Around Grogan's Mill | The Woodlands Township Election

Village of Grogan's Mill - The Woodlands, Texas

The Woodlands Township Election

There will be an election on May 10.

Voting on May 10 will be at these polling locations.

Candidates:
1. Jeff Long
2. Ted Stanley
3. Tom Campbell
4. Kenny Speight
5. Bruce Tough
6. George Van Horn
7. Karen Booren
8. Renata Tyree
9. Nelda Luce Blair
10. Bev Earl
11. Joe Merrill
12. Peggy S. Hausman
13. Paul Martin
14. Claude Hunter

The Woodlands Township Web site.

Randy Scott, of The Woodlands Commentary has taken the time to interview the candidates for the Township Election. Please see the information he has gathered on his Web site.

The GMVA has asked each candidate the following questions.

What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
What role do you see the village associations as having in the future? What level of financial support are you willing to commit to insure the continued viability of the Village Associations? If elected, do you plan on attending Village Association meetings and supporting the involvement of Village Association representation to The Township Board?
Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?

Answers

Nelda Blair
- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
The ability to encourage unity would be my most important quality. I was raised in Montgomery County, and I have loved living in The Woodlands for almost 20 years. With our incredible growth, we need a sense of unification among all of our residents, and I believe I can give leadership and encouragement toward that. Also, my educational background/business experience as a triple Board Certified real estate lawyer, with degrees in the financial area, and in "people" (Sociology). My clients have included numerous homeowner associations, families and businesses, and my Mediator training helps me resolve issues. My practical experience/long-standing affiliations include dozens of community organizations, charities and neighborhood groups. I serve as the current Chairman of The Woodlands Township, and helped lead the Transition Team to a final agreement. I have held leadership positions from Resident Association Christmas Party Host to Chamber Chairman, and have volunteered with groups from Girl Scouts to the Dog Park Club, from local elementary schools to the University of Houston, from Interfaith to the Pavilion. Please take a look at my complete Resume' and Community Involvements on my web site at www.neldablair.com.

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
Our foremost issue is our future governance. With last November's propositions, we as residents clearly expressed our desire for a unified government, protected from annexation. As we transition from our community homeowner associations to community-wide elected government, and on to becoming a city if we so choose, I will be out front encouraging teamwork, dedication and cooperation. The huge population growth in our area raises more than 3 important issues, but at the heart of the matter is this goal: Continuing to prosper as a community, while preserving and enhancing the quality of life we all enjoy. That means dealing with issues such as public safety and crime, and traffic, roads and construction. I will lead the way to develop more efficient ways to deal with these ever-growing problems, and also maintain our partnerships with other entities in the region.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
The Woodlands Township just expanded its borders in November 2007, and over 85% of the voters expressed a desire to have one government, and (for the first time ever in the history of The Woodlands) to have a governing board elected at-large by all residents. While there will be many interests to consider, I trust that a board consisting of residents from all areas of The Woodlands Township, working together, will overcome any fears of bias and oversight.

- What role do you see the village associations as having in the future? What level of financial support are you willing to commit to insure the continued viability of the Village Associations? If elected, do you plan on attending Village Association meetings and supporting the involvement of Village Association representation to The Township Board?
I firmly believe that the Village Associations are an essential level of leadership with our new form of government. Our community is shifting to one main governing entity. The Village Associations are the bridge connecting the Township Board to the residents as a whole. The Township Board must ensure adequate resources for the Village Associations to function correctly. It is important for Township Board members to be aware of the Village Associations' actions, and vice versa. So, all community leaders should attend as many of those meetings as schedules allow, without attempting to micro-manage. If the residents decide in the future to have district representation on the Township Board, then candidate selection by village could be a logical alternative.

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
This decision is completely up to the resident voters. Beginning in 2014, The Woodlands Township may hold an election to incorporate as a city. That would change it from a special purpose district (which is a political subdivision of the State of Texas) called "The Woodlands Township" to a city (another form of political subdivision of the State of Texas). Whether or not we should incorporate is a decision we need to weigh over the next 6 years. Each political subdivision has different powers and authority, but each also has different responsibilities to its citizens. And, we must also consider financial impacts, funding sources (like taxes), and what best fits our community's lifestyle at that time. The best part is: We are now free to make those decisions for ourselves!

Karen Booren
- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
I've lived in The Woodlands for twenty years. I served as a Director on the WCA Board from 2000- 2008. During my tenure, I served as an executive officer and served on the Joint Budget, Law Enforcement, Communications and Legislative committees as well as serving as Vice President of the WSCS Board and the Fire Department Board. Prior to serving on the WCA board, I was president of the Panther Creek Village Association. In addition to teaching kindergarten at Lamar Elementary School the past twenty years, I have been very active in the community. As president of Panther Creek Village Association, I organized the biannual flea market. I have served on the South Montgomery County Fourth of July Committee and am currently the President of that organization. I also served six years on the Chamber of Commerce Mobility committee. I was named one of the 50 original Hometown Heroes of The Woodlands and have received the Humanitarian of the Year award and the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year award at Lamar Elementary School as well as the Teacher of the Year Award at Hailey Elementary School

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
Transition of Services, my experience on the WCA Board will be invaluable during this process. Resident Input and accessibility Covenant enforcement, law enforcement, and absence of ordinance authority

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
I have been an advocate of the residents for years. I would continue solicit input from the residents of The Woodlands to understand their concerns. I would seek equality first and then continue to improve services and amenities.

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
I attended many meetings of the Governance Committee and was a member of the original Governance group. I was present at all the community Governance forums, where I heard residents state they wanted incorporation so The Woodlands could have more authority such as ordinance making ability and have a recognized voice with all levels of government. I support the process that would allow the residents to make the decision of whether or not they wanted The Woodlands to be incorporated.

Tom Campbell
- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
I've lived in The Woodlands for 29 years. I've been an at-large board member of the WCA for five years and four years as a MUD board member. I am a current member of the WCSC/WFD where the board has a plan for the security and services of The Woodlands. These plans need to be seamlessly transfered to the Township. I participate in the Village Association, several Board committees and am first vice president of the WCA. You can read more at my Web site: www.TomCampbellforTownship.com

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
Establishing governance by, for and of the residents. Establishing the first budget and setting the appropriate property tax rate for 2010. Maintaining the superior security and services for the rsidents.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
This is the configuration we have and we need to make the best of it. I think that the Village Associations will help the representation of the residents to the board. I don't see why this causes a village to be overlooked. I have the experience, time dedication and background to assure that no resident is overlooked.

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
I support a program by The Woodlands Township to study incorporation and educate all residents on the changes required to evolve from a District to a City. In 2012, hold an election for the educated residents to express their desire in a vote on incorporation in 2014. If approved the board should begin the transition to incorporation in 2014 and phase out the District Board.

Bev Earl

- What are your qualifications?
I have lived and raised my family in the Woodlands for 18 years. Three of my children have returned here and one is married and is starting her family. I founded a business in The Woodlands and have operated it successfully for 11 years and I want to continue the legacy started by the volunteers who founded this community. I have served on many, if not the majority of nonprofit boards and organizations in The Township. I am also the current chairman of The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce and I understand the business and finance of complex organizations. I have proven my leadership abilities and understand the importance of listening, understanding, evaluating and educating myself to make the best decision possible. I will bring all of the skills I have learned about people and issues, and their resolution to this position. Raising four children is where my leadership and negotiation skills first began!!

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
I believe there are four important issues facing our community. Continued secured delivery of resident services, public safety, transportation and continued economic development. It is key to make sure that all services are not only continued but improved. We have to partner with the entire county to develop traffic and road solutions as well as deal with public safety and transportation issues.

I will work to continue the transition of services from the community associations to the Township in a seamless manner.
I will work to consolidate our law enforcement programs to be more effective.
I will work with the Chamber mobility team and others to continue to find effective and immediate solutions to transportation.
I will work to continue economic development and economic vitality through our Chamber, EDP and CVB.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands to be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
I do not see a bias developing towards any of the villages through an at large elected Board of Directors. I feel the current at large board makes every elected director accountable to all of his/her residents. Every Village in The Woodlands Township is a beautiful and unique place. I will work to make sure all interests are met.

- What role do you see the Village Associations as having in the future? What level of financial support are you willing to commit to insure the viability of the Village Associations? If elected, do you plan on attending Village Association meetings and supporting the involvement of Village Association representation to the Township Board?
I support the Village Associations’ role in the future and would support the continued financial support given by the Community Associations. Both organizations have a wealth of experience, expertise and talent. The trash gets picked up, the parks are impeccable, the fires are put out, the roadsides and greenbelts are maintained, the covenants are enforced, and plans are approved. It is this kind of teamwork and dedication that has made The Woodlands Township what it is today. It is essential that these services continue and improve. I am more than willing and look forward to attending Village Association meetings.

- Should The Woodlands Township incorporate or should we remain a Township? Why?
I believe we have to take a good hard look at incorporation and study it very carefully to make sure it is the right thing to do. There are pros and cons to the various options and we will have to weigh those to decide which way to go. The bottom line is that the residents are the ones who will decide. It is the job of the directors to fully analyze and study the possibilities and present them to the residents to make an informed decision. It is something we need to start studying right away as it will not and should not be an easy decision.

Peggy S. Hausman

- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
Moved to The Woodlands July 1981, The Woodlands Community Board of Directors, The Woodlands Fire Department, Town Center Improvement District, The Woodlands Community Service Corporation, Chairman of the Board 1997 till 2001 first elected resident, The Woodlands Community Association Chairman of the Board 1995 till 2001 Municipal Utilities District #40
Many more community involvement--please see her resume.

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
1. Law Enforcement – The Woodlands needs its own police and traffic departments, courts, and judges. One Stop
2. Community Services – Too many places to go for services and more “alphabet soup.” The Woodlands needs one-stop community services without duplication and with a cohesive infrastructure.
3. Quality of Life – It’s up to the residents to keep our “real hometown” alive and to maintain the quality of life that will benefit our children, grandchildren, and their families.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands to be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
We are now a township and no longer an economic development zone. The new board needs to look at all budgets and services and equalize them fairly throughout the community. We must strive to maintain quality standards and real estate values equitably in every corner and village of The Woodlands .

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
I think the residents spoke loud and clear that they want their independence from Houston. The transition needs to play out as it was drafted and in 2014 a vote needs to be given to the people on whether they want to incorporate or not. Residents need to elect at-large board members who will call for an election or referendum so that a government for the people and by the people can be formed according to the will of the people

Claude Hunter
- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
I have lived in The Woodlands since 1997 and in the Houston area since birth. As a full time elected volunteer and Vice President of The Woodlands Association, I participate in essentially all activities, boards and committees. Brief details are provided in my biographical sketch, which has been posted on the Community Association Website for many years as well as on my websites at: www.ClaudeHunter.com and www.ElectClaude.com. I have a near perfect attendance and participation record on all committees and boards that I am privileged to serve on. I was one of three elected leaders who initiated Joint meetings of our associations, which has resulted in many positive benefits including this opportunity to transition to fully elected self governance. A more complete list of activities includes attendance and participation in meetings of The Woodlands Association, joint meetings of the associations and committee meetings and attendance at essentially all meetings of WCA, TWA’s sister association. I routinely attend many village association meetings, Woodlands Municipal Utility District and Woodlands Joint Powers meetings and many others. I actively participate in most community public involvement events. As TWA’s representative, I participate in ribbon cuttings for new businesses in The Woodlands and many other meetings and functions of The South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. As a RDRC and later a Development Review Committee member I actively represented resident interests on essentially all bimonthly meetings for ten years and have attended many meetings of the Texas Legislature in support of legislation, specifically beneficial to The Woodlands, since 1999. I was a charter member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for more than ten years. I have worked with others to lower assessment rates every single year since 2000 when I first became a director and Vice President of TWA. These rate reductions were made in spite of the fact that contracts and costs for everything we do increased and we have continuously improved and added services and amenities.. Obtaining more or better services and amenities at less cost to the residents in assessments or taxes is my personal goal.

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
1. Seamless Governance Transition. As a Township Director, I will make certain we abide by the Transition Documents and agreements. Township Voters can help by voting for five candidates who have proven leadership by their active participation and positive votes on boards and committees that are parties to the transition.
2. Taxes and assessments - My record as an elected director and member of many boards and committees verifies that I consistently and successfully seek to provide more and better services and amenities and at the same time lower taxes or assessments. I am committed to lowering assessments an additional 16 percent next year as sales taxes replace assessments dollar for dollar, as we promised prior to the November election.
3. Primary issues defined in the last survey of residents - These include maintaining the present high level of satisfaction. That is why most residents come here and stay. I will continue effective and proven leadership in maintaining our covenants and standards, in improving traffic enforcement and public safety, and in improving communication between leaders and residents. I will continue my informational website at www.ClaudeHunter.com to provide an easy means for residents to obtain timely and useful information of interest to residents.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
The at-large system was adopted and approved by Township voters when they overwhelmingly validated legislation which allows us to to transition to a more efficient governance and to choose our own future governance. Enabling legislation specifies an at-large system that works to ensure that the will of the majority will prevail. I do not see bias as a valid concern. Any director who overlooks any village or other area of The Woodlands will answer at the ballot box. Every year after 2010, voters will choose to keep or discard either three or four of the seven directors. Democracy is good!

- What role do you see the village associations as having in the future? What level of financial support are you willing to commit to insure the continued viability of the Village Associations? If elected, do you plan on attending Village Association meetings and supporting the involvement of Village Association representation to The Township Board?
The role of the Village Associations should not be significantly affected. As a Director, I will rely much more on input from all villages than now. The statement below, titled “Village Associations”, answers most of this question. I pushed for it’s inclusion in our transition agreement. I will continue my support for a $10,000 donation to each village to help defray insurance and other costs. Starting in 2010, when the Community Associations of The Woodlands no longer have jurisdiction, Township meetings should include a brief report by an elected representative of each village at every regular meeting. I shall attend as many village association meetings and functions as possible. The following statement, quoted from the formal transition agreements, covers the position agreed to by the Community Associtons and the present Township Board:

"C. Village Associations The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Village Associations of The Woodlands have played an integral and significant role in providing for grass-roots resident input and representation related to the operation of the Associations and that the provisions of funding and services for the Village Associations, including the holding and administration of elections consistent with past practices, shall be continued by the Parties at substantially the same levels as currently provide by the Associations."

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
Residents of The Woodlands should make that decision at the ballot box. The role of Township Directors should be to support a deliberative community involvement process to study and evaluate merits and costs for governance options. It should include educational components to help residents to make an informed decision based on valid information. Residents need to know that existing laws and agreements do not allow us to incorporate or form some other governance until we fulfill all aspects of our unique agreements with Houston and Conroe in May 2014. As a director I support beginning a deliberative process after a fully elected Township board is in place. Preparations for forming our own permanent governance may involve significant acquisition of land, buildings, equipment - and money to pay for the substantial costs and preparations required to successfully incorporate or to form some new form of permanent governance.

Jeff Long

- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
I have served as the President for The Woodlands Community Association for the last two years, and have been elected by my fellow directors for a third year. I've worked on the Board of Directors of the WCA for the last four years, and have been re-elected for an additional two years.
Also, I've served as Chairman of the DSC and as a Board member for approximately 3 years. Prior to that, I sat as a member of the RDRC for Grogan's Mill.
Besides being a part of groups such as The Friendship Center (Board Member), the Montgomery County Transportation Task Force--that has advocated for the public transportation needs for all of Montgomery County--I've been involved in other activities like National Night Out, First Night, my local church, and Special Needs Ministries for the handicapped.
My career was as a Public Works Director in a large community in California, until we moved here over six years ago.

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?

One of the high priority items mentioned by the public in our surveys has been traffic. I plan to use my extensive experience in transportation planning to work with the County, HGAC, and State to improve traffic at every opportunity.
Secondly, I am concerned about the deterioration of some of our older neighborhoods. I've already initiated some action items with the staff in the past, and plan to include this issue on our upcoming yearly WCA retreat agenda. We must take a proactive approach to solving these problems now, rather than wait until they become unmanageable.
Thirdly, it is possible that taxes will become an issue for our residents as we transition into this next form of government, so I will endeavor to carefully manage our resources to the point that we are receiving the greatest value for our residents.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
Our Board is in the process of taking a proactive approach to ensure that the voices of each of the Village Associations are not overlooked, and these voices become a valuable asset to the new Board of Directors.

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
I strongly believe that the decision for incorporation must be left to the voters within The Woodlands, and I will vigorously advocate for an election process that will ensure the voice of the community is heard. My personal preference is to see The Woodlands ultimately have the benefits that a City could bring to our citizens. This belief is based on my years of serving municipalities and seeing the direct service that cities can deliver to their citizens.

Paul Martin

- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
I have lived in The Woodlands since 2000. I have been involved in the following: Special Olympics Big Brothers reading program for children Tax preparation assistance program for the elderly and needy Scholarship program for church Habitat for Humanity Food pantry Windsor Hills Homeowners Association for six years; President three years, Treasurer three years Woodlands Governance meetings and community forums Speaker for The Woodlands Decides-Speaker Bureau Have attended more Township (Formerly TCID) Board Meetings than any other Candidate except two sitting candidates in the last 15 months Involved in joint budget meetings of associations Retired CFO with direct responsibility in purchasing, Human Resources, Contract Negotiation and Finance throughout my career. Have attended several different village association meetings

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?

The seamless transition of services from associations to The Woodlands Township is important. I would support the best possible management team available to insure the success of this process. I will insure adherence to the transition agreement between The Associations and The Woodlands Township.
A second important issue is the meeting of homeowner and business needs. I support an over age 65 property tax exemption. I support the transfer of business property tax abatements from the Commercial Owners Association to The Woodlands Township. I also support the ongoing use of tax abatements to be compeitive in attracting new business. I would work toward establishing responsible budgets for ongoing business needs with excess sales tax revenue used to reduce property tax rates for the approximately $10 Billion assessed tax base. Approximately 2% of our tax base is assigned to property tax abatements.
A third important issue is in planning for 2014. We have approximately five years to make the proper decisions to insure our ability to become a city or some other form of government. I would explore physical asset needs (land, buildings and other facilities) necessary to make the decision by 2014 and the steps necessary between now and 2014.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
My view of at-large representation does not have to create any bias. The newer areas would obviously be getting the new pools,parks,fire stations etc. However, the older areas would be in line for renovations, remodels and replacements (i.e. new main fire station in Grogan's Mill). I would review the distribution of budgets to insure equity throughout The Woodlands Township.

- What role do you see the village associations as having in the future? What level of financial support are you willing to commit to insure the continued viability of the Village Associations? If elected, do you plan on attending Village Association meetings and supporting the involvement of Village Association representation to The Township Board?
The Village Associations are vital to the concept of "community". I support the continuation of the village associations and support the current level of funding as a minimum. If the responsibilities of the village associations should change I would support funding increases commensurate with increased responsibilities. If elected I plan to attend village association meetings on a regular basis. Staff liaison should be maintained and improved with all village associations. I believe the issue of village association representation should involve regular two way reports between The Township board and the Village boards once the WCA and TWA are dissolved.

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
Conceptually I believe The Woodlands Township should consider incorporation as a city as soon as possible after 2014. Many questions need to be addressed in the next few years.

What is the projected tax base of The Township (city)?
What is the ETJ of The Township (city)? Are we landlocked and have limited growth potential? How far can we expand to the West?
What is the projected cost of the infrastructure needed to provide all city services? These questions and others need to be answered so planning can begin soon on the option to become a city.

We can't wait until 2014 and then decide to become a city without doing our due diligence and planning now! I am prepared to work on the above with your help and support.

Kenny Speight

1. What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
My past service to this community started when my family and I moved here 21 years ago. I have served in the following capacities: CCVA (Cochran's Crossing Village Association) Area Rep, President, and At-Large Director to the Woodlands Community Association (WCA); served on the Woodlands Community Service Corporation (WCSC); President of The Woodlands Fire Department Board (WFDB). I was honored as a Hometown Hero in 2005. I have participated and served on the 4th of July Committee in the past. I served on the original Legislative Committee for the WCA. I most recently Co-Chaired the effort to pass the propositions that have allowed the residents to STOP possible annexation by Houston and has allowed the people of The Woodlands to control their own destiny and set up their own local government.

2. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
Making our transition from the HOA provided services to a new township provided services seamless and transparent. Making sure the residents still enjoy the services and amenities we all moved or relocated to this community for. Make sure that we continue to maintain the protection of our neighborhoods and central business district with excellent law enforcement.

3. The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
I do not see the residents or local business community allowing this to happen. Our community is now over 35 years old, we still enjoy the same services, and amenities through out the entire community as we did when it was first developed.

4. What role do you see the village associations as having in the future? What level of financial support are you willing to commit to insure the continued viability of the Village Associations? If elected, do you plan on attending Village Association meetings and supporting the involvement of Village Association representation to The Township Board?
The Village Associations have for the past 35 years played a major role in providing insight and feedback on issues that affect the residents within them. I do not see that role changing only unless they choose to make that change. I will support efforts to see to it that the village associations will continue to be able to function and be a part of the new township up to and including financial support. I will attend as many functions and meetings as I possibly can while balancing my time between family and my local business and charitable interest.

5. Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
I feel we need to make our transition to our new form of government and explore, educate and keep the residents of The Woodlands aware of our options during the transitioning period, and when the time comes for a decision to be made on the next step we will have all the tools, knowledge and ability to make a sound decision on what is the best economical, logical and efficient way for us to govern ourselves in the future. We need this transition time to explore the many options and choices we will have when that time comes.

Ted Stanley

- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
I have lived in The Woodlands since 2000. In those 8 years I served on The Woodlands Association Board of Directors (in my 4th year now) and 2 years on the College Park Village Association. In this time I also served on the Governance Steering Committee, The Woodlands Recreation Center Board of Directors, the Lake Woodlands Property Owners Association, and The Woodlands Decides Public Education Committee. I am a graduate of The Woodlands Association Academy. My qualifications also include my experience in business as a banker and financial advisor. In additional to my service to The Woodlands, I have also served in previous communities on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Director, President of the St. Mary Chapter of The American Heart Association, President of The East St. Mary Kiwanis Club and Lt. Governor for District 17 Kiwanis International.

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
I think the three most important issues include safety of our residents, growth that is harmonious with residents and businesses and the surety of independence of The Woodlands. 1) Safety of our residents: as a member of Board of Director of The Woodlands Township I will continue to support our current enhancement of officers patrolling The Woodlands. I will strive to improve this coverage as necessary and I will support all efforts to improve fire and emergency medic coverage as the need arises. 2) Harmonious Growth--There has been a great deal of attention to what some perceive as a division between residents and the business community. The success of The Woodlands is and has been the inter-relationship among various groups. The business owners (many of them residents themselves) and the residents have worked together to ensure that The Woodlands maintains the quality of life we have all enjoyed here. As a Township Director, I will continue to work with all parties to ensure that our quality of life continues. 3) Continued Independence-- I believe the residents of The Woodlands want the comfort of knowing that our future remains in the hands of our community and not dictated by others. While the threat of annexation is no longer looming over us, I believe the future, independent self-governance of The Woodlands is still an important issue that we must handled. There are various options available to us and we must maintain an open minded board to determine which structure best suits us for the future.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
I do not feel that this change in and of itself will cause some villages and more mature areas to be overlooked. As a Township Director I will represent all of The Woodlands and dedicate my efforts to all residents and no one group in particular. In my current capacity as The Woodlands Association Director, I represent the village of College Park, but I have helped residents in other villages because they needed my help. While currently we (the directors) represent one area of the community, we serve all of the residents regardless of where they reside. I will continue to support the Village Associations, which act as the first contact for many residents. See the next point.

- What role do you see the village associations as having in the future? What level of financial support are you willing to commit to insure the continued viability of the Village Associations? If elected, do you plan on attending Village Association meetings and supporting the involvement of Village Association representation to The Township Board?
See the previous point. The Villages Associations will continue to play a very vital role in the future. The Villages Association will interact with The Township Board to ensure that all residents’ concerns are heard and handled. As stated in the previous point, the Village Associations are the first contact for many of the residents. The Villages Associations will continue to concentrate on their respective needs while The Township Board will ensure that all residents’ concerns are handled. Through the transition process we all agreed to continue the financial support of the village association and I commit to follow through with that support. There is no doubt some factors will change in the future, however, the continuation of the village association structure is vital to the success of our community. I will visit as many village association meetings as possible. I believe all Township Directors should at least attend their own village meetings. My pledge is to all resident so I will schedule as many meetings as I can.

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
As of now the township structure appears to be a reasonable format for conducting our “governmental” affairs. The residents will decide the future government of The Woodlands. I will be here as a conduit to insure that the wishes of the majority of the voters are carried out. At this point I neither support nor oppose incorporation as a final governance structure. If and when the time is right for incorporation, I’m sure we (the entire community) will make the correct decision about our future. Incorporation as a choice only came about recently as a means to fend off annexation. With that threat no longer over our heads, we are not forced to make any unnecessary, quick decisions.

Bruce C. Tough

1. What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and activities that you have participated in.
My qualifications to run for the Township Board include being the current President of The Woodlands Fire Department, the current Chairman of The Woodlands Community Service Corporation which provides the city type services to all of our residents. I was also the president of The Woodlands Community Association for five years. I have served as a Woodlands Community Association director proudly representing the Village of Cochran's Crossing for 10 years. I am the founding member of the Governance Foundation Committee and have presided as Co-Chair of the Governance Steering Committee and the Governance Process Committee. I have served on every committee in The Woodlands Community Association and the Joint Community Associations, including Chair of the Legislative Committee and Chair of the Joint Law Enforcement Committee. I am also a member of the Montgomery County Community Justice Council and an elected trustee for the Conroe Independent School District serving as second Vice President. I am the current Vice President for Economic Development, The Woodlands/South County Chamber of Commerce and I was past vice-president for Legislative Affairs of The Woodlands/South County Chamber of Commerce. I have lived in The Woodlands since 1996, although my family moved here in 1974 prior to The Woodlands being built. My father, Coulson Tough, was hired by George Mitchell to become part of the original "dream team" that began the initial development of The Woodlands. I have had a unique opportunity to participate in many of the activities from the beginning of development and to experience the foundation of The Woodlands by the pioneers to the present day transition from the Community Associations to The Woodlands Township. In response to local village activities, I have participated in Pumpkin Fest in Grogan's Mill, Taste of the Village in Indian Springs, the Alden Bridge Holiday Festival, Cochran's Crossing Spring and Fall Festivals and the Panther Creek Flea Market for the last 13 years to name a few. I love The Woodlands and I have had the privilege of meet many residents through my participation as an elected director and through my participation as a team captain and campaigner for the YMCA Partners of Youth Foundation, Chairman of the Memorial Hermann Woodlands Hospital Advisory Board, campaign cabinet leader of the professional division for the Montgomery County United Way, and Chairman of the Boy Scouts Nominating Committee. I have also been invited to speak on many subjects concerning The Woodlands Community Association, future governance and other important issues affecting our community. I also called for and coordinated the first Town Hall Forum concerning the sound wall at Grogan's Mill during my tenure as President of The Woodlands Community Association inviting Representative Eissler, Commissioner Ed Chance, and other community leaders to participate in this important issue. I work for resolution of issues for our residents.

2. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
I think that there are more than three important issues facing our community and I will identify many in response to this question. The reason the people move to The Woodlands is for our trees and our schools. However, public safety and transportation are also major concerns and issues. The continued sustainability of our community and economic vitality is going to be a future concern as we complete the build-out of our community. At the current time, The Woodlands Development Company is a major source of revenue in providing services and jobs to our community. Once the development is completed in The Woodlands, that participation will be downsized and the Township will need to step into that vital role of planned development. We have benefited from the enhanced valuations of our property and growth to where our assessments have fortunately been lowered in our community and provide the quality of life and exemplary services that our residents expect and deserve. In the area of law enforcement, we are dependent upon Montgomery County to provide those services. I initiated the first law enforcement study in 1999 and completed that study with the recommendation to supplement law enforcement to The Woodlands. That program has progressed and increased from an initial concept of $350,000.00 with the sheriff's department to $2.7 million with the expansion of our neighborhood policing program to provide policing throughout all of the neighborhoods of The Woodlands. The fact that we do not have the ability to have our own police force and ordinance making ability will be of major concerns as our community grows to 120,000 residents. This will probably be a major consideration in whether The Woodlands should incorporate or attempt to provide ordinance making legislation through the Township.

3. The at-large representation of the Township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands to be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
First of all, I do not feel that member district representation is a good thing. What happens with single member representation is that you get individuals elected from a geographical area and they ultimately concentrate on serving that area where they are elected and they do not represent all of the residents of The Woodlands together because they report to a single base. Single member district representation creates a bias towards other villages and other residents by its inherent structure. The school district for instance has 180,000 taxpayer citizens, 47,000 students with 50 schools and a 300 Million Dollar budget and is governed by seven elected trustees. The school district's geographical area is one of the largest in the State of Texas based upon the population density. It requires that the elected trustees which I proudly serve as one to represent all geographical areas of our community and that includes our four feeder zones, Caney Creek, Conroe, Oak Ridge and The Woodlands. I have always prided myself in representing all of the residents of The Woodlands and feel that The Woodlands Township will be a very effective governing board with at-large representation. However, the Woodlands Township board has the ability to explore and review the elected structure and to make adjustments if village representation appears to be an alternative I have always listened to all of the concerns of all of the residents and have attended the village association meetings and represented those residents when they have an issue of concern and that goes for Grogan's Mill, Panther Creek, Harper's Landing, Alden Bridge or any other village.

4. What role do you see the village associations as having in the future? What level of financial support are you willing to commit to ensure the continued viability of the Village Associations? If elected, do you plan on attending Village Association meetings and supporting the involvement of Village Association representation to the Township Board?
I see the role of the Village Associations as being expanded in the future. Once The Woodlands Community Association, The Woodlands Association, and The Woodlands Commercial Associations minimize their presence and potentially dissolve, there will need to be an entity that will take that place on a local level. I see the Village Associations as being the natural entity to handle the community concerns and address the areas of concern in their villages and present those concerns to the Township board for action. I feel that the role of the villages will be even more important and that is why I requested that the villages remain a Township prior to 2014. The community of Reston, Virginia went through this same process and voted not to become a city. They will require the same funding or more funding to continue with their vital role since their responsibilities will continue to grow. I, of course, have always attended the village association meetings having been an elected director of The Woodlands Community Association and served as an area representative for the Village of Cochran's Crossing. I continue to support the involvement of the village association and their relationship to the Township board because I feel that is where the future leaders of our community will come from. They will come from the village associations serving through various officer positions and will gain the experience and level of confidence to run for the Township board.

5. Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
I have been asked this question many times and my answer has been the same. I do not presume to know what the residents of The Woodlands want for their future government and I support the right of the residents to make that choice. Therefore, I do support having an incorporation election to allow the residents of The Woodlands to choose whether they want to become a city or remain as a Township. In order to become a city, an incredible amount of infrastructure and capital improvements will need to be in place for The Woodlands to operate in its entirety. Once you become a city you forego the receipt of your county services. That includes roads and maintenance which would cost us approximately 50 Million Dollars to replicate county services. The cost of becoming a city would also require a municipal court system and a police force. Right now, one-third of our budget is fire protection; so to enhance and allow another third of the budget to be police protection would require increased costs and expenses. I feel that prior to having an incorporation election, the residents of The Woodlands need to be fully informed and advised of the cost and the requirements of becoming a city.

Renata Tyree

- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
I have spent over 15 years working as an computer software consultant for small, medium and enterprise level customers teaching them how to run their businesses successfully. As a leader, I have received many accolades and recommendations based on my business experience with companies such as Intuit (makers of TurboTax, Quicken and Quickbooks) and Activant Solutions. I am currently using my extensive business experience and expertise to guide Lone Star College-Montgomery programs and courses in their adult continuing education department. I am the program manager for the Adult Enrichment program which provides leisure classes to any adult within the Montgomery County area. I also find the time to work as a certified travel counselor for the Woodlands travel agency, Baer Travel International. I moved to The Woodlands in 2005.
I am a member of the South Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County Association of Business Women, Montgomery Pet Partners, Woodlands Dog Park Club, American Red Cross and Business Networking International. I find time to volunteer with my Delta certified dog, Abby, at local churches, libraries and hospitals. Abby is used by these organizations as comfort to those who are ill or disabled and to assist with reading programs such as “Paws to Read” which helps to improve the literacy skills of children.

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?

Balance: Balance and good judgment in decisions for newer and older villages.
Transition: Transition and continued development of high quality municipal services (fire stations, police, common property, parks and pathways) need to be weighed
Controlled Urban Expansion: Growth must be purposeful and without bias. Whether it is commercial growth or new home development, growth must be of sound decision that does not favor special interest groups

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
My vision is that if I don’t take care of another village other than my own, I will be there in no time at all. That is, in another 5 years down the road I could easily be in their shoes. So the older areas needing repair need to be repaired. This community has great potential. My experiences in Boulder would help me to bring a proven township business model into our community. My experience with that model would help me contribute to our future. Boulder is a beautiful place and has made some good decisions and some not too good decisions in their beautification and business tactics. They were too stringent on some matters with commercial interests and had some negative consequences as a result. They had some really good results in beautification. I have seen what works and does not work.

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
The voters will ultimately need to make that decision. There is now time for this community to make a solid decision on their future. To make a decision now on this is premature because the structure is still being formed.

George Van Horn

- What are your qualifications for the position? Please include years lived in The Woodlands and the activities that you have participated in.
Through professional accomplishment and 15 years of community involvement, I have developed the skills and relationships to help lead The Woodlands into the future. I am a person who will represent all of the people of The Woodlands. I am committed to bringing the community together. Residents and businesses should all have their views heard.
Community Involvement: For more than 15 years, I have served the community working with people in civic, educational and charitable activities and all levels of government. My community activities include Chamber: Diplomat of the Year, 2006; Leader of the Affinity Team , member of the Legislative Action and Economic Outlook Conference Teams; Kiwanis: Special Olympics, Kids Fishing Tournament and Prayer Breakfast; Lone Star College System: Small Business Development Center Advisory Board; The Woodlands Community Association: Board of Directors.
Professional Accomplishment: In my business career, I have focused on the management of financial resources and people and satisfying the needs of his clients. I have an MBA in Finance. My undergraduate education included economic development and the development and growth of cities. During my career, I have participated in more that $1 Billion in personal, commercial and municipal financings. I have successfully managed multi-million dollar mergers with a staff of several hundred. For the past 15 years, I have been in the mortgage business in The Woodlands. As a small business owner, I am in touch with the needs of The Woodlands homeowners and small businesses

- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the community and what would you do about them?
1. Protecting our property values. I have observed a number of houses that are not kept in good repair and yards that are not being maintained. This has been much discussed in the older villages but is actually a problem throughout The Woodlands. One of the causes of this condition is absentee landlords and speculators who purchase but do not maintain their properties. I am encouraging targeted, enhanced covenant enforcement to address this issue.
2. Managing the change to The Township in a way that will be least stressful for the residents and the staffs of the Township and the Community Association. Our citizens have expressed the desire to change to a new, unified government. We must be aware that even good change is stressful. We need to assure the citizens and the staffs that we will be sensitive to their needs.
3. Responsible development. Making sure that growth continues in a way that maintains and improves our quality of life. Development will have to happen in accordance with The Woodlands community standards.

- The at-large representation that the township has adopted, as contrasted with geographical representation, may cause some villages and more mature areas of The Woodlands be overlooked. What would you do to overcome this potential bias?
As long as I am on the Township Board, the people will have a voice. I encourage all of our citizens to become informed, get to know the candidates then vote for those who best represent your views. Hopefully, they will elect candidates who are committed to representing the entire community.

- Should The Woodlands incorporate or should we remain as a Township? Why?
I personally favor incorporation. However, I have talked with a number of residents, especially senior citizens, who are concerned that the costs associated with incorporation may outweigh the benefit. We need to do a cost-benefit analysis to resolve those questions. Then with all the facts on the table, we need to vote on our future form of government at the earliest opportunity.

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