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? 

Because most of The Woodlands is located within the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Houston and some portions within the ETJ of Conroe, annexation was a major concern, when I moved to The Woodlands in 1998. I was serving on the Woodlands Community Association board of directors during the time that agreements between The Woodlands and cities of Houston and Conroe were reached to avoid forced annexation. The agreements were ultimately ratified by the voters in The Woodlands in a referendum election. The agreements do not expire until 2057. During this time, Houston and Conroe cannot annex The Woodlands. The Woodlands Township (a special purpose district) became our governing body on January 1, 2010 following the transition of The Community Associations of The Woodlands into the Town Center Improvement District (TCID). I supported this transition process.

  Moving from a special purpose district toward a home-rule city must be pursued very carefully with all barriers identified and solutions found. A rapid rush to incorporation will quite likely result in a substantial property tax increase for both residents and businesses in The Woodlands. New studies must be conducted to determine the true cost of incorporation. The process will quite likely require legislation from the Texas legislature.

It would be unwise to establish a timeline for incorporation at this time. The true cost must be accurately determined and several issues must be addressed by the Texas legislature. 

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

Prior service on the board of directors of The Woodlands Community Association

Current service as president of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed during my 35-year railroad career.

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

No

Why are you running for this office and what 3 major goals do you want to be measured by if you are elected?

Why?

Community service has been a part of my life, going back to my youth in Boy Scouts of America in my hometown in South Texas. Through Scouting, I was taught the value of good citizenship and giving back to the community. My wife, Mary and I are truly blessed to have lived and raised our two sons in The Woodlands. We have lived in our community for over 18 years. Our adult sons are both graduates of The Woodlands High School. Wanting to get involved in my community, I ran for and was elected to The Woodlands Community Association (WCA) board of directors in 2006. The WCA was one of three property owners associations providing municipal-like services to The Woodlands under the umbrella, Community Associations of The Woodlands. The Community Associations transferred their authority to The Woodlands Township on January 1, 2010. Following the demise of the WCA, I was elected as an area representative to the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) and was elected Vice-president by my peers later in 2010. I was elected CCVA President in 2011 and continue to serve in that capacity. One of my objectives as CCVA President is to be a facilitator to find solutions to problems that are presented to me by constituents. In order to gain a broader knowledge of all aspects of our community, our board hosts guest speakers at our monthly meetings. 

Following the tragic flooding that occurred in portions of The Woodlands earlier this year, I was nominated by my peers, to serve as the village association representative on the Drainage Task Force. I also volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America as District Chairman of the Tall Timbers District and serve as staging director for the South County 4th of July Parade Committee.

I will be retiring from my career of over 35 years with Union Pacific on November 2, 2016. This will give me the time that I believe is necessary to effectively serve our community. Being a board member of The Woodlands Township has many responsibilities and requires a substantial commitment of time.

Responsible Incorporation

Low taxes

Quality of Life

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

None

Did you take a public position on clear-cutting of trees and if so, what was it? And in a few sentences, explain why.

No. Commercial development standards are the same as they were during the time George Mitchell owned The Woodlands Development Company. All three Covenant Committees (Development Standards Committee, DSC, The Design Review Committee, DRC, and Commercial Standards Committee, CSC) are responsible for the permitting and administering the standards for new development. The Development Standards Committee (DSC) administers the standards for completed, occupied commercial properties.  The decisions by the Covenant Committees cannot be appealed. The Woodlands Township Board does not administer the standards.

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

Declined

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

No

What are your thoughts regarding the 2018 Budget Provided at the August 14, 2017 Board Meeting? 

I believe it is a responsible 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?

The Operating Reserve is $ 17.3 million. Should be saved for emergencies, such as a hurricane or some other unforseen event.

The Capital Replacement Fund is $ 34.8 million. Saved for planned asset replacement.

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.

Yes. The non-profit sector provides key services in key segments of The Woodlands

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?

If the goal is to have a fund for a specific purpose, then it should be earmarked as such. The general fund is used for routine operations. Therefore, the economic development reserve fund should be used specifically for economic development initiatives if that is what the board desires.

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

 Alpha and Omega provides extra eyes and ears from a high vantage point in the dense commercial areas of The Woodlands. Since sales taxes provide 40 percent of the township’s budget revenue, our commercial areas must remain safe and economically viable. The demise of Greenspoint Mall, primarily due to safety issues, over the past 30 years is a good example of what can happen when public safety is not protected.

This is a non-paid position. Do you think this role should receive compensation?

No

Do you consider the water taxi service an amenity in The Woodlands? If so what level of funding should be paid by taxpayer dollars?

The Waterway Cruisers were sold to a private vendor in early 2016.

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?

Property taxes are largely a function of property appraisals by a separate entity, the Montgomery Central Appraisal District. I believe an absence of timely sales data likely causes the appraisal district to undervalue property in rural areas.

If The Woodlands incorporates, do you think it will raise taxes for residents.  If so, how much and what is your basis for that claim?

~Not Answered Yet~

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

 The Woodlands must maintain a healthy, robust and vibrant business climate. Economic development partnerships recruit new businesses and encourage the expansion of existing ones.

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

Mike Bass. Mike and I share similar views. As a village association president, I often take issues, such as the recent flooding and drainage to Mike for help.

In this role, you'll be representing both residents & organizations. In the event of a conflict with the Woodlands Development Company and/or the Economic Development Partnership, how would handling this situation?

Each situation is unique. My decision would be based on the information relevant to that situation at the time.

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

Woodlands Parkway. The parkway needs to be widened west of Kuykendahl Road.

Research Forest Dr.  This road needs to be expanded to four lanes west Alden Bridge Drive           In the areas where it is only two lanes. I am concerned about the heavy volume of two-way traffic on this roadway segment.  

Traffic control system.  A more advanced traffic signal control system (which would be funded by Montgomery County Pcts. 2 and 3.) is needed throughout south Montgomery County. This system would move traffic more efficiently on our existing infrastructure.

Please list at least 3 positives and 3 negatives of the WRUD and describe your proposed solutions for the negatives?

Positives:

Most new road projects constructed in The Woodlands during the past 20 years were funded by the WRUD.

Residents do not pay taxes to the WRUD.

Short-term mobility projects (lengthening and expanding left and right turn queues) were completed by the WRUD during the past two years that helped reduce congestion at many major intersections.

I do not have any negative opinions of the WRUD.

The Woodlands Township board does not have any authority over WRUD. It is governed by its own board.

Did you take a public position on the May 9, 2015 Road Bond, and if so, what was it? And in a few sentences, explain why.

Yes. As a private citizen, I supported both the May 9, 2015 road bond and the later November, 2015 bond referendum. I felt at the time that Montgomery County was extremely behind in mobility projects due to the rejection of previous bonds and that the county needed to proceed with needed mobility projects.

Do you have any main disagreements with the Precinct 3 Mobility Plan and if so, explain what they are and the rationale behind them.

Not at this time.

Are you active with any Tea Party or conservative grassroots organization? If so, list which, how long and what capacity? If not, what's your opinion of Tea Party groups here as to their effectiveness?

No

Should Township directors serve at large or represent specific villages (districts)?

At Large.