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 graduated from Kingwood High before it was annexed but my parents still owned their home there in 1996.  I saw what could happen to a community when swallowed by a city the size of Houston.  I think we would be foolish to not consider all options including incorporation at some point in the future.  I believe that if voters were presented with well researched options and solid planning, incorporation could be a good option.  I don't know the time frame but would assume it would be beyond the next 5 years or so because the deal with Houston seems to be working and the voters clearly don't want to look at this in the near term.

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

I believe some of the positive aspects are responsible spending, budgeting, and execution of plans across the township.  The working relationship with the Fire Department seems to be top notch from both sides of the table.  High marks for the parks, paths, and pools in the recent survey indicates a well run program there too from the resident perspective.

As I learn more about roads and water, it seems like residents should have more control of that future.  I'm becoming suspicious of the way our tax dollars are being spent at the county and MUD levels.  From the uninformed citizen level, I think that The Woodlands doesn't need to control those aspects of their lives.  I want to get all of us, including the uninformed resident, aware and concerned about what we want The Woodlands to look like in the coming decades.  When I discuss mobility and water, it seems to get a lot of attention from the folks that really begin to think about the importance of those topics.

What three changes would you like to see implemented by the Township?

Because I was an uninformed and uninterested resident, I believe unbiased information dissemination could greatly improve the future of The Woodlands.  I believe most of the population is smart and wants the best for their families.  They simply don't know what is going on and don't want to take the time to learn because of other priorities.  So I would look at ways to improve information flow to residents likely through the Township website and social media.

In large sections of Cochran's Crossing this year, Entergy has been responsible for power outages.  I believe the Township could work closely with Entergy to address an aging infrastructure of underground lines and transmission reliability problems.

I attempted (repeatedly) to have Commissioner Noack's office install better pedestrian notification at crosswalks along Shadowbend Dr. after my son was almost hit.  I was unsuccessful as a citizen to get anything installed.  One of his employees told me they were trying to get Conroe ISD to help offset the expense but don't know why they couldn't handle it in his office.  So I feel like I got the runaround.  As a Township Director, I would place resident concerns at the top of my list.

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

I did not attend any of the Special Planning meetings.  I have only become active this year.

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?

As I understand this topic, the Township is still required to make the annual payments to Houston and Conroe.  I couldn't find much detail on HB347.

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

No, I have not.

List all civic, political or union organizations or individuals to whom you have contributed time or money in the last five years.

I have contributed time and money to Catholic organizations and have given money to the University of Houston.  I haven't given any money or time to political or union organizations.

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

My first Township budget meetings were last month for 2023 and it was fascinating.  I really appreciate the time invested by the leadership on the Board and at the staff level.  I support it fully because it seems to really focus on keeping the residents interests first, keeping taxes low, and preserving savings for future hiccups and a great credit rating.

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 current surplus is over $110M but roughly $30M can't be reallocated because it is designated for operating reserves.  Almost $50M of that budget is reserved for Capital Replacement Reserve so that new bonds wouldn't have to be issued.  So that balance could be used in a rainy day fund.  That amount is needed to provide a cushion for situations like a falling economy, slowed hotel/sales tax revenue, or another global pandemic.

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.

There are federal funds available to provide services like senior pick-up.  I don't believe money should come from the Township to sponsor community events other than through 'Visit The Woodlands'.  'Visit The Woodlands' seems to operate with the taxpayer's interests in mind.

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 have seen statistics detailing the ratio of sales tax to property tax revenue is inverted in our Township compared to other communities so I think they have done an outstanding job of bringing in more and more sales/hotel tax.  I would continue to look for and encourage those revenue sources and keeping property taxes low.

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election? Arrests/Convictions? Bankruptcys?

No.

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?

I pride myself in being diplomatic and professional.  I am firm but reasonable and am aware that entities and people will disagree with me at times.  I prepare before meetings to try and understand views of others.  Ultimately, I will look out for the interest of the residents.

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 the role of a Township Director, we try to bring the concerns of the residents to the front of the conversation.  I aim to have a seat at the table of mobility decisions with commissioners like Commissioner Riley using data and influence.

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

I like the loop idea using FM1488 and FM2978 to alleviate traffic to Woodlands Pkwy.  I would push hard for wider roads on those arteries.

I don't like the idea of widening 242 because it doesn't fix the problem.  The traffic will get jammed in the section past Gosling.

I believe pedestrians and bicycles need to travel through our community more safely.  Continue to provide better access with curb cuts.  I would push for better signals for both bicycles and pedestrians to keep traffic moving.  Complete pathway connectors.

The Woodlands is basically built out, except for some land held by Howard Hughes Corp(HHC). Are you concerned they(HHC) may use that to build multi-family housing? And what are the pros and cons of that?

Yes, I am concerned about the way HHC will execute their plan for the Woodlands.  High-density, multi-family housing is the trend because available HHC land is almost gone.  The Woodlands will definitely look different and I don't want that for our community.  I want to keep the Woodlands looking and feeling like the community I moved into over 20 years ago.

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

I was definitely and continue to be in favor of the residents being able to vote on incorporation.

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

I believe traffic is likely the biggest threat to the Township in the next 5 years.  This entire region is busting at the seams and we are no different.  I believe we, the residents, need to control how we move through our community.

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).

Republican for all elections.  General election in 2020, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012.  Republican primaries in 2022, 2016, 2012.