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Home » 2022-11-08 election » The Woodlands » Woodlands Township Position 2 » Linda Nelson

Linda Nelson
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Linda Nelson

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Questionnaire

General

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? 

There is no reason for The Woodlands to incorporate and the people who live here overwhelmingly agree, with almost 70% of the residents voting against it just last year.

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

The Township’s current model has led to The Woodlands being one of the most desirable places to live and work in the entire country. Our government is far smaller and more responsive than that of a traditional city, and our township system allows us to keep taxes low. I support our limited, responsive government structure and low taxes. 

What three changes would you like to see implemented by the Township?

The first and most important change is to have a board that listens and responds to the people of The Woodlands. We need to restore relationships with local partners like county officials, a big change from the unnecessary bickering of the last several years. I will also work to responsibly ensure we are not over-taxing residents to generate unnecessary surpluses.

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

I attended the Township’s community events on incorporation and watched several meetings online.

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?

The Regional Participation Agreements are contracts with the Cities of Houston and Conroe that were instrumental to the creation of The Woodlands Township by ensuring no efforts by either city would be made to annex The Woodlands. We are protected by state law from annexation without our consent, but the original contracts remain in place and should be honored as required by law.

Are you now or have you ever done business with any township and/or county official?

Personally, I have never done any business with TWT or Montgomery County.  Professionally, my employer, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, has worked with both the County and TWT when sponsoring various events in The Woodlands.

List all civic, political or union organizations or individuals to whom you have contributed time or money in the last five years.

I have contributed time and money to Republican candidates over the last 5 years. Everything from block walking to making small financial contributions. I have donated to Leadership Montgomery County, In the Pink of Health and many non-profits in our area.

 I have NEVER donated any time or money to a Democrat.

Budget

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

~Not Answered Yet~

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?

The current Woodlands Township surplus is over $100 million, and it should be returned to the community in line with resident priorities. Also, I believe it is important that the next board explore a Homestead exemption for ALL homeowners.

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.

Taxpayer funds should always be spent in accordance with the letter and spirit of the law and in line with resident priorities. Additionally, as a firm believer in limited government, if the government can partner with the community or private sector to provide a needed service more efficiently and at a lower cost, then we should explore those opportunities.

Taxes

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?

Robust economic development can help generate additional non-property tax revenues to maintain services without a property tax increase.

Ethics

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election? Arrests/Convictions? Bankruptcys?

There is nothing in my background that I am embarrassed about.

In this role, you'll be representing both residents & organizations. In the event of a conflict with the Woodlands Development Company and/or the Economic Development Partnership, how would handling this situation?

I will represent the Township and the residents who elected me. That said, the development company and EDP play a vital role in our community, which is why it is so important to maintain strong working relationships with both. 

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?

To prevent undesirable projects, we must rebuild the township’s relationships with the county, HGAC, and TxDOT, so we can clearly explain our objections and find constructive solutions. I strongly believe the Township Board should work with county officials to ensure the best possible outcome for its residents regarding infrastructure or any other area of governance.

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

The only thing The Township can do with any pressing mobility issue is work in partnership with our county and neighboring officials to come up with solutions that best serve all parties.

Other

The Woodlands is basically built out, except for some land held by Howard Hughes Corp(HHC). Are you concerned they(HHC) may use that to build multi-family housing? And what are the pros and cons of that?

The Woodlands Township is a result of a comprehensive master plan that has succeeded by responding to the needs of our community’s families and businesses. A close working relationship between the board of directors and HHC will ensure community needs and interests are taken into account for future developments.   

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

Residents should always have the ultimate say in how they are governed

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

Like most places in Texas, growth in and around our community is one of the biggest challenges we will face in the next five years, and probably longer than that.

How long have you been consistently voting in elections? For which parties candidates? List all the elections you have voted in for the past 3 years (2014-2016).

I have been consistently voting in Republican primaries and general elections since I was 18 years old. I have been a delegate to the Texas Republican Party Convention, and I was the Republican Precinct Chair for Precinct 62 for over ten years.