By Moses Leos III
The sands in the hourglass expired – that means the filing deadline for Buda’s fall elections is over. Where once there was one, now four candidates vie for the vacant Place 1 seat on the Buda City Council. Two candidates filed for Place 2.
Angela Kennedy, Beverly Araki and Lorraine Gerami all join Wayne Proctor in the scramble for the open spot on the dais for Place 1.
All four clamor for the seat vacated by councilmember Ron Fletcher. After five years, Fletcher will not seek re-election.
In an emailed response to the Hays Free Press, Fletcher cites personal and family reasons for his decision.
Prior to his election in May 2008, Fletcher was the chair of the first Planning and Zoning Commission in Buda. He helped oversee the first Unified Development Code put into place. He also helped design the current Home Rule Government the city follows.
Fletcher hopes Buda voters saw the impact he made toward keeping the vision of the city intact. He also hopes working as the council’s representative on the 2030 Comprehensive Plan helped clear that path.
“I hope my constituents remember me for the role I played in protecting our community’s vision for the future,” Fletcher said.
With Fletcher on the way out, the four candidates begin the campaign race to November.
Wayne Proctor filed his bid on Aug. 14. A week later, Kennedy filed her application for candidacy.
Kennedy, a resident of the city since 2008, is going through her first election cycle. She sits on the Buda Planning and Zoning Commission. Kennedy previously worked with the Texas Water Development Board as a Regional Water Planner.
Water conservation is a big issue for Kennedy, who will run on that platform. If elected, she hopes to help council further secure water resources in preparation for future growth. However, she only wishes to do so at an “appropriate cost.”
Kennedy understands the pressures on the wastewater system. She hopes to continue negotiations with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) on possible expansion of current systems.
Smart, sustainable growth is something Kennedy hopes to attain. While she enjoys continued growth, she also wishes to listen to longtime residents to hear their concerns. Ultimately, using available land wisely and in a cost effective manner is paramount.
Beverly Araki and Lorraine Gerami submitted their applications on Aug. 23. According to their applications, Araki has been a 12-year resident in the city. Gerami has lived in Buda for only two-plus years.
Calls were made to Araki, Gerami and Proctor. None responded prior to press time.
In Place 2, a familiar name submitted her candidacy at the eleventh hour.
Amy Proctor, wife of Wayne Proctor, submitted her application in the final hour of the Aug. 26 deadline.
Last year, Amy Proctor, Wiley Hopkins and Cathy Chilcote fought for the Place 2 seat, vacated by Todd Ruge, who was elected mayor in December. After no clear winner was found in a January special election, Hopkins won the seat in March.
Hopkins must run again because his election was to fill the unexpired term.
Proctor and Hopkins are the only two candidates vying for Place 2.
However, a looming question arises: Can Amy and Wayne Proctor run for two places in the same election?
According to City Secretary Joy Hart, nothing in the City Charter prohibits a couple from running for two different city council seats.
Calls were made to Amy Proctor. No response was given prior to press time.
