The Hays Free Press asked Buda City Council candidates the following questions. Answers are printed below. 

1. What prompted you to seek office? 

As a resident, I’ve seen Buda change dramatically over the past few years, so in seeking office I hope to ensure our town retains its small-town character while planning simultaneously for the future.  I am proud my family and I call Buda home, so I would like to see its vibrancy and charm maintained.  I believe I have the educational and practical background to represent our residents in an ethical and honest manner on the city council.

2. What are the three most pressing issues Buda currently faces?

In my opinion, the most pressing issues are infrastructure, smart growth and accountability at city hall.  Our local and regional transportation networks should be improved for all modes of transportation.  A new high school in west Buda and the implementation of SH 45 projects require special transportation focus.  Regarding smart growth, water supply and discharge remain a top concern, while protecting single family housing and limiting high density multi-family development is also important.  In 2014, voters passed over $55 million worth of bond projects, but I have heard from residents they want accountability and transparency from officials at city hall.  

3. How should Buda approach managing the rapid growth?

Buda’s population grew at an astronomical rate of nearly 80% between 2010 and 2015, so managing growth is more important than ever.  I believe it would be wise to limit high density, multi-family development while at the same time encouraging small businesses and commercial activity.  The ongoing revitalization of downtown Buda continues to be a success story.  Buda should protect the safety of its neighborhoods, schools and school corridors by ensuring we have adequate police and firefighter resources.  The city should also be smart in protecting green corridors, ensuring multi-modal solutions exist throughout the city and managing park facilities effectively.

4. Does Buda need workforce housing?

Most of Buda’s residents commute to work outside the city so, I would say the existing housing options align with the needs of the community.  The average family income in Buda enables most to own a home.  As someone who rented for years, I know some residents will always prefer to rent instead of owning.  The free market determines the price of housing and housing supply, therefore, I would be hesitant to support “workforce housing”, a newly minted “affordable housing” substitute.  Those seeking housing can take advantage of existing low interest rates and robust buyer assistance programs.

5.  What will you do to keep in contact with your constituents? 

I have a family and full-time job in the public sector, but I promise to put the interests of Buda’s residents first through clear lines of communication.  If elected, I plan on keeping in contact through regular council attendance, use of social media, participation in community events and responding via email or phone to constituents’ inquires.  I’m a people person so, I pledge to make myself available to hear the concerns, questions and issues of our residents.

6. What do you bring to the table that your opponents don’t?

I’ve never run for political office so, I bring a fresh perspective marked by a solid educational and professional background.  I have a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Public Administration.  I have over 11 years’ public sector experience in the fields of water quality, transportation planning, transit district management, air quality planning and financial analysis.  I’ve also worked in a family business and have worked in various private sector jobs since I was 15.  I’m a patient listener and I enjoy working with people.  I’m also willing to change my opinion when presented with new information or facts.

7. What is an issue you believe should be given more attention? 

Keeping tax rates low.  Although Buda currently has one of the lowest tax rates along the central I-35 corridor, we must be careful to avoid the temptation of overspending in the face of rapid additions to the tax roll via new subdivisions.  The city would be wise to continue attracting businesses to its industrial zone south of downtown while at the same time encouraging light commercial activity and small business expansion within the city limits.  If elected, I pledge to keep tax rates low and would consider tax increases a drastic, last-ditch measure.

8. What was the last movie or show you watched in theaters or streamed?

I saw Star Trek Beyond at the IMAX in 3D and it was awesome!  I could tell the director was different from the first two movies of the series, but I enjoyed the change of pace.  I have recently started watching the series Narcos on Netflix and I’m glad a new season of the Poldark series is on PBS.