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Dylan Gonzales: The Woodlands Township Candidate – Position 1

Please note that Hello Woodlands is an unbiased, nonpartisan news source that does not endorse or support only one party or candidate. We do not accept or receive advertising or funding from any candidate, party or group.

Hello Woodlands gave the opportunity to candidates running for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors to complete a written interview including the same seven (7) questions. View candidate’s responses to our questions, if provided.

Each position has a two-year term, is an unpaid volunteer position, and is elected at-large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery County and Harris County. The election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Voters must be registered to vote for The Woodlands election.

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2024 CANDIDATE

Dylan Gonzales is running for The Woodlands Township Board Position 1.

Dylan Gonzales is running for The Woodlands Township Board Position 1; Photo courtesy of Dylan Gonzales.

1. Share your background. What originally brought you to The Woodlands?

I grew up in Grapevine, Texas, located in the DFW area. During my senior year of high school, we played The Woodlands High School in an early-season baseball tournament here. On the bus ride in, I couldn’t believe we were still in Texas. It felt like a scenic, hidden oasis, giving me a sense of home that I still feel today.

While attending Texas A&M University, I met my now-wife, Kendall. She is from the greater Houston area, so it was an easy decision to settle down in The Woodlands. This place has been home to some of our best memories. I proposed to Kendall over the bridge on Waterway Avenue in 2022, and we purchased our first home together in 2023.

I work across Houston as a software consultant, primarily in the oil and gas industry. Kendall is a senior data analyst in the same field. In our free time, you can find us outdoors, working on house projects, or cheering on our Aggies.

Dylan Gonzales with wife Kendall; Photo courtesy of Dylan Gonzales.

2. Why do you enjoy living (and working, if applicable) in The Woodlands?

Living in The Woodlands has been a refreshing change from our time in downtown Houston. One of the main reasons we enjoy it here is the strong sense of community. In The Woodlands, neighbors know each other, and there’s a genuine feeling of connection and support. The area hosts numerous community events and activities that bring people together, fostering a warm and welcoming environment.

The natural beauty and tranquility of The Woodlands provide a perfect backdrop for our lifestyle. We love spending time outdoors, riding our bikes through the trails, and taking our kayaks to the lake. The sense of belonging and the quality of life here are unmatched, making The Woodlands the ideal place for us to call home.

Photo courtesy of Dylan Gonzales

3. How have you served and/or how do you currently serve and contribute to our community?

I currently serve as the Lead Chair of the Houston Community Service Board at Pariveda Solutions, my consulting firm. In this role, I organize and host monthly park cleanup events across Houston, including The Woodlands.

Beyond park cleanups, I coordinate various donation drives. Additionally, I support our internship program, which partners with non-profit organizations to deliver technology solutions that enhance accessibility for those in need of services.

4. What motivates you to run for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors?

I’ve always had a calling for servant leadership. During my adolescent years, I was an altar server at my local church, a captain on my football team, and an academic tutor to several of my peers. As an adult, the number of organic opportunities to be a servant leader has decreased, and it’s been on my mind to be more intentional about creating opportunities for myself.

During Hurricane Beryl, a few of my neighbors and I grabbed our chainsaws and immediately took to the streets, no questions asked. We cleared debris from the roads into separate piles and went house to house, ensuring the fallen trees didn’t trap or injure anyone. It was during this time I began to reflect on the relationships I’ve made with my neighbors, and I felt extreme gratitude.

I also recognized how crucial it is for us to bridge the gap between our older and younger residents. By fostering strong connections and understanding between these generations, we can ensure that our community remains vibrant, accountable, and enjoyable for everyone – both now and for generations to come. The culmination of these realizations has motivated me to run for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors.

5. What are 3 things that you want voters to know about you (personal, views, experience, etc.)?

  1. Dedicated to Service: I have a strong commitment to serving our community through various volunteer activities and initiatives.
  2. Transparency and Accountability: I believe in open communication and being accountable to the community.
  3. Data-Driven Decisions: I use data-driven approaches to minimize biases, ensuring effective and efficient solutions for our community.

6. If elected, what would your top 3 priorities as a Township Board of Director be? How would you work to impact/shape the future of The Woodlands?

  1. Responsibly Improve Local Infrastructure.

    I will ensure that our roads, public spaces, schools, and facilities are well-maintained and upgraded in a way that balances progress with environmental, social, and financial responsibility. This includes investing in sustainable solutions that will benefit our community long-term.

    To achieve this, I plan to enact a data-driven approach to determine the highest priority projects and solutions with the highest impact. By leveraging data analytics, we can identify the most critical areas for improvement and allocate resources efficiently. This approach ensures that our decisions are based on objective evidence rather than subjective opinions.

    Furthermore, I am committed to transparency. All data and findings will be made available to the public, allowing community members to see the rationale behind our decisions. This openness fosters trust and encourages community involvement in the decision-making process.

    By combining a data-driven strategy with transparent communication, we can responsibly improve our local infrastructure in a way that meets the needs of our community while maintaining accountability and trust.
  2. Enhance Public Safety.

    I will work to strengthen our safety measures and emergency services to create a safer environment for all residents. This involves collaborating closely with local law enforcement and emergency responders to address community concerns and improve overall safety. By fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents, we can build trust and ensure that community concerns are heard and addressed promptly.

    Transparency and accountability are key components of my approach. We will regularly share data and progress reports with the community, ensuring that residents are informed and can hold us accountable for our actions. By taking these steps, we can create a safer, more secure environment for everyone in our community.
  3. Strengthen Community Engagement.

    I intend to foster greater participation and communication within our Township. By creating more opportunities for residents to be involved in decision-making processes and community activities, we can ensure that every voice is heard and valued.

    Transparency is key to effective community engagement. I will ensure that all decisions and plans are communicated clearly and openly, providing residents with the information they need to stay informed and involved. By leveraging digital platforms and social media, we can reach a broader audience and facilitate easier access to township updates and events. Together, we can build a more connected and engaged community where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

7. Would you like to share any other words or message to The Woodlands community?

My campaign will not accept monetary donations, but your support is critical to our community’s future success. Please make sure you are registered to vote and have a plan in place to make your voice heard. If you’d like to get in touch with me, send me an email anytime at dylangonzales247@gmail.com.

Learn more about Dylan Gonzales at:

Visit the Hello Woodlands 2024 Election Guide for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Candidates to view all candidates, interviews, and voting information here.

Please visit the November 2024 Election section on The Woodlands Township’s website for additional information about the November 5, 2024 election at https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1600/November-2024-Election.

Please note that Hello Woodlands is an unbiased, nonpartisan news source that does not support only one party or candidate. We do not accept or receive advertising or funding from any candidate, party or group. We believe in providing the community with educational information, and credible facts, thoroughly researched topics and articles.

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