Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 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.
Steve Lawrence
Occupation: U.S Air Force veteran, commercial 747 captain, retired
Relevant experience: environmental biology, resource management, project management, research, courseware development, international business development, classroom instruction, personal instruction
832-763-7477
https://twtownship.com
What is the most important issue facing residents?
With inflation and housing appraisals soaring, the task of maintaining the township’s current lofty standards for amenities and services while maintaining resident approval (94% in the latest resident survey) without additional property taxes will be a significant challenge, but it is not insurmountable. We need to intentionally attract sales and hotel taxes as well as adjust program fees to keep property taxes low.
What experience do you feel makes you the best candidate?
As a successful aircraft commander and commercial pilot, attention to detail, analytical skills and leadership were vital attributes. These same skills are also important in making sound, well-reasoned decisions that will impact our community. It also helps that I have lived in this community for more than 22 years and I understand the expectations of the people who choose to live in The Woodlands.
What will be the next chapter in the township’s history?
With residential build-out nearly complete, the next chapter will be the selective redevelopment in older neighborhoods and continued investment in amenities and attractions that will entice conferences, visitors and events to choose The Woodlands. This will allow the board to continue to minimize the amount of property tax revenue needed to support the township budget. To stay number one, an expanded convention center and more full-service hotel rooms need to be a priority.
What would your priorities be in the township’s annual budget process?
The existing conservative budgeting processes have served the township and its residents very well over the past decade. Low debt and strong reserves for known capital expenditures have resulted in a AA2 bond rating, the highest rating of any special purpose district in Texas. I certainly would continue the Board’s policy to start their yearly budgeting at the no-new-revenue tax rate. As the saying goes, if it’s not broke, don’t try to fix it.
Kyle Watson
Occupation: attorney and managing partner Winstead, The Woodlands
Relevant experience: successful professional, problem solver and lifelong resident; live, work and play in The Woodlands. Family man and proud father; Christ follower.
www.kylewatsonforthewoodlands.com
What is the most important issue facing residents?
Growth in and around our community is one of the biggest challenges we will face in the next five years, and probably longer than that.
What experience do you feel makes you the best candidate?
My background of listening, gathering information, identifying issues and solving problems. I have grown up in Montgomery County and am intimately familiar with our community. Also, my professional training as a lawyer helps me to mitigate risk and work toward consensus solutions.
What will be the next chapter in the township’s history?
Preserving our great community by restoring relationships and listening to residents to ensure we remain the No. 1 place in America to live, work and play.
What would your priorities be in the township’s annual budget process?
We must remain fiscally conservative and maintain proper reserves to keep our credit rating high and prepare for unforeseeable events but should not overtax the residents to bankroll unapproved plans or projects as has occurred previously. The township’s current model has led to The Woodlands being one of the most desirable places to live and work in the entire country. Our township system is extremely unique and allows us to keep taxes low while also staying focused on important priorities like public safety.
