All three Buda City Council candidates running for the Buda Place 3 seat – Basil Lombardo, incumbent Jose Montoya and David Nuckels – were given questions about their intentions for running for office and other issues. Below are the responses from Basil Lombardo. Click here to see Jose Montoya’s responses. Click here to see David Nuckels’s responses.
What prompted you to seek office?
I decided to run specifically in place three against Mr. Montoya when he supported the subsidized housing project and its developer over the will of the people of Buda. I also feel strongly that the demographics of the community are not reflected in the current council and a fresh perspective will make for a more balanced city government.
What are Buda’s three most important issues and how do you plan on addressing them, if elected?
We need to maintain the quality of life while not continuing to increase the tax burden on the community. We increased our budget from 20.1 million to 29.2 million year over year and the average homeowner will see a 15 % increase in this years property tax bill. I will push for an additional homestead exemption and will also look for opportunities to reduce spending in the budget looking especially hard at ROI when it comes to outside consultants.
We will need to work on cost effective water and sewer options that protect Onion Creek and give consideration to our regional neighbors . I do not see any reason these objectives should be in conflict with each other. l would make an effort to create a cooperative approach with our neighbors working towards solutions that are mutually beneficial.
We must maintain a level playing field for every citizen and business in Buda , Mr. Montoya created great concern for me when at the candidate forum when he stated that he did a lot of things behind the scenes. I do not think this is reflective of how the city works as a whole and obviously the process should always be open to all.
What one issue is not being talked about, but should be?
I think most important issues are being discussed so I can’t say I am surprised about any one thing not being discussed.
What specific practices will you implement to keep in contact with constituents, if elected?
I will provide my city controlled email address which would be reviewable by open records request and will make myself available to attend requested meetings that I can lawfully attend.