1. Which local current or former elected officials (Hays County or any city, school district or other political subdivision therein) do you think most closely reflect your sensibilities and/or style in governing? Why?
I have seen a number of high quality public servants since moving to Kyle to make my home some 16 years ago.
Hays County Judge Eddy Etheridge was organized, intelligent and in particular looked forward to the future transportation issues. I admire his contribution.
Jeff Barton, while not in office at the time, contributed greatly to the FM 1626 partnership between state, county, city and private developer investments into what is now our economic future. As our commissioner for Precinct 2 he was responsive to transportation needs specifically which I admire.
Will Conley, Commissioner Precinct 3, was instrumental along with Judge Powers in the key votes in the concept development for FM 1626. The FM 1626 development which fueled the future development in Kyle which we now are very proud like Seton Hospital, HEB, Target, Kohl’s, Lowe’s and the many medical facilities that have been attracted to the FM 1626 area. Will Conley was looking out for Kyle while our commissioner, (unnamed) was asleep at the switch. I have thanked Commissioner Conley many times in Commissioner’s Court and other public venues for his forward looking thoughtful leadership for our county.
Mark Jones, new Commissioner Precinct 2, has shown real leadership in the short time he has been on the Commissioner’s Court. He is truly committed to doing what is in the best interests for Kyle and Buda.
Sandra Tenorio, former Mayor of Kyle and currently a Council Member in Buda, is one of my personal heroes. She is quality and a wonderful organizer.
Mayor Susan Narvaiz of San Marcos is a quality planner who I served with on the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency. Her contributions to our water acquisition for our future in Buda, Kyle, San Marcos and Canyon Regional Area will benefit us well into the future.
Patti Woods and Willie Tenorio are performing quality service during a difficult time on our HCISD board and I admire their efforts.
At the city level, I have a number of people who have contributed specific talents of note that have contributed greatly to the city of Kyle like: Mike Moore (thoughtful Conservative that does what is best for Kyle), Mayor James Adkins (planning and Implementing for the future), Becky Selbera (a passion for improvement of Kyle), Michelle Lopez (collaborative, thoughtful and intelligent), Mayor Mike Gonzalez (the master of pulling complicated concepts into distilled clear message), Todd Webster (prepared, smart and always focused on doing the best for his district), Mayor Lucy Johnson for her (always what is best for Kyle focus). I could go further but I must apologize to the many good people who served our city while I have lived here for not having the space in this answer to identify them.
2. Describe what your candidacy is all about in 140 characters or less.
We live in a strong and vibrant community and I want to continue to provide the quality leadership to insure our success in the future. We can’t go backwards and hide our heads in the sand hoping everything will be ok. We must plan, invest in a conservative way to make the best quality community we can have for our combined future. Our combined economic future and property values depend on the Kyle City Council’s effective management of transportation and other infrastructure needs.
One off my top priorities is to attract business which provide jobs and enable us to be more than just a bedroom community but have an economically viable future where people can live, work, go to school, play and enjoy the uniquely Kyle lifestyle.
3. Size and scope of government have been leading issues in recent elections on the local, state and national level. Do you think the city of Kyle spends too much in its general fund budget? If so, what specifically would you cut and how much money would this save?
We do an effective job of balancing cost efficiency with delivery of quality services. We are effectively managing our budget.
For example, the former Police Chief requested 8 positions for last fiscal year and was cut back to 2 1/2 positions. Three council members voted to not fund the 2 1/2 positions which I find were needed for our growing 28 thousand plus population.
4. What is the ideal tax rate for the city of Kyle and how would you get there?
I am comfortable within the range we now have. We must pay debt we have incurred in the future but I find 41 cents per hundred to be very reasonable considering the investment in our city that we can all see and enjoy. I find the taxpayers to be very vocal toward the city but on my total tax bill I find the city tax to be less than 20% of the full tax burden for a home owner.
5. Generally speaking, what is your plan for improving Kyle area streets and roads and which three projects do you think are most pressing?
We have an opportunity to work with a developer to pay for part of a proposed Burleson road connection to the developments on FM 1626. Again, in the Kyle way, we collaborate with others to maximize the results of our investments.
I believe continuing the IH 35 improvements and the east FM 150 improvement to be critical for mobility and safety. Let me also say we must address Goforth Rd and Lehman Road as well.
6. Do you think Kyle has enough police officers on the streets to maintain reasonable levels of public safety?
I believed last year that we were short police officers in comparison to communities our size. I am for adding staff for specific purposes not just throwing money at a problem. We must invest in our police department with staff, training, technology and leadership if we are to maintain a safe community in the future.
7. What is the most recent book you have read?
“Team of Rivals, The political genius of Abraham Lincoln” (this was actually a re-read)
8. Mac or PC?
I use a PC because I am too conservative for a Mac. I would love one however.
