The Woodlands Texas Who's who

Dan Norris runs for Constable, Montgomery County Precinct 3

2011-10-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

Lt Dan Norris

A seasoned law enforcement officer of the Montgomery County Sherriff's office, Lt. Dan Norris, is an empty nester, living with his wife, Brandy, in Oak Ridge, just east of The Woodlands. He is currently running for the position of Constable, Precinct 3 of Montgomery County. Reporting to the Justice of the Peace in this position, he would lead a staff of 25 officers and administrative staff to perform the constitutional duties of serving legal papers for the court and fulfilling contracts of neighborhoods. The boundaries of precinct 3 is shown in this map.

His views of the future of the Constable's office is outlined in the video. His background includes a variety of training during his career, as well as a variety of deputy, detective and administrative assignments. This is an important position for The Woodlands, which falls under the jurisdiction of precinct three. The election primary is coming up this Spring, and the final election next November. Lt Dan is at many functions in South county these days, where he meets many residents from all walks of life. His view of the office's duties clearly includes significant interaction with the community.

His background has included being part of an exchange officer program, to learn policing in other cultures and experience cultural difference in the approach to policing. He also hosts foreign officers, his next hosting assignment is with the Vietnam delegation. He has been to Poland and Mexico to see their operations and learn from them. In Mexico, he picked some Spanish. He has an appreciation for those who are living here, but cannot yet take part in the election process.

Lt Dan Norris has been heavily involved as a leader with the county's emergency response team in west county's recent wildfire. He was a commander of the team.

I am sure you will appreciate what he says about himself, his campaign and what he offers to the community in this 12-minute video, a product of the WoodlandsPhotoStudio and the WoodlandsCommentary.com.

+ Dan Norris 2012 Campaign website
+ Constable website, Montgomery County Pct 3

Joel Deretchin is awarded special recognition

2010-06-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors proclaimed June 21, 2010 "Joel Deretchin Day" for his many years of service, dedication and leadership to The Woodlands, Texas. The Woodlands Township’s Board of Directors gave honor to him with a special Proclamation.

“The Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township commends Joel L. Deretchin for his countless contributions to the creation of a lasting foundation for The Woodlands community, thereby making The Woodlands one of the most emulated planned communities in the world,” said Bruce Tough, Chairman of the Board, The Woodlands Township.

For more than 33 years, he worked for The Woodlands Development Company and its predecessors, and served in every aspect of the community in The Woodlands, from governance, education, social and religious services to non-profit and philanthropic organizations and economic development.

For many years, he led the community associations, having served as president of The Woodlands Community Association, The Woodlands Association, The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association, The Woodlands Community Service Corporation and The Woodlands Fire Department. During this time, he also oversaw the development of the award-winning parks and recreation system in The Woodlands.

In addition, Mr. Deretchin helped found 18 of the 19 Conroe ISD schools in the Woodlands, The University Center, The John Cooper School and the Villager newspaper. He also chaired many not-for-profit boards, including Interfaith of The Woodlands and Montgomery County Youth Services. He was the founding president of Congregation Beth Shalom.

He has been named Citizen of the Year, a Hometown Hero and a Paul Harris Fellow. CISD named the Joel L. Deretchin Elementary School in his honor.

“His leadership and dedication to The Woodlands has truly been outstanding,” Chairman Tough said. “The Woodlands is a world-class community and much of this can be attributed to his vision, his leadership, his commitment, and his love of The Woodlands.”

PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING DEDICATION TO THE WOODLANDS

A Proclamation of the Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township of Montgomery

and Harris Counties, Texas, in honor of Joel L. Deretchin, for his leadership, dedication to community, commitment, wisdom and knowledge over the past 33 years.

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin made a study of municipalities and turned it into a multifaceted lifelong career, working on seven planned communities before settling in The Woodlands in 1977, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin has been associated with The Woodlands Development Company and its predecessors for 33 years, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin has overseen the development of a community management and governance system which has grown from a population of 1,500 to more than 92,000 today, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin has been involved in every aspect of community development in The Woodlands, including governance, education, social and religious services, non-profit and philanthropic organizations and economic development, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin has dedicated countless hours as president and member of the boards of The Woodlands Community Association, The Woodlands Association, The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association, The Woodlands Community Service Corporation and The Woodlands Fire Department, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin has overseen the planning and development of the award-winning parks and recreation system in The Woodlands, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin has been involved in the planning and early development stages of 18 of the 19 Conroe ISD schools in The Woodlands, and helped found The University Center, The John Cooper School, The Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College and The Villager newspaper, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin K-6 School was named in his honor, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin has been a director and has chaired many non-profit boards including Interfaith of The Woodlands and Montgomery County Youth Services, and;

WHEREAS, Joel L. Deretchin has been named one of the original Hometown Heroes of The Woodlands, The Chamber’s Citizen of the Year in 1990, and a Paul Harris Fellow by The Woodlands Rotary Club, and;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township of Montgomery and Harris Counties, Texas, commends Joel L. Deretchin for his countless contributions to the creation of a lasting foundation for The Woodlands community, thereby making The Woodlands one of the most emulated planned communities in the world, and now proclaims June 21, 2010 as Joel L. Deretchin Day in The Woodlands, Texas.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this, the 17^th day of June, 2010.

Nina Marino - next Chair of South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce

2010-05-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce Chamber announced today that Nina Marino of Nina A. Marino, Your Texas Realtor/Keller Williams, has been named Chairman of The Chamber’s Board of Directors for the chamber's 2010-2011 fiscal year, which begins September 1st! She is currently The Chamber’s Vice President of Committed Volunteers.

Nina said, “I am very honored to serve the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce as Chairman of the Board for 2010-2011. I have been a part of The Chamber for so long that I cannot remember not being involved. This Chamber of Commerce is the best business tool in our Community. Building relationships in business, and in friendship, is a big part of being a Member. Working toward the same goal with other Chamber Members creates bonds that enable The Chamber to become bigger and better--and thereby creating strength in our Business Community. Over the past three years, I have worked closely with the Young Professionals of our Community and it has been very rewarding. My goal will be to move forward with our Young Professionals, bringing them closer to The Chamber Membership for the future.”

Nina is a Residential and Commercial Realtor in The Woodlands. She has her designation with GRI Certification and is a Certified Luxury Home Specialist, affiliated with Keller Williams Realty. She is a recognized and accomplished Business Leader and Business Owner in South Montgomery County.

As Founder and previous Owner of RDI RateSavers for more than 15 years, Nina built her reputation and business by serving the Community. She is incredibly active in the Community and Leadership by serving on The Chamber’s Board for two 3-year terms, chairing and participating on numerous Chamber Teams over the past 20 years, and receiving Volunteer of the Year 2004-2005.

She is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board for Leadership Montgomery County and served five years on that Board; Partner and past Board Member of Economic Development Partnership (EDP); Member and past Board Member of Executive Woman’s Alliance (EWA); Member of the National, Texas and Houston Associations of Realtors; and two-time Past President of The Woodlands Lions Club. She also served as the Lions’ Representative for the Gift of Sight Program in The Woodlands for six years; she received Friend of Education acknowledgement from Conroe ISD’s Vogel Intermediate School.

Nina’s lifelong passion is helping better the Business and Residential Community. A native Houstonian, she has lived in The Woodlands for more than 25 years, where she and her husband, Michael, raised their three children.

Rob Eisler

2010-02-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

With an office in Montgomery, the heart of Montgomery County and a home and family in The Woodlands, Mr. Eisler is best known for his initiatives to change the educational standards and framework in Texas to a higher quality system. He has concluded that the system adopted for programming the system to pass standard tests has not produced the quality he believes is possible and desirable in our system. In fact, the current system has been detrimental to educating our children. He instead seeks an education for our children that goes back to the basics and prepares a child to enter the university system.

Two tiers of education are on his agenda - (1) university readiness and (2) work place readiness. The goal is to provide a ready graduate asset to business enterprise and develop stronger competitiveness for the children when compared to private schools, other states and international standards. School accountability is a means to help achieve his goals. He has sponsored several bills along this line and led a committee to achieve his goals. Rob Eisler, named as one of the top ten legislators in Texas in 2009, is seeking again to occupy his district 15 seat so that he can continue his campaign for our children, along with other programs to produce a better governed Texas. He has worked fervently to achieve his goals. One observer who went to Austin noted that Mr Eisler was supercharged to get things done even when the legislature was ending this past year. He was using every minute of time available to get things done, even at night.

Rob Eisler is also noted for his efforts to help The Woodlands through the conversion from an association directed government to a more formal tax-based township governing structure. This has given residents independence from the city of Houston and enabled total uninterrupted community services to residents. His efforts in the last two legislative sessions have been broad, not just focused on these two focal points of law.

Last year, he had an issue with the ethics committee of Texas. That incident and fine was regrettable. However, if you've seen the complications in reporting your financials to the government, it is easy to see that some things get out of balance in the fray of the workload. In my estimation, he could have done better with that issue, but he chose to stick to the legislative agenda rather than contest the issue at the time. He paid his fine and I am reasonably sure he has changed his methods of accounting. One has to be reasonably tolerant of such things for people so busy. Although fined, I am treating that incident as not a deliberate ethics issue and not very important in the larger picture. I do however believe in being straight forward and telling the public what happened and why. This is my own personal position on that matter.

More details can be found on this Woodlands resident on his legislative web page.
District 15 - Rob Eisler
and a brief profile on State Surge in addition to a list of links to sponsored and co-sponsored bills:
Rob Eisler Profile

His broad interests include his religious affiliation with the United Methodist Church, radio announcer for football games (TWHS), childrens sports, served on the board of CISD, and other activities.

Campaign website

Alan B Sadler, Montgomery County Judge

2009-07-16T13:29:00.001-07:00

A born and raised Texan and native resident of Montgomery County, Judge Alan B Sadler is our County Judge. He works out of his county office in downtown Conroe. In my recent interview with him, I found the gentleman to be very open, and as he stated it, “I am an open book.”

Judge Sadler was born in Conroe, in the local hospital on 1st Street. His father was the one and only Dr. Sadler, founder of the Sadler Clinic. His father actually worked at the exact location of the building where the judge’s current office is located. Conroe has grown quite a bit since those days.

I could tell he is a strong supporter of his alma mater, by his enthusiasm for the University of Texas in Austin. I have yet to meet someone from UT or A&M who were not proud of their university roots. He graduated with a Finance degree and remained in that profession for many years. His career began with InterFirst Bank, as a lender for real estate loans. That is the Bank of America today. At one time, it was North Carolina national Bank (NCNB). The judge hit my funny bone when he revealed the acronym on the street, “No Cash for NoBody”. He switched to developing commercial real estate after his twelve banking years. Then in 1989 he decided to seek a public office and was elected to his current position in 1990.

His greatest satisfaction has come from hours of toil with budgets and keeping taxes under $.050/$100 for his entire career in office. Today, the tax rate is lower than it was in 1989. “There have been difficult choices and tough cuts (budget). I like being in touch with the pulse of the community, responding to people’s needs. I find it satisfying and challenging. Today, the county government is fairly quiet and that is good news. Not so much controversy.”

The judge’s private life has been active and rewarding to him also. He has four children, two at home and two married. He has two families, beginning with the two girls who are both married now and when they got old enough, he and his wife decided to have another pair, this time two boys! They were totally different, offering diversity in his life. One of his daughters teaches first grade right here in The Woodlands. The other graduated from Vanderbilt University and is preparing to start on her MBA program. His sons attend high school in this county. He proudly displays his family’s photographs in his office.

He was recently in the news in a negative way. He and I talked about that. It is of course water under the bridge now, but I wanted to know a little more what happened. He would like to pass on some advice to people. “When taking medicine for an illness (in his case for pain from dental work), don’t consume any alcohol.” There is a lesson to be learned here. He was involved in a very minor rear-end accident (two small scratches on the other person’s car). He is not a regular drinker but engages infrequently in social drinking, as he did that day. It was a mistake to drive that day.

Stefanie Somers - Designer and Creator of Pageant Jewelry

2009-05-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

We have quite a legend right here in The Woodlands, Texas. Coming here from Baltimore in 1992, Stefanie Somers lives just outside of The Woodlands proper. She is living her second career now. Her first was also in a glitzy venue that she loved, a ballroom dancing studio! "I still miss that." It all came to an end as the result of an injury she incurred years ago. She came into the ballroom business after winning the USA Amateur Ballroom title in her last year of college. Then after the injury, she changed her profession out of necessity. She is very well known in the United States as the lady who puts the glamor in glamor. Among her clients include competitors in the USA, America and Galaxy pageant systems at various stages of competition. She by no means limits her work to the major pageants. She also creates accessories for local pageant contestants, brides, dancers and participants in any event where a lady is looking to be unique. She has no store front other than her website.² She does not design or create crowns such you would see for the winner of a major pageant, nor a tiara. If you are in a pageant and don't go to her for help for your evening gown jewelry, you are missing the edge in competition when you face the judges.

This year, all one needs to know about Stefanie's creativity is to look no further than First Runner-up Miss USA 2009 in her evening gown.² Carrie Prejean (Miss California) wore her spectacular white earrings, the creation of Stefanie. She has been on various television shows. Another example is Miss Utah, Laura Kirilova Chukanov, who was third Runner-up in the same pageant, in her yellow gown, wearing her customized yellow earrings by Stefanie. Second Runner-up (not pictured) Miss Arizona, Alicia-Monique Blanco was also wearing her unique jewelry. In fact, five of the top ten in the Miss USA Pageant this year were wearing jewelry designed and built by this creative artist. Each contestant using Stefanie's services wears unique jewelry customized for that individual for that contest. The jewelry is of course designed with the dress colors and style in mind, but much more goes into the uniqueness of the product. The personality of the girl, her frame and her features will play a part in the selection of stone cuts and colors.

This lady works exceptionally hard to get the job done. Often she is under tremendous pressure to produce her product and put it into the hands of the contestant near the day of the pageant. The night before I interviewed her, she was up all night working on a project.

Stefanie has her own design philosophies, which have evolved over the years. For one, she has to get to know the contestant, not just work from a photograph. The contestant actually designs the creation through her individual uniqueness. It is up to Stefanie to interpret that uniqueness. "The girl's silhouette is very important" says Stefanie. "The girl should sparkle ten feet away". I use the best crystal available and have a privileged direct designer account with the company making them, giving me access to their remarkable palette of crystal cuts and colors.", "company" being Swarovski1 "I have an immense inventory of many colors and shapes. Looking at these stones is like being in a candy store."

When asked about interesting experiences in this business, she replied. "Every once in a while I get a call from the hotel where the girls have already gathered for a pageant, and one asks me if I can design her accessories before the pageant. That happened this year. This simply cracks me up!" There is of course a lot of planning and preparation required to successfully compete in these events. Some of the girls are not aware of the extent of preparation by some of their competitors until they see them with their personalized jewelry and say "oh no, I need one of those too!". It is then too late. "Another memory also comes to mind. I have done some custom work for Disney, for example the buttons on the shirt of Mickey Mouse that he wears in Disney World for firework displays, as the orchestra leader. I am also particularly happy to be the designer of Cinderella's crown, which I am sure just about everyone has seen. I was privileged to go backstage and see the Disney operation as a result of my work. A fond memory. I also get to see the real people who are in the public eye. To see these wonderful dresses of pageant contestants is a joy of mine."

I have to say, it is apparent when talking to her, that she enjoys her work.

Stefanie has two children and is able to be there for them, since she does her work in her very large studio near their home. At times, she employs a substantial number of people to help with the work. Her daughter also often helps her with the business.

She was recently interviewed on Pageant Talk Radio³. That is an interesting conversation, if you want to spend the time with it. She wrote an article in Pageantry Magazine that you may also find interesting and useful if you have some event where you want to be unique. She also gives advice on selecting earrings that will go with any color gown. ⁴

Contact information
Stefanie Somers, Inc.
stefanie@stefaniesomers.com
800.400.4312 Toll Free
936-273-2488 Houston local
936-273-1729 Fax

References
¹ Swarovski Crystal website
² Stefanie Somers Website
³ Pageant Talk Radio
⁴ Pageantry Magazine article by Stefanie Somers, "Opposing Forces"

Bonnie Hubert

2009-04-15T13:59:00.001-07:00

Bonnie Hubert was recently crowned Mrs. Texas International. She lives right here in The Woodlands. This is her final stepping-stone to the Mrs. International pageant to be held July 17-18 in Chicago, IL. The first step was winning the Mrs. Woodlands pageant. Now as Mrs. Texas International, Bonnie is acting as a Goodwill Ambassador for not only The Woodlands, but the entire state of Texas. She is engaged in some forty completed or scheduled appearances such as judging the Woodlands Idol Contest, appearing at the Market Street Go Texan Event, Montgomery County Fair, American Cancer Relay for Life, Montgomery County March of Dimes “March for babies.” The majority of time is spent as a spokesperson for Montgomery County CASA. Her goal is to help CASA double the number of child advocates in this county. This milestone in her life in itself is quite an accomplishment, but the story only culminates here. We have to go back in time and look at her credentials to understand what has transpired in her life, why she was nominated for recognition in Who’s Who and where she is headed. She is a lady with a mission and goes to great lengths to accomplish that mission. “This has grown to something larger than I first envisioned”, she admits, “but it is all worthwhile.”

Her passion is with children. She has worked as a bilingual teacher, school counselor and now the Crisis Intervention Specialist for the Conroe Independent School District. She is the mother of three and an advocate for abused and neglected children. She seeks no personal gain for being Mrs. Texas. From day one of her competition, her goal has been to promote CASA, an organization which is an “advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home.” This is the primary reason she has been nominated for Who’s Who. When you meet her personally, you have no doubt as to that passion and the impact she is bound to have on our community, as well as statewide, or even nationally.

As a teacher and counselor for CISD, she has encountered a number of issues, which have stimulated her passion to help more children. She would like to double the number of volunteers from the community and now statewide for CASA. “I have no doubt that when people truly understand what CASA is all about and how easy it is to help CASA kids, the volunteer numbers will increase dramatically. It’s all about awareness. I know I can help CASA locally and statewide by being out there spreading the CASA message. The CASA message is simple-- When you give a child a CASA, you give a child a voice. When you give a child a voice you give them hope and when you give a child hope, you give them the world.”

In CISD she works to educate parents and educational institutions on behavioral intervention techniques, as well as a variety of other youth related topics. “My goal is to bring awareness to the public many youth issues, as well as provide community resources and support.”

With her bilingual skills (Spanish/English), she is personally able to reach out to a number of situations in the community. When she taught bilingual students, she led her students to 100% reading and 90% math proficiencies. She also was a campus representative for the CISD READS program and the CISD representative for the Texas Educational System TAKS Review Committee.

With a background in mental health as a professional licensed counselor, our Mrs. Texas has worked in private practice as well, conducting individual, family, and group counseling. In that capacity she had experience in interviewing, assessing, and identifying mental health or other problems using approved assessment instruments, social history, and consultation with various resources.

Bonnie feels that physical wellness is as important as mental wellness. She works as a group fitness instructor for the YMCA and Gold’s Gym teaching early morning classes 4 days each week. “Exercise is the best medicine to release stress. It’s a sacrifice to wake up at 4:30 four days a week, but it makes a big difference in every aspect of my life. When I exercise I have more physical and mental energy. It’s a way to remain strong so that I can be a super mom as well as make a difference in my job and community.”

Bonnie Hubert graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1997 with a B.A. in Education, Magna Cum Laude with a specialization in Spanish. She went on to obtain her Masters of Arts in counseling from Texas Southern University in 2002. She obtained her professional counselor certification and license from Sam Houston State University in 2004.

Mrs. Hubert can be contacted via her personal email at …… hubert97@sbcglobal.net, Personal Email address (click here)

Tommy Williams- Woodlands resident in the news

2009-01-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

Many of us know Tommy Williams. We have either met him at some political event or Woodlands event. If we don't know him, we at least see the sign advertising the location of his official local office here. As a resident of The Woodlands, he has made a tremendous impact on our community by pushing the deal with the City of Houston to not be annexed. He also led the way towards legislation in his Senate role so that we could legally establish an alternate government that would enable us to legally sever the jurisdiction that Houston had on our community. He will be helping us this session with needed legislation that has been discussed and acted on by the Township's Governance and Nominations Committee. Those legislative priorities will be debated and voted on in this month's regularly scheduled Township meeting. Like usual, time runs out quickly our bi-annual state legislature. There are just a few months to get bills passed. So we will call on him again for help. His influence in the Senate is important to getting this done.

Tommy Williams is in the news this week. His long tenure in Austin has made him more powerful and influential each year. A commentary in today's Austin Statesman presents him in this role and I recommend its reading. Click here to read the article.

Devereaux Macy - IndianSprings Resident

2008-11-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

Devereaux Macy joined the "it is time for change" movement before it even actually happened. One might say she found what the public wanted before Obama's presidential campaign defined change. She is our resident author who set out in July 2007 and after two months, entering 48 states, and 13000 miles of road, she brought back raw video to show the world. By January, 2008, she had the material on a DVD and was sending it out to others. Her purpose was to show that the American public does indeed hold a different opinion than key government officials. So she sent the video DVD to the president of the United States, 50 governors, top presidential candidates, and every member of the United States Congress, hoping that her point would be understood. She got little response, but a few acknowledgments were received. Then she set out for others to tell her story. This is where I came into the picture.

Devereaux had never even held a video camera before she set out on this journey. She rapidly became accustomed to taping, as she asked her pointed questions to those who would spend a minute with her on the streets of many different cities. Those questions, directed at a widely diverse audience, sought opinions about the environment, education, economy, Iraq war, and health care. This was a time she considered to be important because of the coming elections, but beyond that, she was "homeless and free" as well. That is, she was not tied down at the time and could "afford" to set out on such a impromptu journey to fulfill her dream. So she did.

She wants to influence the return of a government respecting the opinions of the American people. The resultant video has become known as "America Speaks". She stated "Because the people we have elected and are paying to represent us, are not and have not been listening to the American people for a very long time. It is time we changed that." She believes the American people are being short-changed and deserve to get what our forefathers intended, a government of the people, and for the people. You can read more of this work by the link provided below - "Let America Speak".

Just before the election, Fox News decided her work would be useful for the election and published it, using state-of-the art video editing and publishing techniques. They limited the audience to Texas even though the content had national scope. This work by Fox News is available online by watching this video.

Resources on this topic

America Speaks

Now that the election is past, we know that nationally, voters have chosen change, just as she said they were asking for in her travels.

Ed Chance Commissioner Precinct 3, Montgomery County Texas

2008-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

At the office of Ed Chance on a recent workday, I experienced a meeting worth sharing. The commissioner gave some key insights into his precinct's operation and his own personal aspirations in this job. You would not know his deep commitment to the community and enthusiasm by just a casual meeting, but talk to him for a while and one finds a very informed person who is not afraid to step out in front of the pack to get the job done, and a person driving change. It is readily apparent to the informed observer that he is a family man of distinction, serving the community in every practical way.

Arriving here in 1967, he set his roots into equipment and road-related work. Years later, he would use the knowledge acquired in that work to serve the county. In 1986, an opportunity came along to serve the county's residents when a vacancy in precinct 3 opened. The commissioner's job became available, and someone needed to fill it until the next election. So he was asked if he had interest in that job. He then was appointed to the position; the rest is history. In the election of November 1986, he became a public servant for two years, re-elected in 1988 and has been elected to the position every four years since. He likes being in this job, living in close proximity to his grown children, all who have found residence and employment here. Retirement is not an option. He arrives at work early and leaves late; keeps a rigorous schedule; often travels to Austin to participate in state issues, and is generally a person with an urgent mission in front of him. There is no time to retire and much to do.

His focus starts where the tire meets the road, the mobility of people in and around his precinct. He has managed to establish a very modern network of automated traffic lights in South Montgomery County. Understanding cost vs benefit, he has also established the first Texas county red light camera ticketing system. That accomplishment involved a significant effort, which included the convincing of the state legislature. He first collected data on the roads of his precinct and then presented the data to the state as evidence of the benefits that could be derived from using cameras on the county roads. The initial project in our area has been successful. “We do not make any money on it. Financially, it is a wash." As a result of his efforts, he became the first to deploy the cameras under the auspices of county government in Texas. Asked about his successes with this technology, he said, "Well I have some excellent staff here". Next on his agenda is to utilize these cameras for speed control, to keep the traffic consistently moving on our main arteries.

He is on the county rail committee and other committees charged to look at various alternatives to transport people within the county and regionally. If we were to have a mass transit rail service, "it would require an entirely new right-of-way and track system, a high cost project". The existing rail system is just too congested to utilize for public transportation. He was quick to point out that a new service has been made available to county residents for point pick-up and drop-off. Added park and ride services will also help transport people efficiently in the county. One of the issues here is that the park and rides fill up within about two months after opening. There is a very large demand for this bus service to Houston. The Conroe park and ride service will be re-instituted within the next month.

Mr. Chance and I reviewed videos of two of the available road technologies - x-ray road scanning and a new road surface. Look for a future article on these technologies and his description of their future in our county. His pet automobile traffic management system Northstar will also be described in the technology article. Northstar has its own web page. Click here to access it.

There will be continued road expansions to handle the growth of south county. Taking the heavy load off of the Woodlands Parkway by providing east/west alternatives is one of his primary objectives. That will be accomplished by more traffic lanes, automated traffic lights, optimized timing of lights, and additional turning lanes.

Road maintenance is a very big issue for precinct 3. Some of the roads in The Woodlands, specifically in Grogan's Mill Village, have far exceeded their life expectancy. Look for a considerable need to repair or resurface these roads within the next eight years. That is where the new surface and road analysis technologies will likely play a big role in our precinct.

Another area of responsibility is the recycling Center. The original reason for this center was to take the trash off of our roads. “If you don’t have a place to throw it away, it will end up on the roads.” Recycling has given residents an alternative to the dumping of unwanted items on county property. It has also reduced the amount of material going into our landfill disposal sites. We have met all our objectives with this effort. Our center provides recycled paint, and various materials that people just did not want but others find useful; we dispose of toxic materials; we send computers and other electronic equipment (made of toxic materials) to companies under contract to recycle them. If residents want some freshly mulched tree wood, we have that here for free as well. Clicking here can access the recycling center’s web page.

A third area of responsibility is the Spring Creek Greenway. Mr. Chance has been heavily involved in this project. He got into the program early, partnering with his counterpart across the creek in Harris County. Part of it is right next door to the commissioner’s office. Look for an article on this in the future. Link to the Greenway project.

Last year, the county annex was moved to a new building named in honor of him, the Ed Chance Courthouse Annex on Lake Front Circle off of Grogan’s Mill Road.

Ed Chance will continue to be a pioneer in Montgomery County, and we will all benefit from his efforts. As I was leaving his office, a "mountain" of data was delivered to him to review for a planning activity. References:

Montgomery County Precinct Official Web Site www.mctx.org/commis3/
Montgomery County Northstar System www.mctraffic.org

Related Articles published in July 2008:

Sheriff Gage of Montgomery County Texas in 2008

2008-04-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

I had the recent privilege of talking to our Sheriff, Tommy Gage. He is a Texan, born in California on the day that the nuclear bomb exploded in Hiroshima Japan. Everyone who meets our sheriff likes him. He is a straight shooter, taking clear aim at the issues, just like a Texan would do. Walking into his office with his Texas style furniture, he exclaims with great enthusiasm, wearing his famous red, white & blue patriotic tie, "Hello brother Randy". I knew right away that I would not be disappointed with our ensuing conversation!

Mr. Sheriff, how do you like this job?
Man, I love this job! "It doesn't get any better than this!" I want to finish this upcoming term, and one more, for a twelve-year tenure, and then retire. I have been in this business now for 38 years. It all started with the Houston Police Department in 1970. When Kathy Whitmire and her crew came to town in 1982, I went to better pastures with the Montgomery Sheriff's office to work for Joe Corley. Then Guy Williams was voted into office, and he kept me in my position, before promoting me to Lieutenant. In 1996, I resigned from the Sheriff’s Office and went to work for Constable Tim Holifield as a Lieutenant. I was assigned to Pct. II Commissioner Malcolm Purvis’ office. I served there as the Public Relations Officer, mostly environmental work. Enforcing the laws of illegal dumping brings back the memories of a large, illegal dumpsite known as the Thomas Dump Site, a construction debris dumpsite. Commissioner Purvis and I went to Austin and met with officials at the Attorney General’s office. We accomplished getting the site cleaned up and ended the problem.

In 2003 I decided to run for Sheriff and campaigned for 2 years. In January of 2005, I was sworn in as Sheriff. Now I am living my dream, which will be a great way to end my Law Enforcement career, as a Texas Sheriff.

Since taking office you have had four citizen’s academies sponsored by your office. What is your opinion on its usefulness? Well, I have to tell you, there is always a diverse group of people in that academy, learning what we do and how we do it. It is our opportunity to show off the Sheriff's office, because we are Texas proud! We are the 7th largest Sheriff’s department in this great state. Harris County is the largest. Other counties call upon us, especially when they need help with a murder case, or taking evidence when they do not have the proper equipment or support staff. Our investigative staff is superb, and we have the tools to help other counties. This academy helps the image of our department in the eyes of the public.

Sheriff, you have a reputation of cleaning up the jail. One of my classmates remarked that the new supervised pod that we toured is better than home. I guess you are talking about our direct supervision. Yes, that one is for very good conduct. When we came into office, the place was understaffed. There was no money to open the supervised pods. At our request, Commissioners Court gave us money to hire 89 more people, 54 of which were for this new facility. After correcting the deficiencies and ridding the place of bad odors; the jail passed the state inspection. Then we hired the 54 employees to staff the new facility. You know with our new facility, a different method is used for supervision. As a result, we had to add an entire week to cadet training for certification. Instead of two weeks training, the jailors must now have three to be able to work in the old and new facility. If you had gone into the jail before we arrived, you would know how different it is now! We are building a new facility this year to hold an additional 1100 inmates. Since we have 1150 beds now, that will be a huge capacity change. We will contract the operation of that jail facility to a private company, but we will have the responsibility for its operation. That means we will be there every day to check on things. At first, the US government will pay for it through a contract to house federal prisoners. "We will stay on top of things there to make sure it does not have any problems." We will get a kitchen out of it that will feed the entire inmate system here. By converting the current kitchen into another group of cells, we add capacity to the old facility.

Just out of curiosity, Sheriff do you personally ever issue tickets? Nope, I do not - don't have time for it. The chief will at times, but not me. I wrote thousands of tickets in my days on the motorcycle. Those days are behind me.

How about your campaign promises for the 2005 election? Has the cooperative policing program worked out for you and your staff? It sure has. There is only one holdout, and that has not been a big problem. The East county constable has remained independent. But a new constable candidate has been elected for the Republicans, so there is hope that this will bring all of our policing organizations together in communication and cooperation. The other agencies share my enthusiasm for this cooperation and sharing of information. It works very well. Now there are two Texas Rangers assigned here.

So Sheriff, how about firearms? I was surprised to see the deputies buying their own firearms. Well it all comes down to this. Every officer has their preferred weapons. It may be a 38, 357, 40caliber, 45, or 9mm; the brands are their choices. It has to do with effectiveness in doing their work. They must each pass the qualification course with their own weapon(s). All go through the academy which has some tough expectations.

As you know, I am from The Woodlands, so I have some interest in the crime rate there. Some residents feel that crime is increasing and are concerned. Sir, "The Woodlands is one of the safest places to live in the county". In South County, there are many deterrents. No matter how many police officers you have there, you will still have some crime. It is going to happen. We can adjust where we patrol when there is a problem, and we do. I feel safer in The Woodlands than anywhere in the county. "Brother Randy, we will never have enough policemen." We will do our best with what we've got to enforce the law. We have very fine people. I assure you that you will get what your tax dollar pays for first. You will also get what you pay extra for. As long as I am Sheriff, we will fill vacancies for the contracts first. Also, if there are issues, my office is always open. I will talk to anyone anytime about any issue, but I may not be in my office or I might be tied up with someone else, so it is advantageous to the resident that he calls ahead of time. If I am available, an appointment is not required. I will talk.

And how about drugs? I have seen drugs consumed in The Woodlands. If it were not for drugs, we would not be building a new jail facility. Many burglaries, robberies, and other crimes are directly related to illegal drugs. The problem is not just in The Woodlands. It is everywhere in the county, state and country. Our copper theft is related to illegal drugs.

It is up to us to get the message to our children and to our grandchildren. Do NOT take illegal drugs even one time. People get addicted very easily. You know, everyone is important to me, certainly the youngsters and the seniors. I tell the kids out there that are involved with things, whether it is sports or roping calves - there is hope for this generation. Look at you, I say. We have hope. But stay away from drugs!

It should be noted that our narcotic investigators are busy. The queue is fairly long, but we get out there after them when we can. The time may be coming when Marijuana is legalized, and then we have additional problems with drivers - on the road under the influence of the drug.

How is your motorcycle division doing? We have five and they are doing great. Those guys are writing a lot of tickets. I believe they are making a difference. I wish we had more of them.

One of the reasons cited by some for the need to incorporate The Woodlands is the need to have city cops. What do you think? Well, one of these days The Woodlands probably will incorporate, but they will not have anything much different than they have now for policing their community. We have a "beat cop" model in place now. The beat cop gets to know the community. I hope if and when The Woodlands incorporates that they would give our folks (under their contracts) a shot at the jobs first.

Now that you have fulfilled the original campaign promises, what next? We are happy with what we have accomplished. Our problem going forward is money. Our budget constrains us. We are stewards of your tax money and must do what we can with what we have. Our salaries are not as high as the big city - namely Houston, where they give big bonuses for signing up on a contract. There is however more to life than money. We want our employees to want to work here. They are treated here with respect and honor. They also have extra jobs to work, as has been the case for many years now. Supplementing salary with extra jobs is a way of life for a peace officer.

I have one more question. There is more momentum towards enforcing immigration laws locally. How would this affect your operation? We have the INS here every day to pull out illegals, but we do not search for them in the streets. Until they stop crossing the border, we will continue to have them in our county. It is a losing battle.

Sheriff Gage has no opponent in the fall election. In my opinion, we are very lucky to have this very respected gentleman here in Montgomery County, overseeing law enforcement for our safety. He soundly defeated his opponent in the Republican Primary, receiving 62% of the votes cast.

Jeff Long Biography

2008-04-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Woodlands Leadership
Jeff has served as the President for The Woodlands Community Association for the last two years, and was elected by fellow directors for a third year. He worked on the Board of Directors of the WCA for the last four years, and was re-elected for an additional two years.

Jeff served as Chairman of the DSC and as a Board member for approximately 3 years. Prior to that, he served as a member of the RDRC for Grogan's Mill.

Community
He has participated groups such as The Friendship Center (Board Member) and the Montgomery County Tin Transportation Task Force, that has advocated for the public transportation needs for all of Montgomery County.

Jeff has been involved in other activities such as National Night Out, First Night, his local church, and Special Needs Ministries for the handicapped.

Career
He worked as a Public Works Director in a large community in California, until he and his family moved here over six years ago.

Renata Tyree Biography

2008-04-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Renata Tyree has 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, she has received many accolades and recommendations based on her business experience with companies such as Intuit (makes of TurboTax, Quicken and Quickbooks) and Activant Solutions. Renata is now using that extensive business experience and expertise to guide Lone Star College-Montgomery programs and courses in their adult continuing education department. She is currently the program manager for the Adult Enrichment program which provides leisure classes to any adult within the Montgomery County area. She also finds the time to work as a certified travel counselor for the Woodlands travel agency, Baer Travel International.

Renata is 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. She finds the time to volunteer with her 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.

Renata moved to The Woodlands in 2005 from Boulder, Colorado to be closer to her family. Since arriving, she has been heavily involved with community activities. She enjoys visiting the many wonderful dog parks, volunteering at the library for the Paws to Read program, leading as a Shepherd at church, and designing community courses for Lone Star College-Montgomery.

Peggy Hausman 2008 Profile

2008-04-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

www.retainpeggy.com

Enthusiastic individual seeks challenging opportunity to continue community service utilizing organizational and working skills developed through years of successful leadership in community organizations and fulfilled with responsibility and accountability.

PERSONAL

The Community of The Woodlands, Texas
+ Resident of Panther Creek since 1981. At-home Mom to sons Nick and Patrick.
+ Married for 30 years to Mitch Hausman, President of Southwest Wire Rope Inc.
Birth Date: February 22, 1958

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Board of Directors Service:
+ The Woodlands Fire Department
+ The Town Center Improvement District (now The Woodlands Township)
+ The Woodlands Community Service Corporation:
....Chairman of the Board 1997 to 2001 - First elected resident
+ The Woodlands Community Association (1995-2008)
....Chairman of the Board 1995 till 2001
+ Municipal Utility District #40

Instrumental in policy development, financial success, ISO rating reduction, economic achievement, marketing, community dispute resolution, public speaking, recruiting, organizational restructuring, economic efficiencies, union negotiations, legal dispute resolution, budget, real estate purchase, office expansions, contract negotiations, legislative formation and testimony.

Public Service:
+ Montgomery County Food Bank
+ YMCA
+ Boy Scouts of America
+ PTO/PTA President and committee chairman
+ Montgomery County
....Regional Resource Governance Committee,
....Law Enforcement Center Bond Committee
....Election Judge, School District Bond elections
+ Supervised and directed District Eagle Award Advancement, school functions
+ Developed advertising, promotional and fundraising materials
+ Solicited discounts and donations from local retailers
+ Recruited, trained and supervised volunteers
+ Coordinated community wide program, public speaking and presentations

RECOGNITION
+ Governor’s Award for Volunteerism
+ Conroe Independent School District Volunteer of the Year
+ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Award for Leadership in the Fine Arts
+ Boy Scouts of America, District Award of Merit, George Stake District
+ People Scene Newspaper Person of the Year, twice
+ The Villager Newspaper, Favorite Public Servant, shared with US Representative Kevin Brady
+ The Woodlands, Texas Original 25 “Hometown Heroes”, Community Recognition

EDUCATION
+ Missouri Western State University
....B.S. Criminal Justice
+ Texas Department of Insurance
....All-Lines License 1423571
+ Texas Open Meetings Certification

Nelda Blair 2008 Interview for Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

If I had to say it in one word, it would be “unity”. I was raised in Montgomery County, and I love my home. I want to see it grow and prosper and develop in harmony, and I hope to be an effective contributor to that exciting future! (It’s certainly not for the big bucks…..)

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

See question #3.

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

As to questions 2 and 3: In my view, the whole idea of The Woodlands is not “Residents vs. Businesses”; and it is not “Township vs. Associations”. It is that each of us is a part of all of it. Whether we have given support in our religious congregations, in village groups, with our schools or the college, on professional boards or in other volunteer activities, we want balance and harmony between all the parts of our community. That is what makes The Woodlands so unique and successful in the first place: the harmony of nature and people, living and working (and of course, playing.) Those values apply to both residential and business, for everyone.

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

Resident issues and commercial interests are both vital to the continued success of our community, and they rely on each other for sustenance. Without our beautiful living areas, highly maintained property standards and contented residents, we lose the attributes of our master-planned neighborhoods. Without our varied leisure and recreation, world headquarters, and office areas, we lose our ability to attract upper level companies and fund our residential amenities. Each sustains the other. The Woodlands is full of anecdotal stories about folks who visited and loved the area for its residential features, then moved their global companies here for the business climate. That’s what it’s all about!

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

My understanding is that never before in Texas has an area of almost 90,000 people been released from potential annexation to govern itself. So, as we determine how our transition will work best for all of us, we will also determine how we want to define ourselves. It is us, the residents, who will decide in the future if we want to incorporate, by popular vote. Incorporation will give us powers and abilities that we don’t have as an improvement district (which is what The Woodlands Township is now), but it will also obligate us to provide our own services. The first opportunity we have to make that decision is in 2014. In the meantime, we should look around, evaluate our community, and determine if incorporation is what we want. And if we do, then we go for it!

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

I have said since Day One that this transition is really akin to a “merger”. We are taking 3 homeowner associations, a fire department, a recreation organization, a management company, and a special purpose district, and combining them all into one entity. As I mentioned above, this is a first for Texas, and we are learning as we go. But, the Transition Teams for all entities have worked long and hard to make this growing stage as enjoyable and invisible as possible for all inhabitants of our community. To a person, I think all community leaders involved will say they want to work together, as partners. That is what truly makes a successful merger.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

The level of maintenance will not change, or will improve with growth. Maintenance duties will gradually transfer from the Community Associations to the Township, but by unanimous agreement, the quality will endure. It is our greatest hope that residents will not even notice the governance changeover in their neighborhoods.

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

Honestly, that is totally up to the folks on the Boards of The Woodlands Community Association, The Woodlands Association, and The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association. The concept approved by the voters is that the Township will gradually come to oversee financing and provision of community services, and that an ad valorem tax will replace property assessments for funding. So, there should be no need for assessments or provision of services by these Community Associations in the future. The Village Associations, however, are another matter, and are a very important layer of leadership between the Township and the residents as a whole.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

The only “changes” I foresee are improvements. The current makeup of The Woodlands Fire Department is one of an outstanding organization, but our area’s predicted growth will present challenges. TWFD will be expected to excel at its role, because it is a very important part of the overall public safety structure that helps shape our outstanding community.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

Exactly what the voters approved in November: We will pay an ad valorem or property tax that will gradually replace, dollar for dollar, our current community association property assessments. An additional benefit is that such a tax is generally deductible from federal income taxes, whereas the community association assessments are not. In addition, that tax rate will be less than the current community association assessment rates, as it will be supplemented by a sales tax payable by all people who buy in The Woodlands Township.

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?

Vital. Our claim-to-fame, these are the main things that distinguish us from other communities around the country. In survey after survey, year after year, what is the Number 1 thing residents, tourists and business people alike say they admire about our area? Not the shopping, not the homes, not the office space, nor the Pavilion, nor the Waterway nor Lake Woodlands. It’s the TREES. (We’re “The Woodlands”, get it?) These are our signature. As a resident of the Village of Grogan’s Mill, I love the parks, trees and amenities all over The Woodlands. We have to be diligent in keeping those up to standards as we experience growth, as they help keep our property values up and our quality of life high. The Village of Creekside Park is no different, and will be one of our flagship areas of The Woodlands.

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.

http://www.neldablair.com : I invite all of our residents and business people to visit this web site. Click on “Message from Nelda” to hear my vision for our community in my own words. Review “Nelda’s Resume’” to see where I’ve been and the educational background that fits me for this position on The Woodlands Township Board, (or if you have severe insomnia),click on “Nelda is a Leader” and “Nelda Supports Our Community” for the stuff I truly love to do, the important and deserving endeavors in our area.

Here’s the wrap up: .I believe I have proven myself as an effective leader on the Board of The Town Center Improvement District, now The Woodlands Township, for the past several years. I want to stay there. So, I ask that you vote for me on Saturday, May 10th!

Candidate verbal interview

1. Living Balance: Your resume testifies to your many talents, accomplishments and capability. How do you manage to balance your life and focus your work with such a seemingly overwhelming agenda?

I like to involve myself. God gave me an incredible amount of energy since the day I was born. To help me through all of my activities, I have a great support system in people and some special others.

2. Personality: You are the lady always in the red dress. You present yourself as semi-tough, aggressive, directly to the point, considerate and part of the team. How do you see yourself in this respect?

Well(laugh), red is my favorite color. All of this is a natural thing with me. I am a Texan through and through - strong, honest, but direct person. I am a natural leader, the kind who involves everyone at the level they want to be involved and in the capacity they have to involve themselves.

3. Management Style: Given the opportunity to delegate or do it yourself, what approach do you prefer when it comes to managing a crisis or important situation?

I very strongly believe in team players. The more duties given to people, the more they can handle and the better the team player. There are times I do a lot of my own work, sometimes out of necessity, but I believe everyone needs a participative role in whatever comes around.

4. Transition: Using the analogy of a corporate merger, do you think we are short on skills or experience having to do with mergers, to complete the job effectively?

No, but this IS the first time for this to happen in the whole state. I have the right to feel our way through some of this. We have many very smart people here, and I have a lot of confidence in them.

Campaign Website: Go to Nelda's web site/

Campaign Email: Send email to Nelda's campaign mailbox

All rights reserved
Content approved for publication by Nelda Blair

Tom Campbell 2008 Interview for Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Written Candidate Interview
1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?
I have lived in The Woodlands for 29 years and enjoy the Beauty and Amenities of our Hometown. I want to see this new phase of the development get off on the right start. My experience in serving as a director on the WCA Board to provide services for the community in the last five years will be an important asset. I want to maintain and improve the superior security services and the municipal services. I understand the resident needs and have the experience, time, dedication and background to represent those interests to the new board.
2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?
As always, I consider the interests of all the diverse interests in The Woodlands. With a seven member Township Board it will be very important to consider all villages and all ages. The mature areas and the developing areas have different needs. All areas need security services and all ages deserve a minimum tax rate.
3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?
About one third of our property tax will be paid by sales tax. We need a vibrant and successful business community. I want to maintain the attractiveness of the community to keep and bring in new business by providing a safe and outstanding place to live and work.
4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge will be to develop the governmental model desired by the residents in a cost effective manner that is also good for the commercial interests. Communication between the residents and The Township Board during this development will be critical.
5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?
I support a program by The Woodlands Township to study 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.
6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?
Communication is most important between the Associations and The Township to implement the transition. As a member of both organizations I will make facilitating communications a priority. A constructive attitude and good communications are needed to get the job done right.
7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?
The services must be transitioned in a seamless manner with cost in mind to improve efficiency. The overall objective will be to improve the services provided to the residents and the businesses paying for these services. Duplication and synergies in the service area must be examined to improve the new services as they are transitioned to minimize costs.
8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?
Continue to provide services and covenant administration through 2010 as outlined in the transition agreement and then phase out and disband.
9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?
As a member of the Woodlands Fire Department board for more than two years, I would continue the future planning to maintain our excellent fire protection and keep up with the community growth needs. Managing the fire resources to earn an ISO 2 rating will reduce the fire insurance costs on our homes.
10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?
Sales tax will be whatever the sales by the businesses will support. That is why we need a healthy business development. The property tax should be set at the minimum required by our services. I would support exemptions for
a) Homestead,
b) Over-65,
c) Disabled, and
d) Disabled veterans.
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?
My family loves the beauty and amenities of The Woodlands. The natural beauty of The Woodlands with its forest and the parks are important in attracting people to our lovely Township. I support keeping the green beauty of The Woodlands. Creekside is the newest village and it is different in many ways. A location in Harris County is one challenge and the new activities for our families such as the long hiking trail and new pool present other challenges to be considered for the maximum recreational enjoyment by all residents.
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.
My personal commitment to the welfare of the residents and storeowners is:

1. Cost efficient services to minimize property taxes.
2. Continued superior security services and municipal services for our homes.
3. Establishing a government model that meets the goal of self governance of, by and for the residents.
4. Maintaining the community standards by administration of covenants as we continue growing.

Verbal candidate interview
1. Leadership style: what role do you see yourself playing among the township board members currently on the board? Specifically, do you see yourself taking a leadership role on certain topics and what would be your approach?

Current Township directors have a focus on the economic development area. I would take a leadership role in services, especially to achieve cost effective quality services. I would like to take a significant role in budgeting the first property tax rate at the minimum required to provide our services. I do not want to neglect the businesses however. Sales tax will pay for one-third of our property taxes. We need a healthy business environment to attract business to the community, which in turn brings us those sale tax dollars. I believe that The Township should support a "shop The Woodlands" campaign.

2.Time: What time commitment do you personally anticipate in being a director?

Having served at-large on the association for five years and four years on a MUD district, I probably missed no committee meetings, attended about 99% of all WCA association and MUD meetings, and tried to attend every important meeting in the WCA villages as an at-large director. I tried to attend most meetings of Grogan's Mill Village Association, my own village. When the board diminishes in size to seven in 2010, it will be even more important to attend the village meetings. I plan to attend as many as possible to communicate with them.

3.Experience: What differences do you see in being a director on the Township board and being a director on the Association board?

The two are different. The Township is a government agency and the association is not. The association does not collect sales or property taxes but the Township does. Today we have some twenty-eight directors in the associations. In 2010 we will have only seven. Support from the village associations will be critical to determine residents' needs. I have already initiated steps to have a legal review for helping villages change their elections to the second Saturday in May instead of electing officers in February. I was involved in a by-law change for Grogan's Mill. We had to invite all citizens to vote on it and record the changes with the state. There is no rush to do this, because it is not needed until 2010, but it would not hurt to begin now. I have friends throughout The Woodlands who will help provide information about the residents' needs. We will all be glad to remove the alphabet soup of organizations and finally be The Woodlands. I am a current service and fire department director in the association, so I can provide continuity for a seamless transition and balance to the Township 11-member board in 2008 and 2009. The fire department plans must be carried forward, and I also have a plan for enhanced policing of The Woodlands. I have the experience, time, dedication and background to make the transition work well.

Campaign Website: Go to Tom's web site/
Campaign Email: Send email to Tom's campaign mailbox
All rights reserved
Content approved for publication by Tom Campbell

Jeff Long 2008 Interview for Director Township Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

Satisfaction of continued service to our community and residents, like the past five years I have served on the WCA board.

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

I will do what is good for all of the areas, taking into account all the residents. I need to balance the needs of the villages but pay attention to specific issues as well. The village associations will be the ears and eyes of The Woodlands. I want to enable and enhance this.

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

I worked for years in my work career toward job balance. This means bringing local jobs to the community, to reduce commute, benefit the environment, and enhancing family life and values. With more quality jobs, we get more time with our family. So I want to entice high quality companies to come to our community and relocate here.

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

I believe residential issues will predominate. With the resident population increasing from 85000 to 125000 in a short time, there will be many to serve! Additionally we will have a very large number of components in our community needing attention as a result of the dramatic growth. Our current economic development plan is working and will continue to be successful with fewer challenges. I do not see those processes needing to materially change.

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

My perspective comes from my background where I worked with municipalities most of my career. I have great admiration and appreciation of what cities can do to serve the community. I see the likelihood that "citihood" will have its positive benefits where we can tap resources not available to us today, such as municipality grants. It would be beneficial to us if we had more regional influence in water and transportation. There is a down side to this however in potential cost. We would have to take on street maintenance for example. This is an example of what we will need to consider as we go forward.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

During the transition, the relationship is spelled out in the agreement. I spent long hours on that agreement to ensure it would dictate the future for us over the next 18 months. Afterwards, the District will take over the control of the future of the community. The associations will essentially be non-existent except for possibly covenant meetings and processes. I do not see any new initiatives in this area. Funding will probably be granted the same as it has been in the past. "We will continue to do what we have been doing but will create some procedure to take care of the void."

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

One of my concerns has been the level of service for the residents during and after the transition. I see the service being as good or better than it has been over the past 30 years. Surveys indicate that resident are content with the services they have today. One reason that I want to be on the board is to see that these services are maintained at the level they have been and that the Township pays attention to them.

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

See answer #6 above.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

Continue to maintain services at the current high level. We have professional fire services and the community has provided the fire department with resources to do the job well. The increase in fire stations, plus the related equipment and fire fighters will enable us to reach an ISO level of 2. As a result, businesses and residents should have reduced insurance rates.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

Our tax rate will be lower than the past rates of the villages. Sales tax for the entire Woodlands will generate some $13.5mm to $14mm per year. This will offset much of the property tax and association dues we would otherwise have to pay. By the time 2010 rolls around, I see a tax rate of $0.29-$0.30. It will be fairly simple. What is not collected in sales taxes will be collected in property taxes to maintain operations. I do not see any changes to fee structures, which supplement the tax income.

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?

I am a user of the trails and parks. My wife also makes heavy use of them. I am a supporter of at least having the same amenities we have today, with even more depending on the cost and constrained tax rates. In the WCA, we prioritized maintenance projects for the parks department to ensure that the township will give priority to these areas. The development of Creekside Park will result in a village similar to the villages we have today. There is at least another 1.5 years of development in our future. To have the same sales tax structure for Creekside Park, we might have to go back to the legislature. That could impact how we do things in the future, but I see no philosophical change to development going forward as planned.

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.

1. I am committed to meeting residents' needs without impacting commercial interests and vice-a-versa.
2. By combining the functions of TCID with the functions of the associations, we should see positive results for everyone.
3. If we are careful with the budget, get good quality from our efforts, pay attention to the needs of all villages, and avoid extravagance, we will be caring for the community as a whole.

Candidate verbal interview>

1.What do you think about the future means to measure the public’s assessment of the Township board? The current resident confidence appears to be rather high, considering the last election. You mentioned the survey as a means to measure contentment. Is that a good measuring tool for the new Township board?

The public will take a wait and see position. When the public starts bringing issues to the board, how they respond to questions, the issues and answers will set the perception and tone of this new governing entity. Are they able to deal with the issues? This type of assessment will be a measure of the board's success. How is the spending our taxes? The stakeholders will judge the board on spending habits and the service they receive.

2. With the huge increase in population as you have noted, how will you manage to handle it all with a board of seven?

A board of 7, 11, or even 20 will not make the difference. It is how the board works together as a service to the community. The county for example has five members, six counting the judge. They have regions to assist their processing. It is not the number of directors but the ability of them to serve the district as they have been commissioned.

3. Have you already identified some specific municipal grants that you believe would help our community if we were a city?

One or two might be mentioned, as types of grants.
1. Community development block fund.
2. A transportation grant fund that we could compete for.
A whole host of opportunities exist that we would have to investigate.

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Peggy Hausman 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

Mitch and I moved to The Woodlands in 1981 and raised our family here in the dream of The Woodlands. I would like to have my sons have the opportunity to move back here in a safe community so they can raise their families here.

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

Safety, financial responsibility, accountability for my decision and sound judgement.

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

Economic growth, balance between residential concerns and business concerns. Can't a neighborhood live, work and play together in balance?

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

Residential to a larger degree then commercial because we still are not a city with full ordinance-making authority, and we still rely on the constable and sheriff’s department for security.

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

I think we need to look at all options. I do favor incorporation. The residents spoke out loud and clear during the governance process. They want to be the master of their our destiny. We need to employ our own law enforcement departments, have governmental control over ordinance making authority and to be able to set up our own court system.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

Sitting on both sides of the table watching the Township and the associations, I can tell you it was strained at times. The township did everything possible to accommodate the associations during the transfer of power.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

It needs to be monitored and watched closely to make sure the quality of services do not start to slide. Many areas need to be updated as well as repairs made to older parks and pools. We need to maintain all the areas of The Woodlands, not just the new ones.

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

According to the transition agreement that was negotiated, the associations will start to go away starting in 2010 and after………

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

Central station in Grogan’s Mill needs an entire overhaul….

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

Starting April 1, 2008 a two-cent sales tax will go into effect. From there we need to drop assessments accordingly. The WCA needs to return its surplus to the residents of the association and monitor the debt of the TWA prior to setting a flat tax rate over the whole Woodlands.

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?

We need to preserve as many amenities as possible in The Woodlands. After all, we moved here because of the amenities. We need to make sure that older areas receive the same treatment on redevelopment as the new parks receive.

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.

My primary goal has always been to be a dedicated partner to my husband of 30 years, Mitch, and to be a nurturing full-time mother to my two sons, Nick and Patrick. But, I also always find time to serve my community. I have been an unpaid community volunteer for more than 25 years serving home-based groups like the PTA, the YMCA, Boy Scouts, and the Food Bank to name a few. In 1999 I was selected as one of the original 25 Hometown Heroes for The Woodlands. I was also elected to the board and served as president of the Woodlands Community Association (WCA). And later, I was elected to the Municipal Utility District (MUD) #40 board of directors. I think my experience in the day-to-day operation of our complex “alphabet soup” community is best illustrated by my work as a member and chairman of The Woodlands Community Service Corporation (WCSC) in planning and overseeing many of our community’s basic services. My interest in economic development is expressed in my service on the Town Center Improvement District (TCID) board and as vice-chair of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. I now will volunteer to serve again in the same role, if elected at-large by The Woodlands Township residents in May of this year. I promise to be a model for what I have called upon the new board to always be “Responsible and Accountable!” In other words, my pledge is to walk my talk.

Candidate verbal interview>

1. Style: You ask some interesting and revealing questions from your current seat on the Township board. Would you give us some insight into how you prepare for the meetings and what motivates you to be inquisitive at them?

I receive the packages on Friday evening for the Wednesday morning board meeting. That gives me time to call my sources of support information such as the General Manager of the Woodlands Service Corporation. For example, if there is something on the agenda about building parks, I may need to know the ratio of residents to parks to be able to understand the funding required for growth. That information I will obtain before the meeting on Wednesday.

2. Experience: Your tenure on the MUD board is impressive. What were the most challenging tasks you feel you faced there and what do you consider your most valuable learning from that experience?

In MUD 40, we have one of the lowest tax rates of the districts, with Grogan’s Mill right with us. I voted against the tiered system because I believe people will not be impacted by such low financial consequences. The price must be much higher to impact water usage. I do not believe this will deter people from watering their yards or putting in additional hardware to reduce usage. I learned that common sense is the best tool for governing. The money we take from the public belongs to the public. If surplus sits in the bank, the public will know how to manage it better than us. The residents are willing to pay for what they need but not more. The public generally does not know the rates of other districts and the larger picture when it comes to water. For that and many other reasons, I would like to see a central repository of information, a one stop shopping information center similar to the City of Houston.

1. Opinion: In 2010, the number of directors drops to seven. How do you think the board will be able to handle the workload with only seven members

This can work! There has to be a blanket placed over the village associations so that the processes become part of those of the Township. I am thinking that two Township directors would be partners as representatives for one village. At least one of the two would always attend the village association meeting. Directors need to be at villages’ events and meetings. This will become more and more important as time marches on to 2010. Some level of participation is needed for directors to be a part of the community. We must be part of the hometown, having the heart and soul of the community and not have a political agenda in what we do.

4. Fire Department: Would you explain what you mean by central station needs an overhaul?

The fire station in Grogan’s Mill is old. It was built for local firefighting. It is now expected to serve much more as a central fire station for The Woodlands. Next to it is an empty county building that appears to no longer be needed by the county. We face an immediate opportunity to acquire that space, knock down the entire complex and finish the construction of a new central station to be what it needs to be, a response service for Grogan’s Mill and the central station for the entire community. Those 25 years of serving Grogan’s Mill has been accomplished. Now we should take this unique opportunity and build a new station for our future while we can.

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Claude Hunter 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

I seek only satisfaction for a job well done. A better question might be: What should residents expect to gain by Electing Claude to The Township Board? My reply to that is: I intend to continue to serve residents of The Woodlands and to complete the process approved by The Township voters. Our transition to a democratic governance is what I envisioned and have worked towards for more than ten years. My proven leadership record of working with others to achieve resident needs and to lower assessment/taxes while at the same time improving services and amenities provides assurance of positive results to the residents as a result of my being elected to The Township Board.

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

The primary resident values I will use are: To ensure a seamless transition to a fully democratic form of governance free of the threat of annexation - a government of the people, by the people and for the people. I will continue to seek resident input by listening to constituents - in person, via e-mail and via my informational website I have maintained for the past three years at www.ClaudeHunter.com . My positive record of success in working with others to satisfy resident needs for more than ten years should be considered. For more details, please see the page titled “Issues” on my website at: http://www.ElectClaude.com

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

Our business, light industry and commercial sector is very important to our economic and social success. We must maintain and improve high quality employment, shopping and tourist aspects that help us to be an even more complete and desirable community. A place where our property values and quality of life are enhanced and where others will come to shop or participate and thus help to make us a more desirable and economically successful community. Our business community consists of our residents, our employers and much of our potential economic success

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

They are interdependent - they must work together.

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

The 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 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.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

Association and Township Directors must work together to ensure that all the transition agreements are implemented on schedule and as agreed upon. Perhaps the best way to assure a seamless transition is for residents to elect candidates who have proven leadership and familiarity with staff and policies, such as indicated by their current service on boards of WCSC , WFD and perhaps WRC. Simultaneous service on boards that supply the services and on The Township Board that supplies funding during the transition should help ensure that the transition is seamless. It should be evident that there will likely be a majority of Township Directors on the Township Board who are not elected at-large by Township residents until after May 10, 2010, when a fully elected board will begin. Thus the election of five Township Directors with proven recent leadership in our community association governance seems especially important.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

The transition agreements should be followed. Thus maintenance services will continue to be supplied and handled by directors, policy, budget and staff of the WCSC until 2010. Then the agreements spell out timing for the demise of funding of WCSC. Maintenance services should continue seamlessly during the transition. After the transition, residents will control this and other aspects of governance by election of candidates with proven leadership capabilities and by replacement of any that do not meet the needs of the majority of Township voters..

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

The role of the Village Associations should not be significantly affected. As a Director, I will rely on input from all villages. The Associations agreed on the statement below, titled “Village Associations” for inclusion in the transition agreement. It answers most of the question. I will continue my support for a $10,000 donation to each village to help defray insurance and other costs. Starting in 2010, or 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. And, I believe, Township meetings should be at a time when residents, including village association leaders, can more easily attend and provide input to the board. I shall continue to attend as many village association meetings and functions as possible.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

I have participated in planned changes that will ensure that The Woodlands Fire Department will significantly improve and become more cost effective to residents over the next two years. Plans, contracts and budgeting planned by the WFD Board and staff are now being implemented and must continue. In addition to the new facilities now nearing completion, we have planned for two new fire stations that are already included in five year budget plans. As an active member of the WFD board since 2002, I plan to continue to work to ensure that our county wide dispatch system, new emergency training center and other changes in facilities, staff, equipment and policy help make us more effective in saving lives and property and in providing much better area wide emergency services. The potential reduction of an additional eight percent in homeowners fire insurance with a total savings to residents and businesses of ten percent since several years ago that should result from the above improvements is substantial. We should continue plans to market our emergency training center to allow others to contract for use of the facility. That should offset our capital, maintenance and operation costs for the training center.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

The WCSC board and staff ideas and vision for an improved tax structure was approved by the three associations and The Township in 2007, including budgeting for plans sufficient to complete the transition. The planning and approval process extended into early 2008. These plans include replacing non-tax deductible assessments with more cost effective taxes as soon as possible after 2010 - as promised prior to the November vote of Township residents and detailed in subsequent transition documents. My ideas and vision are to work with others to reduce community association assessment rates an additional 16 percent for 2009 as planned in joint and separate meetings. Specifically my role as a sitting TWA Director, until at least March 2010, is to work to reduce TWA assessment rates by an additional 16 percent for a total of 31 percent reduction from the 2007 rate; and as a Township Director to provide funding to replace assessments dollar for dollar.

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?

My positive actions on most boards and committees since 1997-2000 has been and shall continue to be to continuously protect and enhance our parks, trees and amenities throughout The Woodlands Township. The development of land in Creekside Park that is owned by others, is not a function under the control of any of the community associations nor of The Township. As an association and Township director I shall continue to work with the developer and others to ensure that master plans for our community are fulfilled consistent with, and in many cases improved over, Mr. Mitchell’s original vision for The Woodlands.

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.

For eleven years I committed to working full time to further improve this great residential and commercial community. Working together, we improve our quality of life and economic success. I want to continue to serve throughout the next three important transitional years as a Township Director. Please vote.

Candidate verbal interview
1.Debt: How are we the Township positioned for assuming the debt from TWA and other holders of debts to be transferred?

Most outstanding long term debt is for construction of Fire Station 6 and the new Emergency Training (formerly Fire Training) Academy. Economic Development Zones (EDZs) were created to finance those facilities with debt to be paid by Sales and Use Taxes. The separate EDZs have now been consolidated. We planned for the debt and the good thing is that if we need to finance additional debt, with resident approval, we can obtain bonding so we can get favorable interest rates and thereby lower costs. As a member of the Woodlands Fire Department Board of Directors, we worked with The Township Directors to ensure that debts will be paid off as planned. We are also working to ensure that other potential users of the Emergency Training facility help pay to offset operation and maintenance costs and may even cover part of the capitol costs for construction of the facility. Existing debts are a part of the transition agreements and are not a decision for new board members to face.

In TWA, we have already passed the median in valuation. That is important for the tax base. TWA residents will pay their own way for the debt incurred, since taxes must be uniform. There will be a continued need for pathways and other amenities in the newer villages.

2.Priorities: In that you have been so involved in change over the past 11 years in The Woodlands, where do you think your contributions might be focused in the next (transition) phase as we head for 2014?

I have been privileged to serve the residents full time for many years. With their approval, I shall continue to provide full time service - attending and participating in essentially all meetings that apply to our local governance, as I have for eleven years. I am not planning on slacking off and plan to continue to tend to and meet resident needs. I meet and work with as many residents as I can in an effort to better understand the needs of our community and to work with others to meet those needs. I was one who made promises to the voters. I have worked for more than ten years to be allowed to choose our own government and fully intend to fulfill all promises made. I made a sincere commitment to these historic goals. This will be a full time job for me - not part time. My day starts at 5AM and sometimes ends at 11 PM. What we are going to accomplish during the next two to three years in this new governance is important.

3. Passions: If I asked for you to talk about your greatest passion relative to this position, what would you say that would be?

Passion is by deed, not word. For me, the community has always been a priority. I was on the development appeals committee. I did not necessarily agree with the development company on many issues. I was there to represent the residents. From that work, I influenced the addition of more green space to the master plan. I got a pathway in Alden Bridge by seeking solutions to resident issues; it was not safe for pedestrians due to the lack of pathways. I was one of three, all elected, to get directors from both associations together to iron out issues between developing villages and established villages. At first, we were at odds, perceived to be representing the developers. Together however, we worked on law enforcement among other issues;we did a study and the residents got together on it; now we have a new sheriff. The Entergy power line issue, another passionate project – I got involved in a grass roots effort. Entergy wanted to go right through the villages with overhead transmission lines. We went to Austin on it and we were required to have our own lawyer. We negotiated with Entergy and the state agencies. By the time they saw our viewpoint, Entergy got on board and saved $1mm with a different solution. Now we have underground lines and no new high voltage overhead lines in our villages. I have been to Houston, working with committees there. I was the only elected person present for all four bills. I came up with the concise brochure for the Woodlands Decides Committee and distributed thousands of them. I have missed only about two meetings in the WCA. I believe in being there! I missed one because of cancer. “I figured if that didn’t kill me, my wife would” (laugh) because she had to help me out a lot then. “You know the surgery was on the weekend, and I had serious side effects, but the next Tuesday was a very important association meeting and I was there, as always“

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Bruce Tough 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

My family moved here in 1974 before The Woodlands was developed. My father, Coulson Tough, was hired by George Mitchell to be part of his original “dream team” of visionaries who initiated the planning and development of The Woodlands. I have had the unique opportunity to participate in many of the activities from the beginning of the 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.

I love The Woodlands and I want to continue the dream and vision of George Mitchell for my four children and the residents of The Woodlands. Our transition to a central government in The Woodlands Township is another step in our ultimate future. In order to continue that dream and planned development to maintain our hometown, we need experienced leadership.

I offer my leadership and past experience from serving 10 years on the Woodlands Community Association board and five of those years as president of The Woodlands Community Association to maintain and continue the hometown dream of The Woodlands. I also currently serve as Chairman of The Woodlands Community Service Corporation and president of The Woodlands Fire Department having served in those capacities for the last seven years. I also would offer my government and legislative experience providing management oversight and policy review experience to the Community Associations. I have managed the budget of the community over the last 10 year period and served as a trustee on the Conroe Independent School District Board as the current second vice president and chairman of the audit committee with an approximate Three Hundred Million Dollar ($300,000,000.00) budget for the school district.

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

First and foremost, I am a resident of The Woodlands and live in the Village of Cochran’s Crossing. I serve my village constituency and all the people of The Woodlands with the perspective as a resident. I interface with the associations continually to make certain that all decisions by The Woodlands Community Association are prioritized with our villages in mind. I will continue to do that when serving on the Township board.

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

There must be a cooperative and cohesive working relationship between the commercial and residential interests of any community or city. One will not succeed without the other. There is no way that a resident community can succeed without commercial interests because the tax base would not support the basic residential services. The mission of George Mitchell was to work, live and play in The Woodlands. Work means having employment and business interests healthy and active in The Woodlands community and to make The Woodlands attractive for the retention of jobs and for future businesses to relocate here.

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

From my past as the president of The Woodlands Community Association, the resident issues normally take a top priority because that is who comes to the board for their concerns and issues. The basic reason for that is that have 85,000 individuals who live in the community and they will have concerns and problems that will need to be addressed by the Township board. My experience in the past has been to find a resolution for the resident issues, calling upon my past experience where I have resolved issues successfully such as the proposed overhead power lines, closing of streets or opening of thoroughfares, adding additional pathways, the sound wall, cooperative shared use of facilities, accommodating expansion and growth in the community and adding to our parks and recreational facilities to keep up with growth.

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

I feel that eventually The Woodlands will become a city and I support having an election by the people to determine whether The Woodlands should incorporate. I do not presume that I know what the residents will decide, but I would support the offering of an incorporation election prior to 2014.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

I expect that the Associations and the Township will need to work together cooperatively to achieve a smooth transition fore the city type services from the Associations to the Township. Anything short of complete cooperation and the continuation of providing the exemplary services to our residents will be unsatisfactory and unacceptable to me.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

In the drafting of the Transition Agreement I made sure that our city type services will be continued and maintained in a superior fashion because they will be provided through the three year transition period by The Woodlands Community Service Corporation, the entity currently providing those services. We will have sufficient sales tax revenue and ad valorem tax base to provide those exemplary services expected by the residents of The Woodlands. However, once the community is built out, the sustainability of providing high quality services will become an issue and a challenge, as it is with any city. Therefore, a sufficient tax base, coming particularly from commercial property and sales taxes, to support the continuation of these services is essential. Sustainability of growth and development will be a future concern of the Township

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

My expectation is that the Woodlands Community Association, the Woodlands Association, and the Woodlands Commercial Owners Association will dissolve or will remain dormant because the service delivery will be transferred to the Woodlands Township. The next few years have us moving to one central government entity to provide the services and a “one stop shop” for answers and responses to the residents of The Woodlands. I expect that the roles of the village associations will become even more important providing grass roots input to the Township.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

I am the current President of The Woodlands Fire Department and have served as its president for seven years and served as a director on the Fire Board for nine years. Our fire department is our public safety entity that is provided today under the direction of the community associations. The fire department will increase its capacity with the completion of our new Fire Station 6 in College Park along 242 and the completion of our fire academy on I-45 close to Harper’s Landing. The fire department needs to continue to grow with the construction of Fire Station 7 in the new Village of Creekside Park and to plan for Fire Station 8 in the Village of Indian Springs. In addition to providing increased fire protection, these new improvements are intended to lower insurance premiums for The Woodlands residents. I see the fire department changing from traditional fire fighting to emergency response for hazardous waste spills, car accidents, and other emergency response issues. That has been the transition for fire departments throughout the country. Offering the most up to date, effective and efficient fire and emergency medical services to our residents will be my top priority.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

Under law, the property tax structure for the residents and the businesses will be identical. The property tax implemented by the Township would be in lieu of the community association assessments and it, together with the general sales tax, would provide overall tax relief to the residents. In the past, the residents have borne most of the burden of community financing through their property based community association assessments. That will change. Furthermore, the new Township property tax will be deductible whereas the community association assessments are not.

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 two most important criteria factors that bring people to The Woodlands are our trees and our schools. To maintain that current structure is my top priority. I have done that through my service as a trustee on the Conroe Independent School District. I am committed to maintain our parks, trees, and amenities by implementation of a tree reforestation plan throughout The Woodlands and to maintain the existing trees throughout our community by means of a forest management program. As we continue to expand with the addition of new homes and streets, our forest declines and we must constantly replant and reforest those areas to achieve the same quality wooded environment. In connection with our amenities, I have been a consistent proponent of upgrading our older parks and building new parks and sports parks for the enjoyment of our children and residents. The development of Creekside Park has included the expansion of recreational and sports field activities as well as a five-mile linear park along Spring Creek.

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.

12. I have offered my candidacy to serve the residents of The Woodlands on The Woodlands Township Board because this is a critical juncture in the transition of government in The Woodlands. In 1999 I was elected as a director to The Woodlands Community Association Board of Directors and was elected as the president of that board and served for five years from the year 2000 to 2004. During that time I took a lead role in the study of our governance in order to prevent the annexation of The Woodlands by the City of Houston such as happened to Kingwood in 1999. I, along with Joel Deretchin, President of The Woodlands Association and the Community Owners Association and five others came up with a plan of action to prevent annexation of The Woodlands and to educate residents so that we would be prepared and able to provide an alternative to annexation by Houston. From the outset, I have served as co-chairman and founding member of the governance foundation committee; as co-chairman of the governance process committee and co-chairman of governance steering committee. During the 10 years that this process evolved, I traveled to Austin many times to testify in support of legislation which would prevent the City of Houston from annexing The Woodlands and to support enabling legislation that would allow the limited purpose Town Center Improvement District to become The Woodlands Township. That legislation, in addition to expanding the boundaries of the TCID to become community-wide, also gave voters the right to elect a seven member governing board from our community; to implement a tax deductible property tax which together with the sales tax, paid in large part by visitors to The Woodlands, will lower the overall tax burden on all of us. I support the will of the residents to have an incorporation election and to make decisions as to the future governance of The Woodlands. I have always supported the resident’s right to choose the future government of The Woodlands and I will continue to work for the residents and their right to determine their own destiny.

Candidate verbal interview
1.Personal: It seems you will be extremely busy with all of your responsibilities, assuming you are elected to the board. How do you plan to manage all that you do – family, business, association (service company), etc? Also, as part of this, would you elaborate on what your plan is for your participation on the school board, should you be elected to the Township board?

When I worked downtown, the commute made it a big challenge. Now that I have moved my business out to The Woodlands, for the past five years it is much more manageable. My business office is here and the clients are mostly here. I can attend meetings, events, and functions to stay abreast of what is happening in the community. My family comes first, work to provide for them comes next and then the community. All of these seem to work together quite well. I can manage the time effectively

2. Fire Department: You have stated that you want to see a transition in the fire department toward emergency response issues. Since we already have firefighting teams serving in that capacity, in a few words, what changes do you envision to accomplish that transition and to what degree of change?

Fire fighting has changed a lot over the years. I have served on the board for the fire department for 8 years. I am President now. We have built three stations since I have assumed a position on the board. Going forward, we will build a new station for Indian Springs, the new village and complete those being built. Our fire fighters respond to many types of incidents. We are the first responders for emergency services for resident health as well as fire issues. Inter-local agreements are in place with Conroe and other surrounding areas for mutual aid. I see more of the same. We have the best Hazmat team in the county. Our policy in response arrival time is five minutes. The station built at 242 serves the hospital, Harpers Landing and many stores and residences nearby. We coordinate with the other departments and will continue to look for more opportunities to improve efficiencies. The new fire station #6 and the training center are funded by sales taxes. This exemplifies the creative partnership that the Township has with the association. Traditionally, sales taxes pay for the fire department in city governments. Next year we should be able to have lower insurance rates from the upgrades this year. We have started work on this already.

3. Personal: How do you vision using your legal skills to the advantage of the community over the next three years? Do you believe you will need to be going to Austin again in the next legislative session?

Everyone’s skills are required in working together to provide the leadership necessary for our success. Being an attorney does provide added value. These days, we have a very complicated society. In this age of electronic information, processing information has become a challenge. My added value is in the interpretive skills I possess to process the information. I also have many resources to draw from, to make decisions. I do anticipate going to Austin this next year. I have been there every year since I started serving The Woodlands. I can give one or two examples of what I have done to show you what occurs every session. I worked with others to protect the fire department (and your tax dollars) for limited liability. I had to testify in the legislative session to get those bill passed to protect us. I went to Austin for the Entergy overhead line issue. I coined the slogan “Underground or go around”. I also went to Austin to testify to expand TCID and to obtain sales taxes. I also testified on changing the eleven-member board to a seven-member board. We no doubt must continue to seek legislative assistance to help us achieve a higher level of excellence. We seem to always face issues with how we receive water and sewage services. I anticipate that I will go to Austin to supplement our taxing authority with an ordinance-making authority, as well as some other process enhancements to help us be more effective and efficient.

3. Law Enforcement: How do you vision using your legal skills to the advantage of the community over the next three years? Do you believe you will need to be going to Austin again in the next legislative session?

This service has been one of my primary concerns since elected. In 2000, I chaired the committee working on law enforcement. We felt that we did not have sufficient policing manpower for the growing community. The sheriff then could not provide us with much information; therefore we studied the situation and made some conclusions, then acted on them. We had many teens die here in auto accidents and other tragedies. So we enhanced the patrols and educated the public on the alarm issues (time waster for our police officers). One of my missions is to have improved safety. We have a constant ongoing effort to study the issues and improve the services. The budget has been increased from $350,000 in the year 2000 to $1mm in 2004 to $2.7mmm today. Part of the solution was political, changing the Sheriff. Our consultant recommended the new beat model; we adopted it and it is in place. I served on this committee for the last ten years. Now we need to look at the Town Center contract and find the efficiencies to make the model work for all of The Woodlands. The pieces are in place and we have the resources to make one model for all of The Woodlands. We have been and will continue to be proactive in making this a safe community.
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George Van Horn 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

Good government. I will be a person who will represent all of the people of The Woodlands. I am committed to bringing the community together. Residents and business should all have their views heard. Everyone should be treated fairly and with respect

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

Quality of life, delivery of an excellent level of services, improvement of property values. Making sure that staff is responsive to the needs of the residents.

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

Responsible development. Making sure that growth continues in a way that maintains and improves our quality of life.

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

I expect that more of the challenges will be resident issues because there is a great range of ages of the homes, locations and home values. In addition, the residential areas are larger users of our municipal services. Commercial development will have to happen in accordance with The Woodlands community standards.

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

I personally favor incorporation. However, I am aware that a number of residents are concerned that the cost of incorporation will outweigh the benefit. We need to do a cost-benefit analysis to resolve those questions.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

During the transition, they should work together as partners. After the transition is completed, the Township will have assumed full responsibility. The associations will have completed their role. Government will be simplified.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

The community associations should maintain the level of services while they retain responsibility for them. As the Township assumes these responsibilities, they should review operations and improve the level of services as appropriate consistent with controlling costs.

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

The community associations’ functions are being assumed by the Township. After the transition period, I expect that the Village Associations will have a larger voice in behalf of the residents.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

I would like to see the department’s response times be the best that are reasonably possible.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

Taxes should be as low as possible consistent with provision of the level of services that we have come to expect. To the extent that we can rely of sales taxes (the majority of which are paid by non-residents) this will allow us to lower property taxes.

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?

We need to maintain and improve the parks and amenities in all of our Villages. Older facilities may need repairs while newer villages may require buildout to reach the existing community standards. Trees are at the heart of The Woodlands. They are a big reason why people come here to work and live. We need to enact and enforce measures to protect them.

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 am committed to carrying out the will of the people.
I campaigned for Propositions 1, 2 and 3 to free The Woodlands from annexation by Houston and Conroe. Now, I am campaigning for a smooth transition to our new form of government.

I am committed to bringing the community together.
I am comfortable in dealing with all parts of the community: homeowners, businesses, education, charitable, religious and government at all levels. I have a 15 year history of volunteer work with all these segments of our community.

I am professionally qualified.
I have skills developed through education and experience to deal with the issues facing The Woodlands. As a small business owner, he is in touch with the needs of The Woodlands homeowners and small businesses. I help homeowners and small businesses in obtaining real estate financing. I have an MBA in Finance. I have successfully managed multi-million dollar mergers.

The needs of the staffs of the Community Associations and The Woodlands Township should be taken into consideration.
Mergers are times of uncertainty for those who work in the organizations. We need to care for them so that they will stay motivated to provide the community with the highest level of professionalism.

Campaign Email: Send email to George's campaign mailbox

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Bev Earl 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

I have lived in The Woodlands for 18 years now and love it here. The most important thing to me is keeping this community a safe and healthy environment in which residents and businesses can grow and prosper.

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

See answer to Question 3

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

I do not believe we have to separate resident and commercial values. We all value what The Woodlands provides for all of us. For instance, I have lived here for 18 years and owned a business here for 11 and have worked and volunteered in the community to make sure both groups have an excellent quality of life. There is a balance that needs to be maintained and I will work hard to make sure that balance continues.

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

There are always going to be issues balancing interests of various groups, but I am not anticipating the resident issues being bigger than the commercial issues or vice-versa. Without residents we would have no businesses thriving in our community, and without business our residents will not have the quality of life we all know and love. We have built a beautiful community that is home to businesses that are full of residents working together to make this a better place to live. I will work hard to make sure The Woodlands continues to be a great place to live, work, play and stay!

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

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 various options and we will have to weigh those to decide which way to go. Bottom line is the residents are the ones who will decide and it is the job of the directors to fully analyze and study the possibilities and present them to residents to be able to make an informed decision. It is something we need to start studying right away as this will not and should not be an easy decision.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

In the interest of efficiency and minimizing the costs of providing governmental-type services, as we merge the many entities that currently work together, I do not see a huge difference in how people in our community interact. We are all working toward the same goal merging into one governing body. The need for the services and the people to provide those services is still there. We will continue to work hard to make the transition as smooth as possible. I am sure there will bumps in the road, but my experience in this community is we work together to make things as smooth as possible and I expect that to continue.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

I do not believe the maintenance services will change significantly and hopefully if they do change they will improve. We all love how The Woodlands looks and feels and as the transition happens, we will make sure it is still the hometown we are all accustomed to.

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

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 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 these services continue and continue to improve.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

I believe we have one of the most talented and professional fire departments in the country. With our sixth fire station and a training academy under construction, I would expect to see our fire department continue to grow in skill and professionalism. As our community continues to develop unique features such as the Woodlands Waterway and other unique features, our fire department will continue to need additional apparatus and training, and the Township will provide the mechanism and funding sources to assure that they have the resources to do so.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

This has already been decided by the voters last November. Our current community association property assessment taxes will be replaced dollar for dollar by an ad valorem tax that will now be deductible on your Federal Income taxes while the current assessment fees are not. In addition, the tax rate will be less than current rates as it will be supplemented by sales tax paid by everyone who makes taxable purchases within The Woodlands Township (which is a significant source of additional funding from people who are not residents here, but visit, shop and enjoy our amenities).

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?

What we have in The Woodlands as far as parks, trees, amenities is what brought you and me here and what keeps us here. It is absolutely essential that we keep, properly maintain and plan for the future of the trees and the parks and the green belts. The biggest reason I moved to The Woodlands was because of the trees and the natural environment of our community. Creekside Park is already developing into a wonderful addition to our community, and I do not see Creekside Park as being any different than any other part of The Woodlands. We will partner with Harris County and the Tomball and Klein Schools to make it one of the best areas of their county as well.

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 have proven that I am an effective leader in this community for years. I have raised 4 kids in this community who now live and work here and I have a grandson living in The Woodlands who I want to have the best life has to give him. I have great political instincts and boundless energy. I have no agenda other than to make this community the best it can be. I hope you will vote for me on May 10th!

Candidate verbal interview
1. Team role: What special roles do you see yourself playing on the 7-member board after May 2010 or 11-member board prior to 2010?

I bring good negotiation skills to the table. I am a very good listener, see clearly, and act fairly and am respected for my opinions. I will listen and collect needed information from residents in order to represent them. I will use these skills in my role on the board before and after 2010.

2. Village businesses: Do you see any differences in the opportunities of the businesses in the villages over the next two years as a result of the territorial expansion of TCID into the now Woodlands Township?

I see great opportunities! We are being recognized nationally and internationally, and those businesses will share that recognition. In the Township, we need to do a good job in making that business community aware of their opportunities. The additional sales tax should not be an issue for them. Many people are accustomed to paying the full sales tax. Village businesses have a lot to offer, and there are great opportunities to market themselves better. Take the Panther Creek Merchant Association for example. The sky is the limit. The Township can promote their businesses alongside of those in Town Center. We are not just the Town Center anymore; we must be marketing businesses in the Township as a whole. I will make sure those businesses know what their opportunities are. We must promote small, medium and large businesses. “It is not easy for a small business to make it. It takes a village to promote everybody. (laugh) I love this (support for one another) about The Woodlands!”

3. Financial: During the next three years, are there financial risks, which you anticipate, that we will need to help mitigate issues for the more mature villages, especially in this economically stressed era?

A tough question. We do have standards and must watch for the upkeep (of the villages). As long as we have the associations in place, and we do need them, we won’t have a financial risk; but we will have to allocate funds according to need, which will ultimately benefit The Woodlands as a whole. We must have a credible maintenance plan, especially for common areas. We need to keep the RDRC’s active. “I do not see this as a risk but a responsibility.” Grogan’s Mill is the first village needing special allocation funds, and Panther Creek will be next. The future risk would exist only if we the residents do not sufficiently maintain the villages. “If it needs repair, repair it!” That philosophy applies to our villages just like it applies to our homes and cars.

4. Village tourism: recently there has been some indication that the villages may be part of the Township tourism business. Can you elaborate on where you think we are going with tourism? Maybe you could also comment on this from the traffic congestion perspective.

A Double Edge Sword – tourism is great but along with tourism comes more people and traffic. We need to have a future plan to develop alternative means of transportation starting with something as simple as bike racks for people who want to ride into Town Center and have a place to lock up their bikes. We need to take a look at mass transportation such as buses that reach into the Villages. This will eliminate so many cars to find parking places. This will also allow us to travel from Village to Village and Town Center at a much lower cost.

I have lived in seven communities in 4 states and traffic issues always seem to run behind growth in every one of them

Campaign Website: Go to "Elect Bev Earl for Township Director" web site
Campaign Email: Send email to Bev's campaign mailbox
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Karen Booren 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

I am enthusiastic and excited about the opportunity to continue serving the residents. My knowledge of the services, delivery, budgets and needs of the residents will be an asset in this transition period.

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

I will try to equalize services and amenities in all areas and make them better when possible. Safety is foremost in our community.

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

Need and value to the community would be a prioritization factor

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

Any issue can be the biggest challenge. I will research and act on each accordingly.

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

I attended many meetings of the Governance Committee and was a member of the original Governance group. I also attended all the community governance forums where I heard residents state they wanted incorporation so they could have more authority and ordinance making ability. I support a process that would allow the residents to make the decision of whether or not they want the Woodlands to be incorporated. I support the process we have begun.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

Every effort should be made by all parties to make this transition as smooth as possible. I would hope the service corporation would be around a long time as the need for their high standard of delivery of services and their trained staff are most crucial. Personally, I see no need to reinvent the wheel.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

As I stated before, the services should be no less than the present level and better in the future

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

The Village associations will be a vital link to the residents. Township should support them at the current levels by providing a meeting place and financially assistance.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

Our Fire Department is on an aggressive plan to add two more fire stations one in Creekside and one for Sterling Ridge/ Indian Springs and complete the College Park station. They will also have to look at construction of a new station to replaced Fire Station One which has been patched and fixed until it is not practical to put much more money into the facility. This station continues to serve a larger number of high rise buildings each year. I would like to see that ISO rating get to a level 2.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

I believe that question has been answered through the legislation and with the implementation of the latest sales tax. The bigger question would be how will it be budgeted.

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?

I am a tree hugger and like most of the residents our amenities an parks make this a gorgeous place to live and a wonderful place to raise a family and enjoy nature. Ed Chance has done a wonderful job securing Spring Creek for the future. I trust that a regional park will have fiduciary commitments from the region and private entities and will not have to be funded by the residents.

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 listen, I ask questions, I get answers and I broker resolutions. I have served eight years as a director on the Woodlands Community Association and two years as a Village President. I know residents needs and the delivery of services and budgets. I’m
Knowledgeable
Approachable
Responsive
Energetic
Noteworthy

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Kenny Speight 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

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?

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! at this time, I cannot say that at this time the Township needs or must consider ordinances. Recently, I had a conversation with a candidate for Conroe city council and this subject was discussed. During this conversation, I explained the existence of the Township, the transition to our new government, the corroboration with the associations, crime rates, and ad valorem property taxes. This discussion led to the inner workings of a city government and the question of “Why become a city?” The answer is easy: I want what we have enjoyed for the past 20 years plus a form of government that has a broad tax base and cost efficient with a minimum tax burden while providing excellent amenities and safety for all. During the transition, the Township Board must consider all options so the outcome will be cost effective and the residents and the local businesses can experience the benefits.

Campaign Website: Go to Kenny's Website

Campaign Email: Send email to Kenny's campaign mailbox
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Ted Stanley 2008 Interview for Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

The only thing I personally expect to get out of service on the Township Board is the gratification of knowing that I helped our community.

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

As I see it, the residents hold the values, which brought them to The Woodlands in the first place. I will not prioritize these values based on my assumptions, but on the needs and desires of the residents. The values that I see are of high interest to residents are: a) quality of life, b) a safe community in which to raise a family, c) reasonable cost (taxes/assessments) for services, d) a reasonably clear vision to the future, and e) make sure their needs and desires are heard and acted upon in a timely manner.

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

While the business community’s needs are somewhat different from the residents’ needs, basically the business community’s values are aligned with those of the residents…the business community wants to be fairly represented, have the opportunity to grow, have a safe environment in which to conduct their business, be shown consideration and given opportunities to work within the community and have their needs and desires heard and acted upon quickly just as anyone would.

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

The word “challenge” might imply there may be some sort of conflict and that we must decide one group’s interest over the other. This is not true. A healthy, growing community needs both residents and commercial interests. The Woodlands has proven that both groups can and must work together to achieve the high standards we desire in our community. The challenges come not from within our own community, but how we relate to areas and groups outside the community. We have also proven that we (The Woodlands) can work with many groups to assure that our residents and commercial interests are served equally and fairly based on the respective needs of each.

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

The residents will decide the future government of The Woodlands. I will be here as a conduit to ensure 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.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

As they have in the past, I’m sure the Associations and the Township will continue to work together professionally on behalf of our entire community.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

My goal is that we will not forego any quality in our services. Therefore it is my vision to uphold the high standards to which we have all become accustomed. I expect that through the transition and beyond we will have service standards second to none. The Woodlands has always led the pace and I expect that we will continue to enjoy that position.

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

The Associations are made up of a wonderful volunteer base. The role of the Associations as we know them today will change (as per the transition plan). My vision is that the volunteer base will still be strong and will work very closely with the newly formed Township board. While the major associations (TWA, WCA and WCOA) will change and eventually be eliminated, the village association will remain in tact and continue to offer the grass-roots, “sounding board” role they have always played. As a Township Board member I am committed to upholding the agreements to fund (where appropriate) and support the village associations in their efforts to represent the residents and business in their respective villages.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

We have one of the finest fire departments in the state and actually around the country. The only changes I would like to see are already on the drawing board; new fire stations relative to growth, expanded firefighters (to help improve the ISO rating), updated equipment (for the firefighters’ safety) and over all community involvement with the department.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

While taxes are necessary, my motto is: Tax the least. It is important not to over tax. Therefore my vision would be to implement a tax structure that is fair to residents and at the same time allow us to provide the quality of service we have come to know and expect. During this formation process and into the transition process, we committed to lowering assessment collection equal to the increase and imposition of taxes. I will strongly hold to that ideal and maintain a conservative approach to levy or increase taxes. I believe whichever structure gives the best benefit to the residents and businesses will be the one to support. This may sound a bit vague, but at this point there are several options open and we must explore each of them without committing to a single structure until we determine which will suit our needs.

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 Woodlands is what it is today because of the parks, pathways, trees, green spaces, reserves, pools, and all other recreational amenities we have here. I do not anticipate any change in philosophy as it relates to providing these benefits to our residents. The Village of Creekside Park is a magnificent addition to our community. I support the development of our newest village and encourage all residents to explore its parks (the awarding-winning Rob Fleming Park) and open space. A visit to this area and to the recently established nature preserve will enlighten any spirit.

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 would only add that we have a wonderful community and although we are on the cusp of change, we are headed toward grand times. The Woodlands and the newly formed structure of the Township will open many doors of opportunities for all of us.

I am proud to live here, I am proud of my service to this community in the past and I am looking forward to serving in the capacity of director of The Woodlands Township.

Candidate verbal interview
1.Public Education: Since you graduated from the Association Academy, and considering our new form of government, do you have an opinion on how to go forward in educating the public on how services and processes function in The Woodlands? Include your thoughts on encouraging more voters to turn out at our elections.

I feel that for resident education, people will learn what they want. If not interested, they won’t strive to learn. However, it IS our responsibility to give them a format where they can learn through the conventional methods we have used in the past, such as flyers, The Woodlands Magazine, or the association’s web site. The academy is a great opportunity for residents; I hope to see its return. It was cancelled last year due to the efforts required by all for the November election. It is a viable route to understanding how The Woodlands works. On the voting part of the question, voters will vote when there is interest. Our mission will be to get the information available to them so they know that it is important to vote. Other methods also apply here, such as The Woodlands Magazine.

2.Government: What opportunities do you see for improving the effectiveness of the Township governing processes as it transitions over the next two years?

The consolidation of the boards alone will be an efficiency and effective change. There will be changes in efficiency introduced to the service company staff also due to the consolidation of the various boards.

3.Personal: How do you plan to be effective in this position, given you have a business and responsibilities in the association?

I have always been involved in the community. That has never been a problem in my life nor my household. I have a supportive family, which encourages me to participate. I am flexible enough to participate in community meetings and functions and do my job. I have no problem with this. “It is ingrained in who I am.”

Campaign Website: Go to Ted Stanley's website - coming soon

Renata Tyree 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

2008-04-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

Candidate Written Interview

1. What specifically do you personally expect to get out of being on the Township Board?

I believe that the town of The Woodlands is one of the most beautiful planned communities in Texas. If elected, I expect to work hard to maintain the recreation areas, lifelong learning opportunities, open space and nature balance that this community has successfully built. Now is the time to set into place a plan of action that will guide this community on the right road to maintaining our high standard of living.

2. What are the primary resident values that you will use to prioritize your decision making for the villages?

- 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

3. What are the primary commercial values you will use to prioritize your decision making for the business community?

- Adhere to codes and concerns of the villages.
- Encourage businesses that benefit the area.

4. Do you believe that resident issues or commercial interests are going to be your biggest challenge?

Both present challenges. Residents deserve to have their voice heard and commercial interests must be carefully monitored.

5. What is your position on the future government of The Woodlands? For example, do you support incorporation?

There is now time for this community to make a solid decision on their future. To make a decision now on is premature because the structure is still being formed.

6. What is your view of the relationship between the associations and the Township during and after transition?

The Township Board of Directors needs to be set up as a visionary role to set up blanket codes and regulations and the Associations need to self-monitor those codes and regulations. Both entities need to develop a cohesive working relationship. The Township needs to be able to drive the vision set by George Mitchell and the villages need to be able to implement that vision.

7. What is your vision of maintenance services for the community in the transition and afterwards?

I feel basic services need to be handled at the Township level. Supplementary services should be handled at the village level.

8. What is your vision of the associations’ role in the future of The Woodlands?

A continued effective working relationship with the Township Board of Directors.

9. What changes would you like to see from our fire department over the next two years?

Fire department services need to be expanded to effectively serve this community.

10. What are your ideas and vision for the tax structure for residents and businesses here?

Tax structure will change with the change in governance. The residents of The Woodlands will have to decide what the tax structure should ultimately look like. Whatever that decision is by the residents, the Township should develop the appropriate infrastructure to support that decision.

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?

Controlled urban expansion must be monitored and maintained. Open space can be defined as parks to housing ratio and commercial growth considerations.

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.

For the past 15 years, I have been involved with corporate management positions that have allowed me to travel to over 150 cities within the United States. I even lived in the beautiful city of Boulder Colorado for six years. In 2005, I choose to move to The Woodlands from Boulder, Colorado because I am committed to the continued development of this community. I continue my involvement with this community by working at the local community college as a program manager for the adult continuing education program, volunteering for programs such as Montgomery Pet Partners (therapy animals organization), American Red Cross, Shepherd Team at my local church and participating as a member of the Montgomery County Association of Business Women, South Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and Woodlands Dog Park Club. If elected, I would initiate a plan of action that has already proven to be so tremendously successful. This plan of action would truly distinguish The Woodlands as an extraordinary place to live for many generations to come.

Candidate verbal interview

1. You appear to have some new ideas for the villages. Would you explain what new responsibilities you see for the village associations?

Helping a business person run the business has been my forte for years. I have advised people on how to use business software to accomplish their business goals. The focus of that effort was in structuring the business to make profit. I have a similar view here. The board should take a visionary role and the villages should follow in the day-to-day role. A village can be our on-the-ground local response provider for the residents of that village. The board can set the structure of operations and be the umbrella for processes. An example was presented in the first set of questions. The umbrella for green space for example, could be the ratio of green space to the number of residents and/or number of businesses. Say a business wants to get started in the village. The village might assess a request from a new business and test it against the green space ratio as prescribed by the code umbrella of the Township board; then the village takes it to the board for approval or rejection. This is only an arbitrary example, but it is intended to show conceptually the relationship between the board and the village associations.

The board would have the primary function to oversee the police and fire services, as well as other services or contracts that apply to the entire community.

2. What method would you support to define the will of the residents in the villages? E.g., such as the tax structure. Are you referring to rates?

I see the normal voting process as the means to get the will of the people. An example was the three proposition ballot. Once the residents set the direction for the community, the board must follow in support. The relationship of the board with the village associations must be cooperative and in concert. Much of the “direction” will come from the village associations, driven by resident concerns or proposals.

I believe in grass root processes. I am, for example, the “un-candidate” {laugh}. I am running my campaign differently. It is an economically feasible , grass root campaign. In fact, I am not even accepting campaign contributions.

3. Is there something that you think someone should ask you and have not? If so, let me ask it.

Well, there is absolutely nothing to be gained financially by being a Director. I’m new and unknown to many people here but I am out talking to many residents. 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.

4. If we were to ask residents what would be their top two most important issues in the next couple of years, what would you say those would be?

1) The transition – This is very important to residents. We will be setting methodology, strategic direction and establishing processes from now until 2010 and beyond. It is the most delicate time of our community in relationships and process. Establishing relationships is a very tenuous process. I have no bias whatsoever. I come with a clean slate.
2) Public services – Not only is the policing of the community a priority, but the fire department and public services also are all important. We need to maintain these services. The government must make long range plans for them. The first two years of this government will be very important.

Campaign Website: Go to Renata's campaign web site - coming soon

Campaign Email: Send email to Ranata's campaign mailbox

Bev Earl Biography

2008-04-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

Bev Earl has spent the last 10 years in service to The Woodlands community. She is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery County and serves on the board of directors for the Friendship Center, Texas New Community (New Danville), Interfaith, and the Community Impact Committee of the Montgomery County United Way. She is currently Chairman of the Board for the South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Conroe ISD Planning and Decision Making Committee.

Bev has served on many committees and fundraisers over the years. She has chaired the Interfaith Gala and served on the committee every year. She also co-chaired the New Danville House Raffle. Bev has participated on committees such as First Night, The Woodlands, Interfaith Child Development Center Board, Chamber committees including Retreat, Business Expo, Legislative Team.

Bev was honored as a Hometown Hero in 2005 and as the 2004 Montgomery County United Way Volunteer of the Year. In 2007, she was named one of People Scene’s “People of the Year.

Bev has a real passion for the seniors of our community and has worked diligently with community service organizations in an effort to improve the quality of life of our seniors. She has served on The Friendship Center Fish fry committee and the Senior Prom Committee and other projects that benefit the seniors throughout the year.

Bev Earl is the owner/president of Corporate Incentives, Inc and a long time resident of The Woodlands. She founded the company in 1996, specializing in promotional marketing items. The family-owned business is in the top 3% of companies in the nation in the advertising specialty industry.

As a business owner in The Woodlands, Bev understands the importance of managing the day to day business operations including managing a staff and payroll, as well as the importance of bringing new businesses to The Woodlands. In order for The Woodlands to continue to thrive, she believes businesses and residents must work together.

Before becoming a business owner, Earl dedicated the first 20 years of her life to being a stay at home mom who was very involved in the activities of her community and her children. Born and raised in Michigan, she served as President of the PTA in two school districts there in the mid 1980’s and also served as a part of the Strategic Facilities Committee for the Clarkston, Michigan school district. She moved to The Woodlands in 1990 with her family. She was instrumental in founding The Woodlands High School Lacrosse Club, now celebrating its 10th Anniversary.

As a business owner, experienced community volunteer, wife, mother and grandmother, Bev Earl is very interested in serving on the Township Board. All of her family live and work in and around The Woodlands, and she wants to continue to make it a great place for families and businesses.

George Van Horn Biography

2008-04-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Through professional accomplishment and 15 years of community involvement, George Van Horn has developed the skills and relationships to help lead The Woodlands into the future. He campaigned for Propositions 1, 2 and 3 to free The Woodlands from annexation by Houston and Conroe. He believes that new leadership is needed to carry out the overwhelming will of the people.

The functions of the existing property owners' associations will be merged into The Woodlands Township. He believes this merger should progress in a professional, co-operative manner to preserve our quality of life and that is sensitive to the rights and wishes of our citizens.

Community Involvement
For more than 15 years, George has served the community working with people in civic, educational and charitable activities and all levels of government. He was honored as Chamber Diplomat of the Year, 2006. He is the Leader of the Chamber's Affinity Team and serves on the Legislative Action and Economic Outlook Conference Teams. He is a member of Kiwanis (Special Olympics, Kids Fishing Tournament and Prayer Breakfast) and the Lone Star College System Small Business Development Center Advisory Board. Previously, he served for 5 years on another board which advised the Computer Information Department on curriculum. He is an elected member of The Woodlands Community Association Board of Directors.

Professional Accomplishment
In his business career, George Van Horn has focused on the management of financial resources and people and satisfying the needs of his clients. He has an MBA in Finance. His undergraduate education included economic development and the development and growth of cities. During his career, he has participated in more that $1 Billion in personal, commercial and municipal financings. He has been an Executive Vice President of a major bank and a Treasury Manager of a Fortune 500 company. He has successfully managed multi-million dollar mergers with a staff of several hundred.

For the past 15 years, he has been in the mortgage business in The Woodlands. He owns American Mortgage Solutions which is based in The Woodlands. It helps homeowners and small businesses in obtaining real estate financing. As a small business owner, he is in touch with the needs of The Woodlands homeowners and small businesses. He is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Association of Montgomery County and is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist.

Meet Kenny Speight

2008-04-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

Kenny is a native Texan born in Pasadena Texas, he moved to Montgomery County and the Woodlands in 1987. He and his wife of 31 years Linda have lived in the Village of Alden Bridge since 1999. He and Linda are members of the First Baptist Church of the Woodlands. His daughter Angela who attended undergrad at Baylor University and graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in May 2006 lives in The Woodlands in the Village of Alden Bridge and is practicing Law with Stibbs&Co Law firm.

Kenny 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 setup their own local government.

Kenny was recently honored as a 2005 Hometown Hero for The Woodlands. A dedicated volunteer, he is actively involved in many local organizations. Kenny is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of the South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce for 2006-2007. He has been a member of The Woodlands Lions Club for 12 years and currently holds the position of Treasurer. He has served as President of The Woodlands Fire Department Board and on the Woodlands Community Service Corporation. He has also served on the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board as President and as director on the WCA board.

Kenny has many passions, but his favorite is raising money for scholarships to help Montgomery County’s youth to further their education. He accomplishes this through the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo where he currently serves as Vice-Chairman for the Houston Metro Go-Texan committee and the Montgomery County Fair Association--where he currently serves on the Board of Directors and the Livestock Auction Committee. He is one of the founders of the SCBG (South County Buyers Group). He loves seeing the smiles on kids’ faces when their projects are auctioned at the annual fair.

When he is not volunteering in the community, he maintains an insurance agency named Community Insurance Associates dba The Kenny Speight Agency, a full service insurance agency in South Montgomery County.

Kenny’s outstanding business practices have earned him the respect of his peers. He was the recipient of the North Harris Montgomery Community College District’s Small Business Man of the Year award in 1994 and recognized as Volunteer of the Year by our Chamber of Commerce in 1997. His insurance agency was named Small Business of the Year in 1999 by Commercial Real Estate Association of Montgomery County Kenny has more than 30 years’ experience in managing and operating a business.

Tom Campbell Biography

2008-04-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

Tom Campbell

· Born in San Antonio, Texas and attended school there.
· Graduated with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A & M University.
· A registered professional engineer.
· Served as a pilot in the USAF.
· Retired from Exxon with 33 years service and from his engineering firm after 15 years.
· Served for five years as an at-large director of the board of the WCA.
· A member of the board of directors of MUD 36.
· An active member of his church.
· Married with two children and five grandchildren.
· Have lived in The Woodlands for 29 years.

Tom Campbell was born in San Antonio, Texas, and has been a resident of Grogan's Mill Village in The Woodlands since 1978. He has been married to Margaret for 54 years. They have two children and five grandchildren. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1955 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and is a registered professional engineer.

After graduating, he served in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command as a pilot. He worked for Exxon Co. USA and after retiring started an engineering firm consulting with oil refineries in East Texas. He has served as a Republican precinct chairman for many years, Municipal Utility District No. 36 director and is an active member of his church.

Mr. Campbell enjoys serving as an at-large director representing The Woodlands Community Association residents. He has served The Woodlands Community Association board as first Vice President and as treasurer. He has served on the Finance, Operations, Appraisal Review Board, Budget and The Woodlands Decides Committees. He represents the WCA as an ex-officio member to the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce. He was been elected to the Board of Directors of The Woodlands Community Service Corporation and The Woodlands Fire Department by his fellow directors and serves those boards as Treasurer. He serves as a director of Municipal Utility District 36 where he is the board secretary-treasurer. He also has served as a board member of the Grogan’s Mill Village Association and is currently an ex-officio member.

"It has been an honor to serve the residents of this special place called The Woodlands."

John Randy Scott of Woodlands Texas

2008-03-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Several people have asked who I am. I sometimes respond "Indian Springs Guy". It seems easier that way. That tells people that I am an Indian Springs resident right away, and it relates to a large part of my life now. So there! This is just to introduce me to you, whoever you are!
Now a Woodlands resident. I am an elected member of the RDRC of Indian Springs. I have served as a representative for many years in the Indian Springs Village Association. I am an author of this blog and a volunteer for umpteen events here in The Woodlands. I am a graduate of the 2006 Woodlands Academy and the 2008 Montgomery Sheriff's Academy for Citizens. I ran for position 4 on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors in 2010 and for a director position on the Woodlands Community Association in 2009.
Born a Texan, I also grew up in Southeast Texas. As a teenager, I was a "bay rat" (doesn't sound very respectable, does it?), a surfer (another image flies by), but a very responsible young man working for everything I needed or had to support my recreation activities while in school - surf board, car, fishing supplies, etc. I worked in a pet shop, totally in charge of it's fish and bird department, because I bred fish and raised birds from eggs at home. Nothing like having a job that is your favorite hobby! I also raised mice and hamsters, selling them to the store. Later, this job turned into being a groomer and sales person, part of a high school program to learn about business. In college, I became a pest control operator, again working for everything except room and board.
Getting a Texas education, I attended Del Mar Junior College in Corpus Christi, Texas, "City by the Sea". Then I came to Houston to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Soon after arriving, I met the girl of my life. That turned into marriage, work and children. College had to wait. After a couple of youngsters came along, we all decided it was time for me to go finish the education. After having enough hours in Biology and Chemistry for minors, I switched gears and started a major in Math. A breeze! Straight "A"s, and found my niche in this world. The goal was to complete the degree at night before I turned 30, and I did it one week beforehand! Attending the university at night was tough on family life, but I also managed to teach children's sports, including baseball and soccer during those years. I took one advanced youth soccer team to state semifinals.
Working as a Texan, I raised my family in the oil patch. It all started as a Lab Technician, testing oil and chemicals for a testing laboratory. That included refining crude oil in mini stills. In a short time, I moved on to Exxon Oil's Drilling Department. That provided a foundation for me to move to Chevron as a Geophysicist to process seismic data. That in turn led me to be a programmer for processing the data, followed by moving up the ladder quickly in Information Technology and Applications Development. Turning to a management focus, coerced by Chevron management, I began a career in leadership, from leading Computer operators to leading Computer Science Analysts. I supervised professionals with various other educational/experience backgrounds, from high school degrees to PHDs. One organization I managed consisted of 176 personnel. As I was given more and more responsibility for organization budgets, I gradually shifted to strategic and tactical planning in a major international oil company as a loanee from Chevron. I was part of Saudi Arabia's strategic planning team for their national company - Aramco Oil Co. I also had a role in management there, supervising computer analysts in major projects with hundreds of millions of dollars return on investment. That led me to being a project manager and teacher of project management practices. I worked for three years in a 28/28-work schedule and learned in Kazakhstan "how to retire". I also learned a completely new culture, language, alphabet and new technologies. On my return to Texas from that job, the whole thing took another shift away from scientific computer applications to financial systems. I started deploying Oracle Corporation's One World internationally for Chevron, spending a year in Venezuela under very difficult political circumstances. That led to another process arena - oil trading, where I managed projects in SAP and peripheral systems supporting SAP processes. Suddenly one day, the price of oil went up, and I discovered I had sufficient (I emphasize "only sufficient" here) to retire early. That I did and have never looked back.
Retiring in Texas, I had made good decisions in the late 1990's to live in The Woodlands. It was perfect for a 28/28 schedule, because I "retired" in off months right here in our hometown! Now I live here with my loving wife and two teenage children. Yes, you heard right. I remarried after a late life divorce and married a lady and her children from Venezuela. And I forgot to say; I am bilingual and love to talk to people from South America in their native tongue. We speak Spanish in our home. That is yet another story.
My Texas Family is large. I have four grown children, three of which are raising their own family. Three of my children are in Information Technology and two are in the oil patch. You are right 2+2=5. I will let you figure that out. Usually, these days, they are teaching me instead of me teaching them. All are doing well in their lives.
Spiritually under the skies of Texas, I should reveal that I was a student, preacher, counselor and instructor of God's word for 20+ years. I fall back on that time in my life for spiritual strength, because I have an understanding of the subject in exceptional depth. I attend the church of my choice now, not attached to any one place or denomination.
As far as local values go, my love is the Texas forest, because my grandmother lived in the deep woods of East Texas. I am a person close to nature and am digging in to learn more and more as each day passes.
So I started this blog. Now, I find myself involved in politics but only as far as it concerns the well being of this community. That motivates me. I want this place to improve and not erode. You also might be interested in why I have a photo of me running. Well, you are bright enough to figure that one out. Just go to my family athletics blog to see that part of the story.
This is where I have always wanted to live, in the Big Thicket, but with the comfort of nice amenities. I am now living my childhood dream. What more can a person ask for? Liv'n and Lov'n!! Now you know the rest of the story.

Claude Hunter Press Release for Woodlands Texas Township Election March 10, 2008

2008-03-29T12:32:00.001-07:00

Claude Hunter announces candidacy for Director - The Woodlands Township

For more than ten years Claude Hunter has been an active volunteer in all aspects of The Woodlands governance and planning for a future fully elected governance for The Woodlands. Claude has served as Vice President of The Woodlands Association since 2000 and President and Vice President of The Woodlands Recreation Center and Secretary of The Community Associations of The Woodlands and of The Woodlands Fire Department Boards of Directors. He has served as a Director of Municipal Utility District No. 67 since 2002 and as a Trustee of The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency. As a full time volunteer, he serves on most of our community’s committees. He has worked with Scouting, YMCA and other youth organizations for most of his life. He was recognized as The Woodlands Association’s Outstanding Volunteer for service with Covenant Administration.

As a primary advocate of resident’s needs, Claude also appreciates the economic importance of maintaining an outstanding business and commercial sector. As The Woodlands Association’s exofficio member of The South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce for many years Claude brings elected resident perspective and supports Economic Development Partnership work to maintain a high quality business and commercial sector for The Woodlands Township.

Claude is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of The University of Texas and a graduate of Leadership Montgomery County and The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Academy. He and his wife, Peggy, are native Texans with two daughters and four grandchildren. Claude retired from Texaco Research and Development after 30 years service in technical training, product testing, design of computerized information systems and customer technical service assignments. He developed and led a 1-800 technical service operation serving the US, Latin America and West Africa and was technical advisor for Texaco’s Nascar and Indy Car Programs. Claude believes service to community is an honor and a privilege. He works well with others to meet the needs of all The Woodlands residents. He communicates daily and seeks input through a website at www.ClaudeHunter.com and uses resident input and relationships with other officials to achieve community needs. Claude has no affiliation with any company doing business in The Woodlands, except for the non-profit corporations that comprise our governance. Claude seeks the support of The Woodlands Township voters to allow him to continue to provide his proven leadership as we transition to a fully elected governance in 2010. His campaign website is: www.ElectClaude.com

Skeeter Hubert

2008-01-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

Introducing Skeeter Hubert, candidate for The Woodlands Community
Association Board of Directors At Large Position #13.

Skeeter Hubert has an extensive record of community service, including supporting the resolutions on the ballot last November that the overwhelming majority of voters passed. He vows to work hard as a member of the Transition Team to eliminate the bureaucracy that’s stifling progress and prohibiting the resolution of critical issues.

Skeeter’s many contributions to the community include:
· South Montgomery County - Woodlands Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2007
· Chairman's Ball Team Leader 2007
· So. Montgomery Co. - Woodlands Chamber of Commerce “Volunteer of the Year” 2007
· Business-to-business Expo Team Leader/Co-Leader 2006, 2005
· Founding President of The Woodlands' first Business Networking International Chapter

Skeeter’s volunteerism to non-profit organizations includes:
· Family Outreach of Montgomery County Board Member 2005, 2006, 2007
· Children's Safe Harbor: Executive Committee Member, Finance 2006
· Humane Society of Montgomery County Fundraiser Chairman 2007
· Education for Tomorrow Alliance

Please come meet Skeeter at a reception being held February 4th at Orgain Bell & Tucker, LLP, located at 10077 Grogan’s Mill Road, Suite 500, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Please vote for him if you live in the Woodlands Community Association. A campaign contribution and assistance getting out the vote for a tireless community servant would be greatly appreciated.

Early Voting: Feb. 4 - 15
M, W, F & Sat. 9 am – 5 pm
T & Th 9 am – 8 pm
Community Assoc. Bldg
2201 Lake Woodlands Dr. across from Methodist Church

Election Day: Sat., Feb. 16th
8 am – 6 pm
Interfaith of The Woodlands
4242 Woodrush Dr
Between W. & E. Panther Creek

George Van Horn

2008-01-17T06:04:00.001-08:00

George Van Horn is running for WCA Position #1 (Grogan’s Mill)

Through professional accomplishment and 15 years of community involvement, George Van Horn has developed the skills and contacts to help lead The Woodlands into the future. He campaigned for Propositions 1, 2 and 3 to free The Woodlands from annexation by Houston and Conroe. He believes that new leadership is needed to replace the entrenched power group who opposed the overwhelming will of the people.

George Van Horn owns American Mortgage Solutions which is based in The Woodlands. It helps homeowners and small businesses in obtaining real estate financing. He has an MBA in Finance. He has successfully managed multi-million dollar mergers. As a small business owner, he is in touch with the needs of The Woodlands homeowners and small businesses. He is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Association of Montgomery County and is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist.

He was honored as Chamber Diplomat of the Year, 2005-2006. He is the Leader of the Chamber's Affinity Team and serves on the Legislative Action and Economic Outlook Conference Teams. He is a member of Kiwanis (Special Olympics, Kids Fishing Tournament and Prayer Breakfast) and the Lone Star College System Small Business Development Center Advisory Board.

Joel Deretchin

2007-12-13T07:52:00.000-08:00

President of The Woodlands Community Association.

Bio published in The Woodlands Association website

The TCID Board 2007

2007-11-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

Voting YES on the November ballot for the two proposals is equivalent to voting for each member of the Town Center Improvement District (TCID) board for an interim varying from one year to three years depending on the remaining tenure of office of each individual.

In order to vote YES, residents should know their representatives, their roles on the board and their positions on critical matters relating to governing the villages. The article is designed to bring forward their platforms and experience in related matters, specifically to describe what qualifications they have to help us achieve our governing goals. I include some references to the political sponsors of these proposals at the end. Anticipating several updates on this topic, I plan to fill in on missing information as the TCID board provides it. This topic is open to comments. However, I do moderate this blog, and it is possible that I will ask you to change something before I post your comment, but only if it seems offensive or slanderous. Also, I rarely will post links to other sites within the comments. If you have a link that you believe is useful for voters to make decisions, and I have not yet posted it as a resource, please email me.

Position Statements and Bios

1. CHAIRMAN Nelda Luce Blair (Appointed by Precinct 3) End of term May 2008

Thank you for attending the Town Center Improvement District Public Forum. We were pleased that it answered many residents’ questions, and provided basic information to disseminate in the community.
I will respond to your inquiry, but I first need to address a few statements in the preface of your email. For example, your statement “Since you were appointed, the normal electoral public processes were bypassed.” I would respectfully disagree that appointment is a bypass. Per the creating legislation, the TCID Board is partially elected and partially appointed, to insure that the impact area (as the legislation defines) is represented on the Board. One of the appointments is made by the elected County Commissioners Court to represent all of Precinct #3 (South County), and I was selected for that. Yes, it is an appointment, but it is also a representative capacity.

I do appreciate and understand your interest in the qualifications of an interim governing body, and applaud you for researching those. But, I also urge everyone to look at the broader, more long-term concept of the future of one governing body for The Woodlands, with a Board that will have elections every 2 years.
More
Editorial for November 6th Voting
Short Resume

2. VICE-CHAIRMAN Lloyd Matthews (Appointed by The Woodlands Association) - End of term 2010
Attached as requested is my bio. As supplemental information upon retirement I moved to The Woodlands in August 1998 and attended my first Village Association meeting during September. After being active with the Indian Springs Village Association, Don Braun suggested that I consider running as the Indian Springs Director to The Woodlands Association. The residents elected me as their first representative to that Board in February 2000 and I continue to serve (Secretary, Treasurer or Vice President since 2000). During my election campaign against three other candidates, I listed my objectives as director. All of those objectives have been accomplished except protecting The Woodlands from Houston annexation. This last objective was changed to allow the residents to decide what they wanted on local governance. The election on November 6 allows residents to decide on the future of governance for The Woodlands.
As a response to the urging of others and me, the Community Association of The Woodlands began reviewing local governance options during 2001. I have been on every governance committee since then. My input has helped guide this process. On May 10, 2002 I received a continuing education certificate on Cooperative Governance in Metropolitan Areas from the University of Houston.
More
Biographical Part A
Biographical Part B

3. TREASURER / ASSISTANT SECRETARY Fred O’Connor (Appointed by the City of Oak Ridge North) - end of term May 2008
I would love to answer all your questions, which are valid and necessary for the candidates to account themselves. I certainly could give you answers which would qualify me, however, not being a resident, I will complete my term in time for the resident directors to take their positions. I wish your community the very best in your endeavors and stand ready to assist if requested.

4. SECRETARY Kemba DeGroot (Elected) - End of term 2010
Thank you for being an active participant in the current Governance issues. Providing factual information to the residents of The Woodlands is everyone’s responsibility and I, for one, appreciate those efforts. As a long-term resident and business owner in The Woodlands, I have always maintained a committed interest in all aspects of this area’s urban growth.

Experience and Background
My husband and I bought a home in Autumnwood, Grogan’s Mill and moved to The Woodlands from Houston in 1988. At that time the population was 22,000 with only two restaurants and not a Mall in sight. We watched the community grow and develop and looked forward to being the FIRST family to actually buy, move into and live in the Lofts on The Waterway in Town Center. We accomplished this in December 2003. To make that experience complete, we relocated our business, Sales Training International, to the new Mall expansion. So now we truly do work and live in The Woodlands Town Center and enjoy the urban life-style more every day.
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5. DIRECTOR Bob Kinnear - End of term May 2008.
Thanks for the interest. This is the most important decision that citizens of The Woodlands have had to make since its beginning in the middle 70's. For myself, I'm not sure it is necessary to give you much info about me personally. My term on the TCID Board is up next May and I will not seek to be re-elected. I have served the community and Town Center for 12 years and will be 65 next May. It is time for me to step aside and let those that wish to serve the community step forward. However, if you want more personal info on me, I will be glad to furnish it.

Now, why this is so important. George Mitchell in his original vision wanted The Woodlands to be part of Houston following its development. As we all know, that sentiment has changed. But most of our citizens don't truly understand that just because they don't want to be part of Houston means that Houston will go away. State Sen. Williams and State Rep. Eissler have done yeoman's work in getting the legislation passed for us to be able to make our own future governance decisions. We must go through the interim form of government(The Woodlands Township) before we can get there. In all my involvement throughout this process, I don't know of any other alternatives that would result in the same outcome.
Simply put, if you don't want Houston to control The Woodlands' destiny, then vote for the propositions. I know that it is important to know something about those that will reside on the future board and represent your interests, but that decision doesn't come before the voters until next May. Before then, everything that is in place will continue as is. Thanks again for your interest.

Biographical

Bob Kinnear has been a resident of The Woodlands since 1992 Since his transfer to The Woodlands with Chevron, Mr. Kinnear has been very active in a number of community projects

Mr. Kinnear is a Past-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Town Center Improvement District
Mr. Kinnear has also served TCID as its Chairman of the Special Projects Committee and the Chairman of the Convention Center Task Force, which worked to fund the new $52 million Convention Center on The Woodlands Waterway.
Through his leadership, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Convention Center was completed in 2002
Director Kinnear currently serves as Chairman of the TCID Committee on Governance and Nominations and Co-Chairs the joint transition team for TCID and the Community Associations
Mr. Kinnear has also served as member of the Board of Directors for the Center for Performing Arts in The Woodlands, otherwise known as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Mr. Kinnear holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Lamar University

6. DIRECTOR Vicki Richmond (Elected) - End of term 2010

I am happy to provide you some information about my qualifications to serve as a director of Town Center Improvement District and if the voters so decide The Woodlands Township. A brief bio is attached.

When I ran for re-election to the TCID board in May 2006 I told the voters that I would like to see TCID
* Remain Financially Responsible
* Provide Enhanced Security
* Invest in Important Infrastructure
* Connect with Residents.
I feel those will be important factors in serving the entire Woodlands community.

One of the personal reasons I am so interested in the future of The Woodlands is that there are 4 generations of my family living here. My parents live in Indian Springs, my son, daughter-in-law and grandson live in Alden Bridge, and my husband and I and two children live in Grogan's Mill. I care deeply about the quality of life and financial viability of The Woodlands. I have 30 years invested in this community through my job, through my community involvement and raising my family. I plan to continue to watch it grow and flourish.
Biographical

7. DIRECTOR Alex Sutton (Elected) - End of term 2010
In my view, the primary consideration in the November election is that residents have a one-time opportunity to insure that The Woodlands will not be annexed into the City of Houston or the City of Conroe. The history of the application of municipal annexation law shows us that there is no other practical way to achieve that outcome. There is also no guarantee that there will ever be another such opportunity. As a qualified voter in The Woodlands, I support all three propositions on the ballot and I am grateful that Senator Tommy Williams and Representative Rob Eissler worked so hard to secure this opportunity for us in the legislature.

Although stopping annexation is the primary consideration in the election, approval of the propositions provides another opportunity - that is, to consolidate the roles of the community associations and the current TCID into one governmental entity, if the residents choose. Based on the recent actions of the community associations in approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the associations and the TCID, and, anticipating approval by the TCID, it appears that the residents, acting through their representatives, have so chosen. I perceive it as my job, through the end of my term in 2010, to assist in making that transition as seamless s possible.

You asked about my qualifications. I hold Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Civil Engineering from Rice University and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Houston. I am licensed both as a Professional Engineer and a Certified Public Accountant. Throughout my career I have managed complex projects and organizations involving both private and public participants. A brief resume is attached.

As a TCID Board Member, I have followed and been consulted on the development of the Memorandum of Understanding and believe it is a sound document. In the next few months I expect to personally gain what every resident of The Woodlands will gain - that is, certainty with respect to stopping annexation and, also, the opportunity to establish an efficient consolidated local government while maintaining the high quality residential and commercial environment which brought us here. I believe that I bring knowledge, judgment and enthusiasm to this process, characteristics I find in abundance among my fellow board members. Mr. Scott, I have helped to develop The Woodlands, both as an employee of The Woodlands Development Company and as a consultant for over 20 years. My family has lived in The Woodlands over 13 years and two of my four adult children have made The Woodlands their home with their families, including all of my four grandchildren. I am committed to doing what I can to make The Woodlands a great place to live and work for generations to come.

Biographical Information

8. DIRECTOR Les Tarrance, Sr. (Elected) Position apparently open after resignation

9. DIRECTOR Dr. Ed Robb III (Appointed by the Woodlands Commercial Owners Association) - End of term 2010

Waiting for first response.

10. DIRECTOR Peggy Hausman (Appointed by the Woodlands Community Association) - end of term May 2008

First I would like to thank-you for your efforts in trying to get out candidate information to The Woodlands residents. As you are very aware, information sharing in The Woodlands is lacking. I appreciate the fact that you need information about all the candidates, their opinions, history, affiliations and future desires for our hometown. I am pleased to present my credentials to all outlets in hopes that the residents will get all the facts they need to make informed decisions. I am sending this to you, at your request, because I trust that there will be no editing or culling of my information.
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11. DIRECTOR Ken Smith (Appointed by City of Shenandoah) - end of term May 2008

First of all, thank you for your interest in this monumental issue. The following are my personal viewpoints, and I do not speak for the Board of Directors of Town Center Improvement District. I became interested in the affairs that shape our community back in the mid 1980’s and was appointed to serve on the planning and zoning commission for the City of Shenandoah in 1986. I subsequently decided to run for the city council and was elected in 1988. I have been reelected to that position for 9 terms and currently serve as Mayor Pro-tem. A little over two years ago, the city council nominated me as the representative to serve on the board of directors for Town Center Improvement District. My nomination was accepted by T.C.I.D. and I began serving as a representative of Shenandoah which is in the “impact area” of the Town Center.
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Additional Resources
TCID Board - Each member of TCID and their current role
Profile of Texas Senator Tommy Williams - precinct 4 , resident of The Woodlands, sponsor of enabling legislation for self governance
Profile of Texas Representative Bob Eissler - district 15, Montgomery county, resident of The woodlands, sponsor of enabling legislation for self governance

Peggy Hausman Response

2007-10-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Experience which qualifies you to lead the board in governing the village

I have lived in The Woodlands since 1981 and have been involved in our community since my husband, Mitch and I arrived, raised two fine young boys, and became friends with some of the finest people and neighbors to be found anywhere. From when I first served on the Residential and Design committee for Panther Creek in the 80’s and 90’s, to my ongoing dedication to our Panther Creek Village Association, being appointed to the board of MUD #40, Sally K. Ride PTA President, The Woodlands High School board, working with the Montgomery County Food Bank and finally running for a seat on The Woodlands Community Association Board (WCA) and later being appointed by the WCA to where I still serve in representing our residents on The Town Center Improvement District (TCID) Board.

In 1995, I was elected to the Community Association Board and in 1996 was elected by the board as their President. Being the first female President of the WCA, combined with my chosen career path as a stay-at-home Mom to raise our two sons, made me even more aware of developing changes in our community. I soon realized that we were entering a turbulent time in our community’s history. During my tenure the Mutual Benefit Agreement was breached, when George Mitchell sold 50% of his interest in The Woodlands to investors outside of his family. That triggered the residents’ right to renegotiate some of the terms of this historical agreement.

I set out with the assistance of a great board and especially board member Scott Frezza to renegotiate three very key portions of the Mutual Benefit Agreement. The WCA board wanted to gain tighter standards in the Development Standards Criteria, remove developer majority control of the Woodlands Community Service Corporation and The Woodlands Fire Department. (After all it was resident money financing these entities; I personally could not understand why we did not have control.) Nine months later we signed the agreement and the WFD/WCSC boards became resident controlled and the Standards were tighter. I am honored to have been chosen as the first Residential President of the WCSC. Shortly after the signing we were on the search for a new General Manager and hired Mr. Steve Burkett. He was instrumental in bring order to the WCSC. The next Challenge on our plate was that the board did not want to continue to pay rent any longer, so over a three year period we negotiated the purchase of the building where the Woodlands Community Association (CATW) is currently housed. The WCA is the sole owner of the building which in turns leases space to our sister associations. During my term as President I spoke many times in Austin during the Kingwood hearings on unfair Annexation Legislations. I believed then, and I believe now, The State of Texas needed to give back citizenship rights to all residents so that they may truly become “The Masters of their own Destiny.” Laws needed to change. The gun was loaded and Houston had all the bullets. The first Governance committee was formed and met monthly out at Montgomery College, “The Regional Resource Counsel on Governance.” Only a handful of today’s “governance” players, sat on that committee. So to understand today, you must go back to the fights of the past and understand how and why governance was originally set up. History is a wonderful tool to help clarify the future.

So I guess I would have to say my experience is that I have been in this fight from the beginning. I am truly the resident who has knowledge and understanding of all the parties involved at all levels. I have served on the Woodlands Community Association, The Woodlands Community Service Corporation, The Woodlands Fire Department, MUD #40, and The Town Center Improvement District boards. This is our community! We, the residents, need to have the final say in, the outcome of these issues. The choices must come from the people and be in the best interests of the people. We understand that the developer has a stake and has an agenda, but so do the residents. Each must work for the best interest of the community and compromise, where necessary, for the sake of the next generation.

What do you expect to gain personally from assuming this new role?

I have been married 29 years to Mitch Hausman, who is employed by Southwest Wire Rope, Inc. with his office, located in Galena Park, Texas. He does not have direct dealings with the developer in any phase of his work. I have chosen to be a full-time at home mom and wife for the past 22 years. A job I still love. So with all that said what will I gain by serving on a newly reformatted TCID Board? I truly have a love of this community and a selfish desire to leave my hometown as a place that my sons will be proud to come home to and raise the next generation. I would hope that they would not have to fight the battles of who and what are we going to be in 10 years. I believe we need a central government chosen by the people, elected by the people and for the people. I want everyone, on any side of these issues, to live up full to the credo of The Woodlands, “A place families can live, work and play.” Our residents need one-stop shopping for services so that we can do away with the confusion of the ABC’s. We need to reach an understanding that smart development is in the best interests of both the residents, commercial businesses and developer. We need everyone to understand that even though you can legally build a four story building next to a residential neighborhood-you shouldn’t! Residents need to receive the same rights as the developer and the developer the same rights as the residents. I want to be a member of a board that can agree to disagree with varied interests and reach solutions through compromise, not power plays.

What do you expect to give to the community?

I hope to bring my years of experience, knowledge and understanding of the voluminous number of agreements and the negotiations that led up to them. I want to connect the needs of the commercial and residential philosophies so this community can work in true harmony. On behalf of the residents, I want to finally obtain a sense of accountability for the entities that will be responsible.

Any issues you believe you should divulge to the public that may impair or help the community to make sound decision, given the time frame of your projected tenure position.

Whether you are for or against Proposition number one and two, you must understand what they will and won’t solve. You will still not have control over building standards on new construction, road repairs, animal control; you will not be able to employ your own police department, and be given ordinance making authority. This will not change our school district and the MUD districts will not be folded into the mix. If one and two do not pass, we still have the problem of annexation looming over The Woodlands from Houston and Conroe. We still have time with Houston, but Conroe could come in at anytime. The Memorandum of Understanding that was just signed is a non-binding agreement that can still change. The likelihood of that happening in my opinion is small. The new township board will only have half of it board members elected by The Woodlands, populous the first two years. This is true. It is in my opinion that those currently seated on the interim TCID board, would act in the best interests of the residents. I know that this is not a popular statement, but in the 7 years that I have served on the board, I have seen them agree on many votes that would favor the best interests of the residents. Am I concerned? Yes and you should be as well. The devil is always in the details. As far as Proposition number 3, ad valorem property tax. If you feel one and two are a yes, then three is the instrument to do away with the community association assessments and turn over services to the new township. The checks and balances of these taxes lie in the hands of the residents. If your assessments do not drop and your property taxes go up, we must speak out immediately, through our elected representatives on the board, if not en masse. I promise you that I will be a strong voice for the residents in lowering assessments and taxes, as I have always been in the past. I promise to keep the residents informed to the best of my ability.

Thank-you,
Peggy Hausman

Vicki Richmond

2007-10-21T10:36:00.001-07:00

TCID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Director (Elected)
Ms. Vicki Richmond
Home: 59 N. Royal Fern, The Woodlands 77380
Term expires: May 2010

· Vicki Richmond has been a resident of The Woodlands for 30 years and was formerly Vice President - Administration & Accounting for The Woodlands Development Corporation
· She currently works as a real estate and financial consultant
· Vicki is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Baylor University
· She was first elected to the TCID Board of Directors in 1993 and has served in many capacities as a TCID Director, including Vice Chairman
· For many years she served as Treasurer, providing financial guidance for the District in the early years of the organizations development
· Currently, Ms. Richmond serves as Chairman of the District’s Audit Committee and as Chairman of the District’s Cultural Arts Task Force
· She also serves on the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and holds the office of Treasurer
· Ms. Richmond is an active member of the community formerly serving as a Director of the Woodlands Community Association, as a Director of the South Montgomery County/Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, and currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Woodforest Charitable Foundation

Alex Sutton

2007-10-21T10:27:00.001-07:00

Biography of Alex Sutton

Alex serves as Co-President of The Woodlands Development Company. He holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Rice University and a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Houston. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer and a Certified Public Accountant. As Co-President, his responsibilities span the full range of executive functions of the company, with a primary focus on managing development and commercial activities, along with oversight of human resources functions and hospitality interests. He joined The Woodlands in 1994.

Prior to joining The Woodlands, Alex was a shareholder with Pate Engineers, where he managed a number of complex projects for municipal and private clients, focusing on water resources, transportation and land development matters. His prior employer was Exxon Co., USA, where he held a number of positions in the financial, human resources and engineering fields, including three assignments over five years with Friendswood Development Company, Exxon’s real estate subsidiary. He has authored a number of technical papers and articles and holds two patents for computer-aided management approaches to managing public works systems.

His civic and industry involvement includes service as a Director and Treasurer of Montgomery County Youth Services, Director and Vice-Chairman, the North Houston Association, Trustee, Montgomery County Developer’s Association, Director, The Woodlands Arts Council, Director, Town Center Improvement District, Director, The Woodlands Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and is a Member of the Urban Land Institute.

Alex and his wife Sharon live in The Woodlands Town Center, are members of The Woodlands United Methodist Church and have four grandchildren who reside in The Woodlands.

Ken Smith

2007-10-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

Mr. Scott,

First of all, thank you for your interest in this monumental issue. The following are my personal viewpoints and I do not speak for the Board of Directors of Town Center Improvement District.

I became interested in the affairs that shape our community back in the mid 1980’s and was appointed to serve on the planning and zoning commission for the City of Shenandoah in 1986. I subsequently decided to run for the city council and was elected in 1988. I have been reelected to that position for 9 terms and currently serve as Mayor Pro-tem. A little over two years ago, the city council nominated me as the representative to serve on the board of directors for Town Center Improvement District. My nomination was accepted by T.C.I.D. and I began serving as a representative of Shenandoah which is in the “impact area” of the Town Center.

Through the negotiations between Senator Williams and Mayor White came an agreement that would allow the Woodlands, upon passage of the enabling legislation, to seek self governance. Part of that legislation mandated that, if the voters approved, the T.C.I.D board would become an all elected board. Therefore, my term which ends in May of 2008 will be my final opportunity to serve in this capacity.

If I wished to remain on the board, it would be in my interest to see this referendum defeated. I have no personal interest to further myself or the City of Shenandoah in this issue being passed by the voters.

When the legislation was first proposed, the City of Shenandoah was concerned that the boundaries of the expansion could encroach into Shenandoah’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. We were assured by the Senator Williams and Representative Eissler that this would not happen and they even included language in the bill that specifically prohibited such an action.

From my nearly 20 years of experience as an elected official and my knowledge of our city government, I felt it valuable to closely follow this legislation for the benefit of the citizens of my neighbors in The Woodlands. But again, I will not benefit either way.

I must admit that the citizens of The Woodlands have a monumental task ahead. Shenandoah began as a small community and determined to incorporate after being a subdivision for just a few years. The Woodlands is a planned community that has evolved into villages and has grown to one of the largest developments in the country and will be undertaking the task of deciding on self governance from a totally different perspective.

I voted to move forward and let the residents make the decision based on my knowledge of the facts and that it may be the last opportunity for my neighbors to avoid what happened to the residents of Kingwood which was annexed by Houston.

It is my understanding that T.C.I.D. was the catalyst that would enable self governance. A current political subdivision that represented the residents of Town Center made good sense in moving forward to meet the objectives of The Woodlands as a whole.

The expanded boundaries along with the implementation of a sales tax would enable The Township to finance the payment required per the agreement to the City of Houston under The Regional Partnership as well as the advantage of using any excess collection to reduce the current homeowner assessments. The unique advantage of this is that an assessment is not tax deductible whereas a sales tax is. Also note that it is expected that a majority of the sales tax would come from non residents.

Also on the ballot is a request for the authority to introduce an ad valorem tax. This tax would also be used to offset dollar for dollar the assessments. Again, this type of tax is deductible.

There was a public forum held on September 25th which outlined many of these items. I was in attendance and impressed that most all the questions raised by concerned residents were answered and by the conclusion it appeared that most in attendance were pleased with the results. I understand that there will be additional forums to answer the concerns of the residents.

I believe that this is an excellent opportunity for the citizens of The Woodlands to move forward towards determining their future. I am not aware of any agendas and do not feel that anyone on the board has used their vote for any self serving purpose. The advantage of an all elected board will further enhance the transparency of the issues in that the citizens can change the board at the ballot box.

Whether the referendum passes or not will not affect me or the City of Shenandoah. But honestly, I would much rather have The Woodlands, Texas as my neighbor than The City of Houston.

If I can answer any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

Below is the bio that is on record with the Town Center Improvement District.

Ken Smith
Board Member
Town Center Improvement District

Director (Appointed by City of Shenandoah)
Mr. Ken Smith
Ken Smith & Associates
Home: 527 Thornwood Drive, Shenandoah 77381
Term expires: May 2008

· Mr. Ken Smith has been a resident of Shenandoah for over 26 years
· He owns Ken Smith & Associates, an insurance brokerage firm in Houston
· He was recognized by “Who’s Who International” for his work in that industry
· Mr. Smith was elected to the Shenandoah City Council in 1988 after serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission
· He currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tem of the City Council
· He represents the City of Shenandoah on the Town Center Improvement District Board of Directors

Kemba DeGroot

2007-10-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Mr. Scott, Thank you for being an active participant in the current Governance issues. Providing factual information to the residents of The Woodlands is everyone’s responsibility and I, for one, appreciate those efforts. As a long-term resident and business owner in The Woodlands, I have always maintained a committed interest in all aspects of this area’s urban growth.

The business we own is a training/consulting company, and we have been involved with the Town Center Improvement District since 1999 when we facilitated the Vision, Mission and Critical Success Factors, Goals and Action Plans for TCID’s visionary business plan to the year 2010. We have also facilitated similar sessions for the Woodlands Community Associations, The Woodlands Foundation, The Chamber, Interfaith and 15–20 additional non-profit organizations in the county. These sessions have enabled me to understand the challenges and opportunities that these entities face and work to support their efforts.

In addition to a 25 year career in Cardiovascular Nursing, and currently a successful international business, I am proud of my accomplishments as a community volunteer and leader –
· RN and book Author, Critical Care Nursing Skills
· Chair, Better Business Bureau, Montgomery County Advisory Board
· Co-Chair, South County chamber Healthcare Team
· 1996 Graduate of Leadership Montgomery County
· Past Board Director and Chair, The Friendship Center
· Advisory Board, the Woodlands Art Festival

Current Role as Board Director, Town Center Improvement District
In May 2006, I was one of the first elected Directors to the TCID Board. It was the first time that residents of the Town Center were eligible to vote in a TCID election, and percentage wise, there was a greater turnout than almost any other election held in The Woodlands. My issues at that time were the following:
1. Pedestrian Friendly Community: Everyone who visits the Town Center recognizes the need for pedestrian friendly sidewalks, pathways, and safe crosswalks to connect our wonderful attractions, visitor parking, restaurants and local community events.
2. Continued Safety: We all appreciate a safe community, and we will need to be proactive and work together to maintain security with the growing population of residents and visitors to our area.
3. Community Communication: It is important for us as a community to have fast and efficient communication among our neighborhoods and associations. To that end, my husband and I designed and maintain a Web site, www.towncenterliving.com to post updates, news, concerns and announcements for the community.

The above issues are still my issues, and I have met with residents, business owners, and governmental entities to keep these issues and others on the front burner and moving forward. These efforts are what I give to the community and these are the benefits that I personally gain as a local resident and business owner. I will continue to work hard on these and other issues as they come up throughout my tenure on the Board which ends May 2010.

Sincerely,
Kemba DeGroot

Sales Training International
1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, Suite 4012
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 367-5599 (800) 551-7355
Fax (281) 465-0297
www.SalesHelp.com

Nelda Blair Editorial Nov 6

2007-10-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

THE BASICS FROM THE CHAIRMAN:
WHAT? WHO? HOW? WHERE?
By Nelda Luce Blair,
Chairman of the Board, Town Center Improvement District

WHAT are these three Propositions that voters in The Woodlands will be asked to consider on Tuesday, November 6, 2007?

The Propositions stem from legislation passed in the 2007 Texas Legislative Session. Authored by State Senator Tommy Williams and State Representative Rob Eissler, the legislation had its roots in recommendations from a 5-year study by The Woodlands Governance Steering Committee. Basically, through Regional Participation Agreements with the cities of Houston and Conroe, The Woodlands will contribute a portion of its sales tax towards regional projects, and in exchange, The Woodlands is released from the possibility of annexation by these cities.

In connection with implementing the Regional Participation Agreements, residents will be asked to vote FOR or AGAINST three Propositions:
1. Confirm the expansion of the Town Center Improvement District (TCID) boundaries to cover all of The Woodlands;
2. Confirm the restructuring of the TCID Board of Directors to be elected by all of The Woodlands residents;
3. The levy of an ad valorem property tax by TCID (in place of community association assessments).

The legislation provides that the election take place this November. If the Propositions do not pass, the opportunities expire and there is no provision for another election.

WHO are the Town Center Improvement District, and The Woodlands Township?
TCID is a local government created in 1993 by the Texas Legislature, whose boundaries have been expanded several times since its inception. It provides public safety and economic development to the Town Center area of The Woodlands. As an existing governmental entity, TCID was designated in the legislation to become a part of the Regional Participation Agreements, rather than create an all new government body. If the Propositions are passed by the voters, the name of TCID will change to "The Woodlands Township" to better reflect its constituents and responsibilities.

HOW does The Woodlands proceed if the Propositions are passed, and how does The Woodlands proceed if the Propositions are not passed?
If Passed: The TCID will change its name to The Woodlands Township, its boundaries will expand to cover all of The Woodlands, and its board of directors will become fully elected. The Woodlands Township will be able to assess an ad valorem property tax, to reduce current community association assessments on a dollar for dollar basis. The ad valorem tax will be deductible from federal income taxes, whereas the community association assessments are not. The ad valorem tax rate will be less than the current community association assessment rates. The Woodlands residents will be free from forced annexation, and will have the opportunity to choose a future form of government.
If Not Passed: (Note: Propositions 1 and 2 are dependent on one another. If either fails to pass, they both fail, and so does Proposition #3. The TCID will not evolve into The Woodlands Township, its boundaries will not be expanded, and the board of directors will not be reorganized. The Regional Participation Agreements with the cities of Houston and Conroe will be null. Various parts of The Woodlands will remain within the extraterritorial jurisdictions of those cities, subject to annexation by them. The community associations’ assessments will not be replaced by an ad valorem property tax. WHERE do voters register, and vote? Residents of The Woodlands who are registered to vote by October 9, 2007 are eligible to vote in the election on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, and in early voting from October 22 through November 2, 2007, at voting locations designated by the Montgomery County Elections Administrator.

WANT MORE? Details, links to the legislation and the elections office, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the informational web site www.thewoodlandsdecides.com.

Nelda Blair Resume

2007-10-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

NELDA LUCE BLAIR
The Blair Law Firm, P.C.
7 Grogan’s Park Drive, Suite 3, The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Telephone: (281) 363-3632 ~~~ Facsimile: (281) 363-3998 ~~~
Email: nelda@blairfirm.com

GENERAL BACKGROUND
A fifth generation Texan, Nelda was born in Houston in 1958, and raised in Montgomery County. She now shares a home and an office in The Woodlands with her husband, retired attorney Jim Blair.
LEGAL/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• The Blair Law Firm, P.C. - President/Owner since 1988
• Local/state/national political campaigns, fund raising, educational awareness, charitable endeavors
• Frequent legal commentator on CNN, FOXNews, MSNBC, Court TV and CBS News
• Prior work experience includes:
- Montgomery County Attorney's Office Prosecutor for Specialized Real Estate Division, and Commissioners Court/Tax Assessor legal advisor and liaison
- Hope & Mayes, P.C. Associate Attorney for Ruben Hope (former State Representative), and K. Michael Mayes (current District Judge)
EDUCATION
Triple Board Certified by the State Bar of Texas,
Board of Legal Specialization: Residential Real Estate Law; Commercial Real Estate Law; Farm and Ranch Real Estate Law
Advanced Attorney-Mediator
1982 - Doctorate of Jurisprudence from University of Houston’s Bates College of Law
1980 - Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University in Waco, Texas (Pre-Law,
Economics/Sociology minors)
INVOLVEMENTS
COMMUNITY:
• Chairman, Board of Directors of Town Center Improvement District
• Past Chairman, South Montgomery County/Woodlands Chamber of Commerce
• Past Board of Directors member, Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce
• Chairman, Montgomery County Road Bond Committee “Mobility NOW” - 2005
• Fundraising Chairman, Conroe ISD School Bond Committee “P.A.S.S.” - 2004
• Past Board of Trustees member, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
• State Bar of Texas District 3B Grievance Committee Chairman for 2 terms
• Montgomery County Bar Association Board member 2006-07
EDUCATIONAL/POLITICAL/CHARITABLE:
• President and Fund Raising Director, Conroe ISD Education Foundation, Inc.
• Co-Honorary Chair, North Harris Montgomery Community College District StarGala - 2007
• Co-Honorary Chair, CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County Gala - 2007
• Master of Ceremonies, American Heart Association Montgomery County Heart Ball - 2007
• Named a “Hometown Hero” of The Woodlands 2005
• Recipient of Martin Luther King, Jr. “Drum Major Award” 2006
• Named 1 of 5 “People of the Year” by People Scene newspaper 2004
• Host Home for numerous political and charitable events

UPDATES:

2010: Interview with Nelda Blair - Houston Woman Magazine

Nelda Blair Statement

2007-10-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you for attending the Town Center Improvement District Public Forum. We were pleased that it answered many residents’ questions, and provided basic information to disseminate in the community.

I will respond to your inquiry, but I first need to address a few statements in the preface of your email. For example, your statement “Since you were appointed, the normal electoral public processes were bypassed.” I would respectfully disagree that appointment is a bypass. Per the creating legislation, the TCID Board is partially elected and partially appointed, to insure that the impact area (as the legislation defines) is represented on the Board. One of the appointments is made by the elected County Commissioners Court to represent all of Precinct #3 (South County), and I was selected for that. Yes, it is an appointment, but it is also a representative capacity.

I do appreciate and understand your interest in the qualifications of an interim governing body, and applaud you for researching those. But, I also urge everyone to look at the broader, more long-term concept of the future of one governing body for The Woodlands, with a Board that will have elections every 2 years. Yes, you should look at the related perspectives and capabilities of each current TCID Board member for the short-term, but none of these Board members is permanent. (My appointed term ends in May 2008, for example.) The true issues at the heart of the November 6 vote are the avoidance of annexation by other cities, the union into one governing body, and the right of the residents to vote on the format of that government in the future.

The legislation provides for a merger into one governmental entity, and Senator Tommy Williams chose TCID as the proper entity. So, the role of the TCID, in conjunction with the 3 Community Associations, is to make as seamless a transition as possible, while preserving the quality of life we have as residents.

Your specific items: 1. Experience which qualifies you to lead the board in governing the villages.
Firstly, my education: A triple specialization in real estate laws gives me an extensive understanding of the law governing communities. I also have a minor degree and graduate training in the financial arena, enabling me to deal with the business side of government. Finally, I also earned a minor degree in “people” (Sociology), which taught me much about human nature, an invaluable resource in this type of endeavor.
Secondly, my business experience: Over my career, I have been the legal representative to numerous homeowner associations, so I am quite knowledgeable about the inner workings, responsibilities, problems that arise and solutions to them. Having represented literally hundreds of clients, including realtors, homeowners, families and businesses, my perspective is quite broad. I have owned and operated a solo law practice business for over 20 years. Additionally, my experience as a trained Mediator always assists me in resolving issues.
Thirdly, my practical experience and long-standing affiliations: In addition to my law practice, I have spent many years associated with dozens of other organizations, in a variety of roles. Having worked with people from all walks of life, with all sorts of objectives, in every field from small rural associations to national government, my practical experiences serve me well. My career has also taken me into the inner workings of government on many levels. I have counseled elected officials and managed campaigns for people I felt would make fine elected leaders, helped author local rules and state legislation and testified before the legislature for various causes, and was even a candidate for office myself over a decade ago. As a result, I have an inherent understanding of the workings of governance on many levels, and have long-standing relationships with elected leadership throughout the State and Nation, both valuable resources for a local leader.
2. What you expect to gain personally from assuming this new role. Please understand that neither I nor TCID sought to assume this new role. As an existing governmental entity, TCID was the logical conduit for the unified governance of The Woodlands. But, if the 3 propositions are voted in on November 6, my personal responsibilities will grow exponentially. As for personal gain, Mr. Scott, I know this may sound trite, but I was raised in Montgomery County, and I love my home. I want to see it grow and prosper and develop in harmony. It is my hope to be an effective contributor to that exciting future.
3. What you expect to give to the community. A sense of unity. Leadership. Knowledge and experience. Encouragement (former cheerleader J).
4. Any issues you believe you should divulge to the public that may impair or help the community to make a sound decision, given the timeframe of your projected tenure in this position.
The timeframe of my particular projected tenure is 6 months. If I am elected to another position on The Woodlands Township Board at that time, I will be subject to another 2 or 3 year term. I think the issues are all out on the table. It is simply a matter of whether to move forward in this time of opportunity, or stay where we are and be subject to annexation by Houston and Conroe all too soon. If the Propositions pass, The Woodlands Township Board will change in composition over the next couple of years, and the residents will be fully in charge of that by election. But, the one thing that will not change is that the residents of The Woodlands will have grabbed their brass ring, and will have ensured their ability to choose for themselves how they are governed.
I have attached a very brief resume’, which gives some biographical information, and a few details of some of my involvements as referenced above. I have also attached an editorial entitled “THE BASICS FROM THE CHAIRMAN: WHAT? WHO? HOW? WHERE?”, which gives a very fundamental outline of election information for residents.

Lloyd Matthews Bio 2

2007-10-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Lloyd Matthews – October 2007

LLOYD MATTHEWS is the first Class A Director in The Woodlands Association (TWA) representing the Village of Indian Springs. He has served as Secretary and Treasurer and is currently Vice President. Lloyd holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering as well as an MBA from the University of Delaware and has worked in Engineering and Manufacturing management for 35 years. Upon his retirement from Amoco in 1998, he and his wife, Peg, chose The Woodlands for opportunities in community involvement and golf plus proximity to family. Lloyd’s activities since retirement have included serving as Area Representative - Indian Springs Village Association; Financial & Fund Raising Vice President on South County Fourth of July Committee; Marshal – various golf; Representative - Lake Woodlands Property Owner’s Association; Vice Chairman of Town Center Improvement District; Director - Town Center Economic Development Zones No. 1, 2, 3 & 4; Member - South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce; Graduate – Leadership Montgomery County; Director - The Woodlands Golf Association and Volunteer Chairman for the Samsung World Championship LPGA golf tournament; Co-chair of Taste Of The Village; Director – Municipal Utility District # 60 and Secretary of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Lloyd Matthews Bio 1

2007-10-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Woodlands Association

The Woodlands Association, Inc. is the community association for residents and property owners in the villages of Alden Bridge, Sterling Ridge, Carlton Woods, Indian Springs (west of Falconwing Drive) and the neighborhoods of Harper’s Landing and Grogan’s Forest in the Village of College Park. The Covenants allow for the Board to be made up of a combination of community-elected individuals and individuals appointed by The Woodlands Development Company. Here are the Board Members of The Woodlands Association.

Lloyd Matthews

+ Position: Vice President, Class A Director: Elected, Indian Springs
+ Year Elected: 2000
+ Community Service: Mr. Matthews has served as secretary and treasurer and is currently vice president of The Woodlands Association. Other activities with The Woodlands Association include Governance Steering, Joint Legislation Action, Law Enforcement, Election and Budget Committees, plus serving as Indian Springs resident advocate. His other activities since retirement have included serving with Indian Springs Village Association, Town Center Improvement District, Municipal Utility District # 60, South County Fourth of July Committee, various golf tournaments, Chamber of Commerce Mobility & Legislative Committees, Education for Tomorrow Alliance SCI/TECH Fair, Destination ImagiNation, Leadership Montgomery County and First Night. He takes great pride in his efforts to provide community information to the residents.
+ Career: Mr. Matthews holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Delaware. He worked in engineering and manufacturing management for 35 years prior to retirement from Amoco.
+ Family: Mr. Matthews has been married to Peg for 46 wonderful years. Upon retirement in 1998 they chose to move to The Woodlands for proximity to family plus opportunities in community involvement and golf. They have two children and three grandchildren in the Houston area.

Lloyd Matthews Response

2007-10-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Attached as requested is my bio. As supplemental information upon retirement I moved to The Woodlands in August 1998 and attended my first Village Association meeting during September. After being active with the Indian Springs Village Association, Don Braun suggested that I consider running as the Indian Springs Director to The Woodlands Association. The residents elected me as their first representative to that Board in February 2000 and I continue to serve (Secretary, Treasurer or Vice President since 2000). During my election campaign against three other candidates, I listed my objectives as director. All of those objectives have been accomplished except protecting The Woodlands from Houston annexation. This last objective was changed to allow the residents to decide what they wanted on local governance. The election on November 6 allows residents to decide on the future of governance for The Woodlands.

As a response to the urging of others and me, the Community Association of The Woodlands began reviewing local governance options during 2001. I have been on every governance committee since then. My input has helped guide this process. On May 10, 2002 I received a continuing education certificate on Cooperative Governance in Metropolitan Areas from the University of Houston.

In May 2002 The Woodlands Association Board appointed me to serve as their representative of the Town Center Improvement District Board where I currently serve as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Special Project Committee. Due to my position on both of these boards, I have agreed not to take a position supporting nor opposing the three propositions in the November election. Directors of both boards are supposed to provide factual information to residents without being an advocate so that they may make their own informed decision on the election. As a part of following this route I am on “The Woodlands Decide” committee which has been authorized by The Community Association of The Woodlands and Town Center Improvement District (TCID) to educate the public on this issue. Additionally, I am one of their speakers available to any group that wants information to make a decision and will make a presentation to the Indian Springs Village Association on Tuesday, October 9. “The Woodlands Decides” committee website at www.THEWOODLANDSDECIDES.COM has educational information available including a video. This video presents the facts concerning this issue which will be consistent with how I respond to questions. Public forums are also planned for October 11 at 7:00 PM and October 13 at 9:00 AM. Additionally, the TCID website at http://www.town-center.com/ has a presentation of the financial implications of these three propositions.