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? 

No, I do not think is should be incorporated, because current facts do not warrant this change and tax burden on residents

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

1. I bring 46 years of Law Enforcement experience, with twenty-four years with the Houston Police Department retiring at the rank of Executive Assistant Chief, then seven years as Chief of Police for the Chattanooga TN Police Department, then two years with the Community Associations of The Woodlands, designing the Law Enforcement Plan of Community Policing that is still being used, six years with the Houston ISD Police Department as Chief of Police, and currently a Law Enforcement Consultant. In these positions I managed departments transforming them to the highest standards to achieve accreditation.  I know what is needed and can communicate well with all of the Law Enforcement entities protecting and serving The Woodlands. I also have a BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston and a MLA from Houston Baptist University.  I have managed three police departments, one with personnel and budgets of over 5,000 and of over $100MM, 

2. I have served on many boards in Houston, Chattanooga, The Woodlands and Montgomery County, where I was able gain the trust of all members and reach consensus regardless of our personal preferences.  I believe I can serve on this non-partisan Board and be transformational and a valued member.

3. My wife Elsa and I married in 1974 and moved to The Woodlands in 1983 and have been actively involved in this community that we love.  That is why I have served on boards that represent all residents of The Woodlands, Montgomery and Harris County.  We moved away for 7 years when I served in Chattanooga, but came back home here. I am a born again Christian as is my wife.  God did not bless us with children, but we work with children in an outside of The Woodlands as well as we have travelled to love on people in Mexico, Uganda and Cuba on mission trips.  

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?

Yes, they should vote once the process is complete.

Should board members actively engage with other government entities to fight to reduce burdens placed on them by other taxing entities?

Yes

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Advantages:  It can channel business and focus groups to consider The Woodlands

Disadvantages:  It can blur the lines of responsibilities

Are you familiar with the FTA grant requirements that enable Federal Funding for the Park and RIde and Trolley services? Would you try to modify those agreements? Why or why not?

Yes, I am familiar.  No, I would not modify

As a representative of a Top Rated Master Planned Community, what are the challenges you see with balancing the expected ammenities and the increasing costs with property taxes associated with them?

Finding new funding sources with the business downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that we are near to close out in new residential construction and will lose that tax contribution are issues that will need to be resolved.  

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

I will reserve my opinion until the final budget numbers are submitted.

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 not be a project specific account.

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, to meet the needs of all of the community

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

This is the same question as previously asked.  Same answer!

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

As a senior citizen and representing the senior citizens in the community I am in agreement with them.

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?

This is still al desirable place to live so we just have to work harder at selling this community to businesses as a place to call home.

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?

Well, to much is given, much is expected, according to my Bible.

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

No, I was vetted by the FBI to become a Chief of Police so there is no criminal record.  I have paid my taxes.

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?

Yes, I was hired as a Law Enforcement Consultant by the Community Associations of The Woodlands to design their law enforcement policing plan, 2006-2007.  

What are your thoughts about the community using the board to promote certain social justice agendas? Should the board maintain neutrality since they represent broad views of all residents?

As a non-partisan Board position, I believe NO special interest groups should have any influence over the Board or its members. I am not beholden to any political party.  My reason for running for this position is that it is a non-partisan board and that is why I am responding to the vetting questions of the groups that invite me.

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

North - South transit through The Woodlands especially going to Creekside Park, the Village I now live in.  The solution is to add a lane so Creekside residents can proceed to Creekside Forest and those people going to other locations can express pass that traffic bottleneck.

Speeding on Woodlands Parkway where it is not unusual for drivers to go 70+ MPH to get to the next light first.  Perhaps more speed limit signs to keep people aware of the speed they have reached.

Flooding on roads such as Gosling and Kuykendahl in major rain events.  This is tied into the water issues that are being studied about in The Woodlands.

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?

It appears the voters have rejected this additional entrance into The Woodlands but the Commissioner has made it his project.  Hopefully, the board would act in the light of these facts.

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

The projects that the WRUD has been involved in has benefitted The Woodlands and the downside is te inconveniences for a while.

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

Insure low taxes

Manage quality services for the residents including enhanced law enforcement services

No incorporation

No, conflicts of interest.

What do you perceive to be the biggest threat to our community within the next 5 years?

Managing a balanced budget through the COVID-19 Pandemic

Issues dealing with groundwater vs surface water and flooding

Incorporation vs City

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?

It's part of the RPA that was agreed the Board

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

That has nothing to do with the position I am running for.

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)?

That has nothing to do with the position I am running for.