Two candidates are running in the Conroe City Council Place 5 election May 7, with incumbent Marsha Porter facing challenger Susan Johnson.
Council places 3 and 4 are also up for election. Click here to see Place 3 candidates' responses to Community Impact Newspaper's questions, and click here to see Place 4 responses.
Candidate responses have been edited for length, style and clarity, and are displayed in the ballot order for the May 7 election. Conroe City Council elections will be held through the Montgomery County’s Elections Administration. Click here for more information on voting.
Marsha Porter
Experience:
Served on City Council for 10-plus years.
Occupation:
I am a retired teacher, coach and former Conroe ISD Athletic Director. I had 39 years of teaching experience, all in Conroe. Currently, I am serving on City Council Position 5.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you the most qualified for this position?
I have 10-plus years of experience on City Council. I have served on the [Conroe Industrial Development Corporation] board [and] tourist council, insurance, personnel and financial committees. I have the knowledge to make decisions concerning local issues and economic development. I have the experience to balance a $260 million budget while keeping property taxes to one of the lowest in Southeast Texas.
What will be your top 3 priorities, if elected?
No. 1: I believe we must continue our battle to keep water rates low. No. 2: I believe we must care for the taxpayers' dollars by planning for economic development and growth with fiscal responsibility. I want to protect our hometown core values and environment, especially pertaining to our trees. No. 3: I believe we must take a proactive approach by encouraging investment in Conroe businesses and shopping locally.
What are the two biggest challenges the city faces in relation to growth, and how would you address them, if elected?
By far the two biggest challenges are infrastructure and traffic. Only with anticipation of growth, fiscal responsibility and economic planning can this be accomplished. Experience and knowledge matters; all decisions made today affect the future of Conroe.
How would you improve transportation in Conroe?
Certainly, maintaining our roads and planning for new roads would be essential. It is also important to improve pedestrian transportation with sidewalks.
How would you work with state and Congressional leaders?
Will Metcalf, Brandon Creighton and Kevin Brady are just a phone call away. They have always been eager to support and resolve any issues concerning the Conroe area.
What would you do specifically to involve residents and business owners in the city’s decision-making processes?
I believe in doing my research on the pros and cons of issues through social media, surveys and interviews. I am an active listener, effective communicator and will “think outside the box.” I will develop, identify and prioritize solutions in order to make the most informative decisions.
Susan Johnson
Occupation:
Real Estate Broker/Owner of J Properties
Candidate Website:
www.susanforconroe.com, https://www.facebook.com/SusanForConroe
Contact Information:
281-380-4753, [email protected]
Why are you the most qualified for this position?
I believe that I am uniquely qualified to serve as a member of the Conroe City Council because of my life experience, my history of service in community organizations, my work history as a corporate manager and business owner, and my educational background.
What are your three top priority issues?
1) Strengthen public safety; 2) Lower property taxes and water rates; 3) Preserve Conroe’s heritage and make Conroe a tourism destination
What are the two biggest challenges the city faces in relation to growth, and how would you address them, if elected?
One of the biggest challenges Conroe faces in relation to growth is coordinating all of the departments and entities within the city, managing and leading efforts in the same direction. When a city the size of Conroe experiences rapid growth, a secondary challenge is to make strategic decisions and prioritize needs rather than being reactive to sudden changes.
How would you improve transportation in Conroe?
This is one of the areas that Conroe has done a great job of keeping up with as the city has grown. We need to continue to focus on anticipating increased traffic as new neighborhoods open and plan for appropriate roads to keep mobility a priority.
How would you work with state and Congressional leaders representing the Conroe area?
This is an area that I am especially qualified to lead in. I have strong relationships with county, state and Congressional leaders, and will be ready the first day I take office to interact with them to advocate for the citizens of Conroe.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in the city’s decision-making processes?
My top priority as a council member will be to be out in the community, asking citizens what they think needs to happen in order to preserve the great things about Conroe. And to listen to their concerns and ideas about what can be improved to make Conroe the best place we can be, for individuals and families to be successful and thrive.
