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

1. Financial Solvency given dramatic increase in debt over past four years/Promote Economic Development

2. Measured and Strategic growth of Conroe's developments - to preserve natural resources (land, trees, water and wildlife)

3. Eliminate corruption in City Hall and establish transparent, structure and discipline behavior and processes

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?

I support limiting number of terms up to three for City Council, given rapid growth of Conroe and need to have Council stability

The Council Member I identify with the most would be Howard Wood, Marsha Porter and Harry Hardeman----they each have characteristics that I admire and follow.  All are honest, hard working, speak the truth and believe in the Lord.

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

Currently police and fire have adequate training, tools and equipment but salaries are not keeping up with inflation

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

It should be based on the neighborhood and not by distance for inside city limits

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

I am a strong supporter of personal property rights!  I also support ordinances assuming they meet their intended purpose of promoting and protecting the public health, safety and general welfare. In cases of conflict, I typically support the more stringent requirement.

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

The Incumbent Opponent:

Intentionally violated election law with application and then attempted to hide it

Made motion to approve Conroe Hyatt and Convention Center at Guaranteed Maximum Price $61m.  Subsequently made motions to approve addendums totally ~ $50m (Guarantee Maximum Price should not increase without major changes)

Betty Avery

Betty is an intelligent person and is a Christian

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

The GRP was poorly negotiated with little thought for future potential change.  I always believe that contracts should be followed even if negotiators are inexperienced.  This was another loss for our citizens.

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

I have had no direct exposure to either board and would feel uncomfortable commenting

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

New leadership with more experience and value-based personnel.  

Transparent, structured and disciplined management systems and an integrated strategic plan.

If you lie about the little things, then you will lie about the big things.

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?

Based on Conroe's $700m+ debt , I'm confident that there is no surplus.  This is why we need financial solvency.

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.

Properly plan for reform

Assure integrity of personnel

Open records

Treat the citizens like a customer and not like a supplier

It is all about structure, transparency and discipline

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

Almost never.  The private sector will typically sieze the opportunity and achieve maximum value.

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

We have never supported this position.  The city was executing; there was no justified value proposition (case to develop) and the market is saturated with this type of development.

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

In order to stimulate economic growth, I am in favor of City Abatement policy if it acheives intended benefit.  I have had no direct experience with Conroe's Pro-Tax Sharing Policy and whether it is achieving its purpose.

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

I feel it is appropriate for employees to take city vehicles home but not use for personal/recreational purpose

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?

It appears to be very high, largely due to bad behavior and poor business decisions.