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Home » 2024-11-05 election » The Woodlands » Woodlands Township Position 4 » Craig Eissler

Craig Eissler
Party Republican
Website www.craigeissler.com
Born The Woodlands, TX
Education The University of Texas: BSME, MBA
Occupation Wealth Advisor
Religion Christian - Methodist
Marital Married
Children 2

Craig Eissler

declared

Craig was born and raised in The Woodlands, TX.  He graduated from The Woodlands High School in 2001 where he played both basketball and baseball.  He was a member of the 2000 5A State Champion Highlander baseball team.  Craig earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2005 and his MBA in 2009, both from the University of Texas at Austin. Craig has earned a number of investment professional designations. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and was awarded the ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY™ designation by the University of Pittsburgh-affiliated Center for Fiduciary Studies. He has also achieved the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation sponsored by the Investments & Wealth Institute® (formerly IMCA®).

Craig married his high school sweetheart in 2006. They are parents to a son and a daughter; the family shares their home with their dog, a chocolate lab Lucy. Craig enjoys golf, cooking and exercise in general—and is happy to count himself among those who value optimism and a keen sense of humor. The Eisslers attend The Woodlands Methodist Church in The Woodlands, TX

Craig works for fiduciary investment management firm, Halbert Hargrove, as a wealth advisor.  He is based in The Woodlands office. As a Wealth Advisor, his highest-level objectives are to protect his clients’ wealth and help them secure their financial goals—while at the same time hearing from them that they feel understood, comfortable and pleased with the entire wealth advisory process. Craig excels at listening to clients and providing a sounding board for their financial concerns. He says he particularly enjoys “the face-to-face interactions I have with clients: Getting to know them on a personal level.”

Before joining Halbert Hargrove in 2011, he served as a senior analyst for strategic planning at Fluor Corporation.

In January 2021, Craig earned the Professional Plan Consultant® designation through Fi360. This demonstrates his knowledge of ERISA requirements for employer-sponsored retirement plans and his ability to carry out plan services with a fiduciary standard of care.

Recent graduate of Leadership Montgomery County – class of 2024.

Active in the Rotary Club of The Woodlands.  Serves on its board as well as the investment committee for the Rotary Foundation Board.

Youth baseball and basketball coach.

 

MCTP Score of: 82 High Score Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2024-09-28 22:09:44

 

Pros

  • Resident focused

  • Highly educated young man (BS-Eng, MBA)

  • Appears to be up & coming leader

Cons

  • New to politics

 

Video Interview Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2024-09-28 22:09:26

 

Questionnaire

General

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

I was born and raised in The Woodlands.  This community means so much to me and my family.  Several different parts of my experiences come together to uniquely position me to be a great director on the Township Board. Currently I am a Rotarian, part of the current Board and a member of George’s Coffee Club. I also recently graduated from Leadership Montgomery County. Previously I have coached youth sports groups and my family, and I attend The Woodlands Methodist Church

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

My goal is to be accessible, reliable, and to serve with integrity.

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

Im not sure our community needs any major change. we are the #1 place to live in America for a reason. That doesn’t mean we don’t have challenges, and we certainly need good leaders to tackle these challenges, but no major changes need to occur at this time. My top priorities will include preserving the current quality of life by being a responsible steward of taxpayer money while also being as innovative as possible in how the Board approaches growth

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

Mr. Viteri has only lived in The Woodlands for 2 years

They moved here from Chicago where he actively supported Obama and helped him get elected

Are any of your family members employed by or working under contract to either The Woodlands Township or Montgomery County?

No

What do you think the Township Board should do with the property formerly occupied by GE Betz Laboratories, on the Sthwest quadrant of the intersection of Grogans Mill Rd and Lake Woodlands Blvd.

I understand that is very valuable property.  WHile I'm not aware of all of the facts, it is also my understanding there is currently some exploratory requests out there to get some ideas for some potential uses for that property.  I don't disagree that the Townshop should be open to ideas and explore the best options for the community and its residents and use for that property.  This should be a decision that is made with both community input and with an agreed upon goal for the ultimate use of the property regardless of the ownership.

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

Rotary Club of The Woodlands (helped out various other civic and non-profit groups)

George's Coffee Club

Leadership Montgomery County

Donald Trump

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

The unique structure of The Woodlands governance is mostly positive. We have a model that very few others have, and it works. The only real negative is the small group that want to change it up without reason at this time.  Nothing is ever perfect - similar to Winston Churchill's quote about democracy "...Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others...”

Budget

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?

While I'm not aware of all of the details and history of the budget just yet, I do understand that the credit agencies require a certain reserve fund in order to maintain our excellent credit rating for our debt.  It's also important to prudently manage the taxpayers money which is why I agree with the board in that they successfully gave money back to the taxpayers in the form of a 3% homestead exemption as well as increased the senior tax rebate.  Hopefully we can continue to look for more ways to do that going forward.  Returning money to the taxpayers is always a win in my mind.  It will continue to be important to diversify the revenue streams and decrease the reliance of property tax for our budgeting purposes.  

Taxes

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?

Robust economic development can help generate additional non-property tax revenues to maintain services without a property tax increase. If we can continue to recruit and retain quality businesses to work here and continue to recruit visitors and conventions/conferences, then our sales tax/hotel tax base will increase allowing us to further offset costs for the community residents.

Ethics

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

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?

No.  The board is not in the business of being an activist nor to promote any DEI policies.

Transportation

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

The only thing The Township can do with any pressing mobility issue is work in partnership with our county and neighboring officials to come up with solutions that best serve all parties. 

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?

To prevent undesirable projects, we must lean on the township’s relationships with the county, HGAC, and TxDOT, so we can clearly explain our objections and find constructive solutions. I strongly believe the Township Board should work with county officials to ensure the best possible outcome for its residents regarding infrastructure or any other area of governance. 

Other

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

Yes

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

Rapid growth - which can bring potential congestion and crime issues to our area.

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 it’s a concern. The positive is expanded workforce base and tax revenue. The negative is that typically multi-family brings a less invested community into the fold. 

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? Please explain.

Taxpayer funds should always be spent in accordance with the letter and spirit of the law and in line with resident priorities. Additionally, as a firm believer in limited government, if the government can partner with the community or private sector to provide a needed service more efficiently and at a lower cost, then we should explore those opportunities.

What's your position on a Performing Arts Center in the Woodlands and what should the funding source(s) be & at what percentage?

I do think a performing arts center would fit well with The Woodlands community and offer another amenity to create value for our residents but also bring in apotential additional sales and hotel taxes.  But it must make long term financial sense and, most likey, funded through hotel taxes.  We would also need to seek community input on this project, as well.

Which current Township board member do you identify with the most and why?

As I have spoken with and gotten to know all board members, I recognize we all have lots of similar outlooks.  As I get to know them more I'm sure some disagreements will arise here and there.  I am a conservative, logical thinker that will strive to make the best decision in the best interest of our community.  I serve as a fidcuiary in my job as a wealth advisor so I understand what it means to put someone else's interests ahead of my own.

On the GE Betz property, there were reportedly 4 underground storage tanks(3 concrete and one leaking fiberglass tank, with apparently no disposition. Is this acceptable? What should be done/

I amnoit familiar with that issue.  But if we want to do anything with that property, first and foremost that issue will need to be addressed.  Remediation must take place and any environmnetal (TCEQ) rules and regulations must be adhered to.  Hoever I understand that TCEQ sent a letter to the Township back in 2018 stating that all storage tanks have been properly capped and there are no leaks.

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?

I affiliate with the republican party - although over the years it's been increasingly harder to do so at the national level.  I consider myself a conservative that loves the country and believes in limited governament, personal responsibility, and upholding the constitution.  I believe in the platform as a whole. But I don’t even agree with family 100% of time and certainly still support/love/affiliate with them.