1. Which two 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?
John Trube and Jeff Barton.
Both Mayor Trube and Commissioner Barton understood the need to participate in the community and region beyond attending their required meetings. They did a great job of working within the County and the within the Central Texas region to benefit our community. I look forward to bringing that type of leadership back to the Mayor’s Office in Buda.
2. Describe what your candidacy is all about in 140 characters or less.
Offering the choice of a No Nonsense, Professional Mayor that will represent the best interests of the community.
3. Size and scope of government have been leading issues in recent elections on the local, state and national levels. Buda has grown its budget in recent years, adding a police department and more city staff. Do you feel like the city is spending tax dollars responsibly? If not, what cuts would you make?
There are some areas of the budget that has grown, and needed to. For instance, the Police Department, it was time for Buda to step out there and create our own Police Department. There are other areas such as Hotel Occupancy Fund where this may not have been in the best interest of the City. Also, dollars spent on the City of Buda Branding – was that really needed at this time?
4. Mac or PC?
I have always been a PC, but rumor has it I am getting an IPAD2 for Mother’s Day and can’t wait.
5. What is the ideal tax rate for the City of Buda and how would you get there? What balance would you like to see between sales and property tax revenues?
Ideal Tax Rate – I think the Maintenance and Operations Rate should not be above about 20 Cents at the highest unless we are providing a lot more services to the Citizen. Interest and Sinking (debt) rate should not grown unless we are going out for debt that is VOTER approved, or is in the interest of providing health and safety to the Citizens (like a drainage project or major road projects).
The City of Buda should have a balance of about 60/40 for the Property and Sales Tax Rates. If the rates shift more towards the Sales Tax rate being a larger portion of the annual revenues, then we as a Council need to ensure there is sufficient funds in the Fund Balance so that bad economic times does not affect the quality of life that our Citizens are use to receiving from the City of Buda. And if Times get tough, we need to use a small portion of that fund balance if it comes to it, before cutting services or staffing levels.
6. Generally speaking, what is your plan for improving Buda area streets and roads and which three projects do you think are most pressing?
The most important road project for Buda is the expansion of 1626. While it is currently approved, there are people in Hays County that are trying to put pressure on the Commissioner’s Court to stop that project. A promise to the Citizens – I will be at Commissioner’s Court meetings to provide public political support for the County Commissions that are supporting the project. Failure to speak out in support for these types of projects that benefits Buda is inexcusable. We need to have a Mayor that will use every available channel to show support for projects that are in the best interest of Buda.
Since the access road has gone one way between Cabela’s Loop and the Home Depot, it is putting too much traffic through our subdivisions. We need a direct route from Goforth Road back to Cabela’s loop so that we can reduce traffic through the Sequoya, Ashford Park and Bradfield Village. Things like this needs a Mayor that will work hard to get thru traffic off the streets of neighborhoods that were not designed for this type of thru traffic.
Finally, it is important to finish the Main Street expansion as quickly as possible so that people will be able to use the underpass at Main Street and IH-35.
7. What is the most recent book you have read?
“The Right Thing” by Cmdr. Scott Waddle (Ret.) with Ken Abraham
8. Buda leaders frequently talk about quality of life issues in the city. What steps would you take to improve the quality of life for local residents in a fiscally responsible manner?
The first thing I would to improve the quality of life issues in the City would be to take an active role in advocating for our citizens. As an example, I would work with the County and TxDOT officials to see the expansion of 1626 to its completion. This is an example of steps the Mayor shall take to improve the quality of life for our community without costing the City any funds.
Next, I would use my financial expertise to insure that we are getting the best value for our citizens when it comes to investing in our City. There are several areas where we can better allocate our available funds to improve the quality of life for the citizens. A great example, the Buda “branding” project, those dollars could be been spent more wisely.
