Group pumps $244K into Woodlands board races

A Gordy Bunch supporter talks with voters at the early voting location at the South County Community building Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, in The Woodlands. Board member Bunch is running for re-election for Position 1 with The Woodlands Township against Amy Lampman and Bob Leilich. less A Gordy Bunch supporter talks with voters at the early voting location at the South County Community building Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, in The Woodlands. Board member Bunch is running for re-election for ... more Photo: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer Photo: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close Group pumps $244K into Woodlands board races 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

A group funded by unknown donors has pumped at least $244,000 into the race for four of the seven seats on the governing board of The Woodlands, records show.

The amount is more than double what all nine candidates combined have spent ahead of Tuesday's election.

While the group, the Woodlands Concerned Taxpayers, has put its name on every ad, billboard and mailer, it's not clear who is paying for the group's efforts. That's because the organization, which was created two months ago as a social welfare nonprofit, isn't required to disclose its donors while raising and spending unlimited sums of money.

The recently formed group, led by former Woodlands board member Bruce Tough, is backing a slate of candidates while using the specter of higher property taxes if the township incorporates as a wedge. Critics say the group is trying to buy the election.

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