Where Ed Robb stands on the issues . . .

Public Safety

Law Enforcement
“Public Safety is our number one priority. Period.” says Ed Robb. “We must continue to add sheriff’s deputies to deter crime.”

• Ed Robb strongly supported and voted for the 2010 Township budget which significantly increased law enforcement in The Woodlands. “In 2009 we had 54 dedicated personnel assigned to The Woodlands. Now we are protected by 82 personnel – and working with Sheriff Tommy Gage we’ve established a district just for The Woodlands.”

• Criminals aren’t complacent. We must continue to enhance our sheriff’s department protection so that our community will be a safe place to call home.

Fire
Ed Robb says: “Building and maintaining a first-class fire department is not an option. It is a must!” For 10 years Ed Robb has supported and voted for providing our Fire Department with the equipment and resources needed for their growing responsibilities.

• In 2007 Ed Robb supported and voted for financing to build a new fire station on 242 and The Woodlands Emergency Training Center – a state of the art facility.

• Ed Robb supported and voted to fund new fire stations (#7 and #8) which will serve the Villages of Creekside, Indian Springs, and Panther Creek. Initial construction will begin July 2010.


Quality of Life

“The Woodlands has provided the best quality of life Beverley and I could have ever hoped for,” Robb said in announcing his campaign. “We were privileged to raise our family here and be involved in the community. I will work hard everyday to protect that quality of life for every family in The Woodlands.”

We are proud of our 116 parks and 185 mile pathway system, 13 neighborhood pools and the thousands of jobs that have been created here. And we must continue to enforce our Covenants – they are our best protection to ensure we maintain our “Woodlands way of life.”

George Mitchell endorses Ed Robb for The Woodlands Township Board – position 4. “I am proud of Mr. Mitchell’s support. He knows I will work hard to keep his vision alive” Ed Robb says.

Taxes

Ed led the Town Center Improvement District (TCID) board when the agreement was formed to set The Woodlands free from the threat of annexation by Houston. Ed was instrumental in negotiating the agreement, and was a key leader in supporting its adoption by an overwhelming majority (86%) of voters in The Woodlands.

“Moving to a unified government, called ‘The Woodlands Township,’ has reduced taxes for everyone,” Ed Robb explains. The WCA rate in 2007 (before the transition agreement) was 42 cents per $100 of valuation / the TWA rate was 45.5 cents per $100 of valuation. Assessments have now been replaced by ad valorem taxes (which are legally deductible for income tax) and the rate is reduced in 2010 to 32.8 cents per $100 of assessed value. “This is lower than all of our neighboring cities including Conroe and Houston,” Ed said.

“My commitment is to keep our taxes as low as possible without compromising our services or quality of life” promises Ed Robb.

Economic Development

What sets The Woodlands apart from most suburban developments is our vibrant commercial district. Just 15 years ago, most residents of The Woodlands had to leave the community for work. Today, The Woodlands has some of the finest corporations in the world and more than 44,000 people work in The Woodlands. With 25.7 million square feet of commercial and industrial space, over half our Township revenue budget is generated by business.

Ed Robb says: “Economic Development benefits all of us – not just from jobs provided but also from taxes generated. Furthermore, economic development enhances residential property values, and creates for our residents plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment.” It is essential we continue to nurture this important segment of our community.

Seniors

“We must not tax seniors out of their homes,” declares Ed Robb. “The Woodlands Township should grant an exemption to homeowners aged 65 and over. These men and women have worked hard and paid taxes for many years. Now most of them live on fixed incomes. They deserve special consideration.”

Environment

Ed Robb supports strong environmental programs, like the planting of trees, recycling and other environmentally responsible programs. “The Woodlands is known for its trees and we must diligently guard the natural asset,” he says. “Programs such as Arbor Day, Earth Day and the Community Garden bring great awareness for The Woodlands residents and businesses and deserve support.”

Final Comment

Beverley and I fell in love with The Woodlands dream in 1978. When we moved here there were less than 3,000 people. Over the years, we have had the tremendous opportunity to meet new residents from many different faiths, cultures and backgrounds. That is the beauty of The Woodlands, the many faces from all over the world. Everywhere I go, people know of The Woodlands.

My commitment to you is to keep the VALUE of The Woodlands – through strong law enforcement, exceptional amenities like parks and pathways, and furthering the creation of quality jobs.

Thank you for your support.