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

debt - review budget and spending, explore revenue streams, negotiate with creditors, seek grants and funding at state/federal level

schools - ensure that we are hiring the best teachers that can have the strongest impact on our kids, encourage partnerships between schools and local businesses to provide resources, mentorship programs and career opportunities for the kids in our community

safety - ensure that both the police/fire departments have the tools they need to keep the community safe

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, 2 terms

Curt Maddux, neighbor and friend

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

I believe that the City of Conroe has done a great job taking care of our police and fire departments.  However, i realize that there are some current needs that have not been met, which will need to be prioritized and budgeted for.

Should "comparables" be within a certain distance to protested properties and what is a reasonable distance?Why or why not?

They should be within a reasonable distance to ensure they reflect similar market conditions and features, typically 1-3 miles in urban areas or 5-10 miles in rural areas.

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

It is important to have rules that protect both your rights and the community's well being.  City ordinances play a crucial role in regulating land use and development to promote public health, safety and welfare but must be reasonable and not violate property rights. It depends on the situation and whether the rules respect people's rights.

What 2 things about your opponent do the voters need to know?

I do not have anything to say about my opponents.  I feel that voters should check out all candidates to make sure that the best person is picked for the position.

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

I would need to carefully study details and consider how it would affect our community's water needs before i can choose the best course for our city's future water sustainability.

What's your position on the SJRA and Lonestar Groundwater boards?  Explain.

I support working together to manage our water resources and making sure that they are aware of our community's needs and help addresses any issues we have.

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

continuous improvement of processes, the latest in technology, making sure city departments work together smoothly, fixing any problems with city programs, partner with businesses/government to save money, spend money and plan wisely

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 depends on the city's needs and goals, and what's best for the community's financial health.  Some possibilities could be giving back some to residents through tax breaks, putting aside for emergencies or paying off debts to save money in long run.

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

No

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?

No

Please describe what measures you propose to improve transparency and accountability to the public.

Hold meetings where everyone can attend and share their thoughts, talk to residents often and hear what they are saying, make it easy for people to find information about the city's money and decisions.

Do you feel the city should be in the real estate business and to what extent? (example - Industrial/Technolgy Park/Hyatt Hotel, etc.)

Only if it helps the comunity; it should always benefit everyone.

What was your position on the Conroe Hyatt Hotel, prior to Conroe's involvement, both then and now and why?

Before the city was involved, i would have considered its potential for creating jobs and attracting visitors.  now, i would assess its performance and impact on our economy.  If it is bringing in money and jobs, I would lkely support it.

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

No comment

Should City employees living out of the city and/or county take home city vehicles?  Why or why not?

It depends on a few things.  If their job requires them to be on call or respond to emergencies outside of work and on whether city rules state that employees must live within the town or county.

What's the turnover in the city staff and do you consider that to be normal, high or low?  And if high, to what do you attribute the cause?

No comment