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

1. To the best of my ability, keep taxes low, while providing the high level ameneties that are expected in our community.
2. To see through the transparent groundwork for our Incorporation study and provide the information to our residents in an informative, unbiased manner.
3. To be a strong opponent of thoroughfares and over-development that will decrease the quality of life for our residents.

I don't see any conflicts of interest and would always look to be transparent if one would arise in the future.

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

1. Fiscal Responsibility - In my current role I manage a roughly 10 million dollar budget, without ever going over my budget. I always look for ways to reduce costs via negotiations, cost cuts, and creative merging of services.
2. Commitment - I will not fold on waiver in any stance on thoroughfares that would have a negative impact on our community. I am committed to keep The Woodlands as clean, safe and independent from outside intrusions.
3. Integrity - Separating personal relationships from business is a necessaity and should never be allowed to ruin your character. I stand firm on transparency of relationships, keeping moral character, and trying to do the right thing.

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

1. I would like to see the term length be increased to 3 years, instead of 2. This would allow the community to not be involved in elections every year. However, I would like to see term limits be implemented. Two or three terms should be enough.
2. I would like to see The Township take harder looks at personnel increases.
3. ?

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? 

My answer would only be based if it made financial sense, which is currently being evaluated. If the financial model made sense, I would be in favor of Incorporation. The ability to enforce covenants, be a direct recipient of government funds (i.e. Harvey Funds), at some point merge other lcoal entities (MUDS, etc.) and have a seat at the HGAC would be beneficial as a City.

What most people do not talk about, as benefits of a City, are the revenue streams that could be available to us. Possible franchise fees (currently being banked by the Development company), violation fees (tickets being collected by the County), and other opportunties.

Lastly, eventually we will become Houton or Conroe, so the choice is clear. Do we incorporate into a city of The Woodlands or become Houston/Conroe. Our current asset evaluation is 20 Billion, just imagine in 2057 would that number would be. Some people will tell you that we can simply renegotiate with Houston to keep being a Township, but I would say that would be foolish for anyone not exercising their right to this tax base. If you wish to question when is the right time to Incorporate, i would return the question to why not now? Wouldn't expenses only increase in the next 5-10 years?

What do you primarily rely on to help you make difficult decisions as it relates to public policy?

If there is something I do not understand regarding public policy i would first go to Township staff and ask questions. At the same time I would ask mentors, or other people I trust, to weigh in on what they think. I collectively take such feedback and make a decision on sucgh policy. I have never weighted any decision on just one bit of information.

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

Our budget is in line with the ideology of providing high amenities and services, while being able to lower taxes. 

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 88,450,000. Of that, roughly 53 million (60%) are put in operational, bond redemption and capital replacement reserves. The rest are put in individual reserves, which the majority is in our Incorporation reserve (16 million). This is in line with the savings for major future projects, which would lessen the burden of the possibility of any future bonds.

Should the economic development reserve fund serve as a general fund, to go to multiple projects such as ice-rinks, museums, buildings, street repairs etc. or should it be a project specific only account?

The economic development reserve should serve its mission and only fund projects that either serve its mission or would add value (increased sales tax, or more heads in bed).

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.

In coordination with the vision and spirit of The Township for service, such non profits as Interfaith, who provide a service necessary for certain demographics for our community, than I don’t see a concern, unless we had a pushback from our residents.

It's been reported that The Woodlands comprises only 20% of households in the county, yet provides almost double that (38.5%) of the county total in property taxes. What would/could you do to correct this gross imbalance of tax inequity?

Opportunities lie in being able to negotiate better services for the Township and have the county provide its fair share, such as more county police, for example. Having County commisioners and a fair leader like Rand Henderson see that we have not been getting the proper services as it relates to the balance of what we pay in taxes, is helpful in working together to return that balance to the way it should be.

What is your position on the Homestead, Over 65 and Disabled Exemptions available to the residents of the Township?

The Woodlands Township has a $25,000 residential homestead exemption for individuals who are disabled or are sixty-five (65) years of age or older. Because giving a homestead exemption is a permanent deduction in revenues . While a residential homestead exemption is one option for providing property tax relief, its effect should be weighed against other options such as lowering the property tax rate. Actually, lowering the taxes from 2014-2017 was more beneficial to taxpayers than granting a 5%, 10% or 20% homestead exemption would have been. For instance if we granted an additional 20% homestead exemption it woul equate to $7.2 million annually ($36.0 million in five-year plan). While Montgomery County still has plenty of development growth to acquire more propertyu taxes, The Woodlands is almost at buildout. 

Also, the homestead exemption does not include our residents living in apartments, or our commercial entities. I believe reducing taxes is the best way to benefit the entire community.

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

No

Have you and/or any of your family members ever ben employed by or worked under contract to either The Woodlands Township, Woodlands Development Company or Montgomery County?

No

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

No

Should political subdivisions post their detailed check registers and credit card statements online for public viewing?

No

List all governmental entities you've done business with during the past five years

None

List Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed time or money (five years).

I have contributed time to Melanie Bush Campaign, block walking.

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

1. Alleviating thoroughfares that have a direct negative impact, such as WPX, Gosling and Branch Crossing. Educate our voters that we need County Commissioners, who are willing to listen wants of our community.
2. The lack of road development by the County is causing alternate usage of our roads for instance Woodlands Parkway and most recently Research Forest. Work on the widening of 1488 and 2978, in proximity of such intersection.
3.  Not a pressing issue, but finding a solution for 242 as it is increasing in traffic. Widening the road may be a solution, but without fixing 1488 it will be a bottleneck.

It appears that developers are going to build WPX (Woodlands Parkway Extension).  What's your opinion of this and what could be done to stop it?

I strongly oppose the WPX and any other Thoroughfare that is going to be a direct negative impact on our community. Incorporation could allow us more of a defense against the flow of traffic, once the roads belong to us. Also, electing County commissioners who are more wlling to work with the Township on their issues would be beneficial.

What is your opinion of the WRUD (Woodlands Road Utility District) and how is it useful and what's the downside?

The WRUD, in theory, is set up to pay for such road projects that would alleviate the need for The Township or county to pay for such projects. The downside is that these projects are solely decided by the board, who is majority controlled by the Howard Hughes corporation. That means, businesses within its jurisdiction might not see the impacts of their projects. 

What political party have you affilated with over the last twenty years? Do you believe in that party platform(all of it or % part - if %, please describe what you disagree with?

I am affiliated with the Republican Party, 99.9%. If such party platform is against the wishes of my constituents, a la WPX, than I would be able to support such representative.

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 the development of The Performing Arts center and Natural Science museum. At least 40% should be funded via private donors and then bonded (with voter approval).

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

I strongly agree with the overall core values of the MCTP, even though there are times that I may not agree with individual items (such as non profit luncheons).

This is a non-paid position.  Do you think this role should receive compensation?  And if so, why....

As a Volunteer position there should be no compensation. The spirit of serving your community should be its own reward.

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).

To the best of my knowledge I have voted in the primaries and general elections. I am certain that I voted for qualified Republican candidates.

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

I identify in different ways with both Chairman Bunch and Vice Chairman McMullan. Chairman Bunch is very smart and likes to explain details and why things are the way they are, not to assume what you see and hear from others in real. I like the fighting spirit of Director McMullan and his character of always asking questions and holding our Staff accountable.

What's your understanding and opinion on the Alpha Omega Security Services?  And should the Township continue to fund/utilize it?

There is limited value in the Alpha Omega security services, so the reduction is scope is what I propsed and unanimously was accepted by the board.