The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce held a candidate forum for the open position on The Woodlands Township's board of directors, Position 6, on Oct. 9 in partnership with Community Impact and Woodlands Online.

On the ballot

The four candidates for Position 6 are:
  • Adam Lamb
  • Allan Bounds
  • Philip Ikharebhore
  • Maria Holmes
Position 6 is the only contested race in the Nov. 4 election.

Positions 5 and 7, which also have terms ending this year, are currently occupied by incumbents Shelley Sekula-Gibbs and Cindy Heiser, respectively, who are seeking re-election. Ann Snyder is not seeking re-election to Position 6.

What they're saying


Candidates for Position 6 responded to several questions over the course of an hour. Following are excerpts from the forum.

Allan Bounds said he has lived in the township for 28 years, has served in the U.S. Navy and worked in the energy industry for 40 years.
  • "I would like to bring a little more focus into the financial aspects of our budget process," Bounds said.
Maria Holmes said her previous experience in community activities and service, including as president of The Woodlands Arts Council, translates to a desire to serve on the board.
  • "We’re going to have new challenges, and I'm focusing on the future," she said. "I hope to participate in planning all the new things that are going to be coming out way."
​​​​Philip Ikharebhore said he has lived in The Woodlands for almost 10 years and has a background in finance and accounting.
  • "I want to be able to get people together," he said. "My main skill set is networking, meeting people and bringing people together."
Adam Lamb said he moved to The Woodlands about eight years ago and has a business background.
  • "I’ve built everything by grit, and that’s the same intensity I'll bring to The Woodlands to solve problems and have tough conversations," he said.
In several rounds of questions, each candidate answered a unique question by the moderators. Below are several excerpts from those questions.

Bounds, in response to a question on the biggest challenge facing The Woodlands, said mobility was an issue.
  • “Transportation, mobility, congestion ... is a key problem," he said. " ... We have the leverage being the township board. I think there are definitely congestion points that can be fixed. ... From the standpoint of population growth, I’d like to get a handle on this."
Holmes, responding to a question about budgeting, discussed serving as president of a nonprofit.
  • "Developing a budget is ... another way you have to compromise," she said. "You have to compromise your goals and needs with the reality of how much money you have. ... We must always be mindful of the residents and businesses that contribute to that budget."
Ikharebhore, asked about strategies to attract business, discussed sustainability as one element.
  • “Sustainability ... is a key area. ... When we think about energy, we’re thinking about more sustainable energy and companies that support that," he said. " ... What does the next 50 years look like? ... I do believe that we could be a true leader in that area. ”
Lamb responded to a question about whether the township's covenant restrictions should be re-evaluated.
  • "We have to look at some things that say we're growing. ... I think ... the village centers need a little bit of a facelift. ... It’s a reflection of the community," he said. "I would like to work with a lot of those folks. ... How can we work together to make this place a little more beautiful?"
Final takeaways

Heiser, who is running unopposed, also shared remarks before the forum. Sekula-Gibbs was not able to attend, she said.


"We're looking at our 51st year as a township," Heiser said. "This board is important because we are planning for the future."

"Keeping The Woodland safe is another huge priority," she said. "Infrastructure, law enforcement, renewing some of the our village centers that are aging as well."

Early voting begins Oct. 20, and Election Day is Nov. 4.

For more information on voting locations, visit the Montgomery County and Harris County election pages.