The setup
Candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire from Community Impact. They 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.
Something to note
Ann Snyder previously held the seat but did not run for re-election. Cindy Heiser is running unopposed for Position 5 and Shelley Sekula-Gibbs is running unopposed for Position 7. Both are incumbents in the two-year seats.
Early voting begins Oct. 20, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
Adam Lamb
Experience:
Personally built and sold multiple companies; advisor to startups and public firms; large contract and and deal negotiator
Occupation:
Entrepreneur and business advisor
Candidate Website:
https://www.adamlambfortexas.com
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Public safety, fiscal transparency, and preserving The Woodlands' character. I’ll prioritize smart growth, strong infrastructure, and responsible budgeting while ensuring our families remain safe and our community remains vibrant and well-managed.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
I’ve spent 15 years building businesses and advising others—from small practices to public companies. My skills in strategy, negotiation, and operational leadership are what The Woodlands needs for smart, effective local governance.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for The Woodlands Township in the next two years, and how would you overcome it?
Balancing growth with community values. I’ll ensure resident voices guide decisions, invest in aging infrastructure, and preserve the quality of life that defines The Woodlands while preparing for future population and economic shifts.
What are your strategies to grow The Woodlands’ tax base?
Attract new businesses and support existing ones through smart economic development. Partner with local leaders to recruit companies, fill commercial vacancies, and reduce over-reliance on residential property taxes through diversified revenue.
What other neighboring governmental agencies would you like to see The Woodlands collaborate with, and why?
Montgomery and Harris Counties, EDP, Chamber of Commerce, and H-GAC. Collaboration is key for transportation, flood control, and economic development. Working together ensures smarter infrastructure, cost savings, and a stronger regional future.
Allan Bounds
Experience:
Retired energy executive
Occupation:
40 years energy business, 28-year resident; senior management positions; corporate planning, budgeting and financial analysis
Candidate Website:
https://www.voteallanbounds.com
Contact Information:
713-454-9384
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Public safety: Support our Sheriff and Fire Departments with the funds and resources necessary to provide protective coverage for the residents of our community.<br>Productively balance new project developments with our existing infrastructure to maintain and preserve The Woodlands quality of life.<br>Addressing and seeking solutions for transportation mobility issues
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
My experience includes evaluating capital intensive projects, global energy operations, Profit & Loss responsibility, personnel management, business development, enterprise risk management, pro forma analysis. Prior Township Ranger. Education BBA & MBA. I'm dedicated, reliable, service oriented and a proud veteran.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for The Woodlands Township in the next two years, and how would you overcome it?
Turning 50, this mature and growing community requires more focus on maintaining and upgrading our existing infrastructure while ensuring economic and lifestyle stability for residents of The Woodlands. Business recruitment and visitor attraction programs are ongoing and high priority activities. Balance both effectively, by prioritizing the true long-term benefits.
What are your strategies to grow The Woodlands’ tax base?
Approximately 70% of our present tax base is non-property tax revenues. The Woodlands attracts businesses and has a high retention rate. Those successful strategies should continue. Expanding the use of existing facilities to offer more events in combination with controlled development of new facilities will provide new tax revenues sources.
What other neighboring governmental agencies would you like to see The Woodlands collaborate with, and why?
The Township Board actively collaborates with surrounding communities and various intergovernmental agencies. I will also participate in those meetings and committees. Particularly, with Montgomery & Harris Counties, TxDot and the Woodlands Water Agency. Specifically, representing resident's input in the areas of public safety, transportation & mobility, water resources and drainage.
Philip Ikharebhore
Experience:
I possess extensive experience in leadership, financial management, problem solving, process improvement, budgeting, relationship building, collaboration, networking among others
Occupation:
accountant
Candidate Website:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time
Contact Information:
281- 651-8375
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My top priority is protecting what makes The Woodlands special: our green spaces, our safety, and our strong sense of community. I will work to keep taxes low and spending accountable, while ensuring that we invest wisely in public safety, mobility solutions, and the amenities that make The Woodlands one ...
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
I bring both professional expertise and deep community involvement. My background in [insert: finance, business, law, planning, etc.] has trained me to analyze complex issues with a focus on results and accountability. Just as importantly, I’ve spent years as an engaged resident, listening to neighbors and working to improve our ...
What do you see as the greatest challenge for The Woodlands Township in the next<br>two years, and how would you overcome it?
The greatest challenge we face is growth pressure—traffic congestion, development, and aging infrastructure—without losing the small-town feel and natural beauty that make The Woodlands unique. My approach will be proactive: plan mobility solutions in coordination with county partners, prioritize infrastructure maintenance in the Township budget, and insist on development that ...
What are your strategies to grow The Woodlands’ tax base?
The best way to grow our tax base is to keep The Woodlands attractive to both residents and businesses. That means protecting quality of life, supporting our thriving medical, corporate, and hospitality sectors, and encouraging entrepreneurship. When families and businesses choose The Woodlands, our tax base grows without raising rates ...
What other neighboring governmental agencies would you like to see The<br>Woodlands collaborate with, and why?
Partnership is key to solving regional issues like traffic, flooding, and public safety. I would like to see stronger collaboration with Montgomery and Harris Counties, as well as regional mobility and flood-control districts. I also believe close collaboration with our school districts is vital—great schools are the backbone of our ...
Maria Holmes
Experience:
Past president, Woodlands Arts Council, Woodlands Republican Women, NAMI Board of Directors, Executive Women’s Alliance
Occupation:
Higher education, former associate dean, Honors College, Sam Houston State University
Candidate Website:
https://www.mariafortownship.com
Contact Information:
936-662-7860
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My top priorities are enhancing public safety, improving traffic mobility, addressing aging<br>infrastructure, growing the tax base, while keeping taxes low, and maintaining amenities and<br>the beauty of our environment. I will strike a balance between economic expansion, fiscal<br>responsibility, and community values.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
With 10 years as a leader of boards and nonprofits, I bring a blend of strategic vision,<br>organizational expertise, and community service. With a collaborative spirit and a servant<br>heart, I focus on listening, collaborating, and creating solutions that ensure our hometown stays<br>a place of safety, opportunity, and belonging.<br>
What do you see as the greatest challenge for The Woodlands Township in the next<br>two years, and how would you overcome it?
First, addressing the impact of the growing Montgomery County population on mobility and<br>traffic flow. Second, reducing crime coming from Harris County. Third, effective investing in<br>redevelopment of aging infrastructure. My approach is rooted in visionary innovation, strategic<br>community partnerships and emphasizes fiscal discipline, economic resilience, and quality of<br>life.
What are your strategies to grow The Woodlands’ tax base?
Attract businesses that generate sales tax, property tax, and hotel occupancy tax—without<br>overburdening infrastructure. Increase tourism and hospitality revenue by developing a<br>Performing Arts Center. Expand Economic Development Partnerships to attract corporate<br>relocations, especially in life sciences, energy, and technology sectors. Balance economic<br>growth, community values, and fiscal responsibility.
What other neighboring governmental agencies would you like to see The<br>Woodlands collaborate with, and why?
Coordinate with Montgomery County, Shenandoah, Oak Ridge North, TxDot, Woodlands Road<br>Utility District, and H-GAC to work on mobility and infrastructure projects across boundaries.<br>Continue the partnership with San Jacinto River Authority, MUDs, and Woodlands Water<br>Agency to enhance flood mitigation and resiliency. Build strong relationships with state<br>government officials.
