By Moses Leos III
Political newcomer David Nuckels and incumbent Jose Montoya will square off in a run-off for the Buda City Council Place 3 seat.
Montoya, who was in second place behind Nuckels after early voting numbers were released, rallied on Election Day Tuesday to take 245 of the 614 total votes, capturing 39 percent of the vote.
But Nuckels, who is running in his first political campaign, forced a runoff by capturing 229 votes, or 37 percent of the vote.
Montoya said he was "pleased" there was more voter participation, but suspected there could be a runoff for the Place 3 seat. Montoya credited his outreach before the election that allowed him to rally on Election Day.
"I think it was that I got the word out that I was more qualified than the other candidates," Montoa said. "I think it paid off."
Nuckels said it was "definitely exciting" when he took an early lead in early voting that there was a "good chance of winning it outright."
Nuckels said he and his family are looking forward to the runoff.
"We’re honored that people have spoken and are maybe looking for something different," Nuckels said. "With this runoff, we'll continue to get our message out there.
Place 3 candidate Basil J. Lombardo finished third in the voting with 140 votes, or 22 percent of the vote.
Buda voters approve later hours for alcohol sales
Buda voters on Tuesday gave their approval for a proposition that will allow mixed beverage late hours permit holders the ability to serve and sell alcohol until 2 a.m.
Proposition 1, the referendum for extending alcohol sale hours, passed on Election Day with 58 percent of the vote. This despite the measure only holding 50 percent of the vote after early voting numbers were released.
Buda Mayor Todd Ruge, however, said he "had a feeling" the measure would pass.
According to Ruge, it stems from surveys that showed citizens wanted more entertainment options in Buda, specifically for an older crowd.
"What this will do for the city is it will bring in more revenue, and stop leakage, so we can keep those tax dollars at home," Ruge said.
According to Ruge, placing the measure in the hands of voters was important for the city council.
"We felt it was important that the citizens have their say [on this proposition]," Ruge said.
Mountain City City Council
In Mountain City, where three city council seats are up for grabs, Suzanne Hallam, Ralph McClendon and Lee Taylor claimed claimed their seats on the dais.
Hallam, who held the lead after early voting numbers were released, led all five candidates by capturing 138 of the 439 total votes. Ralph McClendon and Lee Taylor both captured 131 votes, or 29.84 percent.
Unofficial final results:
Buda City Council, Place 3
Jose Montoya - 245 votes (71 early voting) - 39.90%
David Nuckels - 229 votes (86 early voting) - 37.30%
Basil J. Lombardo - 140 (40 early voting - 22.80%
Buda City Council, Place 4
George Haehn - 509 votes (100%)
Buda Proposition 1 (Extending alcohol sales to 2 a.m.)
For - 378 votes (104 early voting) - 58.24%
Against - 271 votes (102 early voting) - 41.76%
Mountain City City Council (Three seats)
Suzanne Hallam - 138 votes (95 early voting) - 31.44%
Ralph McClendon, Jr. - 131 votes (93 early voting) - 29.84%
Lee Taylor - 131 votes (90 early voting) - 29.84%
Thomas W. Brown, Jr. - 22 votes (16 early voting) - 5.01%
Elva Brown - 17 votes (11 early voting) - 3.87%
