Township Director Candidates Position 4 Q&A
Steve Lawrence | Kyle Watson
Full interview found here on the Community Impact Website
What is the most important issue facing residents?
With inflation and housing appraisals soaring, the task of maintaining the township’s current lofty standards for amenities and services while maintaining resident approval (94% in the latest resident survey) without additional property taxes will be a significant challenge, but it is not insurmountable. We need to intentionally attract sales and hotel taxes as well as adjust program fees to keep property taxes low. - Steve Lawrence
Growth in and around our community is one of the biggest challenges we will face in the next five years, and probably longer than that. - Kyle Watson
What experience do you feel makes you the best candidate?
As a successful aircraft commander and commercial pilot, attention to detail, analytical skills and leadership were vital attributes. These same skills are also important in making sound, well-reasoned decisions that will impact our community. It also helps that I have lived in this community for more than 22 years and I understand the expectations of the people who choose to live in The Woodlands. - Steve Lawrence
My background of listening, gathering information, identifying issues and solving problems. I have grown up in Montgomery County and am intimately familiar with our community. Also, my professional training as a lawyer helps me to mitigate risk and work toward consensus solutions. - Kyle Watson
What will be the next chapter in the township’s history?
With residential build-out nearly complete, the next chapter will be the selective redevelopment in older neighborhoods and continued investment in amenities and attractions that will entice conferences, visitors and events to choose The Woodlands. This will allow the board to continue to minimize the amount of property tax revenue needed to support the township budget. To stay number one, an expanded convention center and more full-service hotel rooms need to be a priority. - Steve Lawrence
Preserving our great community by restoring relationships and listening to residents to ensure we remain the No. 1 place in America to live, work and play. - Kyle Watson
What would your priorities be in the township’s annual budget process?
The existing conservative budgeting processes have served the township and its residents very well over the past decade. Low debt and strong reserves for known capital expenditures have resulted in a AA2 bond rating, the highest rating of any special purpose district in Texas. I certainly would continue the Board’s policy to start their yearly budgeting at the no-new-revenue tax rate. As the saying goes, if it’s not broke, don’t try to fix it. - Steve Lawrence
We must remain fiscally conservative and maintain proper reserves to keep our credit rating high and prepare for unforeseeable events but should not overtax the residents to bankroll unapproved plans or projects as has occurred previously. The township’s current model has led to The Woodlands being one of the most desirable places to live and work in the entire country. Our township system is extremely unique and allows us to keep taxes low while also staying focused on important priorities like public safety. - Kyle Watson
Summary Wrap up/Woody’s Thoughts
🧿 Both candidates appear the be on the same page regarding the challenges of growing the community while not raising property taxes.
🧿 Both candidates appear competent and qualified in different ways. One concern would be if they are influenced by group think.
🧿 Both candidates appear to be aligned with the analysis outlined here with the live, work, play model. I would be interested to hear specifically what the candidates agree and/or disagree with the linked analysis in this report.
🧿 Both candidates state we must remain fiscally conservative. Steve Lawrence mentions “if it’s not broke, don’t try to fix it” which would indicate being against the need and/or want to push the incorporation debate further. What are the two candidates views regarding big changes to the township structure in the near future?
EDIT: 10/8/22 - It has come to my attention the analysis on this point needs to be revisited as many inquiring minds are skeptical in regards to the posturing taken by Mr. Lawrence and other candidates when it comes to the topic of Incorporating The Woodlands as a city. An open question needing to be clarified is:
On October 20, 2021, the Houston Chronicle reported the following:
Steve Lawrence and Jack Ritter handed out flyers urging a yes vote while sporting yellow shirts that said “YOU in control.” Both said they wanted more local control, especially concerning roads and future development. City status would also mean smaller government, said Lawrence, a precinct chair for the Montgomery County Republican Party of Texas.
Why did you (Steve Lawrence) advocate FOR incorporation in 2021, and what is your specific position now if there was a vote to put Incorporation back on the ballot in the next 2 years?
Note: Please provide a simple and clear YES or NO before prefacing with any political spin or ambiguous language.
🧿 With increasing crime in big cities across America, many residents would like to hear more regarding priorities around keeping the community safe/secure from trending crime rates.