Early voting starts Feb. 20, with the last day to register to vote Feb. 5.
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.
An asterisk designates the incumbent.
James Noack*
Experience:
17 years financial industry
Occupation:
Commissioner
Candidate Website:
https://www.jamesnoack.com
Contact Information:
281-382-8828
What are your core priorities if elected?
My focus remains as it has since my election: Improve mobility and safety on our roadways, engage with stakeholders to improve our precinct, lead the county in storm preparedness/response, work with law enforcement to keep us safe, and do this to protect and improve our quality of life.
What is the biggest issue you feel Precinct 3 is facing in the next four years?
Over the next four years it is crucial that we protect our quality of life. As we grow this is a serious issue. Having a knowledgeable team in a place that understands mobility, drainage, public safety, our community, county finances and how to get this done is paramount to success.
How will you work with The Woodlands Township, the city of Shenandoah and other state and local entities to ensure community needs are met?
My office has excellent relations with The Woodlands Township and Oak Ridge North, and we routinely partner on projects and events to enhance our community. Furthermore, we work beyond our precinct lines and foster relationships with all stakeholders to ensure that our precinct and county are always improving.
How will you address development in south Montgomery County outside of The Woodlands?
I have by investing $80 million in roads east of I-45. My team is the best in the county; they not only understand development standards and subdivision rules and regulations, they help write them. We analyze future plats and balance the needs and wants of both the community and developers.
What budget or fiscal priorities should the county be focused on in the next four years?
I have led the effort to lower the tax rate and focus spending on core needs. I have lowered the tax rate 24% while continuing to fund law enforcement and improve our mobility. My background in finance has also saved the taxpayer over $42 million by better managing our debt.
Ritch Wheeler
Experience:
Mayor (three terms, six years); Planning & Zoning Commission (three years); president, Municipal Development District (four years)
Occupation:
President and founder of Eagle Training Academy
Candidate Website:
https://www.wheelerfortexas.com
Contact Information:
214-695-2567
What are your core priorities if elected?
I will champion our community's conservative values, collaborate with residents to prioritize projects, steer resources into vital infrastructure projects, and work with the sheriff and the constable to keep our community safe.
What is the biggest issue you feel Precinct 3 is facing in the next four years?
Growth. We have to get ahead of traffic, crime and flooding. We are one of the fastest growing counties in the country, and we are right next to the fourth largest city in the country. Reacting to a problem means the damage is already done. We have to be better.
How will you work with The Woodlands Township, the city of Shenandoah and other state and local entities to ensure community needs are met?
Having been the mayor of Shenandoah for six years, I have an excellent relationship with Shenandoah, Oak Ridge North, The Woodlands Township and all the other local jurisdictions. I understand what they go through on a day-to-day basis, and I look forward to giving them county support.
How will you address development in south Montgomery County outside of The Woodlands?
The same way I will inside the Woodlands—with resident feedback. We need more town halls and more collaboration with the residents to make sure we are truly representing what their interests are.
What budget or fiscal priorities should the county be focused on in the next four years?
Public safety; traffic and congestion; and flood mitigation are the top three, but they are definitely not the only three. We need to fund these areas where they need it and cut wasteful spending from areas that are costing taxpayers money.
