I’m Dustin Welch, two-year Buda resident and next door neighbor of city councilman Todd Ruge. Since the moment we moved here, Mr. Ruge and his wife Elizabeth embraced us, taking pride in their city as if it were their responsibility to see it prosper, one neighbor at a time. This is my overwhelming endorsement for his mayoral candidacy.
Newly married, living in our first home, my wife and I sought out Todd’s advice on all homeowner matters, and I would relish any moment of his time to gather around a neighbor’s truck discussing local and statewide issues. As a full-time musician, traveling a lot, I’d long for my small town I now call home. Countless occasions, I’d return from the road to find, not only had my yard been mowed, but our trash bins had been taken to the curb. My wife and I soon acquired a bevy of small dogs, which Todd and Elizabeth, owners of shelter rescue dogs themselves, now happily take care of in our absence, with the attention small dogs need. Todd even surprised us with a doghouse he built for them as a secret weekend project. Not only does he come see my local performances and always insists on paying cover charge, he’s volunteered his time when I needed a hand with my nonprofit organization, Soldier Songs and Voices, providing musical therapy to Armed Forces Veterans.
Todd isn’t just a neighbor, he’s the embodiment of a neighborhood, and the reason why I love this little town of ours. The other day I asked him if he’d earned his daily merit badge and how many old ladies he’d walked across the street. He chuckled a little and said, “Didn’t get any across the street yet, but an elderly woman got a flat on the highway, and I am actually on my way to change her tire.” If I could give him the job myself, I would’ve already, so I urge you to elect Todd Ruge as your Mayor, December 8th.
Dustin Welch
