Shelley Sekula-Gibbs and Tricia Danto are competing for the Position 5 seat. Get to know these candidates below.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 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.
Shelley Sekula-Gibbs
Experience:
currently serving second term on The Woodlands Township board of directors; Houston City Council; U.S. House of Representatives
Occupation:
board-certified dermatologist, retired
Candidate Website:
https://www.drshelley4township.com
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands in the next two years and beyond?
Maintaining a low property tax rate and preserving George Mitchell’s vision of a hometown in a natural forest, where generations live, work, worship, learn and play, [which is] jeopardized by cut-through traffic, trees lost from development and nature, and increasing crime from an open Southern border.
What areas and amenities in the township should be focused on for growth over the next several years?
The Woodlands was recognized as the best place to live in America. Enhancing sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts, and aquatic facilities; building a performing arts center; and expanding our convention center are vital to supporting favorable sales and hotel taxes, maintaining property values, and meeting our residents’ expectations.
How should the township prioritize its budget over the next two years?
The township enjoys the highest credit rating awarded to a special-purpose district. The board should continue its current practice of monitoring five-year projections; covering the base budget; funding new projects with excess revenue and reserve funds; and setting the tax rate at the “no-new-revenue rate."
How do you feel your experience will benefit you on the board?
After serving two terms on The Woodlands Township board, on the Houston City Council and in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have the institutional knowledge and proven conservative record to continue to be the residents’ unwavering advocate on the board.
What governmental relationships should the township focus on in the next two years?
Township staff are experts in working with the numerous governmental agencies that manage important aspects of The Woodlands. For example, with resident input, we were able to persuade [the Texas Department of Transportation] to not widen Hwy. 242 to six lanes and to work with the township to enhance landscaping in the new medians.
Tricia Danto
Experience:
current president, Cochran's Crossing Village Association; chairman, Cochran's Crossing Residential Design Review Committee; former auditor, Deloitte; Master of Science in finance, Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting
Occupation:
volunteer
Candidate Website:
https://www.triciadanto.com
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands in the next two years and beyond?
I became a Woodlands resident in 1992, when there were few stores and restaurants and have watched it grow into what we enjoy today. Balancing revitalization while respecting George Mitchell’s vision is a significant challenge as we look to the future.
What areas and amenities in the township should be focused on for growth over the next several years?
Revitalization of our village centers is essential to our community. Residents complete their errands in the village centers, many of which are not fully leased and appear dated. Additionally, with more retirees and residents without children, we need to expand activities and events offered to these growing populations.
How should the township prioritize its budget over the next two years?
My top priority is safety. I want The Woodlands to be the safest community in America. Reaching this goal requires more police officers and increased neighborhood services to educate the public. We also need to fund the fire department so it may fully staff the rescue and hazmat trucks.
How do you feel your experience will benefit you on the board?
I work with the township and board, and I have extensive knowledge of the covenants as a current village association president and chairman of [a residential design review committee]. I understand complex budgets, having been a financial auditor. As a mom to young children, I offer a fresh perspective.
What governmental relationships should the township focus on in the next two years?
Based on 67% of residents voting against incorporation, the previous board was out of touch. The Woodlands should remain a township. The township board must restore its relationship with residents by proving they are responsive to residents’ concerns. Expanding the role of village associations will give residents a stronger voice.
