Let voice of reason decide your township votes

To the editor:

The national election is at a watershed for our country. However, The Woodlands Township board election is of immediate importance to all of us since it effects our lives every day.

This particular township election has been vicious, filled with misinformation and partial truths. It has probably been overly influenced by special, but unnamed interests, on both sides.

I want to offer my perspective and the factors that should influence your vote.

The local election has focused on two issues: the extension of Woodlands Parkway and the incorporation as a city. Both of these issues have been overblown for political purposes to get voter attention. Transportation mobility, maintaining community services and cultural enrichment are the things we should be concentrating on. Both the extension of Woodlands Parkway and incorporation will eventually happen. We should work to do both intelligently. We should seek as leaders people who have demonstrated a concern for the betterment of the community and who have shown that they can plan that this is done intelligently.

What are the differences between the "Residents Advocates" and the "Concerned Citizens?"

The Resident Advocates are all selected and supported by the two major Tea parties in Montgomery County; they want lower taxes and are less supportive of new cultural activities or improved mobility by public transportation. They originally advocated quick incorporation but have backed off on that issue since it is not possible for legal and political reasons.

The Concerned Citizens are operating under a banner they themselves did not make. The group was developed by Bruce Tough, the former chair of the township board, and has been used to group them against the Resident Advocates. The 70 percent tax increase issue they raised was misleading to most readers and the cause of much acrimony. If we incorporate, our Woodlands taxes will go up by a substantial percentage, but they currently are only 23 cents per $100 valuation. I believe most of them are running as individuals, but the heavy advertising, and the amount spent on it, has confused the issue and raised questions. In general, they are more supportive of expanding and enhancing community services and mobility and a process to develop intelligent incorporation.

A township director's job is not an easy one. They receive briefing books of 200 to 400 pages before each meeting and the information in those briefings leads to the necessity to gain further information. It is a nonpaying job that takes a capable person 20-30 hours a week to do effectively and more time to maintain community involvement.

Perspective on the candidates

Position 1 - There are three running. Gordy Bunch (incumbent), Amy Lampman and Bob Leilich. All are intelligent, well qualified in their own way and deserving to be on the board. Gordy and Bob have long records of community involvement. Gordy has experience on the board and a constituency that he represents. Bob is a community activist, an experienced engineer and transportation planner. Amy is an activist who has developed a following.

Position 2 - Mike Bass (incumbent) vs. Brian Boniface. Mike Bass has been on the board for four years; he had dedicated more time to interacting with the community and studying issues than any other Board member the Township has ever had. He is thoughtful and intelligent and a known quantity. Brian Boniface is a nice young man, working as a nurse but has not had community experience before deciding to run.

Position 3 - John Brown vs. Stuart Schroeder. Stuart is a long time resident and has been president of the Cochran's Crossing Village Association, he has been a strong advocate for his residents before the Township and other organizations on things like the recent flooding in his community. He is a mover in other local community groups and is a known and respected individual. John's community involvement is that he has served on the Alden's Bridge Village Association.

Position 4 - Chris Grice vs. Bruce Rieser. A big disparity exists between the two. Chris has served as director of Montgomery County Hospital District and serves as current chairman of the Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital Advisory Board. He is past chairman of The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership, a former director of Lone Star Family Health Center, and past director on the Harris County MUD 387 board. Rieser is noted for being against the extension of Woodlands Parkway as an individual.

If you think like I do, you can vote for anyone on Position One ( I voted for Bob since I am his campaign treasurer). In the other contests, Mike Bass, Stuart Schroeder and Chris Grice are clearly my choices. They have shown over time the types of citizen leadership and involvement that a healthy community needs.

Election Day: is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Early Voting runs through Friday, Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

With warm regards and as someone who loves our community and who is old enough that he no longer is worried about being politically correct.

Bruce Cunningham