Candidates for Buda City Council were asked the following questions:
1. Why did you decide to run for a seat on the Buda Council?
2. What are the top three issues affecting Buda?
3. How will you address the number one issue affecting the city?
4. The Buda ballot also will have bond propositions totaling $55 million. The funding will be used for street, infrastructure and park improvements. If all are approved, the city’s debt could triple. Why or why not should voters support the proposition?
5. Do you have any professional experience that will help you as an elected official?
6. Why should voters elect you over your opponent?
7. What should our readers know about you?
8. If you won a $1 million lottery, how would you spend that money?
1. Why did you decide to run for a seat on the Buda Council?
Henry: Having two daughters of my own and soon-to-be three step daughters in Buda’s school district, the safety of all children on our playgrounds and in our parks is one of my main concerns with the rapid growth of this amazing city. Buda is in need of young, fresh perspectives on how to keep up with its rapid pace of growth. I’m also running as a business owner who will have an open mind to future business that could help stimulate the Buda economy. I encourage divers entertainment, which draws people to our community. I would like to see the City of Buda adopt a fair enforcement within the residential and business community vs. a selective enforcement. Most importantly, considering the demographics of the city, I believe Buda needs to be looked at from a young family perspective.
Lane: For a number of years we have planned and reviewed several public works projects, been committed to constituent input and worked strategically to improve the financial position of Buda. I want to continue that work and support the implementation of the plans we have developed to ensure that the intent of the plan(s) will be carried out.
2. What are the top three issues affecting Buda?
Henry: In my opinion, the growing demand is overwhelming for the city. The “old way” of thinking is not embracing the positive changes that will potentially boost Buda’s economy. The city should welcome and encourage new businesses with open arms. Let’s keep the money in Buda, TX inste ad of in south Austin or surrounding areas.
Lane: a.) Securing sufficient supplies of water, c.) Easing traffic congestion, and c.) maintaining a balanced budget.
3. How will you address the number one issue affecting the city?
Henry: I would address the demands of our growing population by asking the city to open up to the new era of Buda, TX. Change is happening. Growth will not stop, but we can still steer the growth with smart, responsible decisions.
Lane: If you are referring to my previous response in 2, I will continue to support our participation in the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Authority to capture additional water supplies for Buda extending into 2020 and beyond. I will also support activities in support of other sources of water from the Trinity wells to the west and other sources.
4. The Buda ballot also will have bond propositions totaling $55 million. The funding will be used for street, infrastructure and park improvements. If all are approved, the city’s debt could triple. Why or why not should voters support the proposition?
Henry: I feel that some of the bonds proposed are needed, but not all of them. I do not feel like they should be handled by receiving a bond plus interest to obtain the goal of each proposition. I would like to see the city step up and treat their wanted upgrades like any business does. Saving for items and tools needed in a business is essential. Borrowing a little is typical, but to go for the whole enchilada is not a smart economic decision. It is the norm for most government institutions to take the hand out and charge someone else for it, but I do not agree with it. This is the old school way that continues to get our government in irresponsible financial debt that is handed down to the next generation to take care of and pay for. Let’s be responsible and smart about growth and financial commitments. We, as a community, can address all proposed bonds, but it may take time to pursue in a responsible manner. The propositions have been defined, but what is the best and most responsible way to address them? For example, what happens to the buildings (current City Hall and Buda Library) when vacated to the new facilities? Can these generate income, and where is the plan for this? With the amazing growth, how can we ear mark additional funds from the growth to support these cost without the normal old school mind set, which is to put it on the taxpayer?
My questions to the current City Council would be, how can we obtain our goals without taking on $55million dollars in debt and passing a lot of it to residential taxpayers? For example, could some of the bonds be passed on, (partially or in whole) to developers that come into our city? Another solution may be to asses a portion to the developers, some to the city, and a small portion (or nothing) to the residential taxpayers? Could some of the issues have been handled right the first time? For example, the detention ponds in the Goforth area. I’m committed to doing it RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. Could there be other means to cut cost, yet maintain Buda’s theme as a city? For example, if we truly believe we have a drainage problem, should the city continue to force businesses to pave or cement parking lots that create an impervious coverage and increase the drainage problems already in existence?
Lane: As an office holder/candidate I cannot take a position on the bond propositions.
5. Do you have any professional experience that will help you as an elected official?
Henry: I have been self-employed since 1997. Since then, I have had to run balance sheets, figure out profit and losses, and make hard decisions on what is working and what is not working all while staying “in the black.” I believe my business experience with budgets and running a business will help the City of Buda. My experience as a business owner in the City of Buda with Willie’s Joint BBQ has also opened my eyes to the way things are handled here. I believe I could shed some light on the city to make sure all positive opportunities for Buda are capitalized upon. The city needs to be run like a responsible business with checks and balances, not with huge debt put on the taxpayer and old school politics that looks for increased taxes as the answer. I will pursue responsible measures to further better Buda and its infrastructure and needs. I want to move forward in a smart direction regarding municipal and public safety facilities, streets and drainage, and parks and trails. We are not in a race to see how fast we can grow.
Lane: I have been in State government for 43 years in a number of capacities. The majority of those years I served in internal audit shops, business improvement activities, operational audits and ccontract auditing. The goals have been to review operations to ensure compliance with rules, policies and procedures as well as to identify opportunities for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations in keeping with the appropriate professional auditing standards. I also have over 20 years in local governments as follows: Currently in my 14th year will the City of Buda City Council, 5 years serving on two volunteer fire department boards, a 2 year term on a planning and zoning commission and a 2 year term on a board of adjustments.
6. Why should voters elected you over your opponent?
Henry: I’m sure Lane, like myself, is looking out for Buda’s best interest. I will say that I believe deep down in my heart that most of the City Council members have served to really help the City of Buda thrive. I think Mr. Lane is one of those council members. The demographic of this town is changing with its young families moving in every day and houses going up left and right. I call Buda home and think it needs to be looked at from a young family perspective and I am confident that I am the right person for that role.
Lane: The key to success in business as well as government is building relationships. I have worked to build relationships with other local government officials, as well as those with our State and Federal partners. Buda has benefitted in many ways including improvements to our interstate highway system, a new post office and support for funding for public safety. I want to continue to build on these relationships to ensure Buda’s needs are known and acted upon. I will be open and receptive to my constituents. I will be accessible and responsive to their concerns and also be informative and open about our City’s activities.
7. What should our readers know about you?
Henry: I grew up in a small the town of China Spring, TX. It’s about 15 miles NW of Waco. I was born and raised by two of the best parents (Jack and Linda Henry) a son could ever as for. I’m a father of two amazing daughters, Cambria (11) and Jordan (9). My fiancee (Amanda) has three amazing daughters Katie (8), Brooke (11), and Hannah (13). I love owning a family friendly restaurant (Willies’s Joint BBQ) in Buda, TX. I’m an owner of land in the downtown district that I hope will become a place for all families and visitors to enjoy someday, but I have to save up to make that dream come true. We love and enjoy the community we live in, the family and friends that surround us, and the faculty and administration that serve our schools. My motto as a candidate is “Working to keep this small town personality a reality with our rapid growth!” I BELIEVE IN BUDA TX.
Lane: I really enjoy serving whether as an elected official or government employee. Either way, I am serving our taxpayers and want to provide the best quality of service possible. It’s not about me; it is about the service that I have sworn to provide to our citizens. My goal is to serve all in an equitable manner. Further, based on our City Charter, we as councilmembers are the policy-making body. We must refrain from interfering in daily operations or imposing personal bias on policy implementation. I will continue to support our charter. And lastly, as I have for the past 14 years, I will continue to support and promote the public health and safety projects for all of our citizens and businesses.
8. If you won a $1 million lottery, how would you spend that money?
Henry: Glad you asked that question. Although I don’t play the lottery, I have often thought about what I would do if I won. First, I would pay off my mortgage on my house so I could live debt free. Then, I would probably do the same for my brother (don’t worry, I’m not a bad son, but I don’t think my parents need help (they have listened to Dave Ramsey) and made me as well)). I would probably hold back around $100-200k then take the rest and put it towards a foundation that I would create. Something like a Big Brothers/Big Sisters foundation for kids that would teach them outdoor skills such as golf, hunting, fishing, etc.
Lane: a.) Set up trusts for my children, b.) Set up trusts for my grandchildren, c.) Establish a grant program for continued learning opportunities through the City of Buda Library.
See reponses from Place 5 candidates Evan Ture and Eileen Altmiller here.
Read about the five propositions of the $55 million Buda bond here.
