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Home » 2021-05-01 election » City of Montgomery » Place 5 » Tom Cronin

Tom Cronin
Party Republican.
Website https://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryTXLeadership
Born
Education
Occupation Business Owner
Religion
Marital

Tom Cronin

declared

MCTP Score of: 86 Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2021-04-11 20:13:08

 

Pros

• Proven conservative w/2-1/2 yrs on the council

• Montgomery resident for 8 years; owns restaurant in town

• Has a solid handle on the budget   limited government advocate; favors reduction of the annual budget, limit tax abatements

•  Is a visionary.  Focus is on infrasturcture improvements like sidewalks, roads and parks.

• As a minority councilman, frustrated with current big-spending mayor & current council. 

• Wants to dissolve MEDC (slush-fund) created by mayor and cronies

• opposed to bureaucratic control for public health issues

• Part of Conservative slate of Jenny Stewart and John Champagne

Cons

• Probably not extremely conservative, per se, but is focused on many common sense issues that are important to conservatives.

 

Questionnaire

General

Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed (five years):

NA

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

No

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, so I am experienced in serving on CIty Council, the budget process, interviewing candidates for positions in City Hall, etc.

 

Three things that make me most qualified:

  1. Small Business Owner, no axes to gring, broad experieince in running a successful business.
  2. Fiscal Conservative-Quit wasting taxpayers money on luxuries we don't need.
  3. Proponent of revitalizing our downtown historic business area

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

Pressing Issues: Montgomery

  1. Mobility- work with TXDot to manage traffic patterns and try to redirect if necessary, they are experts at this.
  2. Downtown enhancement.  Now that we have more business located downtown, let's support them not chase them away.  Talk to businesses, what are your needs.
  3. Having the right candidates that support, limited government and not wasting taxpayers dollars.  Prioritize our spending.  Too much money is spent on items not needed by the CIty.  Let's get back to spending on streets and sidewalsk and infrastructure.  That is why were elected, not for fancy walkie talkies for festivals.

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

HIre Managers that focus on elimnating waste, step back from politics and don't let the Mayor manage you.  Manage the City.  Look for ways to save, not spend.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

I see no advantages for a city our size.  It has become a source of funds for pet projects of the President of MEDC, appointed not elected by the taxpayers,  Constant, wasteful spending by this organization. 

Do you support term limits for the council?  If so, how many terms? Which current Magnolia board member do you identify with the most and why?

Yes, two terms as well as for Mayor.  This is not Conroe, its MOntgomery.  Kevin Lacy.

Budget

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?

With MEDC, over $1 million.  Break up MEDC and put the $$ in the general fund. Retain in a rainy day fund.

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

Reduce the annual budget.  We need to build parks and recreation opportunities for the citizens, skate park. splash park, dog park.  Use the property recently purchase for the new city building expansion for the citizens and taxpayers, not bureaucrats.

Should the city be funding non-profit organization events, such as the local civic club, with tax dollars?

Absolutely NOT!  Don't form an organization and then come to City Hall with your hand out.

The ETJ area of the city is quite large. As the city grows how do you expect to the city to pay for the for water and sewer services for the annexed neighborhoods?

Smart spending, budget surplus', if necessary, conside MUD Districts.

Spending

How much does this position pay each year? Do you think this amount should be increased, decreased or even, like The Woodlands Township, receive no compensation at all?

$0.  Run for the sake of giving back.  Were to small a city to pay our elected officials.

Taxes

What is the Sales Tax Rate for the City in which you're running?  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?

8.25%.  We receive 2%. Property tax rate is .40 per hundred $ valuation. Reduce not increase.

When would it be appropriate for a business receive any tax abatements?

When there is a surplus in the city coffers after 2 years.

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.

No debt, not sure of bond rating, .$$ borrowed at 1% from EDC for land purchase to repay in one year.

1st Amendment - speech, religion

Please discuss in detail (with your rationale) to what extent you will resist threats by political groups (such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation) to change long held practices (such as opening meetings with prayer or removing public monuments). Will you defend lawsuits brought against the city?

Yes.  We are a nation founded on Christian principles.  It's not up to one group.  It's up to the citizens.

10th Amendment

What guidelines/ordinances/mandates do you support for public health emergencies?

Common sense and personal choice, not bureaucrats.

Ethics

Have you and/or any of your family members been employed by or working under contract to any taxing entity in your jurisdiction?

No

Are you now or have you ever done business with the city and/or any other taxing entity? If so, what was the nature of that relationship?

No

Immigration

Please explain in detail why you support or oppose tax-paid welfare and health benefits to illegal aliens and recent immigrants.

Oppose, very simple.  Nothing is free, you work for what you get.

Other

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

No, I saw it done in San Francisco and it was a disaster.

Do you own property in Montgomery County?  Do you own or operate a business in Montgomery County?

Yes, several properties.  Yes I own a bsiness including the property.

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.  Not sure.  I am Conservative and espouse Conservative principles.

Are you a member of ANY Chamber of Commerce group? Are you aware of and/or have you attended or plan to attend Leadership Montgomery County?

No.  Not fond of the local Chamber as the Exec Director is too political, chooses sides.  Attended in the past, won't attend this year.

In the city, and its ETJ area, there are a lot of apartments being constructed. Do you favor the construction of single family home over large apartment complexes? Do you believe that single family home creates a more livable community?

I favor the construction of single family homes and a balance of 75% single family to 25% apartments.  Apartments are necessary for younger adults just starting out.  Yes single family homes create a more livable community.  Look what low income or subsidized aprtments do to a city.