A runoff election between Kyle City Council District 5 incumbent Rick Koch and challenger Daniela C. Parsley, and LaVonia Horne-Williams and Emily Jones for Buda City Council At-Large Position 3, will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 7, with voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting begins Nov. 22 and ends Dec. 3, excluding Nov. 25 and 26 for the holidays. More information for voting in both Kyle and Buda, including a list of polling locations, dates and times, can be found on the city of Kyle website at www.cityofkyle.com/election or on the city of Buda website at https://ci.buda.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/9346/2021-1109-Vote-Centers-Nov-2021-Kyle---Buda-RO
Rick Koch, Kyle
Incumbent Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Rick Koch has lived in Kyle for 13 years and is the publisher of SMTX Magazine.
When asked why he should be re-elected, Koch said, in part, “I am continuing to beautify Kyle to attract top retailers like Costco and recruit quality sit-down restaurants such as Kerbey Lane Cafe, Z Tejas and Jack Allen’s Kitchen. Currently, there are 13 major road projects in engineering across the city to stay ahead of our traffic needs. I’ve tackled Public Transportation by innovating money saving measures using technology and creating one-of-a-kind partnerships with Uber. I’m overseeing the construction of the 64K sq ft Public Safety Center and creating space for growth in all city departments for the next 20 years.
Daniela C. Parsley, Kyle
A native of Venezuela, Daniela Parsley moved to Kyle more than four years ago. She has volunteered on committees in her neighborhood and now would like to put her services to work for the city council. She says her focus will be on smart spending as the city grows as well as transparancy by the city and the safety of its residents.
LaVonia Horne-Williams, Buda
LaVonia Horne-Williams is an 20-year resident of Buda, and the owner of a small business consulting firm and she currently works as a senior procurement professional. She has served with the city of Buda Historic Preservation Commission and was a member of the city of Buda Charter Committee.
When asked why voters should vote for her, she said, “My family and I have spent the last 20 years in the Buda community. I have been most active with city government over the past five years, involved in improving my community for more than 15 years through the Bradfield HOA, and volunteering to support and champion causes as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for abused children in Hays County for 10 years.
I love the city of Buda and I am committed to advocating for citizens by working to keep Buda moving by addressing traffic concerns; keeping taxes low by bringing more federal and state tax dollars back to Buda; and equitable access to city amenities for all Buda citizens.
I love our local businesses in Buda and I am committed to continuing my work on the Economic Development Board to support the development, expansion and growth of small businesses.
I love our city of Buda Police Department and I am committed to continuing to serve on the Buda Police Foundation and support our officers.
With over 20 years of experience working with community advocates, small businesses, contractors on TxDOT heavy highway projects, contractors/consultants on city of Austin capital improvement projects, nonprofit workforce development programs, and now bond construction projects with AISD, I am the best qualified candidate to join Buda City Council.”
Emily Jones, Buda
Emily Jones has been in construction and development for 24 years. She has children in the Buda schools.
When asked why she should be elected to council, Jones said, “I’ve watched and experienced the growth, listened to the growing pains and heard the questions and complaints. And I thought: I can answer those questions; I can help our city and our residents! Because that’s what I’ve done for more than 24 years. I’ve been in the developer’s shoes. I’ve built those apartments and houses. I’ve negotiated with cities for variances. I’ve been on that side of the table. I understand how it works. Now I’m on this side of the table with the rest of Buda. I’m the Vice Chair of the Buda Planning and Zoning Commission. And I can do even more working for Buda from the City Council.
I want to make sure our residents are heard and understood and advocate for their voices. And I want to make sure they hear back from those that represent them and have a clear understanding of what we are all working on together.”
