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.
Linda Nelson
Occupation: director of business development, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center
Relevant experience: I have lived and worked in The Woodlands for over 30 years. I raised my family here. The community can trust me to protect the wonderful quality of life we have here in The Woodlands.
713-249-6997
www.lindaforthewoodlands.com
What is the most important issue facing residents of The Woodlands Township?
Growth is the most important issue facing residents. The township board needs to “be at the table” with other area leaders in order to have influence and input in decisions being made that affect our community in this regard. Building and maintaining relations/partnerships with stakeholders are vital to our continued success. This includes public safety officials, Montgomery County leadership, commissioners, [Conroe] ISD, leaders to the north and south of The Woodlands, [Texas Department of Transportation], etc.
What experience do you feel makes you the best candidate for this position?
I have had the opportunity to take leadership roles in The Woodlands Area Chamber, Leadership Montgomery County, Economic Development Partnership, Preserve The Woodlands Advisory Board, precinct chair, Lone Star College Police Academy Advisory Council, Conroe ISD Site Base Committee, etc. I have built up a deep understanding of their importance to our community along with long-standing relationships, both being crucial to The Woodlands staying the No. 1 community to live in the U.S.
What do you believe the next chapter in the township's history should consist of?
The next chapter in the township’s history should be to maintain and preserve George Mitchell’s vision of a complete community where our residents can “live, work, play and learn.” We need to remain vigilant to his vision. We need to remain unincorporated as our community soundly defeated [incorporation] by a 70[%]-30[%] vote.
What would your priorities be in the township’s annual budget process?
I would look at fully funding all aspects of public safety to keep our community safe, including the sheriff and constable offices, our firefighters, and, of course, our iconic Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol. Also we need to understand our large ‘reserve’ that has accumulated over the past several years that was earmarked for incorporation. We must find the efficient and legal use of these dollars that remains in line with taxpayers' priorities.
Jason J. Nelson (incumbent)
Occupation: Methodist minister
Relevant experience: current township board director, Position 2 (2020-present); member of the audit committee, parks and recreation advisory council, and the law enforcement advisory council; vice president of finance for the South County 4th of July Committee (2022); leadership coach, author and speaker; holds [bachelor's, master of art, master of education, master of divinity and doctor of divinity] degrees
www.facebook.com/jasonjnelson2
What is the most important issue facing residents of The Woodlands Township?
Inflation. The cost of living has increased substantially, which is immediately impacting our residents, both positively and negatively. The median home value has gone from $346,000 to $550,000 in the last decade. Despite the resultant rise in appraisal value, the township is the only taxing entity in Montgomery County taking less money from owners now than in 2012.
What experience do you feel makes you the best candidate for this position?
My experience as a sitting board member. The results of the past two years speak for themselves. Niche.com has named The Woodlands the “Best Place in America to Live” for the past two years. We navigated a global pandemic without federal funding, without raising property taxes, and without reducing service levels or amenities. The recent residential survey validates our success with 94% of respondents being satisfied or very satisfied with the township's performance.
What do you believe the next chapter in the township's history should consist of?
Getting named “The Best Place in America” was a true accomplishment, but we cannot rest on our laurels. The board needs to be cognizant of the need to continually improve and innovate. To that end, the board will be making significant investments (without the need for new bond debt) in both the fire department and in our parks and recreation system to keep us at the top of the leaderboard.
What would your priorities be in the township’s annual budget process?
I am very proud that the township was recognized for excellence in budgeting and financial reporting (ranked in top 2% in the country) and has an AA+ bond rating. Our budget workshop is completely thorough and very transparent. Moreover, our process embraces and employs a very conservative approach to maintaining our excellent services and begins at, or below, the no-new-revenue property tax rate—two things we must continue to prioritize.
