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?
Mark Jones: He is personable, responsible, respectful and truly dedicated to serving the needs of all of his constituents.
Ralph Pfluger: He always had the best interest of the students at the heart of his decision making. Such a solid man, with his roots firmly planted in public service. He possessed an untiring desire to keep Hays Consolidated School District at the forefront of education for the whole student.
2. Describe what your candidacy is all about in 140 characters or less.
My candidacy is about continuing to nurture the small town charm of Buda, while encouraging new commercial growth along the I-35 corridor. I will continue to support actions to strengthen our Buda Police Department, improvements to our award-winning wastewater treatment plant, and obtaining an additional source of drinking water. I want to improve our east-west network of roads to free up travel time in an around Buda. I support and encourage a conservative approach to our budget, maintain a reasonably low property tax rate while promoting the quality of life our citizens have come to expect and appreciate. My experience in policy-related matters, as well as maintaining an open line of communication with my constituents, and local and state officials, will continue to ensure an atmosphere of openness and cooperation throughout all of Buda, Hays County and this region.
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?
We are spending our tax dollars responsibly and in fact have reduced our budget by over $900,000 dollars during the last two budget cycles. We have added key positions to our staff rather than contract out for services. The new positions of the Assistant City Manager, Administrative Assistant, Planning – Plan Review, and Tourism have enabled us to serve in a timely and accurate manner in responding to our citizens and business partners’ needs. During the past year we identified new opportunities to strengthen our accounting practices resulting in a much improved annual audit. Our goal is to be to ensure the integrity in accounting and reporting on all transactions while utilizing every tax dollar in an efficient and effective manner.
4. Mac or PC?
Just more accustomed to using the PC even with the upgrades in Office systems.
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?
Our current tax rate is one of the lowest rates in the state for a city of our size that provides the services that we do. I think this is an ideal tax rate. Increasing our commercial property tax base can relieve the need to burden our homeowners with additional taxes. The ideal tax rate is one that the taxpaying citizens are willing to pay in support of city administration and special capital improvement projects. As such, we must listen to our citizens and seek their support for future increases in order to achieve the ideal tax rate.
We have found that sales tax revenue can be somewhat unpredictable. A sound budgeting policy is to not rely on sales tax revenue to support recurring expenses. It is more suitable for special projects or for short term expenses. As we grow our commercial base through annexation and new businesses, the property tax base will grow to support vital, recurring activities within the city. Our goal is to maximize the benefits of both sources of revenue.
6. Generally speaking, what is your plan for improving Buda area streets and roads and which three projects do you think are most pressing?
Based on our latest budget discussions this year, we are considering how to complete the east-west flow of traffic on the truck bypass road. Additionally we will be assessing and establishing a plan to restore or overlay a number of our streets in the older neighborhoods. We estimated costs of well over $1 million dollars for these projects. In an effort to reduce these costs, the City Council approved a lease-purchase of road equipment, thereby enabling us to complete the repairs in-house for a much reduced amount. We will repair what we can within the budget that is available in the coming year.
7. What is the most recent book you have read?
“From Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
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?
We received matching grant funds from the Hays County this year. These funds will be used to establish a pedestrian trail with amenities in the Bradfield Park area. These funds will also be used to build a skateboard park in Downtown Buda. We are also looking at improvements to City Park and in Stagecoach Park. We are discussing how to improve connectivity in Buda. We have been encouraged by responses to the Comprehensive Plan Survey and how citizens view the need for sidewalks and trails. Improving traffic flows and transportation-related issues is also high on the list of concerns. We are currently studying improvements along Main Street to improve safe traffic flow. We will continue to ensure the public health and safety in our efforts to obtain an additional source of drinking, supporting our Police Department, strengthening our Parks department programs and supporting Public Works projects. We also recognize the need to support our Library as the demand continues to grow for the multitude of services provided there. There is no time to rest on what we have accomplished thus far, we must continue to be mindful of our citizens’ needs and respond to those needs within the confines of our budget. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
