1.        What has the current city administration accomplished during the past six years?

2.        Why should – or shouldn’t the incumbants be re-elected?
3.        What are the 3 most pressing issues that you think the City faces? 
4.        How do you propose to address those problems in the future?
5.        Do you believe the City Manager form of Government was a good move made by the citizens in the past?

Accomplishments:

In the past six years:

1.  We have kept our tax rate even or lowered it.  In my time as Mayor we have lowered the tax rate by 19 cents, and want to keep reducing it even more.  We have made great strides in bringing in businesses to generate sales and usage taxes. 

2.  We have set up a TIRZ board that will help us plan the commercial growth in out ETJ (450 acres across the railroad tracks.)  In this process the developers pay for the infrastructure and if qualified and approved, and if they ask to annex into the city they could get a rebate on their infrastructure - from the TIRZ Board.   No money will come from any resident taxpayer in Oak Ridge North. This will generate a great deal of sales, inventory, property, and usage taxes in the next 30 years that will directly help lower the property taxes of our residents.  

3.  We have replaced the condemnable water tanks and plant and we are upgrading out antiquated water lines (over 40 years old) by doing it a little each year and paying for it as we go.  This will hopefully keep us from going into any further debt - unless there is a catestrophic event that is unforseen. 

4.  We completed the complete overhauling of the City sewer system that had completely failed and forces the City to go into debt to repair.

5.  We have lowered the Cities debt by 1.9 million dollars in the past 5 years.  We went into debt for replace the failed sewer system, the water plant issues, and to pave the steets that were also failing.  Our debt as a City is not 6.9 million and we Have NOT and DO NOT intend to take on any more debt. 

6.  The Streets were all repaved.  This was after we have been patching and working on them for 20 years.  The constant drought had taken a toll on the road base and there were large problems that merited the repaving. 

7.  It has always been a major focus of mine to insure we have transparency in the way we do business.  We have great financial transparency and the CIty has won awards from the state Comptrollers office for transparency.  I believe that citizens do not attend meeting regularly and therefore do not understand the budget or even how city government runs.   We must constantly look for ways to be more transparent.  We think we are, but then find out that there may be something else we can do.  All of the information I get as Mayor to read and make decisions is posted on the web site for citizens to read.  The issues is that they either dont access it or maybe don't know about it or how to access it.   We depend on our website and social media page to get information out.  This is an area that we must always be workiung on to do better. 

8.  We have streamlined the budget and made it available to the public.  This starts with the budget process that we do in the Summer.  The budget is gone over line by line with each department justifying their needs.  The CItizens have the opportunity to attend and take part in this.  The budget is adopted after public hearings and given to the City Manager to impelemnt over the next 12 months.   We monitor and expect it to be followed.

9.  We have added a patrolman so that our CIty has two police officers on patrol at all times.  One of the largest crime areas is in the Rayford/Sawdust - I-45 area and we do not want crime in our area.  We have one of the lowest crime rates in the county. 

Why Re-elect Me:

I believe that I should be elected because I have helped make a positive difference for the citizens of Oak Ridge North.  I have strong Christian principles and I hope that shows in all I do.  I believe that our best days are ahead of us and that by working through the issues and coming to the table, we can resolve any issues before us.  We still have things to do regarding mobility.  We have a plan for the future to continue working on reducing tax rates that we need to continue developing.  There is a need to be more open and to find better ways to communicate with each other.  That has become apparent with the may rumors and misinformation in this election.  We must continue to work and address the needs of our citizens when they arise. Despite the tremendous growth around us, we must always strive to be a "hometown" that is secure and where parents can raise their children in a safe and positive environment.

Problems the City Faces

1.  Mobility is a big problem for the City. 

2.  The Second issue we face is our abilty to bring in business and commercial growth. 

What I Propose to Address the Problems we Face

1.  Robinson Road continues to have traffic growth and is projected to double in a few short years.  Thanks to the help of Commissioner Noack we now have a possible solution to the Robinson Road congestion.   Under the new plan we are discussing, Robinson Road will be curved starting around Blueberry going east, through where the City Hall clock and through the Community Building.  The railroad crossing will be moved north and there will be one intersection at Hanna and Robinson Road.  The dog-leg intersections will be eliminated and to make one with signals.  

With the Woodlands overpass being redone along with the Patsy intersection, If we can redo the Hanna / Robinson Road intersection, the plan would be for NOTHING to be done between the two areas.  Robinson Road would remain the same as it is now - NO changes at all.  This is a win-win for everyone. 

Hopefully, If we can eliminate much of the congestion that happens at Hanna/Robinson intersections we can buy a few years so connection roads to the East can be built that can take traffic away from Robinson to other routes.  I support this plan.

2.  We can continue to find revenue to lower our tax rate through commercial development.  We do not have much room for more residential development, but we do have room for commercial and business development.  If we can bring in business that generate sales, usage, inventory taxas that will directly help keep our residential property taxes low.  We only get approx. $678,000.00 in property taxes each year.  That is not enough to finance our Police Department so we need the additional revenue from sales taxes etc. to maintain our service needs.  

Our Commerce park in our ETJ has brought in several hundred thousand dollars in revenue to the CIty.  We currently have about a 12% vacancy in our retail area along I-45 and are constantly working to bring in business'es through our Economic Development Corporation.  The future development in our EETJ will greatly help keep taxes low.

City Manager Form of Government

The City Manager form of government has been in place for many years.  It has worked very well for the city.    A fulltime City Manager oversees all of the day to day operations of our City.  The Mayor and Council set the direction and policies and the City Manager implements them.by overseeing the day to day operations.   Make no mistake, the City Manager works for the City Council and is charged with carrying out the policies set forth by Council.  That City Manager has a lot of responsibility, and has to maintain a working knowledge of all departments, State and Federal laws and policies.   

The job of a City Manager in today's environment is essential.  I do not belive that a Mayor can do their personal / professional job and keep up with the responsibilities of day to day oversight of a City.  I can however do a very good job of knowing and keeping up with what is going on in the CIty ar all levels.  This is done by consistently meeting with, talking to, and working with the City Manger.

How can the operation of your city government be made more efficient and cost effective?

We must always be looking for opportunities to do our work smarter and more efficient.  Constantlywatching how the money is spent and if we are going to get a return on our dollar spent.   Having a knowledgable City Manager is key.  Our City Manger has brought in people who have found problems and discrepencies in billing and other areas that resulted in a gain for the City after corrections made.  We evaluate job positions and have reorganized deparment personnel to get the most efficientcy.  We have reduced staff as warranted, consolidated positions and crosstrained employees for more efficentcy.  We have also set up a succession plan and started training people for future development/positions

One of the biggest efficentcy moves was when we redid the old salary structure.  This eliminated the old pay style such as longevity pay.  We set salary ranges as complared to other cities in our region along with positions.  We put in a salary structure where salaries were at low, medium or high range compared ot other like positions.  Our goal was to get all employees to the mid point.   This new structure has been in place for approx. six years and is has save the city thousands of dollars.  It has also equalized our salaries with other Cities so we can hire and keep good employees.

It is a priority to develop and maintain a budget.  We must always be looking to save money whenever - wherever we can.

What's your position on the SJRA and Lonestar Groundwater boards?  Explain.  Where do you stand on the GRP (Groundwater Reduction Plan) Contract and why?

I have spoken before the Lone Star Board and given my opinion about their needing to save every penny they can to keep rates low.  It is the City that takes the beating from citizens when they and SJRA raise rates.  I have had words with the Board member that represent small cities because I never hear from him - except when he want our vote.   I believe the work of the Lone Star Conservation group is very important and the Executive Director does a good job, but she carries out the board decisions and that board may be the problem in some respects. 

I have met with the CIty of Conroe, and the LSGCA people to encourage their mediating a settlement.  I have written a "Guest Editorial" in the Courier asking for ALL parites to come to the table and mediate a settlement.  All parties say they want to settle, and they mediate but do not come to a settlement.  Even when they say they are close etc.  they cannot come to terms.    The contracts we as cities were all led to sign may well have been misleading with information from one side and not independently verified.

As a Professional Mediator, I absolutely believe that this is an issue that can be resolved.  I cannot understand why they won't come to terms.  I belive the Lawyers are the only people winning and the Citizens are losing.  Our rates are increasing to pay legal bills.

I am glad the Lone Star board will eventually be elected and look forward that that. 

I beleive the SJRA board should be elected as well, and if not - should certainly have more oversight.  The surface water issues and the way it was done was not right.  I belive the cities may have been mislead in some respects about the water levels etc.  The sky was not falling. 

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

I am running for re-election because we still have things to do for the citizens.  I do not consider my job complete until we have some solution to our mobility issues.

My attibutes / qualifications

I am a conservative Christian leader who believes in the Constitution - as it is written.  I have taken the oath to serve, protect, and defend Our Consititution and do so.  I started my first Council meeting by leading a prayer, and have continued to either lead it or have someone else lead the prayer.   I am a fiscal conservative as well.  I believe in balanced budgets and protecting tax payers money.  I believe we have to get the biggest/best return on our dollar. 

I serve as an Elder at the Grace Crossing Commuinity Church of Christ, and put God first in my life, depending on Him in what I do and how I conduct my self.  I am by no means perfect and fail, but with God's help - I get back up and go forward.

I have the educational background.  I have a BA degree in Organizational Management.  A MS degree in Management. A MA degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation.  I have 38 years of railroad management experience dealing with operations, people, human resources, labor relations, budgets etc.

I have 44 years of Community service experience, working and serving every community I have lived in. 

Lastly I have 8 years of positive leadership experience having served as Mayor of Oak Ridge North during that time.   With the help of a solid City Council, we have made a difference in our City. 

What do you think about the current city manager - Vicky Rudy(i.e. her effectiveness)?

Vicky Rudy has been an excellent City Manager.  She is well know and greatly respected not only in our county but in the state.  I have attended the Texas Municipal League annual meeting and have heard only positive comments about her when people learn I'm from Oak RIdge North.  Vicky has brought real professionalism to the position.  She has developed many "best practices" for the city.  She has set up training for clerical employees so they can become certified for their positions and develop professionally.  She has brought "order" to the departments by first hiring good people to lead the departments and reorganizing them for greater efficiency.  The is greater communication between the City and the council.  We consistently get emails or phone calls from her when somehting is going on such as an electical outage or citizen death, etc. 

One of the best things I like about her is that she insures we are doing the right thing.  The agendas and notices are posted correctly.  She immediately tells us if we are off track in a discussion that is not on the agenda etc. 

She has proven to be a team player, and advocate for the Citizens, a problem solver for citizens, and has always kept me in the loop on current events and efforts. 

Is compensation, in addition to 6 months as part of the severance package for the City Administrator, consistent with her peers in the area, and if so, which communities?

Vicky Rudy's compensation package is in accordance with her peers.  She is paid at the midpoint of other City Managers in similiar cities.  She does not have a compensation package anywhere near what Shanendoah gave their past City Manager, but her contract is on par with others. 

What is the current budget surplus and should any of it be returned to the residents, pay down debt or retained in a rainy day fund and if so, how much and why?

The City currently has about $309,000 in water and sewer surplus.  That money is depreciation in assets and must go to Capital improvements for water and sewer maintenance.  While it may be true that these monies could be returned to the citizens, it is better used on maintaining the systems and rehabing the water system to keep from going into further debt.

There is no current surplus in the general fund. 

the only way we have of building a capital fund is by turning any surplus, whether in the general fund or water/sewer in to capital fund to maintain the systems.  In the general fund, when there is a surplus, it goes to drainage improvements, or streets and parks, etc.

Will you vote to increase or reduce the annual city budget?  Why?  What major changes will you propose in your city’s budget?  Why?

Other than any type of cost of living increases for employess, retirement funding, or insurance cost, I anticipate NO increases in the budget.  My goal is to not increase the tax rate at all - and to lower it if at all possible!   I intend to have a balanced budget with no tax rate increase. No extra spending if at all possible. 

1.        Why is it so important to develop the commercial tax base?
2.        Why is it important to develop the ETJ for commercial development?
3.        Does the Business Park add value to the city?
4.        Do you think ORN is still just a bedroom community?

Why is it so important to develop our commercial tax base?

Our residential and commercial property taxes only bring in approximately $672,418.00 per year.  That only pays for about 50% of our Police Department.  We have to have sales and usage taxes from our business to make ends meet and continue to get the services we want and expect. In order to get additional revenue we must develop our business and commercial areas. 

It the residents had to depend on only our property taxes to live in Oak Ridge North - No one could afford to live here.  Our Commercial tax base is critical - and Commercial development is essential to getting sales and usage taxes. 

Why is it important to develop the ETJ for commercial development?

Our ETJ has over 450 acres that can be developed for commercial use.  By planning now - for future development, we will be able to get more sales, usage, and inventory taxes in the years to come.  That will help keep our residential taxes low in the years ahead as it develops. We formed a TIRZ board that will help oversee the "planned growth" for that area and help business with infrastructure rebates after they build there. NO taxpayer money will be used for any of this development in the ETJ.

Does the Business Park add value to the city?

The business park adds great value to our city.  We have received several hundred thousand dollars in revenue over the years from property, sales, inventory and usage taxes.  The business park is a valuable asset to the City and helps keep taxes low. 

Do you think we are still just a bedroom community?

There is no such thing as a bedroom community today like there was in 1978.  We sit in the middle of the biggest growth area in the United States.  Our area continues to grow and we cannot do much about it.  What we can do is continue to work on the issues of mobility, keep our Police and Public Works services the best they can be. 

We can also continue to work on keeping our hometown spirit.  The Parades, festivals, Family events at the parks and much more are what make us a hometown.  We cannot let ourselves be defined by problems - We are much better than that as a City and Citizens.

What is the Sales Tax Rate for the City of ORN?  Property Tax rate?  How much of the revenue is derived from each? Do you think it would be a good idea to broaden either or both of them to increase revenues?

The tax rate for Oak Ridge North is 44.7 cents per 100 evaluation.   This includes approximately 22 cents for debt services.  From this the city receive $672,418.32 revenue.   The sales tax is 2 percent which gave the city $1,814,058.41 in revenue.  We also received another $128,381.58 in mixed drink taxes.

i am NOT in favor of increasing the tax rate.  I want to continue to reduce the debt portion of the tax rate. I am very much in favor of increasing sales tax revenue.  That is what makes a big difference in our financial situation.

Two Certificates of Obligations, normally an emergency funding tool that residents don't vote on, were used to fund ORN Sewer System($4.6 million in 2009) and $3.1 Million in 2012.  Was this the proper use of this mechanism(only option/left), and if not, what was/should have been done to enable voter participation?

I do not believe that Certificate of Obligation's (CO's) should be used randomly like we have heard other entities do.  CO's are meant to be used to ral emergencies.  The City has had what I call two real emergencies.  These are events that I believe could have been prevented with some more oversight the forthought. 

The City had a major sewer failure.  It was literally ancient and it was broken.  It was evident to those making the decisions then that it had to be repaired immediately.  The Council at that time (I was not on it) used CO's to pay for the system.  It took several years to do, but it has been done and completely reworked to last the next several decades.

The water plant was replaced because the tanks were condemnable by state standards.  There was also evidence that we could have a tank rupture/failure due to it being old.  There were reports of some tank bulging.  It constituted an emergency and had to be replaced. 

In hind-sight the City should have been monitoring these two systems over the years.  They should have been replaced a little at a time to avoid the City having to go into so much debt all at once.  Once a system has gotten so close to failing as these did - emergency action was needed.  I believe the Council made the right decisions for that time. 

What we are doing now is dealing with the old water lines in the city.  Just like the sewer system they are breaking down and needing attention.  We have a solid plan to rehab the water lines a portion at a time - each year - and to pay for it as we go.  Hopefully we can do this without going into further debt.  That is our goal - rehab the water lines without going into debt!

What is city's bond rating?  What is the current debt load and is it too high? Please describe how you will determine the proper debt load.

I believe that any debt is too much debt - but that being said, we are dealing with a system that was not consistently maintained in the past.  We are reversing that trend now with some success for future years, but still had to deal with past issues. 

We currently have a debt load of 6.9 Million.  Money was borrowed to fund the failing infrastructure: sewer, water plant, and roads.  We have paid down our debt by 1.9 Million dollars over the past 5 years - down to 6.9 M.   We intend to continue paying that off.  Currently residents/businesses pay approximately 22 cents on 100 dollar valuation on their homes as part of their taxes for debt.

Our bond rating is AA.

Are you now or have you ever done business with The City of County and/or a Conroe/county official and if so, the nature of that relationship?

No member of my family has been employed by the City or anyone who contracts with the City.  Nor have they ever been.

Robinson Road / Congestion
1.        What do you think should be done about traffic on Robinson Road?
2.        Is anything being done to relieve the traffic congestion Robinson Roads?
3.        How will any improvements be paid for?
4.        How will improvements provide benefit to Oak Ridge North residents? 
5.        Will any of ORN residents lose their homes?

What do you think should be done about traffic on Robinson Road?

As I mentioned before, I believe we have found a good solution.  Thanks to the help of Commissioner Noack we now have a possible solution to the Robinson Road congestion.   Under the new plan, Robinson Road will be curved starting around Blueberry going east, through the City Hall clock and the Community Building.  The railroad crossing will be moved north.  There will be one intersection at Hanna and Robinson Road.  The dog-leg intersections will be eliminated and to make one with signals.  This is a win-win for everyone.

The three lane road from Patsy to Maplewood will be left as it is.  No changes are planned for this area.  No house will be affected. 

This move will help move traffic through our City.  I think that congestion will be reduced by at least 50%.

Is anything being done to relieve the traffic congestion on Robinson Road?

As a City we have no money.  We have been doing the required engineering work/studies to be able to apple for state and federal funds.  We are working with Commissioner Noack on a plan to get funding from the county if possible.

How will any improvements be paid for?

If all goes well and our efforts with Commissioner Noack works out, the improvements will be paid for by money left over from the Rayford Road construction project,or by other county and state funding. Not Taxpayers!   As I mentioned before we are trying to apply for state and federal funds too.

How will improvement provide benefits to Oak RIdge North residents?

If we can improve the Woodlands overpass and signalize that area, we can help regulate traffic in and out of our City.  If we can make one intersection at Robinson and Hanna Roads, with signals, remove the congestion point at the "dog-leg" we can eliminate a lot of congestion there.  Traffic can move through faster.  

I hope this can buy time (years) so roads can be built to the east that can take traffic away from Robinson Road. 

Will any of ORN residents lost their homes?

NO residents will lose their homes.   I have never been in favor of anyone losing their homes, but I have been upfront and honest with them when I relayed information about earlier plans for a five lane road that "possibly" could take some homese.   That was an earlier plan that has long been done away with .   NO homes should be taken at anytime along Robinson Road.

What's your interpretation of the "Separation of Church and State"?

The Constitution never intended for there to be a separation of church and state!  Only that the state could not dictate what religion you had!  The Church of England was the cause of this!   It was never intended or interpreted to be anything else.  Certainly not like it has been represented today - where churches cannot speak of politics, or preach anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, sermons etc.  without fear of being sued, etc.

Lyndon Johnson got legislation passed as a Senator to keep the church and other non-profits out of politics because he was being hounded for his bad actions.  That legislation has now become so dominate that churches are in fear of having their tax-exempt status taken away! 

We have the freedom to go to any church we want to - not one dictated by the government.  I believe ALL legislation should be done away with that limits what we as Christians believe and/or speak on.  The church and state issue has been misrepresented by the media and those who want to shut the righteous people up.  I believe this is a form of anti-Christian persecution in America today.   

Would you vote in favor of spousal benefits for same-sex partners of State, County and City employees? Please explain your reasons.

I am an ordained minister and serve as an Elder in the Church.  I believe in the scriptures as the inerrent word of God.  I do not support same sex marriages or benefits.  I would not perform a same sex marriage ceremony.

Having said that, I believe in the Grace of God as it applies to all people.  We live in a dark and evil world and it is up to us to shine God's light on others - especially those lost in all types of sin.  We do that by love and by leading them from where they are - to where God wants them to be.  Grace and Love.

 My Nephew is gay and married.  We do not condone his decisions and he knows our feelings.  We love him and seek to minister to him through love.  It is difficult but  as Christians, we are to be sowers fo God's love and His word, and pray that it takes hold!!

Have you ever been arrested?  Ever had any tax liens? If so, give start & resolution dates?

I have never been arrested.  I have never had any tax liens on me.