Chris Grice
Occupation: banker Years lived in The Woodlands: 12 years [email protected] www.chrisgricefortownship.com 281-253-2270
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing The Woodlands, and how would you address it?
Under our agreement with the cities of Houston and Conroe, we have to incorporate by November 2057. To begin with, I would like the township board to solicit bids from law firms that specialize in incorporation so that we can get expert guidance and advice on how to proceed in the most judicious and cost-effective way. I would want the township to order an engineering study to see what the cost [would be] to the newly incorporated city to take over the roads and bridges that are now handled by the county. This would give us guidance on how to proceed, the cost and the timing of when to incorporate.
Are you in favor of incorporation? Why or why not?
Yes, I am in favor of incorporation, but I believe we have only one shot to get it right so we need to take our time and make sure we do it right. There is legislation that has to be passed in order for us to transition from a township to a city. The enabling legislation did a great job of setting up the township, but it did not address transitioning to a city. It is a very complex process to incorporate. We need to do our due diligence. We need to look at the pros and the cons of becoming a city versus staying a township for as long as we can. We need most of all to understand the cost.
What steps should the township board take to alleviate mobility issues in the community?
We have to start solving the issue as it relates to the mobility issues in south Montgomery County. I would propose that a task force made up of township, county and [Texas Department of Transportation] officials be formed to put a plan of action together that all three parties could bring back to the respective governing bodies for consideration on priority of the project, cost and which projects would give us the best bang for the buck. I know that it is the county and state’s responsibility on road projects, but by themselves they just do not have the money. By sharing in the cost, we can get started sooner rather than later to begin to solve these issues. It will not happen overnight, but we need to get started.
How would you like to see the township board handle resident concerns involving issues like clear-cutting and future development?
I am not in favor of clear-cutting and believe that we should go back to the original guidelines for the cutting of trees when The Woodlands was first developed. Right now, the township has no control over either issue and still would not if we incorporate. The only way to accomplish the goals here are to work with the developer, which for the most part, but not always, has taken resident concerns in the past and worked with them. Having a good relationship and communication with the developer, I believe, is the best solution to making sure all concerns of the citizens are taken into account.
Bruce Rieser
Occupation: retired airline executive, CEO of SKR Consulting LLC Years lived in The Woodlands: 27 years [email protected] www.rieserfortownship.us
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing The Woodlands, and how would you address it?
I believe the biggest challenge we face is taxation and planning for the longer term. Sales taxes and hotel occupancy taxes are down and projected to remain flat in the budget. If other sources of revenues are flat or declining, there will be an increasing pressure on property taxes. This is why the decision to remove the $2.5 million reserve for incorporation expenses by four of the township board members was bad policy and planning. Kicking the taxation can down the road to future boards is irresponsible, and the residents deserve a more professional and visionary approach from their board members.
Are you in favor of incorporation? Why or why not?
I certainly believe that we should at least plan for possible incorporation. The Woodlands currently constitutes approximately 20 percent of the total Montgomery County population, yet we pay over 38 percent of the county’s property taxes. As the county continues to grow, we will become an even smaller portion of the total population and hence [have] less voting power. In our current state, we are beholden to the county government to address the issues raised by the taxpayers. I would say that our residents have been underwhelmed by the county’s response to their grievances.
What steps should the township board take to alleviate mobility issues in the community?
First, let me say that I am opposed to the extension of Woodlands Parkway and worked diligently to help defeat the May 9, 2015, road bond. I would petition the county commissioners to undertake a countywide mobility study. The mobility problems in The Woodlands are directly linked to those of other areas in the county predominantly from north and west of our community. The building of six-lane thoroughfares through residential areas would severely damage the hometown feel for which The Woodlands is renowned. More thought needs to be made in the “loop” roads around The Woodlands, rather than forcing more traffic onto residential streets like Research Forest and Woodlands Parkway.
How would you like to see the township board handle resident concerns involving issues like clear-cutting and future development?
As I pointed out in one my earlier answers, the township—as it is currently constituted—has very limited power over these issues. This is precisely why I am pro self-governance. I have much more faith in the residents of The Woodlands than I do in the continuing largess of the developer interests, The Woodlands [Development] Company or the Montgomery County government to protect the quality of life that we have come to expect in our hometown.
