Q&A: Meet the candidates running for The Woodlands Township board of directors, Position 1

What priorities will you have if elected?

Public safety: give law enforcement the resources necessary to keep our residents, businesses and visitors safe; Enhanced amenities: ensure the high-quality standards of amenities across The Woodlands are not only maintained, but improved on; Economic development: recruit new businesses and corporate headquarters to our community.

What are the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands Township in the next two years?

The biggest threat to The Woodlands is rapid growth around our community. This brings mobility issues, a higher likelihood of crime and stress on our community services and natural resources.

What amenities would you focus on improving or including in the next two years?

The Woodlands is turning 50 this year, and many of our amenities (e.g. village centers, parks) are showing their age. It is important to invest in the upkeep of our current amenities while also planning for what our residents may want in the future (e.g. performing arts center).

How will you create additional opportunities for growing the township’s tax base in the next two years?

As chairman of Visit The Woodlands, I’ve helped grow our hotel occupancy tax collections by over 10% in the last two years. I led the effort to pass House Bill 5311, which allows the Township to keep our share of the mixed beverage tax revenue—estimated to be $1.5 million.

How will you work with county and state government to advance township initiatives?

My approach has always been to bring people together to solve problems and improve our community. For example, last year the board worked closely with state Representative Steve Toth and state Senator Brandon Creighton to ensure passage of HB 5311, which allows The Woodlands to keep our mixed beverage taxes.

What priorities will you have if elected?

Responsibly improve local infrastructure. Enhance public safety. Strengthen community engagement.

What are the biggest challenges facing The Woodlands Township in the next two years?

Mobility issues: traffic congestion on major roads, speeding in residential neighborhoods and lack of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Increased migration from Harris County: places a burden on taxpayers, school systems, infrastructure and adds to challenge number one (mobility issues).

What amenities would you focus on improving or including in the next two years?

I will responsibly improve our local infrastructure by ensuring that our roads, public spaces, schools and facilities are well maintained and upgraded.

How will you create additional opportunities for growing the township’s tax base in the next two years?

Invest in technology and innovation to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs, optimize asset management and enhance commercial and retail development.

How will you work with county and state government to advance township initiatives?

I will work in a manner that is both transparent and data driven. I will regularly share progress reports towards objects and make all data available so that we can be held accountable.