The NHCRWA’s mission is to secure a long-term, reliable supply of wholesale drinking water while keeping the cost of water as low as possible for as long as possible, according to its website.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
David Barker, District 2
Experience:
mechanical engineer in oil and gas for 25 years, resident of NHCRWA 2 for 22 years; USAF veteran
Occupation:
mechanical engineer
Candidate Website:
www.davidbarker4h2o2.com
Contact Information:
832-331-5241
Why are you running for a seat on the NHCRWA board of directors?
I was asked if I would considering running because a friend of mine got an insanely high water bill, and the MUD and NHCRWA just kept pointing fingers at each other. When I started looking into the NHCRWA I found that the incumbent directors have all been in office for 23 years. It is impossible to be in a role for so long and pretend that the appropriate oversight is taking place.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the NHCRWA at this time, and how would you address it if elected?
The biggest challenge is how to fulfill the requirement of fresh drinkable water to every residence without the rates increasing to unrealistic levels. The current fees being charged to the residents are now on par with their power bills, and I have even heard of some bills that come close to their mortgage payment. I would freeze the rates and look for ways to stop the bleeding.
How would you help keep the water authority on track to meet its surface water conversion requirements?
I think the real question is after nearly 25 years is this still the correct solution? Is there any hard evidence showing that there is subsidence that can be directly linked to dropping water table levels? I suspect that the Harris Galveston Subsidence Board has become a very political organization with unelected board members appointed primarily by the mayors and county judges.
What are your top priorities regarding the water authority’s finances?
As rates continue to increase at a very steep rate, 4,000% over the last 23 years, it is unconscionable for there to be any extra expenditures in the budget. There are plenty of unneeded expenses such as $7,200/year for each board member on top of nearly $100,000 for attendance at symposiums in cities around the country. After 23 years there are certainly places that spending can be reduced.
How would you support the water authority’s mission to secure a long-term supply of water while keeping the cost as low as possible?
I would reduce costs wherever possible, reduce the scope of work as much as possible, push back on the [Harris Galveston Subsidence District] regarding the timelines for compliance, push for legislation that would require a review of the HGSD, NHCRWA and other regional water authorities every six years to determine that the current plan is still the most viable.
As a director, how would you prioritize educating residents and improving transparency about the NHCRWA's services and mission?
One of the biggest problems with the NHCRWA is that the voters have never heard of it until now when they see it in a painful way in their household budgets. This has occurred because there have been no elections to bring the issues to light and debate the solutions. One easy thing would be to have it on the ballot even if the incumbents are unopposed.
Len Sigler, District 2 (incumbent)
Experience:
Candidate did not submit responses by press time
Occupation:
Candidate did not submit responses by press time
Why are you running for a seat on the NHCRWA board of directors?
Candidate did not submit responses by press time
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the NHCRWA, and how would you address it if elected?
Candidate did not submit responses by press time
How would you help keep the water authority on track to meet its surface water conversion requirements?
Candidate did not submit responses by press time
What are your top priorities regarding the water authority’s finances?
Candidate did not submit responses by press time
How would you support the water authority’s mission to secure a long-term supply of water while keeping the cost as low as possible?
Candidate did not submit responses by press time
As a director, how would you prioritize educating residents and improving transparency about NHCRWA's services and mission?
Candidate did not submit responses by press time
Melissa L. Rowell, District 3
Experience:
16 years in accounting and energy industry, certified associate in project management (CAPM), management certification from Texas A&M University, board experienced, actively serving in my community for many organizations for over 30 years
Occupation:
Realtor with REMAX
Contact Information:
803-929-7653 | [email protected]
Why are you running for a seat on the NHCRWA board of directors?
I am running for a seat on the board so I can be a voice for the people—the residents and business owners in the district. I’ve got the qualifications to serve and more importantly, have a passion for solving problems and cutting costs. With the increased surface water rates and increased pumpage fees that have risen over 2,000%, and rates that will continue to increase, the cost of water is becoming unaffordable.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the NHCRWA at this time, and how would you address it if elected?
I believe a big challenge the NHCRWA is not facing is that the residents can’t afford to pay these increasing water bills that are as high as their electric bill or higher. MUD districts and their directors have lowered their rates consistently year after year, only for the NHCRWA to come behind them and steal the savings and tack on higher fees. The residents want the status quo challenged and want new leadership!
How would you help keep the water authority on track to meet its surface water conversion requirements?
The water authority has to meet the surface water conversion requirements or be fined by the HCSD [Harris Galveston Subsidence District]. The requirements have already been pushed back at least once, so it is possible that they can be pushed back again. That is a fight I am eager to take on as long as data shows that there has not been a significant reduction of water in the aquifers and withdrawal rates are sustainable long term.
What are your top priorities regarding the water authority’s finances?
I am calling for no more water rate increases and no new debt. Another priority is to review the budget and expenditures for any unnecessary or excessive spending.
How would you support the water authority’s mission to secure a long-term supply of water while keeping the cost as low as possible?
Water is a precious resource; we need it to survive. Above the priority to keep the cost to receive water low is my No. 1 priority, which is to be sure we have a lasting and sustainable supply of fresh water.
As a director, how would you prioritize educating residents and improving transparency about the NHCRWA's services and mission?
As a new director representing the residents of District 3, I will review the budget, expenses and project plans with a fresh set of eyes, and provide transparency, accountability and oversight that the residents are looking for regarding the findings.
Jim Pulliam, District 3 (incumbent)
Experience:
I was a petrochemical designer of concrete and steel structures and drainage systems for over 46 years. I know how projects are designed and constructed and how to save money on projects. I volunteer at Kleb Nature Reserve where I build things from wood for the reserve and help with their education program for kids. In the past I worked on the Jersey Village Flood Committee, the Park Committee and the Long-Term Planning Committee.
Occupation:
retired
Contact Information:
713-983-0932
Why are you running for a seat on the NHCRWA board of directors?
I have been on the NHCRWA board since its inception. I have the knowledge, experience and leadership quality for this position. I will lead the organization to achieve its mission, which is to secure long-term water supply for the region and be in compliance with a state mandate to reduce groundwater production in a most cost-effective way. During my terms on the board, we have saved our residents millions of dollars in costs.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the NHCRWA, and how would you address it if elected?
NHCRWA’s biggest challenge is to comply with the state mandate while keeping the price of water affordable. The surface water conversion is not optional but mandated. The costs for the projects are skyrocketing, but better than paying the penalty of $9.80/1,000 gallons to the Subsidence District. Although the project cost increases have caused the NHCRWA fees to increase over the years, we have kept the fees as low as possible for as long as possible.
How would you help keep the water authority on track to meet its surface water conversion requirements?
Under the leadership of the directors and with a team of dedicated staff, the authority successfully completed its 2010 system and met the regulatory requirements. The authority’s 2025 system projects are well underway and are expected to be completed on time and under budget, even with the recent price escalations in materials and delays caused by supply chain issues. The key to the successes is to plan ahead and be prepared for unforeseeable circumstances.
What are your top priorities regarding the water authority’s finances?
The top priorities for NHCRWA’s finances are to control costs and keep the finances sustainable. To accomplish that, we will continue to take the most cost-effective approaches for our projects, especially in today’s economic environment. We used the State SWIFT funding with lower interest rates for most projects, which resulted in over $250M savings to our ratepayers. We have taken advantage of every opportunity to refinance existing debts and saved millions of dollars.
How would you support the water authority’s mission to secure a long-term supply of water while keeping the cost as low as possible?
I will continue to guide the NHCRWA on that mission. The mandated surface water conversion is too costly for any single MUD and why the authority with many MUDs was created. The NHCRWA has used its collective financial strength to carry on those projects and saved millions of dollars for its customers. Each resident has saved thousands of dollars by paying the NHCRWA fees vs. paying the much higher disincentive fees to the Subsidence District.
As a director, how would you prioritize educating residents and improving transparency about the NHCRWA's services and mission?
Public education has been my priority. I will continue to support the authority’s public outreach and education programs. The more our citizens can learn about the authority’s mission, the better they will understand what we are doing for them. There is misinformation out there that is simply not true. The facts will trump empty promises. Anyone promising that they can just lower the fees either doesn’t understand the issues or is not telling the truth.
Mark Ramsey, District 4
Experience:
engineer, author, teacher, boards of directors, executive committees, state convention committees 2019 chairman, taxpayer champion
Occupation:
small-business owner, registered professional engineer
Candidate Website:
www.ramseyfortexas.com
Contact Information:
281-787-5006 | [email protected]
Why are you running for a seat on the NHCRWA board of directors?
NHCRWA water and pumpage fees are too high and continue to skyrocket under this board. Enough is enough! The current board, that has had zero turnover in over 20 years, has approved NHCRWA fee hikes of over 2,000%, most of which have been in recent years. It is time for new perspectives on the board to save water customers money and stop the skyrocketing rate hikes by this board.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the NHCRWA, and how would you address it if elected?
Stabilizing and reducing the recently skyrocketing costs to water customers while maintaining an abundant and safe water supply. The massive increase in bonded debt, approved by this board, and the associated interest payments on that debt, are major obstacles. I have called for a moratorium on future water rate hikes by this board and will look at every possible cost and policy change ideas to save neighbors of north Harris County money!
How would you help keep the water authority on track to meet its surface water conversion requirements?
Every aspect of current plans, including the decades-old science and population studies, should be revisited. We know much more than we did when these surface water schemes were devised, and we should revise our plans accordingly! Assumptions regarding the perfect mix of lake water and groundwater, and the legislative timetables should be re-examined.
What are your top priorities regarding the water authority’s finances?
Simple, commonsense priorities include: 1) Stop the skyrocketing rate hikes. 2) Seek financial help from the state surplus funds to cover a portion of the costs of these projects. 3) Pay down debt as fast as possible. 4) Maintain a prudent financial reserve balance that does not take advantage of water customers nor reap windfalls when weather causes water usage to increase! 5) Do not take on additional debt unless approved by citizens.
How would you support the water authority’s mission to secure a long-term supply of water while keeping the cost as low as possible?
As an engineer, I solve problems. The mission itself, mandated by political legislation passed decades ago, should be re-evaluated in light of modern science, modern building practices, modern water system design and modern population estimates. If healthy, reliable and good-tasting groundwater is not causing problems for a subdivision it should be part of the solution, not banned! If the legislation was flawed, then it should be corrected. No potential savings avenue will be ignored!
As a director, how would you prioritize educating residents and improving transparency about the NHCRWA's services and mission?
Transparency is paramount. First, anything related to NHCRWA fees (aka taxes) should be 100% fully transparent. All meetings should be open, transparent and streamed over the internet. All long- and short-term budgets—capital and expense—should be online (think “Google docs”) for all to examine. Similarly, all contracts and associated bid documents should be online. Last, all expenditures, whether by the NHCRWA directly or indirectly through contractors, should be online and easily discoverable.
Al Rendl, District 4 (incumbent)
Experience:
17 years director/president of WCID 91 in Ponderosa Forest, 22 years director/president NHCRWA
Occupation:
retired with 35 years of executive management experience with Exxon
Candidate Website:
www.alrendl.com
Contact Information:
281-450-0184 | [email protected]
Why are you running for a seat on the NHCRWA board of directors?
I have been on the NHCRWA board since its inception. I have the knowledge, experience and leadership quality for this position. I will lead the organization to achieve its mission, which is to secure long-term water supply for the region and be in compliance with a state mandate to reduce groundwater production, in a most cost-effective way. During my terms on the board, we have saved our residents millions of dollars in costs.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the NHCRWA, and how would you address it if elected?
NHCRWA’s biggest challenge is to comply with the state mandate while keeping the price of water affordable. The surface water conversion is not optional but mandated. The costs for the projects are skyrocketing, but still better than paying $9.80/1,000 gallons to the Subsidence District. Although the NHCRWA fees have increased over the years to keep up with the mounting project costs, we have kept them as low as possible for as long as possible.
How would you help keep the water authority on track to meet its surface water conversion requirements?
Under the leadership of the board and with a team of dedicated staff, the Authority successfully completed its 2010 system and met the regulatory requirements timely. The Authority’s 2025 system projects are well underway and expected to be completed on time and under budget, even with the recent price escalations in materials and delays caused by supply chain issues. The key to our successes is to plan ahead and be prepared for unforeseeable circumstances.
What are your top priorities regarding the water authority’s finances?
The top priorities for NHCRWA’s finances are to control costs and keep the finances sustainable. To accomplish that, we used and will continue to take the most cost-effective approaches for our projects, especially in today’s economic environment. We used the State funding with lower interest rates for most projects which resulted in over $250M savings to our rate payers. We have taken advantage of every opportunity to refinance existing debts and saved millions of dollars.
How would you support the water authority’s mission to secure a long-term supply of water while keeping the cost as low as possible?
I will continue to guide the NHCRWA on that mission. The mandated surface water conversion is too costly for any single MUD and not in compliance will be equally costly. The NHCRWA has used its collective financial strength to carry on those projects and saved millions of dollars for its customers. Each resident has saved thousands of dollars by paying the NHCRWA fees vs. paying the much higher disincentive fees to the Subsidence District.
As a director, how would you prioritize educating residents and improving transparency about NHCRWA's services and mission?
Public education has been my #1 priority. I have personally made nearly 500 educational presentations to various groups, explaining why the NHCRWA’s fees have increased over the years. I am willing to do the same for any group or individual who is interested in learning about NHCRWA. I believe that facts are better than empty promises. Anyone promising that they can just lower the fees either doesn’t understand the issues or not telling the truth.
Roy Burroughs, District 5
Experience:
retired former CPA, worked in the energy industry for more than 25 years
Contact Information:
281-288-8510 | [email protected]
Why are you running for a seat on the NHCRWA board of directors?
I am a recently retired accountant with extensive financial management experience on large projects in the power industry. My goal is to oversee and re-enforce the system of checks and balances of ongoing projects. The current board lacks a director that is an accountant/auditor by certification. It does not appear that the current board is working within a budget that meets the realities of the residents’ ability to pay their ever-increasing water bills.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the NHCRWA, and how would you address it if elected?
Affordability of water to the residents is the biggest challenge. The NHCRWA has increased rates by 2,000% in the last 20 years. Adding additional debt will burden and increase cost to residents for the next 20 years. MUD districts that were conveniently located now have connections to the authority. The challenge is finding the least expensive reliable way to connect the districts that are not convenient to the current distribution system.
How would you help keep the water authority on track to meet its surface water conversion requirements?
The plans are largely in place to meet the 2025 deadline of 60% conversion to surface water. I do not oppose the attainment of that goal. However, it has been 20 years since the original goals were set. Moving forward there needs to be a comprehensive review of what “on track” means, and that discussion must include the resident water fee payers.
What are your top priorities regarding the water authority’s finances?
I will ask for a moratorium on the issuance of new debt. All projects under construction would undergo an in-depth review to determine whether additional funding will be required in excess of budgeted amounts in order to complete.
How would you support the water authority’s mission to secure a long-term supply of water while keeping the cost as low as possible?
As a director, my highest priority is to maintain a plentiful and sustainable water supply. The current board has been heavily focused on their partnership with the city of Houston, and I want to see that relationship remain strong. However, it is time for some new ideas. There are additional options that need to be considered in the light of current technology.
As a director, how would you prioritize educating residents and improving transparency about the NHCRWA's services and mission?
The current board has authorized $2 billion for projects incurring a current debt of almost $2 billion. Most residents are not aware of these projects and their cost. The need for any future projects should be fully demonstrated by proactively reaching out to residents and all stakeholders. Public relations should be expanded to ensure the public is valued and made aware. Projects should be evaluated with a cost/ratio of how residents are impacted.
Kelly Fessler, District 5 (incumbent)
Experience:
chemistry degree from Oral Roberts University, NHCRWA board member for 20 years
Occupation:
consulting manager/software developer
Contact Information:
832-457-2672 | [email protected]
Why are you running for a seat on the NHCRWA board of directors?
I am running to keep our conversion to 60% surface water on track in order to avoid a $9.80/1,000 gallons disincentive fee for water users within our boundaries (goes up to $10.20/1,000 in 2023). Implementing such a conversion is expensive, but we have saved millions in refinancing older and costlier bonds. We also have a great leadership team that has saved millions due to their knowledge of the workings of the city of Houston.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the NHCRWA, and how would you address it if elected?
At the moment, the biggest challenge is hitting our surface water conversion target in 2025. Failure to do so will trigger the disincentive fee and that would be a disaster for our community.
How would you help keep the water authority on track to meet its surface water conversion requirements?
We are currently on track. Our leadership team, consultants and contractors are constantly looking for better and more cost-effective ways to implement our expanding water system. The best way to keep us on track is to let them do their jobs.
What are your top priorities regarding the water authority’s finances?
Our financial staff and consultants have done great work in refinancing older and more expensive bonds. With SWIFT funding now available from the Texas Water Development Board, we are saving water users hundreds of millions of dollars because we can leverage the purchasing power of the state of Texas. We need to pursue such innovative financing opportunities whenever and wherever possible.
How would you support the water authority’s mission to secure a long-term supply of water while keeping the cost as low as possible?
I would stay the course. By partnering with the city of Houston in a cost- and capacity-sharing contract, this ensures we will have water for years to come without having to bear the load alone.
As a director, how would you prioritize educating residents and improving transparency about the NHCRWA's services and mission?
We have a lot of information available on the authority website. We need to try to direct the community to that site. I believe the primary goal should be to educate the public on why the authority is necessary. The mandated conversion to surface water would be cost-prohibitive if each utility district had to find and secure a source of surface water, then put pipe in the ground to bring it to their users.
