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.
Brad Bailey
Occupation: vice president of marketing, communications and external affairs at S&B
Relevant experience: I’m a successful corporate professional with strong experience working with government officials at all levels. In addition to having been a business owner, I have direct civic leadership background as a former City Council Member in Nassau Bay, Texas.
713-557-5953
www.bradbaileycampaign.com
What is the most important issue facing residents of The Woodlands Township?
Growth. Our population is surging as more families and employers recognize what makes The Woodlands great and want to become a part of it. While local growth can be a positive, it’s crucial that it be managed in a responsible manner. With increased population comes mobility issues, greater demands on schools and the potential for a rise in crime. Finding a balance between growth and preserving our way of life is my priority.
What experience do you feel makes you the best candidate for this position?
I have a combination of experience both within and related to government on many levels, including three terms as a City Council member in my hometown of Nassau Bay, Texas. My experiences navigating political landscapes and municipal governments informed my conservative values and will have me ready to hit the ground running on day one. My professional expertise will also help us successfully market and promote The Woodlands to a variety of audiences.
What do you believe the next chapter in the township's history should consist of?
The next chapter will be about restoring and renewing our community. While The Woodlands remains the best place to live, work and raise a family, we ended up losing top office space tenants due to COVID[-19]. Refilling our offices with new corporate tenants will bring us some fresh energy while diversifying our tax base. We also need to address some of our aging town centers through responsible redevelopment aimed at keeping The Woodlands special.
What would your priorities be in the township’s annual budget process?
My philosophy has always been that taxpayers need to keep more of their money while the government takes less. Therefore, we should lower the tax burden on everyone and see that every homeowner sees an increase to their homestead exemption. We also need to return all money in the incorporation slush fund to the taxpayers. We can do this while still prioritizing public safety and maintaining The Woodlands’ unique quality of life.
Craig Rickard
Occupation: small-business owner, Westcott & Washington, retained-search firm
Relevant experience: 22-year resident of Cochran’s Crossing; small-business owner in The Woodlands and job creator; philanthropic volunteer; local real estate investor; entrepreneurship BBA, University of Houston; husband, father of four sons
713-443-1786
www.vote4craig.com
What is the most important issue facing residents of The Woodlands Township?
We need to build bridges and find solutions with the developers and residents to move forward as a united community. High-density housing leads to high-density traffic, excessive clearcutting of our signature forests and widening of roads. Developers have been clear that their intention is to erect multifamily housing in their remaining commercial parcels rather than Class A office space. We are now in the redevelopment phase of their plans.
What experience do you feel makes you the best candidate for this position?
Independence and critical thinking in my business and personal life position me to become an effective director. I’ve learned to ask many questions and listen. I care about our residents. The township is doing great things, but we can improve the way residents receive clear and accurate information. We will design and implement new communication channels to educate and inform the residents more effectively.
What do you believe the next chapter in the township's history should consist of?
Residential build-out of our community is nearly complete. The next phase will involve the selective redevelopment of older neighborhoods, commercial areas and the replacement of aging infrastructure (i.e. roads and water systems). These tasks need to be designed to be consistent with the original design of The Woodlands as a true hometown inside a natural forest. We must not allow cut-through traffic to overwhelm our roadway system.
What would your priorities be in the township’s annual budget process?
• Keeping taxes low and services to the residents exceptional.
• Keep our capital reserves balanced to preserve the well-deserved AA+ bond rating and be prepared to handle budget shortfalls.
• Make sure our law enforcement and fire department have what they need to keep our residents safe.
