Four candidates will face off for two director positions on the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District board of directors with James Ridgway and John Yoars challenging incumbents Ken Earnest and Larry Rogers for the Position 3 and Position 7 seats, respectively. The Position 3 seat represents voters of Montgomery County Precinct 3, while the Position 7 seat represents voters of The Woodlands Township. All candidates for Lone Star Groundwater's board of directors can be found on its election website.
Rogers has served on the board since 2018, while Earnest was sworn in on July 12 as a replacement for Harry Hardman, who was elected to Conroe City Council and vacated his position. The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District was created by Texas to regulate the groundwater resources of Montgomery County, and it has the authority to develop, promote and implement water conservation, augmentation and management strategies in the region.
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. Montgomery County Elections will oversee the Nov. 8 election for Lone Star Groundwater. For more information on voting in Montgomery County, visit its elections website.
James Ridgway
Experience:
As a born-and-raised-in-the-area local, I've got roots here that have been growing one year short of four decades. Former journalist who covered Montgomery County with The Courier, later managing editor of Woodlands Villager (2010-15). From 2015-2018, I was the Education/Public Awareness Coordinator with the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District. From 2018-2022, served as an elected director on the Rayford Road MUD.
Occupation:
Corporate Communications
Candidate Website:
https://www.SIREN2022.com
Contact Information:
N/A
Why are you running for a seat on the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors?
I’m just a guy who happens to know a fair amount about groundwater and lives in Precinct 3. I’m not wrapped up in any of the local political scuffles we Montgomery Countians are so good at stirring up. I’m on no one’s side—other than those that I will represent. Even then, we won’t all agree on everything. But I’m also someone that knows how to listen and communicate and bring people to the table.
What are the biggest challenges facing groundwater and water users in LSGCD’s service area, and how would you address those if elected?
Trust, surprisingly, seems to be one of the biggest challenges. No one likes high water bills, but I’ve heard too many leaders throughout the area—whether intentionally or out of ignorance—making outrageous claims suggestive of some kind of Illuminati-esque water cabal at work in our municipalities (if only things were that exciting). If elected, you won’t find me on that bandwagon. I’ll shoot straight, even if you don’t like what I have to share.
How would you represent your specific voting constituents’ interests as an elected board member?
We, throughout Montgomery County, have to work together better. I don’t care if that sounds hokey (or naïve)—we just have to do it. There are multiple, water-related lawsuits that’ve been going on for years now and the cost of this litigation has itself further driven up the cost of water. Instead of all that time and money going to lawyers, imagine what we could’ve accomplished as a unified front. I’ll always argue for unity.
What direction, if any, would you like to see the LSGCD take with regards to matters of subsidence?
Subsidence is a serious concern—which requires an equally serious focus from LSGCD leadership. I want more measuring equipment installed, especially for the Rayford area. While The Woodlands has one near Bear Branch Park, I think one near the Village of Grogan’s Mill would be a solid resource too. Until we can more precisely state how much groundwater we can use without causing subsidence, I think LSGCD policy should set a conservative groundwater speed limit.
What actions would you take to educate the public about LSGCD’s mission and to ensure transparency about district operations?
I have—and will continue to be (win or lose)—an advocate for the responsible use of our natural resources. If elected, I would gladly substantiate this position with any Precinct 3 groups that’d have me, as well as any other groups outside my constituency. I would also use such engagements to listen and learn from others. As for transparency, my actions will always support open government and oppose any bureaucratic maneuvering that attempts otherwise.
Kenneth Earnest (Incumbent)
Experience:
Hydrogeologist
Occupation:
I have a BS in Geology and over 30 years of experience in hydrogeology
Contact Information:
281-435-6658
Why are you running for a seat on the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors?
I can use my 30 years of experience in hydrogeology to serve Montgomery County. I have been both a small business owner and an executive at a large national firm. I bring both the technical expertise and financial experience to the Board.
What are the biggest challenges facing groundwater and water users in LSGCD’s service area, and how would you address those if elected?
The biggest challenge is collecting hydrogeology data in Montgomery County, which is very expensive to obtain. Also, there are competing interests within Montgomery County and all parties need to collaborate and make decisions based on data that comply with chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code
How would you represent your specific voting constituents’ interests as an elected board member?
I will listen, be transparent and accountable. I will regularly meet with constituents at public forums or meetings to discuss and explain current and future challenges related to groundwater in Montgomery County. This is an evolving issue and communication is key.
What direction, if any, would you like to see the LSGCD take with regards to matters of subsidence?
We need better measurement methods to determine the actual properties of the Jasper aquifer in Montgomery County and base decisions on that data. The measuring methods are extremely expensive, and we will need all stakeholders to be willing to participate in the acquisition of the data.
What actions would you take to educate the public about LSGCD’s mission and to ensure transparency about district operations?
I would meet with all interested parties to educate them about the various approaches that LSGCD has suggested as possible actions and scenarios. Additionally, as I mentioned above, communication is key and all stakeholders need to communicate collaboratively.
John Yoars
Experience:
I have managed large diverse organizations in industry and served in senior positions at several chambers of commerce, industry groups, and community focus groups. Since retiring, I have served as a Director of the Groganu2019s Mill Village Association. I am in my second term as a MUD 36 Director serving Grogan's Mill. I closely follow the activities of the LSGCD and management of the Montgomery County aquifers. I have spoken frequently at their monthly meetings.
Occupation:
Chemical Engineer and Consultant
Candidate Website:
https://www.SIREN2022.com
Contact Information:
281-363-8551
Why are you running for a seat on the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors?
Montgomery County has a large projected population growth in its future. I want to see that there are sufficient water resources to meet those needs. Groundwater cannot fulfill it alone so we need a groundwater -surface water strategy. I want to help develop the groundwater management plan that will support the recently adopted Defined Future Conditions permitted by the Texas Water development Board.
What are the biggest challenges facing groundwater and water users in LSGCD’s service area, and how would you address those if elected?
The aquifers under Montgomery County recharge very slowly. When a large well is permitted it draws down the water table in that well’s cone of influence. Because of the makeup of the soils the void created collapses and the earth’s surface shrinks. This subsidence caused drainage problems and increases the risk of flooding. The permitting large wells has to be better managed by LSGCD to avoid damage to homeowners’ property rights.
How would you represent your specific voting constituents’ interests as an elected board member?
Lone Star must represent the private property rights of all Montgomery County residents and protect the residents’ homes from risk of damage due to a lowering of the water table under their homes. I want their voices heard in managing the aquifer and not just the large groundwater users wanting to pump water for profit. Vote for John Yoars to protect your home from unnecessary subsidence.
What direction, if any, would you like to see the LSGCD take with regards to matters of subsidence?
The relationship of lowering the water table and that action resulting in subsidence is well documented. Every subsidence measuring device in Montgomery County shows a loss in ground level that reflects the impact of a falling water level in nearby wells. LSGCD needs to be transparent about this relationship and let the residents know what will happen in enacting the LSGCD groundwater management plan.
What actions would you take to educate the public about LSGCD’s mission and to ensure transparency about district operations?
I want the LSGCD to communicate what results will occur when each large volume well is permitted to those who live near that well. LSGCD has data showing what subsidence their plans will cause and this needs to be published. Transparency is something I value highly and I will work to make that happen on these serious decisions. Vote for John Yoars to represent you on the LSGCD Board.
Larry Rogers (Incumbent)
Experience:
Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District, Director 2018-Present, 2022 Secretary. Montgomery County Republican Party, Pct. 75 Chairman, 2016-Present. Montgomery Tea Party PAC, Co-founder 2012-Present, Board Chairman, Vetting Committee. Texas Patriots PAC Tea Party, Co-founder, Board Chairman, Vetting Committee 2008-2012. City of Oak Ridge North, Chairman Long Range Planning Committee 1984-1987, City Council 1985-1991. Woodlands South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Roads & Transportation Committee 1992-1993, Board of Directors 1993-1996. Toastmaster International, President & Charter Member 1978-1980.
Occupation:
Retired
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/larryrogers4lsgcd
Why are you running for a seat on the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors?
I was elected to LSGCD [board of directors] in 2018 and have served on three committees and want to continue to finish the projects in progress in the best interest for the citizens of Montgomery County.
What are the biggest challenges facing groundwater and water users in LSGCD’s service area, and how would you address those if elected?
It is LSGCD's responsibility to regulate the groundwater resources and serve the public interest of developing, promoting and implementing water conservation, augmentation and management strategies to both conserve and utilize groundwater resources for the benefit of citizens, economy and environment of Montgomery County.
How would you represent your specific voting constituents’ interests as an elected board member?
I will stand for: practical water conservation, transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility.
What direction, if any, would you like to see the LSGCD take with regards to matters of subsidence?
LSGCD started in 2020 a three phase subsidence study. We have just completed phase 2 and will continue with phase 3 so we can have all the science needed to make the best decisions for the citizens of Montgomery County on subsidence.
What actions would you take to educate the public about LSGCD’s mission and to ensure transparency about district operations?
We currently have our monthly board of director meetings open to the public and also online. We also hold meetings with our stakeholders and citizens as needed.
