John McMullan, Energy attorney
[email protected]
If elected to the board, what would you like to accomplish?
The first thing is to preserve our quality of life. We have been very fortunate to have inherited this tremendous community, and the first job as a board member is to not mess it up.
What qualifies you to serve as a township director?
I'm deeply invested in our community. My wife, Kim, and I have three young kids. I have a degree and political experience as a member of the finance committee that elected Ted Cruz. I think I'm uniquely qualified to serve.
Why did you decide to seek election to the board?
We moved from a community where things did not turn out as we hoped, where crime became an issue. I have a vested interest to make sure The Woodlands remains an attractive place. When you combine my qualifications, that's why I think I'm a good fit for the position.
Based on the information that has been reported by the township, would you be in favor of The Woodlands remaining a township or incorporating as a city?
I'm going to keep an open mind on that. As of this moment, I don't currently support initiating an incorporation referendum. Our board and our residents need to better understand the cost of incorporation. The different villages have different MUD rates. We still need to have a plan in place that addresses the MUD tax rates. I'm not seeking this position because I'm not adamant that we should incorporate or adamant that we shouldn't incorporate.
What area do you think the township could most improve upon?
We've got to intelligently manage our transportation. Traffic is starting to become an issue. We should consider things like more synchronized lights within The Woodlands. Driving through The Woodlands is already a challenge, and it's going to become more of a challenge as we add people and businesses to our community.
Jason Rocha, Full-time student
[email protected]
If elected to the board, what would you like to accomplish?
I would really like to ensure that we're preserving The Woodlands community, whether that be decreasing the property taxes or possibly even getting a bike lane in, a bike share program or car share program for visitors and residents alike, to really cater to the needs of residents and tourists.
What qualifies you to serve as a township director?
I've been serving my community for 20 years. I was with Peer Assistant Leadership. We helped out troubled kids. [I joined] the Army and served the country. And while I was in the Army, I joined with Habitat for Humanity and was named on the board of directors for the Manhattan Area Habitat for Humanity in Kansas. The desire to serve my community has been something inside me since I was a kid. I want to do that for The Woodlands.
Why did you decide to seek election to the board?
For me personally, it was an internal drive that I needed to fulfill. That's what drives me. That's what's so important to me, to wake up every day and know that I'm giving back to the community that I'm so involved in.
Based on the information that has been reported by the township, would you be in favor of The Woodlands remaining a township or incorporating as a city?
I want to do what's best for the community for years to come, whether it's looking at property taxes and looking at MUD districts. What is the benefit of becoming the city? Whatever benefits the city as a whole is the decision I will make. We have some time, and I think it's something we really need to be patient about.
What area do you think the township could most improve upon?
The township can definitely improve on traffic. With all the population growth of the last 10–20 years, traffic is a problem today and it will continue to be a problem tomorrow. Maybe we get a bike lane in here or a car sharing program. We need to ensure our community is taken care of in the future.
Township election information
The Woodlands Township will hold an election for three positions for its board of directors. Position 6, held by Peggy Hausman, and Position 7, held by Bruce Tough, are unopposed. Each office carries a two-year term and is an unpaid position.
Voting eligibility, Township election voters must be a registered voter in their county and reside within the boundaries of The Woodlands Township.
Township early voting locations
Montgomery County
Voters may vote at early polling location Oct. 21–26, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Oct. 28–30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
South County Community Building
2235 Lake Robbins Drive
Harris County
Voters may vote at either early polling location Oct. 21–26, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Oct. 28–30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Champion Life Center, 3031 FM 2920, Spring
Tomball Public Works Building, 501B James St., Tomball
Township Election Day locations
Voters may vote Nov. 5. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Montgomery County
Pcts. 3, 6, 71, 78, 81: Galatas Elementary School, 9001 Cochran's Crossing Drive
Pcts. 31, 56, 59, 69, 70, 75: Windsor Hills Homeowners Association Clubhouse, One Windsor Hills Circle
Pcts. 33, 48, 49, 58, 62: South County Community Building, 2235 Lake Robbins Drive
Pcts. 4, 32, 45, 61, 67, 79, 84: Wilkerson Intermediate School, 12312 Sawmill Road
Harris County
Pct. 735: Zwink Elementary School, 22200 Frassati Way, Spring
Pcts. 914, 1029: Creekside Forest Elementary School, 5949 Creekside Forest Drive
