CANDIDATE Q&A
Get to know the candidates running in the election
Incumbent Conroe City Council, Place 3
What will be your top three priorities if elected?
What are the two biggest chal- lenges the city faces in relation to growth?
What would you do to involve residents and business owners in the city’s decisions?
CARL WHITE
Occupation: retired Relevant experience: former Precinct 2 county constable o cer for 18 years, Conroe ISD District Level Planning Committee 936-520-0106
Neighborhood awareness program to address individual community needs. Maximize our collective strengths to drive economic and community development that’s [led] to con- tinuous city growth. Increase small-business development through exposure to capital resources and best practices.
Mobility—revisit the city of Conroe 2035 Thoroughfare Plan and the Conroe Connec- tion 5-year Strategic Plan—[and the] SJRA lawsuit.
Maximize our collective strengths to drive economic and community development that’s [led] to continuous city growth.
HARRY HARDMAN
Safety—ensure our rst responders are fully equipped to keep themselves and our citizens safe. Fiscal transparency and accountability—I will bring increased transparency to the coun- cil and make all votes based on sound scal policy. Sustainability—our current water rates are unsustainable. ... Until the [Groundwater Reduction Plan] contract Conroe has with [the San Jacinto River Authority] is dissolved, we will continue to have some of the highest water rates in the state.
1. Current total debt management vs. cash in the bank. Proper long-term, transparent scal planning will allow Conroe to grow without raising taxes. 2. Making sure city employees are provided a safe, transparent and rewarding work environment, and investing in additional headcount where necessary.
In my experience, advisory committees— which contain a mix of private citizens and elected o cials—are good, providing that those on the committee are knowledgeable about the committee subject and have no con icts of interest. Private/public partner- ships tend to be the best for all involved. However, while these committees are helpful, ultimate responsibility resides with the City Council. We are already planning events to generate new voters; this isn’t just something we are doing during the registration period. We are doing this after the registration period because a lot of people don’t understand what their input means in city elections and a airs. My team and I will continue to raise awareness not for my campaign, but for the city of Conroe.
Occupation: senior VP, SalesTalk Technologies Relevant experience: over 20 years of public service, president of Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District 713-446-5368 https://harryhardmancampaign.com
Occupation: business owner Relevant experience: building/owning a successful business, worked with city devel- opment 936-672-7832 www.jh4conroe.com JOHN HERNANDEZ Occupation: real estate development Relevant experience: eight years as executive director, city of Conroe, Conroe Industrial De- velopment Corp. 281-787-8091 LARRY CALHOUN Occupation: gym owner Relevant experience: small-business owner 936-827-2258 www.brandonpolk- forconroe.com BRANDON POLK
Work on existing infrastructure, growth of higher-paying jobs and remaining transparent
Many people don’t want to grow; you see this in business also. Knowing how to work with these people to form a common ground is important. Our existing infra- structure needs work; many people simply don’t want to build or do business in our city because we aren’t as organized as oth- ers. I am going to x that; I want to ensure that Conroe grows in a way that maintains beauty and increases quality of life. Two major challenges to growth are creation of infrastructure and tra c congestion. Having developed a tech park and ... added an additional 500 acres to the industrial park, I understand how to balance growth with the expansion of infrastructure at a cost that provides a net bene t to the community. As to tra c, ... I served for eight years representing the city at the Transportation Policy Council.
Tra c congestion, crime, oversight of new development
I believe more input from citizens on issues facing the city is important. Town hall meetings and interactive internet sessions I believe is the answer.
Small-business task force, low taxes, safety
We must make sure we have the proper infrastructure, roads and services to keep up with the demand. I will work to keep this city safe, and that’s a high priority for me.
I will be the most transparent council member; my door is always open, and everything I do is for you, the [citizens] of Conroe.
Answers may have been edited for length, style and clarity. Read full Q&A’s at communityimpact.com .
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