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Home » 2024-11-05 election » The Woodlands » Woodlands Township Position 3 » Elvin Misut

Elvin Misut
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Elvin Misut

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MCTP Score of: 78 High Score Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2024-10-28 09:30:47

 

Pros

  • Brings over a decade of business experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, a passion for public service developed while teaching business as an associate professor
  • Foster economic growth without raising taxeson locaal residents(tax tourist, instead)
  • Says he agrees with MCTP Core Values and wants to associate with conservative organizations
  • Supports the Republican Party platform, particularly in areas of limited government, personal responsibility, and fiscal conservatism
  • He and his wife from Seattle and while he loves the natural beauty, he feels it had become too liberal for them and wanted to raise kids in a conservative environment.

Cons

  • New to the area a neophyte - doesn't know who the players are

Questionnaire

General

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

I'm running to preserve The Woodlands’ character, enhance public safety, and ensure smart growth for future generations. My children’s future motivates me to create the best possible environment here. I have no conflicts of interest and only wish to serve the community’s best interests. I want The Woodland’s to be the number one place to live in America.

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

I bring over a decade of business experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, a passion for public service developed while teaching as an associate professor, and a commitment to responsible leadership. My dedication to conservative principles drives me to improve The Woodlands for all residents.

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

First, I want to strengthen public safety by increasing law enforcement presence. Second, I would like to modernize infrastructure, ensuring we stay ahead of population growth. Lastly, we need to foster economic growth without raising taxes, focusing on business development and community-driven projects.

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

While I respect my opponent’s experience, I believe that I am more in touch with modern technology and the evolving needs of The Woodlands. I also offer a fresh, forward-thinking perspective, ensuring we preserve our community’s character while embracing smart, responsible growth.

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

No, none of my family members are employed by or have contracts with The Woodlands Township or Montgomery County.

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.

The property should undergo environmental assessments to address concerns over underground tanks. After that, I would support its redevelopment into community-friendly spaces or projects that benefit residents while fostering economic growth, such as small business hubs or parks.

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

I’ve contributed to a variety of local and national organizations that align with my beliefs and values, including the YMCA, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Feeding America, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Doctors Without Borders, United Way, Make-A-Wish, and many others.

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

The current structure allows for localized decision-making, which is positive for responsiveness to community needs. However, we could benefit from increased transparency and better fiscal management to ensure resources are being used efficiently and conservatively.

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 maintaining reserves is vital for financial stability, I support returning part of the surplus to residents, especially if funds exceed immediate needs. Any remaining funds should be placed in a rainy-day fund to prepare for unforeseen future expenses

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?

We should foster business development and encourage tourism through events and recreational activities. Public-private partnerships can also help generate revenue, creating opportunities without placing a burden on residents through increased property taxes.

Ethics

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

No, there is nothing in my background that would be considered embarrassing or disqualifying.

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?

The board should focus on governance, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Promoting social justice agendas can be divisive, and I believe the board must maintain neutrality to represent the broad and diverse views of The Woodlands residents.

Transportation

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

Traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, and limited public transportation options are the most pressing issues. To address these, I would support infrastructure improvements, enhanced pedestrian pathways, and exploring more public transportation options to reduce traffic and keep our roads safe.

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?

I would work with local and state officials to implement traffic-calming measures and smart road design. We should also advocate for alternate routes to divert non-residential traffic away from The Woodlands Parkway, protecting the integrity of our community.

Other

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

I agree with MCTP’s core values, and my mission in applying for this position is to ensure my children and future generations live in the best place in the country. The Woodlands is unique, and I’m committed to preserving its character and conservative values.

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

Overdevelopment poses a significant risk. We need to ensure we have adequate schools, hospitals, roads, and public services to support any population growth. Without proper infrastructure planning, we risk losing the quality of life that makes The Woodlands special.

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?

While I support business growth, it must always be done with the well-being of The Woodlands residents in mind. Multi-family housing could strain our infrastructure, but if done responsibly, it could offer housing diversity. The focus must be on smart, community-driven development.

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.

While I support community involvement, taxpayer dollars should prioritize essential services. Funding non-profits can be considered on a case-by-case basis, ensuring it aligns with the community’s values and provides measurable benefits.

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

I support exploring the feasibility of a large Performing Arts Center, with funding coming primarily from private partnerships. If tax dollars are involved, it should be minimal and justified by the economic benefits the center brings to The Woodlands.

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

I identify most with Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, who has consistently demonstrated fiscal conservatism and a commitment to low taxes and limited government. Her dedication to preserving The Woodlands’ character aligns with my vision for the future of our community.

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/

The current situation is concerning. A thorough environmental assessment should be conducted, and the tanks should either be removed or safely contained. The health and safety of our residents must always come first.

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 strongly support the Republican Party platform, particularly in areas of limited government, personal responsibility, and fiscal conservatism. I believe these values will continue to serve The Woodlands well. I also hope to see Trump win in the next election.