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? 

We afforded the residents the opportunity to vote and they voted to remain unincorporated.  At this time, we must focus on maintaining our excellent services, enhancing our facilities via capital approvements and keeping property taxes low.  

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

We have the benefit of collecting sales and hotel taxes, which makes up 60% of our budget.  We are able to focus upon parks, pools, pathways and our fire services--these are positive.  However, we have no authority over roads, water services, law enforcement, etc so we must work to do out best to advocate and use our influences to protect the interests of the Township.

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

We are doing an exceptional job, which is why we are rated the number one place to live in the US. I would like to continue to keep our services the best, which doesn't include major changes, but instead, additions or enhancements. I would like to see us build a new fire station to replace station 5, complete the park improvements at Alden Bridge and Bear Branch, and add additional revenue generating programs, espcially within our Parks and Rec Department.

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

Yes.  As a Director I was there for all of them.

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?

Athough this is what the law states, there are cases where contracts established many years ago where honored demonstrating that it is possible for annexation to occur without voter approval.  So this law is one of uncertainty.  Morevover, the referendum voters approved in 2008 that created acknowledged Houston's and Conroe’s rights of annexation through 2057.  So we are still bound to the sales tax pay outs agreed in the ILA.  

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

No.

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

Just my own campaign.

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

We have a very conservative budget that maintains our excellent services, which has been shaped alongside a decrease in the property tax below the no new revenue rate!  Because of we sit in a place of financial strength, we will be able to fund captial improvements from reserves, such as a new fire station and improvements in Parks and Rec, instead of having to inssue any further debt.

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 reserves we hold are allow us  to recieve the highest bond rating of any special purpose disctrict in Texas.  Generally, the excess in reserves can be used at the Board's discretion and is from the collection of sales taxes.  These reserves essentially go back to the residents in the form of community investments... via improvements to our facilities; they fund initiatives and capital expenditures and, therefore, increase the quality of life and benefit our property values. 

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.

Township Board members are not compensated.  I do not believe it is appropriate to use tax dollars to pay for our lunches at community functions. Senior pick-up services and meals on wheels are mandated by the FTA in exchange for the grants to the park and ride and trolley services.  We do not arbitrarily sponsor non-profit events.  The current Board has virtually eliminated the practices of previous Boards.  The only entity that enters into sponsorship agreements is Visit The Woodlands, which is exclusively funded by excess hotel tax revenues; and they only do so if it makes financial sense.

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?

According to the State Comptroller, municipalities in Texas typically generate one dollar in Sales taxes for every seven dollars in property taxes collected.  This is not the case for the Township.  We collect two dollars in sales taxes for every one dollar in property tax collected.  This is a significant difference; and, over the past seven years, the Township has developed Visit the Woodlands, which was an event planning department, into a world class marketing department.  The non-property tax revenues have grown substatially over just the last two years, have benefited the Township greatly and have helped make our community number one.

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

No.

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?

As a member of The Woodlands Township Board, I represent the interests of the residents first.  In the event of a conflict, I will lead with compassion, courage, and civility and would expect the representatives of those groups would do the same.

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?

Since the Township does not have authority over the roads (within our boundaries or the surrounding our communities), we must work hard to listen with an open mind to the plans and use our influence to offer feedback based upon what is in the best interest of the Township.

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

1. SH242 widening proposal.  I am aginst the widening of SH242 west from Gosling to FM1488.   The majority of SH242 is actually a residential, not commercial area and there are grave concerns I have regarding safety. 
2. Relieve pressure on 242/I-45 and 1488 intersections by adding flyovers, which is the responsibility of TxDot and county.
3. Explore the creation of a Woodlands Loop Rd by utilizing I-45, FM1488, FM2978 and HWY99.  This would prevent excessive cut through traffic on Woodlands Parkway and Research Forest Drive.

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?

HHC plans to build eight or more multi-family units within the community. They have stated this publically.  Of course, this will increase the existing tax base, which will benefit the Township.  However, it will increase traffic and place a greater strain upon our excellent services currently being enjoyed by our single family residents. 

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?

Yes.  I voted to place it on the ballot.  Voting is a privilege not afforded to many around the world.  The issue of incorporation was tabled for at least a year because of the global pandemic. Once the study was completed and the numbers given, it made sense for the information to be acted upon via a vote.

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

Traffic.  Our roads are becoming more and more congested.  I am concerned if there isn't a solution to move traffic around The Woodlands then some might propose the widening of roads within (Research, Woodlands Parkway), thus causing a significant increase in traffic going through TW.

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).

Many years.  March 2022 Republican primary.  November 2021 general election.  March 2021 Rep Primary.  November 2020 general election...