By Moses Leos III
A political challenger vying for the Kyle City Council District 1 seat up for election this May has begun spending funds toward his campaign.
Travis Mitchell, who filed on Jan. 20 to run for the Place 1 seat currently held by incumbent Diane Hervol, spent over $3,000 in political expenditures from November to December 2015.
Mitchell, who is Chief Executive Officer of Mitchell Motor Sports, also brought in $200 in political contributions from Brad and Brandy Kothmann.
Brandy Kothman is listed on Mitchell’s candidate/officer holder report as his campaign treasurer.
During the time frame, Mitchell spent roughly $2,300 that went toward sponsoring tables at the Kyle Chamber of Commerce Gala in February. Mitchell said the Chamber recently changed bylaws allowing political candidates to promote themselves within the organization.
Mitchell also charged over $1,200 to a personal credit card. Of that amount, roughly $328 was spent as an event expense from Grind House Coffee and Cocktails for a “meet and greet” event Dec. 10.
Mitchell said he chose to run as his “future is invested in Kyle.” He added that he wanted to “make a difference” and that he couldn’t sit back with the city moving on without making an impact.
“I want to put aside divisions that are crippling the city’s ability to prosper,” Mitchell said.
Hervol has begun building her war chest in preparation for the May race. According to her semi-annual candidate/officeholder finance report, Hervol has a $980 contribution balance remaining. She also took in $100 from District 6 city council member Daphne Tenorio on Dec. 14.
Hervol, who draws her first political opponent since 2010, said she is “looking forward to the challenge” of running against Mitchell. “It’s going to be an interesting race and I look forward to it,” Hervol said.
No other Kyle City Council member received contributions, made expenses or holds a contribution balance during the period. Included is District 3 council member Shane Arabie, whose seat is also up for election this May.
In Buda, Mayor Todd Ruge gained $260 during the reporting period, but made $225 in expenses. Ruge has $715 in political contributions maintained as of the last day of the reporting period.
Ruge donated $50 each to the Hays County Democratic Party, Buda Police Department and Friends of the Buda Public Library.
