The Woodlands Texas Who's who

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Claude Hunter 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

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“

Campaign Website: Go to ELECT CLAUDE campaign web site

Campaign Email: Send email to Claude's campaign mailbox

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Content approved for publication by Claude Hunter

Bruce Tough 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

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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Content approved for publication by Bruce Tough

George Van Horn 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

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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Content approved for publication by George Van Horn

Bev Earl 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

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

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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Content approved for publication by Karen Booren

Kenny Speight 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

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

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

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

Monday, April 7, 2008

Bev Earl Biography

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

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.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Meet Kenny Speight

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.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Tom Campbell Biography

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."

Monday, March 31, 2008

John Randy Scott of Woodlands Texas

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.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

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

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

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The Woodlands Texas Who's who

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Claude Hunter 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

Bruce Tough 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

George Van Horn 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

Bev Earl 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

Karen Booren 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

Kenny Speight 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

Ted Stanley 2008 Interview for Township Director Woodlands Texas

Renata Tyree 2008 Interview Township Director Woodlands Texas

Monday, April 7, 2008

Bev Earl Biography

George Van Horn Biography

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Meet Kenny Speight

Friday, April 4, 2008

Tom Campbell Biography

Monday, March 31, 2008

John Randy Scott of Woodlands Texas

Saturday, March 29, 2008

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

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