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Home » 2019-11-05 election » The Woodlands » At-large Township Position #6 » Ann Snyder

Ann Snyder
Party unknown
Website http://www.annksnyder.com
Born
Education Ed.D. Baylor University; M.Ed. University of Missouri; B.S. Colorado State University
Occupation CEO and President, Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic
Religion
Marital Married
Children 0

Ann Snyder

declared

See campaign website

 

Questionnaire

General

 

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

The importance of safety and law enforcement for our area. Incorporation or non-incorporation information and planning and eventual vote of the residents. 

Quality of life to include mobility, flood mitigation, environment and cultural arts.

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 a strong believer that the residents of The Woodlands should decide their own future regarding Incorporation. So, I am committed to ensuring that all avenues for the future of The Woodkands are thoroughly investigated by The Township Board. I believe it is the responsibility of the Board to educate the community. I trust the people to make a decision when all the facts are known.

With new legislation (HB347) prohibiting annexation of smaller communities by larger/adjacent cities unless approved by voters, is The Woodlands still obligated to pay-off Houston ($1 million) and Conroe ($500,000) for that purpose?

My Understanding is that, legally, the new legislation is not a factor under the contractual document between The Woodlands and Houston or Conroe.

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

Longtime  service to The Woodlands community which has given me a unique perspective to be an advocate for all ages, socio-ecomic groups, ethnicities and faiths. Diverse background as a University educator, serving on The Woodlands Township Board, Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees, Chairwoman of The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, leading Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic and serving on The Woodlands a United Methodists Church Ministry Staff as Headnof School and Executive Firector of Generosity provides me with multiple experience. Raising my children and grandchildren and in this world class Hometown engenders in me a great love for The Woodlands.

 

 

 

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

Positives are seen in the success of The Township so far. A major issue facing The Woodlands in the next several years is in leadership/management changes as Mr. Norrell has announced his retirement.

Are you in favor of allowing the residents to vote on the incorporation question once the incorporation planning process is complete? Why or why not?

I am a strong believer that the residents should decide their own future regarding Incorporation. I am committed to ensuring that all avenues for future of The a Woodlands are throughly investigated by Township Board. 

Did you attend any of the Special Planning meetings on incorporation? If so, how many?

I have attended all Special Planning meetings, and I am also on the Incorporation Task Force Committee with Chairman Bunch and Director Reiser.

Budget

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?

An Economic Development Reserve  Fund for just that- economic development which can take many firms.

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

I voted for the budget as a whole.

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 should fund community partners which support governmental and quasi- governmental functions on behalf of The Township. Transportation is a critical issue for those who are transportation dependent, and without mass transit our senior population needs access to transportation which Interfaith provides.

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?

As the Township grows and the residents decide whether to incorporate or not, options for any reserves will become better known.

Taxes

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?

State property laws govern this situation.

If The Woodlands residents vote to incorporate, will their tax obligations to the county be reduced, remain the same or increase. How much in any case?

So far, studies and reports that taxes will increase. Much depends on which services are assumed by any new city. 

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?

Township development and collection of sales taxes have continued to be a major relief for property tax rate. 

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

I voted for the exemptions currently offerered by The Township. 

What is the effective tax rate for The Woodlands Township? What's the significance of this if home values (appraisals) go up and the tax rate stays the same as the previous year?

I will vote for the effective tax rate.

Ethics

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

No

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

Every Township Board member brings different views, experiences and knowledge to the table. I think independently, yet I respect each Board member and consider their opinions and insights. 

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

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

I have donated to many nonprofits-CISD Foundation, TWUMC,  Rotary, Interfaith, Montgmery County Food Bank, EFTA, Yes to Youth. I have contributed to Kevin Brady’s campaign.

 

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?

Transparency in government fiscal activities is the utmost importance. The public should have access to all financial records. 

Transportation

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?

When and if there is an issue, The Township should work with the County which controls on all road matters.

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

Quality of life, too much traffic, infrastructure needs. We must have planning that will manage our growing community and address our daily commute and mobility concerns.

Other

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 have always been a Republican and grew up in a family of strong Republicans!

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

I believe in our Creator, importance of our Founding documents, free markets, limited government, fiscally responsibility and strong ethical practices.