WHO WILL SPONSOR THE GREAT DEBATES?
"At this most historic point in The Woodlands history, we need a company or organization willing to 'step up to the podium' and sponsor or stage one or more debates amongst the 14 candidates for The Woodlands Township Board. This is the time for all candidates to tell the community at large how they plan to serve with responsibility and accountability, which issues are paramount, how do they view long-range plans for taxes, law enforcement, community service, building ordinances, smart growth, future governance, and quality of life for all of the residents of The Woodlands Township." Peggy Hausman, a current board member and candidate to retain her seat, is calling for these debates at village association meetings and neighborhood gatherings.
Hausman fears that a letter from The Woodlands Development Company which spent at least $200,000 to sponsor the three propositions that created the Township by an 86% margin last November, is taking a "hands off" position. The Chamber of Commerce at its March "Whistle-stop Tour" for political candidates did not invite any Woodlands Township Board candidates since the filing date for those positions had not yet closed. Some village groups, such as, the Cochran's Crossing Village Association, are planning to present two-minute "whistle-stop" forums with candidates, but none of these will allow for full debates or interaction among the candidates.
"The 15,000 plus people who voted to create the Township said they wanted to elect their own representatives. The community and the candidates need to give them full disclosure on their positions and qualifications. We are launching a new model community government for the entire state of Texas and one that could position The Woodlands to be one of the great Texas cities of the future." Hausman says. She suggests other potential debate sponsors or presenters could be media companies, the Woodlands Community Service Corporation, individual Woodlands community associations, the Chamber, the Township, or even a commercial sponsor as a non-commercial public service to benefit the entire community.
