Cindy Heiser, Tom Chumbley and Ann Perry are competing for the Position 7 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.
Editor's note: Two candidates named Tom Chumbley are each seeking a seat on The Woodlands Township board.
Cindy Heiser
Experience:
corporate sales; project management; school bond committee member; 2023 Leadership Montgomery County graduate; executive board, The Woodlands Art Council; executive board/secretary 2023 The Rotary Club of The Woodlands; vice president, programs, The Woodlands Republican Women
Occupation:
small-business/franchise owner, The Flying Locksmiths of North Houston, Austin
Candidate Website:
https://www.cindyheiser.com
Contact Information:
832-322-8698
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands in the next two years and beyond?
Rapid expansive growth all around us is the biggest issue we are facing, and collaborating with our area partners will be key. I have a forward-thinking vision that will focus on public safety, mobility and amenities. As our community turns 50 next year, infrastructure investment will be needed.
What areas and amenities in the township should be focused on for growth over the next several years?
Our township is focused on rebuilding fire department facilities, reforesting the community and upgrading our aging public parks in 2024. Along with these investments, we should consider community public transportation options, refurbishing our village centers and building a performing arts center to accommodate residents, businesses and tourists.
How should the township prioritize its budget over the next two years?
Public safety needs should always be the top budgeting priority and we have underinvested in past years compared to our growth. Sports fields, a performing arts center and transportation must be evaluated for cost benefit to bring more tax revenue to our community and reduce our residents’ tax burden.
How do you feel your experience will benefit you on the board?
My collaborative, fiscally responsible and action-oriented leadership style will help us to work well together as a board. My prior experience in the corporate, local business, educational and charitable segments of The Woodlands has helped me to understand the needs of the community and stakeholders required to find solutions.
What governmental relationships should the township focus on in the next two years?
For areas outside the township board’s direct responsibility, such as county and state roads, regional water/sewer management, education, police, and courts, we rely on collaborative engagement to achieve our objectives. I’ve reached out to state legislators, county leaders and regional governmental agencies to build relationships to work for residents.
Tom Chumbley
Experience:
2 Village Associations, The Woodlands L.E. Advisory Council, defeating 242 widening, against incorporation champion, regular feeding of homeless
Occupation:
entrepreneur and community activist
Candidate Website:
https://ccvreptom.wixsite.com/tomatthewoodlands/meet-tom
Contact Information:
803-292-9663
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands in the next two years and beyond?
1.Trust—something off—out of balance (not a republic nor a democracy), DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] initiatives culture not representing the majority of the populace in hiring practices<br>2. Leadership—at risk of oversimplifying, leadership is: relationship and tasks, influence and communication, direction and strategy, alignment and followership, organization and situation. For starters we …
What areas and amenities in the township should be focused on for growth over the next several years?
1. The ones that will bring the greatest [return on investment] in future reduced taxes;<br>2. The ones that will bring the greatest quality of life
How should the township prioritize its budget over the next two years?
1. economic development projects that give the greatest ROI for taxpayers<br>2. projects that significantly increase quality-of-life like AI traffic system increasing transportation efficiency <br>3. reduce costs by not duplicating any funds that is already paid by the county to any entity (with exception only of certain law enforcement activities specified in current contracts) …
How do you feel your experience will benefit you on the board?
My experience will benefit the community through my extensive understanding of governance development and can prevent us from making errors. My experience will help ensure that all of the strategic plan is being attended to. It will mean that issues will be raised which are not just emanating from elites …
What governmental relationships should the township focus on in the next two years?
My strategic plan calls for proactive intentionality with all stakeholder organizations. If I have to specify the single most important one it is with the state government. Most of the issues that affect us now and we can't control are because they are area issues and we need a centralized …
Ann Perry
Experience:
community advocate for 33 years
Occupation:
retired executive recruiter
Candidate Website:
https://www.annperry4township.com
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands in the next two years and beyond?
Keeping our community vibrant and our taxes low, while retaining our hometown feel as we reach residential build-out and begin the redevelopment of the older villages within The Woodlands
What areas and amenities in the township should be focused on for growth over the next several years?
Even though The Woodlands boasts one of the best parks and recreation departments for a community of its size in the country, there are still strong resident demands for additional sports fields, tennis/pickleball courts and aquatic facilities. Also, with a number of high-density residential facilities being planned and constructed in ...
How should the township prioritize its budget over the next two years?
The township should continue its current practice of setting a target tax rate, agree to the base budget and five-year projection. Then allocate any excess funds for additional projects, personnel and ancillary needs. This process has allowed the township to thrive while keeping property taxes at historic lows.
How do you feel your experience will benefit you on the board?
As a 33-year resident of The Woodlands, I have seen it grow from very humble beginnings into the powerhouse community it has become. I understand what residents expect when they decide to live in The Woodlands and the business acumen to make sure that we govern in a responsible ...
What governmental relationships should the township focus on in the next two years?
I believe that the professional staff of the township do an outstanding job working with the myriad of governmental units that have a major impact upon delivering services to our residents and business owners. The complexities of the relationship cannot be overstated, two counties, four county commissioners, five law enforcement ...
