Group Funnels $244K to Woodlands Political Group

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- An unknown group of donors has infused $244,000 into a grassroots organization that has expressed concerns about a 70 percent property tax increase should The Woodlands Township Board of Directors decide incorporate now, instead of 2057.

The funds were paid to the Woodlands Concerned Taxpayers, a grassroots organization that was launched in September that has flooded the area with mailers and billboard advertisements claiming a push for incorporation befor 2057 would increase taxes as much as 70 percent.

The Woodlands Concerned Taxpayers, which was founded by former Woodlands Township board member Bruce Tough is backing a slate of four candidates including Mike Bass (Position 2), Amy Lampman (Position 1), Stuart Schroeder (Position 3) and Chris Grice (Position 4).

The Woodlands Villager reported that it’s it's not clear who is paying for the group's efforts, because the organization, which was created as a social welfare nonprofit, isn't required to disclose its donors while raising and spending unlimited sums of money.

In recent weeks, a war of words related the issue of incorporation has been waged between The Woodlands Concerned Taxpayers group, and Residents Advocates, a group that surfaced in 2015 to oppose the controversial Woodlands Parkway extension.

The battle has surely increased voter turnout for the local election, even with a contentious presidential election also to be decided.

Residents Advocates endorsed an opposing slate of township candidates including: incumbent Gordy Bunch (Position 1), John Anthony Brown (Position 3), Bruce Rieser (Position 4) and Brian Boniface (Position 2).

“There is no tax increase. There is no incorporation on the ballot. There is no timeline established," Board member Gordy Bunch said at that meeting. "We owe our residents a clear statement that this is not occurring. You're not going to be taxed out of your house."

In 2007, The Woodlands entered into an agreement with the City of Conroe and the City of Houston that prohibited both cities from annexing The Woodlands until 2057, which is also a state statute.

Meanwhile, the fear generated on both sides has driven many in The Woodlands to vote early, and saw more than 92,000 voters cast ballots in the first week of early voting, which represents representing 29.3 percent of the registered voters in Montgomery County.

The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8.

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