FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
 

▶ Why are you running for Conroe City Council?

I’m running because Conroe is at an important crossroads. As our city grows, we must be thoughtful with taxpayer dollars, transparent in our decisions, and intentional about the kind of community we leave to future generations. I’m stepping forward to bring experienced, independent leadership focused on serving Conroe residents first.
 

▶ What experience do you bring to City Council?

I’m a retired business owner. I was a former President & COO of a wholly owned subsidiary of a publicly traded company. I spent decades managing budgets, making strategic decisions, and being accountable for results. I currently serve on the Conroe Industrial Development Corporation, working to attract and retain businesses that strengthen our local economy responsibly.

▶ What does “Independent Leadership with Integrity” mean to you?

It means making decisions based on what’s right for Conroe — not political pressure, special interests, or personal agendas. It means asking tough questions, respecting voter input, and remaining accountable to the people who live and work here.

▶Are you self-funding your campaign?

Yes. I am self funding my campaign. That allows me to remain independent and focused solely on what’s best for Conroe — not on political favors or special interests. My only loyalty is to the citizens, not to donors.

▶ What are your top priorities for Conroe right now?

1. Public safety and core services first — focusing on what affects daily life 

2. Protect taxpayers with disciplined budgeting and debt restraint 

3. Responsible growth so infrastructure keeps pace 

4. Transparency and accountability — clear information on the agenda before major votes 

5. Strengthen the tree ordinance, ensuring preservation of Conroe's natural assets, while reducing erosion and storm damage 

▶ How will you protect Conroe taxpayers?

Taxpayer money should be treated with respect. I support careful budgeting, transparency in spending, and ensuring voters have a voice in major financial decisions. I originated "Proposition O" because I believe citizens deserve a say before the city takes on significant long-term debt. This will ensure that your tax dollars will be invested in our police, firefighters, water, sewage, and critical infrastructure.
 

▶ How will you improve transparency at City Hall?

I will push for:

• Clear, plain-language summaries on City Council agendas before major votes. 
• Full disclosure  of financial impacts, not just headlines 
• Listening first — then deciding 
• Respecting what  voters approve at the ballot box 

▶ What is your position on city debt and large projects?

Large taxpayer-funded projects should be thoroughly vetted and thanks to "Proposition O" will have to be approved by voters. Responsible leadership means weighing long-term costs — not just short-term benefits — and ensuring projects align with community priorities.
 

▶ How do you view growth and development in Conroe?

Growth should be intentional and balanced. Development should enhance quality of life, respect existing neighborhoods, and ensure infrastructure keeps pace. I support smart growth that benefits current residents while planning responsibly for the future.
 

▶ Will you work with people who disagree with you?

Absolutely. Good governance requires collaboration, respect, and open dialogue. I believe in listening, finding common ground, and making decisions based on facts and what’s best for the citizens of Conroe.

▶If you were appointed by the mayor and approved by city council to the Conroe Industrial Development Board (CIDC) board, how can voters trust you’ll be independent?

Because I’ve already demonstrated it.

When I was asked to serve on the CIDC board, I didn’t see it as a political opportunity.

I saw it as a responsibility.

I’ve spent decades in business. I’ve read balance sheets. I’ve built companies. I’ve overseen budgets. I understand financial risk.

So, when I had the opportunity to review the city’s development finances firsthand, I took it seriously.

If I were aligned with insiders, I wouldn’t have pressed for corrected debt reporting.

Stopped the off-balance sheet debt.

I wouldn’t have supported limits on discretionary spending, Proposition “O”.

I wouldn’t have questioned incentive structures. This saved the city 3.5 million dollars.

Independence isn’t declared — it’s demonstrated.

Please see the RESULTS tab on this website.

▶How would you approach the City’s situation with the Hyatt Hotel and Convention Center? 

The hotel exists, and it has value—but the financial reality has changed.
 

The City has a significant investment tied to the hotel, and its current value is far below that amount. That gap represents real risk for taxpayers and real missed opportunities to invest in core city needs like public safety, water infrastructure, and streets.
 

I’m not interested in relitigating past decisions or negotiating solutions in public. My focus is on protecting taxpayers going forward.
 

Any responsible path forward must include clear guardrails: 

· Shifting financial risk away from taxpayers

· Capping future taxpayer exposure

· Establishing a clear exit timeline

· Evaluating options openly and transparently through City Council
 

Specific tactics—whether a sale, lease, or other transition—belong in the formal council process, not on a campaign website.
 

Resolving an issue of this size requires strong financial judgment and experience, and that perspective is what I bring to City Council. My priorities are simple: protect taxpayers, refocus on core city responsibilities, and ensure Conroe is not permanently tied to non-core financial risk.
 

▶The City increased fees for downtown street closures, and some businesses are upset. Where do you stand?  

I understand why this issue matters to downtown business owners. Events and street closures can bring customers, and sudden cost increases create real pressure.

At the same time, the City has a responsibility to manage costs fairly for all taxpayers.

I believe the right approach is not choosing sides — it’s finding balance. That means sitting down with business owners, reviewing the actual costs to the City, and determining whether adjustments, phased changes, or alternative structures make sense.

Good policy should be predictable, transparent, and workable. If something isn’t working for the community, we should be willing to revisit it thoughtfully — without turning it into a political fight.

My goal is simple: a downtown that thrives, policies that are fair, and decisions made through collaboration rather than conflict.

▶Some residents are upset not only about compensation decisions, but also about the behavior, leadership style, and actions of certain city administrators. How would you address those concerns if elected? 

I hear the anger, and I don’t dismiss it.

City employees work for the public. Respect matters. How people are treated matters.
 

I’m not running to protect anyone or make excuses. If elected, I will look at the entire administration and hold everyone to clear standards of professionalism, performance, and respect for citizens.

If someone is doing the job well, they should be treated fairly. If they are not, changes should be made. City Hall should work for the people—not the other way around.
 

▶In the last election, you supported the mayor and two current council members. Some residents are unhappy with their performance. How do you respond to voters who question that support? 

I supported people in the past based on what I believed then. That doesn’t mean I agree with every decision made since. I’m running now to bring independent judgment, ask tough questions, and represent citizens—not defend anyone’s record.
 

▶ How can I contact you?

You can contact me through the form on this website, by email at kimattaya@gmail.com, or by phone at 936-358-0058. I welcome hearing from Conroe residents and value open communication.