Two candidates will contest the election for Conroe City Council’s Place 4 with incumbent Raymond McDonald facing challenger Howard Wood in the May 7 local election.
Council places 3 and 5 are also up for election. Click here to see Place 3 candidates' responses to Community Impact Newspaper's questions.
Candidate responses may have been edited for length, style and clarity. Conroe City Council elections will be held through Montgomery County’s Elections Administration. Click here for more information on voting.
Raymond McDonald
Experience:
City Council member, studied civil engineering, decades growing churches, business experience.
Occupation:
Senior pastor, Vineyard Church of Conroe
Candidate Website:
www.mcdonald4conroe.com
Contact Information:
936-499-6870rn
Why are you the most qualified for this position?
I established and grew a church in the heart of Conroe, raised my family here, and have worked on City Council to make Conroe a vibrant city. As the incumbent council member for Place 4 and mayor pro tem, I have three-plus years of experience working with the citizens, businesses and other council members.
What will be your top three priorities if elected?
1) To give a voice to all citizens of Conroe, including the annexed and underrepresented neighborhoods. 2) To streamline the permit process and create a business-friendly environment to help bring high-end jobs and businesses to our area. 3) To make Conroe one of the best cities to live in and ensure safety of the citizens through strong support of our firefighters, law enforcement and first responders.
How would you improve transportation in Conroe? Attention to safety and upkeep of our roads is vital for good transportation.
Attention to safety and upkeep of our roads is vital for good transportation. So, I work closely with Texas Department of Transportation and serve on a council of local government officials who regularly consult on state thoroughfares. In addition, on a local basis, I monitor closely our roads and infrastructure with city engineering and maintenance departments, to insure proactive repair and upkeep. I will continue to do that to protect our streets for the use of our citizens in this growing city.
How would you work with state and congressional leaders representing the Conroe area?
I use my skills as a person who brings people together to work toward common good with all other leaders. In particular, I have established relationships with both current and incoming congressional leaders and with state senators and representatives. I rely on those relationships to encourage those leaders to listen to and work with Conroe to make it a great city.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in the city’s decision-making processes?
Listening is key when it comes to involving individuals and businesspeople in the decisions of city council. I am known as a council member readily available to the people, not just during council meetings or at City Hall, but throughout the community. Being involved with many different organizations and events gives me a wide variety of valuable perspectives and opinions from people in all walks of life.
Howard Wood
Experience:
Eagle Scout, U.S. Marine, entrepreneur and family man
Occupation:
Entrepreneur and sales executive
Candidate Website:
www.woodforconroe.com
Contact Information:
832-277-0141rn
Why are you the most qualified for this position?
I am an Eagle Scout, U.S. Marine, Texas Aggie and proud father and husband. Tough budgets are not new to me. I am a fiscal conservative. Being a business owner in oil and gas, we continually manage finances in a volatile industry. I believe in responsible development and economic growth. We must maintain what makes Conroe unique while proactively planning for our population to increase without ever raising taxes.
What will be your top three priorities if elected?
Transparency at City Hall is a major concern. I pledge open and transparent city business. Responsible economic growth and development while we protect our trees and lower our citizens water rates. I will not raise taxes. Control and strategize spending. We need to offer competitive pay for our [law enforcement officers] and first responders while planning for population growth and traffic improvements.
How would you improve transportation in Conroe?
Speaking with our citizens, mobility is a major concern and issue. Conroe must maintain our existing roads and anticipate where new, wide roads will be needed to ease congestion. Lighted sidewalks need to be added to improve pedestrian safety.
How would you work with state and Congressional leaders representing the Conroe area?
I am active in our community and work with our County, State and Congressional leaders already. As needed, I am willing to take challenges to Austin and fight for our citizens!
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in the city’s decision-making processes?
I need our citizens' input and communication to determine how we must plan for development and address concerns they may have. I will always answer emails and return calls. My plans are to encourage and mentor new leaders to step up and serve our community. We need good people to ensure our city continues to prosper.
