Two candidates are running in the election for Montgomery County Hospital District Precinct 1. The MCHD is a political subdivision established to provide health care to the indigent residents of Montgomery County, according to its website.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more information about voting in Montgomery County, visit https://elections.mctx.org. For more election coverage, go to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
*denotes incumbent
Why did you decide to run in this election?
Concern for the underserved, elderly, mentally impaired and indigent community.
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
Past member of Greater Lake Conroe/Conroe Chamber of Commerce. Current member of Montgomery Economic Development Corporation. Member of Fellowship of Montgomery Church and the church leader of local mission activities.
What is your top priority, if elected?
I currently chair the committee for indigent care. I would like to continue in this position, to be an integral part of the MCHD mission to help improve the quality of care for our indigent community.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the Montgomery County Hospital District?
Finances vs indigent community care. I believe MCDH does a great job currently balancing quality care for the indigent community but with today’s constantly changing economics it is normally the underserved that suffers the most when tough decisions have to be made.
What are the greatest funding needs for the Montgomery County Hospital District?
Since MCHD is taxpayer-funded, the greatest need is the continuation of [the Health Care Assistance Program] and ongoing training for EMS services, the best equipment and maintaining the integrity of the facilities that provide care for our community.
Why did you decide to run in this election?
I believe every citizen deserves representation for their tax dollars. As a MCHD board member I will strive to ensure the taxpayer’s dollars are spent on necessary programs while working towards a zero tax revenue. Tax rates should not be increased simply because they can be increased.
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
My experience includes managing employees and volunteers for multiple facilities across several states. I have developed policy and procedure manuals for foster children, foster youth and indigent adults living at these facilities.
What is your top priority, if elected?
One of my top priorities will be to ensure a zero tax revenue for the citizens of Montgomery County while still providing top medical services.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the Montgomery County Hospital District?
MCHD has the challenge of being in one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. Navigating growth that includes an indigent population is a huge challenge.
What are the greatest funding needs for the Montgomery County Hospital District?
One of the greatest needs for the MCHD will be in addressing the thousands of noncitizens and non-English speakers moving into our area. This will increase the need for dual language paramedics.