What makes you qualified for this office?  Name three main reasons you believe you’re the best candidate for this position?

(1) I work in clean energy as an attorney. (2) I have a passion for pursuing initiatives that are not only good for the environment, but good for the people. Balance is key. (3) My skillset in clean energy will position me well in this office since I do not have a political background and will focus on what's best for our wonderful community. 

In your opinion, does Does Montgomery County have a water resource or regulation problem?  Why?

I grew up in Michigan. The water crisis in Flint provides to be an example of how the local water authority failed. Montgomery County may have issues, but in prospective to Flint, I would not consider them problems. We must be diligent as Board of Directors to ensure issues do not become problems. As of recently, a few issues have been brought up needing action, such as restrictions on use, lake levels, costs, and reliance on SJRA. A true vetting process is desired by our residents to each of those issues. 

Is this position currently fulfilling its obligations?

The appointed board has done a good job at weighing interests. It has also been responsive when legislators requested a delay to amendments a few years ago.

What are the 3 largest challenges currently facing this position/office and your road map to address them?

(1) Cost - our community demands stable prices for water. Exploring options on permit and reinspection fees will need to be considered. However, in today's environment of social media, I believe we can institute educational campaigns for little cost to facilitate less use/waste of our water supply. Exploring alternative water sources, but understanding the risk that entails (Flint as an example).

(2) Property rights. Experts have a differing opinion on the restrictions in place. I would like to revisit those restrictions to ensure we are balancing the needs of our community.

(3) Impartial. I will bring an impartial view to the board in doing what is right for our community. It is important that water levels remain stable to support our local businesses

Who has ownership of the land below and the air above and how far of each?  Is groundwater considered a person’s private property under the Texas Constitution?

See Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Day Mac Daniel.

Are you familiar with the enabling legislation and any subsequent legislation regarding the LSGCD creation, powers, authorities, duties, etc.?

Yes.

What aquifer or aquifers does LSGCD regulate?

Chicot

Evangeline

Burkeville

Jasper

Catahoula

(there are 9 in Texas)

How much subsurface water is contained under Montgomery County, as determined by Texas Development Water Board in their TERS(Total Estimated Recoverable Storage)  Report 2014?

An "abundance" was identified, but it not all of it is pumpable. There are disputes on how much of it could actually be extracted.

What impact does the LSGCD have on our water bills?

A significant impact in its decision of the derived sources. 

Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?

N/A

Should an aquifer be regulated based on its physical boundaries, or based on the boundaries of political subdivisions of the state?

physical boundaries

What special interest groups have you belonged to or attended meetings of? Include business, social, civic, educational, environmental or any other cause for which you have advocated or supported with time or money.

Junior League of San Antonio; Leading Ladies

What impact does the LSGCD have on our water bills?

A significant impact in its decision of derived sources.

List all individuals/groups you have represented or lobbied for before any governmental entity during the past five years.

N/A

Do you support fair and equitable rules for all owners of the common reservoir?  Do you believe that a “common reservoir” is the same as an “aquifer” or “aquifer subdivision”?  Explain.

Yes, fair and equitable rules are necessary. A common reservoir is the same as an aquifer assuming it is ASR. 

What are the top 3 areas where the budget for this office needs to be adjusted?

(1) water use fee

(2) litigation mitigation/control of legal expenses

(3) re-evaluate the salary, travel, and entertainment budget and consider reductions, as necessary

Do you support using zero-based budget practices for every governmental entity, elected and appointed?

Yes, this controls expenses in the private secor and should be used in the sublic sector. 

Will you vote to limit budget increases to a factor based on population growth and inflation? Explain.

Yes, I am fiscally conservative.

Will you vote to award any contract with less than three qualified bidders?

Yes, there are instances were three qualified bidders cannot be found. Those instances should not impede awarding contracts.

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

N/A no arrests or tax liens

Should two local government entities force residents to pay billions of dollars for infrastructure development without a vote?

No

Do you support the new board engaging an independent third party to conduct an audit of LSGCD operations and make the findings public?

Yes

Do you oppose the use of public funds, other than for needed infrastructure, to subsidize the cost of private facilities such as stadiums, arenas, hotels and other such entities?

No, so long as it is voted on by the residents.

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?

Republican

What actions should the LSGCD take to implement change that would result in lower water rates for consumers?

Expore other resources, but not at the risk of our residents.

In 2009, the LSGCD mandated a 30% reduction on water withdrawal from underground aquifers.  On what scientific data was that decision based on?

Applicable to large-volume users - the 2003 data specifying no more than 64k acre-feet should be pumped each year

When and how was the LSGD created?  What are the duties? Where is their authority derived?

77th TX Leg in 2001 to preserve, conserve, and protect groundwater supply