Filing begins for community association elections

Filing for The Woodlands Association and The Woodlands Community Association elections has begun.

Six positions on the WCA and two TWA positions are up for grabs. In addition, more than 100 seats on the village associations and residential design review committees are up for election. Residents can file for candidacy through Jan. 17 by logging on to the associations' website (www.thewoodlandsassociations.org) or visiting the Community Associations of The Woodlands building, located at 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive.

Now through 2010, community association responsibilities will gradually dwindle as the community phases out the associations in exchange for The Woodlands Township. Voters approved the change in a Nov. 6 confirmation election.But will an overlapping election for the township, the new governing entity, bolster participation in the community associations or detract from it? "It could go either way," said Karen Dempsey, management analyst for the Community Associations of The Woodlands. "On the one hand, I think there is increased interest in our election because of the transition. People want to be involved.

"At the same time, I know there are a lot of people who will focus more on the township election than ours." Filing for five seats on The Woodlands Township begins Feb. 9. The election is slated for May 10. Most WCA and TWA incumbent directors say they will run for re-election in 2008. But some want to play a dual role in the community, already announcing their candidacy for a seat on the township.Peggy Hausman, an appointee to the township board for the WCA, said she will run a "family focused campaign" highlighting her governance experience and community service dedication.

Other TWA and WCA directors, including Karen Booren, Bob Tyson and Claude Hunter, have publicized their interest in seats on the township board. Others are still mulling the decision. TWA President Joel Deretchin said while focus begins to shift to the township, the associations continue to need strong leaders as they work through the details of the transition. "It is a big responsibility," Deretchin said. "I think we will be very busy this coming year attending to all of that. For the next several years, the community associations will continue providing services to The Woodlands community that they have been providing for the past 30 years."

How to File:Residents can file for candidacy in the The Woodlands Association and The Woodlands Community Association elections through Jan. 17 online at www.thewoodlandsassociations.org or by visiting the Community Associations of The Woodlands building, located at 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive.

Source: The Villager by Tiffany Williams