News
An Interview with Carol Stromatt, The Woodlands Township Candidate
Hello Woodlands is an unbiased, nonpartisan news source that does not support just one party or candidate. We believe in providing the community with educational information, credible facts, thoroughly researched topics and articles, and to be a voice for ALL members in our community.
Three at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will be elected in the November 2017 election, designated as positions 5, 6 and 7. Each office carries a two-year term and all three positions are elected at large by voters in The Woodlands in both Montgomery County and Harris County.
Candidates running for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors include John P. McMullan (Position #5), Ann K. Snyder (Position #6), Laura Fillault (Position #7), and Carol Stromatt (Position #7).
Watch what happened at the Township Candidate Forum.
With election day quickly approaching, Hello Woodlands asked Position #7 Candidate Carol Stromatt 7 questions about her background, experience, views and the 2017 election.
Carol Stromatt running for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Position #7
What originally brought you to The Woodlands? Share your background, experiences and why you enjoy living in The Woodlands.
I am a native of East Texas and 20-year resident of The Woodlands. I fell in-love with the landscape, quality of life and hometown-feel of The Woodlands—Richard and I take great pride in calling this our home. We have thrived here personally and professionally, and we both feel it is important to give back via service to our community. I have long been an active volunteer in The Woodlands—Indian Springs Village Association, RDRC, Interfaith, Memorial Hermann Hospital System, The Woodlands chapter of Chi Omega, GREEN clean-ups and running my church’s Buddy Backpack program in conjunction with The Montgomery County Food Bank.
What are 5 things that you want voters to know about you (personal, points, views, experience, etc)?
I’m a proud mom, grandmother and wife.
I love and care about people from all walks of life, and know that our International and wonderfully diverse community expands each of us when we embrace that diversity.
My professional background in real estate and strategic planning, many years of experience in community service in The Woodlands, and twenty years of living and working in The Woodlands will be assets for residents of The Woodlands and the Township Board.
My husband and I teach the youth of our church, and we learn more from them than we could ever teach.
I’m a hard worker, dependable, and love contributing to my community.
What fuels your fire to run for The Woodlands Townships Board of Directors?
We have big challenges ahead and I find it exciting to be a part of tackling those. Highly-polarizing political views have become dominating forces in our country and I think that’s hurting us – leaders at all levels have retreated to partisan corners instead of working together. That concerns me, so I want to be a part of the solution.
What makes you unique in comparison to the opposing candidate as well as current board members?
I have been adamant about staying non-partisan in The Woodlands Township Board’s non-partisan election, because I believe leaders need to listen to and work with all residents. I have lived here for 20 years, and I believe people are tired of negativity and divisive politics that have taken over the last several election cycles. I commit to serve as a positive, non-partisan board member, who will work for the good of all residents. I want to lead by example: I don’t pander to a political base and I don’t accept PAC money. I will not miss meetings, come late, or leave early, and I will do my homework in preparation for meetings. To that end I have offered myself as a voice and a choice for ALL residents.
What changes would you like to see for The Woodlands in the future? (1 year, 5 years, and beyond?)
The immediate top priorities for residents are safety and flood prevention. As a member of The Township Board, I will ensure that our first responders are fully prepared and staged for future high-water emergency response and capable of meeting all other EMS community needs. Concurrently, we must strongly advocate our community’s needs to other governmental entities, especially as it relates to managing recovery response budgets and long-term multi-county flood mitigation solutions. In some cases, like that of MUD 386 in Creekside Park, the Township Board needs to help bring the development company to the table to find solutions for recurrent drainage issues.
Once we are sure we have provided a safe and secure community to all and our budgetary requirements are fulfilled, the Township Board must focus on a detailed study of incorporation of The Woodlands. This process must not be rushed and must be an open process that invites input from residents and professionals alike. Residents need to feel they are well informed on the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation should a public referendum be recommended by the Board. I will work to develop solutions for community mobility issues and to identify public/private means to implement community enhancements such as sustainable initiatives, an indoor performance/arts facility and a branch of The Houston Museum of Natural Sciences.
Carol Stromatt running for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Position #7
What has your experience been in running in The Woodlands Board of Directors Election?
I’ve made so many wonderful new friends who have reinforced my belief that people are good. I’ve watched optimism flourish between our diverse group of supporters and campaign team members who hail from different political parties, religions, races, generations, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. I served alongside the thousands of volunteers who turned out to muck houses in Creekside Park and at donation drop-spots following Harvey’s devastation. The positive energy was electric, and I believe we can harness that as we move forward to forge community-wide solutions to issues like flood recovery/mitigation, incorporation, and mobility.
Would you like to share any other words or messages to The Woodlands community?
My message to ALL residents of The Woodlands: UNITY IS POSSIBLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. I have been and will be focused on local issues facing The Woodlands, and I will be a good steward of our taxes and the outstanding reputation of this hometown we share. It is our responsibility to sustain and grow George Mitchell’s vision – WE can work together to restore the unity in our community. I ask you to vote for me, Carol Stromatt, on November 7th.
Learn more about Carol Stromatt at CarolforTownship.org
Hello Woodlands gave the opportunity to all candidates running for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Position #7 to interview with our team. We want to thank the candidates for their time and allowing Hello Woodlands to share their answers with you and the community.
Don’t forget to vote on Election Day, November 7! Learn more about The Woodlands Township Election at https://hellowoodlands.com/category/township-election/
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