Following this year's Woodlands Township Board of Directors May 12 election, only one incumbent, Ed Robb, retained his position. The board now has three new members after the results of this year's election were announced and canvassed on May 23.

In the race for the Position 1 seat, Richard "Gordy" Bunch won the vote with 2,258 votes, or 51.8 percent of the votes cast. He defeated incumbent Claude Hunter, who received 1,775 votes (40.7 percent). Henrietta Riddiford finished third with 327 votes (.08 percent).

Mike Bass won the open race for Position 2. Bass collected 2,451 votes, or 57.8 percent, compared to Ted Stanley's 1,792 (42.2 percent). Bass takes over the seat vacated by former director Tom Campbell, who chose not seek re-election this year.

Position 3 was also an open race after director Lloyd Matthews also opted not to run again. His seat is filled by Jeff Long, who earned 1,808 votes (42.8 percent), while Jay Mac Sanders garnered 1,006 votes. Tim Nutt came in third with 722 votes, Roland Borey fourth with 460 and Margarita Chavez fifth with 231 votes.

The race for Position 4 was the closest of the four. It was won by Robb, who received 2,382 votes (53.2 percent). John Risher fell short with 2,095 votes (46.8 percent).

"I think the majority of the people recognize that [the board of directors] has done good work," Robb said. "We have lowered taxes, we have less crime and we have better fire protection. That's a pretty good record to run on."

Bunch said he believed township residents were looking for new leadership on the board.

"I think [the residents] were looking for people who can bring new leadership, not just new ideas," Bunch said. "I'm looking forward to working with the board and hopefully find ways to keep our community growing and also ways to turn excess revenue into property tax decreases."

Position 2 winner Bass said he felt many of the residents of The Woodlands were concerned about possible incorporation, as well as too strong a focus by the board on economic development.

"I think people want to see a little bit more balanced focus and a move back towards the family-oriented things," Bass said. "Not that they are against economic development, but they just want a better balance."

Long said he believes his experience in city government helped him win.

"I had a career in city government and municipal government, as well as considerable volunteer service in the community," Long said. "I think that resonated with the voters and there was some appreciation of the fact that I have been involved and that contributed to the results."