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

1. I am passionate about serving our community.

2. I want to work to keep our taxes and debt low while simultaneously providing excellent services and quality of life for our residents.

3. To be a voice and advocate for our residents.

I do not forsee any potential conflicts of interest.

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

1. I am an honest person with integrity.

2. I have a proven record of lowering taxes.

3. I have been doing it for two years now.

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

None that I can think of.

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? 

I am for incorporation if it makes sense as I believe it will give our residents more control over their future and the future of The Woodlands.  One of the things I am proud of is hiring consultant groups to study what the cost and impact associated with incorporating so we can give our residents the best information available.   

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

When it comes to difficult decisions, I rely on my principles and values and apply them accordingly.  

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

Yes, I support it in full.  We were able to trim in areas that we could and were very conservative in our 5 year outlook.  In addition, we were able to lower the tax rate to the effective tax rate and reserve funds to pay off debt.  

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?

We use a zero base budget approach to allocate our excess into reserve funds or budget initiatives that can contribute to economic growth.  This is important because we know that we have future monetary commitments, especially if we incorporate, and need to plan and save accordingly.  One way we try to stay transparent in our process is to make sure that funds are moved to designated accounts, rather than a generic slush fund or rainy day fund.

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?

It should be a general fund because there are things that will come up during the year that may require use that has not been previously designated, although it is my preference to designate as much as possible.  

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.

The Township is obligated to fund certain non-profit organizations as agreed upon in federal grants.  Above that, they should be scrutinized on an individual basis to see if the service provides a stopgap in services provided by the Township.

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?

This disparity is the result of the success of The Woodlands.  As communities to the north of us continue to grow, the disparity will lessen.  In the meantime, we need to make sure that the county provides the necessary services that are required and advocate for lower tax rates and appraisal rates.

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

Our Township staff did an analysis and determined that our budgeting practices and taxing discipline have actually worked out better for our residents than adopting a 20% homestead exemption.  We currently do provide benefits for those over 65 and for disabled residents.  I will continue to fight for lower taxes that are in the best interest of our residents.

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?

Yes.  

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

The US Army.

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

Myself, Steve Toth, and Laura Fillault.

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

1.  Opposing the WPX.  Alternatives have been suggested, including The Woodlands Loop by Commissioner Noack.

2.  Easing congestion on the Woodlands Parkway, FM 242, and FM 1488.  Work with our county commissioner to expand lanes and traffic signal improvements.

3. Improve roads and maintain a designated Road and Bridge reserve for possible incorporation.  

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 am strongly opposed to the WPX.  I am committed to using all legal means necessary to stop this road project as it was rejected by 83% of our residents. 

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

I am not in favor of these Special Purpose Districts.  I believe that we need sunset legislation to give Townships and municipalities the ability to dissolve them.

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?

The Republican Party.  I agree with the party platform.

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

I am for the Performing Arts Center but I am reserving my final judgement until I see the financial analysis of our consultants.  

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

I agre with the MCTP Core Values.

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

No.  I believe there should be no financial influences on our local candidates.

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).

I am a consistent Republican voter.  I vote in the primaries and general elections and have voted in all in the past three+ years.

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

Myself for obvious reasons. 

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

I am in favor of the Alpha Omega Security Services.  They provide an added layer of security and our feedback from the residents has been positive regarding their interactions with them.