Candidate Written Interview
1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?
I expect fulfillment of the visions and the goals of the residents and hopefully could say with confidence and hear from others “job well done.”
2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?
Please see the answer below.
3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?
I do not view our community as being one exclusively for either residents or businesses. I wear two “hats” in the community: a resident and a business owner, who has built his business in the community for the past 20 years. I enjoy the same amenities as do all the residents of this great community and I vision all having the best of both worlds. The combination of the wonderful neighborhoods and the growing business climate is crucial in maintaining and preserving the neighborhoods by the tax base the business community bring to the table. Like many other residents, I have enjoyed the opportunity to live, work, and play here in South Montgomery County and this is the reason why our community is so unique. The ability to enjoy and benefit from the natural environment, neighborhood villages schools, and beautiful parks is not exclusive to any group(s) or person(s). We can all live, work and play in our Township.
4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?
I support the transition to our new form of government while exploring, educating, listening, and communicating with the residents during the transition period. In addition, and most importantly, when the time comes for a decision on the future governance, we will have all the tools and the knowledge to make a sound decision on what is best for the economy and for the residents. We need this transition time to explore the many options and choices to be prepared when that time comes.
5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?
I support the transition to our new form of government while exploring, educating, listening, and communicating with the residents during the transition period. In addition, and most importantly, when the time comes for a decision on the future governance, we will have all the tools and the knowledge to make a sound decision on what is best for the economy and for the residents. We need this transition time to explore the many options and choices to be prepared when that time comes.
6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?
The Village Associations have played a major role for the past 35 years in providing insight and feedback on issues that affect the residents within them. I do not foresee that role changing unless the Associations choose to make that change. I will support the efforts by the Village Associations to be part of the new township. I see this transition as a merger of two great organizations who have, for many years, provided vital services for all who live, work and play in our great community.
7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?
I do not see any changes or disruption of services during the transition period. I feel it will be a transparent transition and will maintain that same transparency and continued level of service as we grow into the future.
8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?
Please see answer to #6
9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?
Our Fire Department has and will continue to improve over the next two years. An example of the continuous improvement is the addition of Station # 6, which is near completion on College Park. The addition of Station #6 aides in maintaining our excellent ISO rating, which in turns helps the residents enjoy lower Insurance rates. Having served as President of The Woodlands Fire Department Board while serving on the WCA Board, I saw first hand the excellent personnel and abilities of this department and fully support their efforts to provide the same high level of professionalism in providing the best fire and medical services in the state.
10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?
The residents have spoken and ask us to establish an ad valorem property tax system that will eventually replace the existing homeowner’s association assessment. The voters decided this new tax structure last fall. The residents who own property in the Township now have the ability to deduct the ad valorem property tax on their federal income tax. One point to remember is the Sales Tax Expansion, which recently went into effect, will allow the tax rate for the ad valorem property tax to be less than the current homeowners’ assessments.
11. What is your position on the parks, trees and amenities provided throughout The Woodlands? Also please add any relative comments on the development of the Village of Creekside Park?
The whole reason why many of us moved to this wonderful community was for the above stated amenities. It is important that the Township maintain that vision while continuing to grow as we have done for the past 35 years. This same effort should carry over to our newest village of Creek side Park.
12. If you have any additional statements you believe residents or storeowners should hear reflecting your personal commitment to their welfare, please try to enumerate in 50 words or less.
I want to close by telling you something about me. I moved to The Woodlands in 1987, and I have been a resident and business owner ever since. I love this community and I am very proud to tell people that I live in The Woodlands. My wife Linda and I chose to raise our daughter here and have been fortunate to see her return back home and establish her own residency here. To find out more about how I have served and volunteered not just here in The Woodlands but through out Montgomery County, please visit my web site www.vote4speight.com. I ask for your support and your vote for The Woodlands Township Board.
Candidate verbal interview
1.Economy: We are, according to many, in a state of economic recession. What are your thoughts on the possible impact to our community and to the transition in light of the recent national economic deterioration? Please include any thoughts on mitigation of this perceived threat to our community.
When I moved here in 1987, the economy was on its way out of a recession. However, the economy in this area was better than other areas in Texas and even the nation. For the past 21 years, I feel extremely fortunate not to feel as threatened as other may have felt in other regions in the nation. Nevertheless, everyone is on guard and should be for good reason. Just this month the unemployment rate in Texas has decreased while the nation’s unemployment rate has increased. The Job market and taxes will be discussed at great length in the 2009 legislative session by looking at implementing caps on tax rates to protect the residents of Montgomery County but the rest of the state as well. The Woodlands and all of Montgomery County are experiencing significant population growth.
2.Public Safety: Do you have some ideas on how to improve the safety of our residents, especially along the I45 corridor?
Due to the population growth and living on the I-45 corridor, our community will continue to have a large influx of people. The Township Board will need to constantly examine at how public safety funds are allocated for the protection of our residents, business owners and their property. It is my priority to continue to ensure that our community is known as a SAFE Community. When joining forces with the community associations and additional revenues from the expanded sales tax base, the Township should be able to maintain adequate protection for all residents and businesses. In addition, public safety and crime prevention programs need to be examined and expanded when feasible to meet the needs of our growing community. .
3.Forest: Should the community be funding more tree plantings and being more proactive in general to build up our damaged forest areas?
Our community and leaders respect the forest and accordingly, steps have and will continue to be taken to protect and preserve the forest. Arbor Day is celebrated every year by many residents and other organizations efforts to collectively plant of seedlings. I recall in 1987 a fond memory of my daughter, her Girl Scout troop, and the parents all planting pine tree seedlings in the area the was know as Ronnie’s Truck Stop. The area was bare and today, this area has an abundance of trees complimenting the new development in the area. The respect and efforts shown to protect and to reforest the land will continue with no hesitation and change. Recently, I attended a meeting where a joint effort between Montgomery County, Harris County, and The Woodlands Development Company are working together to enhance and preserve the Spring Creek Reserve. These examples are what excite me about our community and the types of efforts I will continue to fight for in the future.
4.Ordinances: What is your position and thoughts relative to enabling ordinance authority for the Township?
If we need it, enable it! Campaign Website: Go to Kenny's Website
Campaign Email: Send email to Kenny's campaign mailbox
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