What is the job of the position you are running for?

The Woodlands is my hometown. I love what it represents and as it must change with growth, I want to help guide it towards future success while respecting its history. I represent the next generation of leaders who bring a voice that is not currently represented on the board.

I have no conflicts of interest.

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

• My experiences as an auditor and professional career in finance focused on government and real estate clients gives me a solid foundation to understand and evaluate the budget and expenditures.
• Serving as the President of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association and Chairman of the Cochran’s Crossing Residential Design Review Committee (RDRC) has allowed me to work with the Township and gain unique insight into how it functions. Having served on the RDRC my knowledge of the covenants and design standards is comprehensive. This is relevant as the standards impact all residents and businesses that operate in our community.
• I have an extensive understanding of our community and its history. I moved to The Woodlands in 1992 when there were less than 50,000 residents, few retail stores and restaurants and watched it grow into what we enjoy today.

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

I will enhance the role of the Village Associations to better understand our residents’ perspectives on issues. I would also like to increase the support for our Police and Fire Department. Lastly, the new board members (elected in 2022) and Chairwoman Snyder are true representatives of their constituency. They listen to the residents and then govern on their behalf. The former board (prior to election in 2022) did not take that approach. I will promote that style of leadership where it currently doesn’t exist.

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? 

More than 70% of the residents voted against incorporation in 2021 and they have consistently voiced their opposition to incorporation throughout the history of The Township. Leadership demands that you listen to your constituency and vote on their behalf on critical issues, incorporation was a subject our residents overwhelmingly rejected. It would be a gross violation of trust to defy the voters’ wishes to consider incorporating at this time.

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.

It's been reported that The Woodlands comprises only 20% of households in the county, yet provides almost double that (35%) of the county total in property taxes. What would/could you do to correct this gross imbalance of tax inequity?

Having strong relationships with our county partners is the best way to work collaboratively and alleviate any imbalance. The board elected prior to 2022, in its pursuit of incorporation, damaged critical relationships throughout our community. I have a positive relationship with our county partners and already have endorsements from many in our community. I look forward to a productive relationship, engaging with them, as the challenges present themselves.

Did you support the recent construction initiative of a $300,000 bathroom in Capstone Park. Why or why not?

Capstone Park is a good example of government responding to the factual concerns of those impacted and taking appropriate action to find the right solution. I am in support of the BOD’s decision to redesignate the park as a ‘Neighborhood Park’ which is not eligible for the restroom addition. This entire situation shows that representative leadership works, and I was glad to be part of the solution.

Are any of your family members employed by or working under contract to either The Woodlands Township or Montgomery County?

No

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 board extending a homestead exemption to all residential property owners was a good action and I will look at doing more in this capacity if the funds allow.

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.

If the residents wish to supplement community groups and the township can do so, yes. If the residents reject such ideas, no.

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?

The economic development fund should be dedicated to funding specific projects that spur economic development.

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.

Woodlands founder George Mitchell was arguably the godfather of "sustainable" communities and funded international meetings here to that end. What does that mean to you?

We have a resource rich community that can support a family’s desire to live, work, play and pray all in the same area.

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

No.

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?

Yes.

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 be a representative of the residents who elect me.

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. This is why positive relationships with our county officials and neighboring partners are critical.

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 considered for future developments.  

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 likely longer.

What is your opinion of the Woodlands (Gay) Pride's representation in the Woodlands Independence Day parade and with it, by rule being a patriotic family event, should they be allowed to participate?

The South County 4th of July Parade is organized by a parade committee that is separate from The Woodlands Township. The parade committee determines eligibility and the criteria for participation.

What, in your view, are the positive and negative aspects of the Township's current governance structure as opposed to being a city?

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. That speaks volumes! The larger a government is, the less efficient it becomes. 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 is your opinion of the property/land swap Commissioner Noack did with Howard Hughes concerning the Randalls in Grogans Mill Shopping Center with the MoCo So. County Library and Community Center?

I think it is a great public private partnership that will drive increased traffic into the Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center. There is demand for a larger Community Center which would benefit many groups and it allows for the Farmers Market to remain. Events like the weekly Grogan’s Mill Farmers Market are what make us a community. I would like the Township to strongly consider adding trolley services to Grogan’s Mill from the Town Center for our residents to increase utilization of these new facilities if costs allow.

Which current Township board member do you identify with the most and why?

Ann Snyder’s dedication, empathy and integrity serve as an example to me.