarding engineering, operations, etc.
   3. Improving best practices so we employ only essential personnel and improve overall customer service.
2. Improving city infrastructure, i.e., streets and sidewalks, water and sewer 
   1. Budgeting and prioritizing a plan that systematically and consistently works toward accomplishing that goal.
3. Zoning
   1. Reviewing current zoning ordinances
   2. Implementing architectural requirements that preserve the history and overall ambience of the city.

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

Government, like any other organism has a tendency to grow. The challenge is to maintain a focus on the mission of goverment - that is to provide the essential services mandated by the city charter and to do it in a way that is the most cost effective and least invasive to the liberties of our citizens. By employing and compensating accordingly, productive forward looking staff members.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Advantages can be a consistent attentiveness to promoting economic growth by strategic investment and promotion.

Disadvantage -  spending can be based on a small group's personal preferences, personal relationships, and a lack of idenifying the overall good and return on investment to the city.

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?

In theory yes. The challenge is finding interested citizens willing to spend the time and effort. I have served 5 previous terms and I believe it is good for individuals with a new perspective to serve. The problem can be when there is little experience on the council and a diverse, robust exchange of ideas is limited and only one or two individuals control the dialogue.

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?

Montgomery has an adequate reserve. Debt should always be closely monitored and kept to a minimum. Capital projects on the horizon related to water and sewer will be sustantial and a certain amount of debt will have to be entertained. City should always be looking to reduce cost to our citizens.

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

I believe the budget is reasonable except for spending in areas that are not central to the responsibilities of the city. Streets are in dire need of repair and improvement. Water and sewer is another situation that could be improved upon. I would support directing more spending to these areas. Personnel costs is another area of question.

Should the city be funding non-profit organization events, such as the local civic club, with tax dollars?

Not the function of government. However, some limited involvement that involves the entirety of the city i.e. wine festival, historical events can be supported in a very limited way.

The ETJ area of the city is quite large. As the city grows how do you expect to the city to pay for the for water and sewer services for the annexed neighborhoods?

Annexation should only be done as it is a benefit to the citizens of Montgomery. Providing water and sewer services that are financially unviable is not something I would support.

How much does this position pay each year? Do you think this amount should be increased, decreased or even, like The Woodlands Township, receive no compensation at all?

The council position pay $0 and should remain as such.

What is the Sales Tax Rate for the City in which you're running?  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?

~Not Answered Yet~

When would it be appropriate for a business receive any tax abatements?

There have been some "strategic" abatements made in the past. I don't foresee the need for any abatements in the near future and would be very resistant for supporting any.

What is city's bond rating?  What is the current debt load and is it too high? Please describe how you will determine the proper debt load.

~Not Answered Yet~

Please discuss in detail (with your rationale) to what extent you will resist threats by political groups (such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation) to change long held practices (such as opening meetings with prayer or removing public monuments). Will you defend lawsuits brought against the city?

Absolutely! Although we don't have a theocracy, the first amendment rights of free speech and the ability to pray in public and the free expression of ideas is the cornerstone of our constitutional republic.

What guidelines/ordinances/mandates do you support for public health emergencies?

Government should be very limited in its ability to introduce ordinances or mandates restricting the liberty of a person's right to participate in commerce and the freedom to assemble for worship. Government can provide information but not intefere in the ability of individuals and businesses to make responsible decisions for themselves.

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

No

Are you now or have you ever done business with the city and/or any other taxing entity? If so, what was the nature of that relationship?

No

Please explain in detail why you support or oppose tax-paid welfare and health benefits to illegal aliens and recent immigrants.

Absolutely not!

Would you vote in favor of spousal benefits for same-sex partners of State, County and City employees? Please explain your reasons.

No. Marriage is between a man and a woman. It is a union instituted by our creator and is not a man made institution.

Do you own property in Montgomery County?  Do you own or operate a business in Montgomery County?

Yes. Yes.

Are you active with any Tea Party or conservative grassroots organization? If so, list which, how long and what capacity? If not, what's your opinion of Tea Party groups here as to their effectiveness?

I have supported the Tea Party in the past. I believe it to be an natural manifestation of traditional conservative thought brought about by government overreach. It has been an effective organization in bringing about common sense change to government.

Are you a member of ANY Chamber of Commerce group? Are you aware of and/or have you attended or plan to attend Leadership Montgomery County?

I am not currently.

In the city, and its ETJ area, there are a lot of apartments being constructed. Do you favor the construction of single family home over large apartment complexes? Do you believe that single family home creates a more livable community?

I have been opposed to the over building of apartments. Although I believe a certain amount of apartment living is necessary, private ownership of single family homes is essential to a "livable" community and should represent the vast majority of city dwelling.