Brittany Kelley
HAYS COUNTY — Following the Dec. 13 run-off election, Yvonne Flores-Cale will serve as Kyle’s new mayor.
Several races required a runoff after the Nov. 4 election, as one candidate failed to receive 51% of the votes, including the Kyle mayoral race, Kyle’s District 1 seat and Buda’s Single Member District C.
Kyle residents chose between two former council members for their new mayor — Robert Rizo and Flores-Cale. Previously, Rizo received 44.26%, or 2,303, votes, while Flores-Cale had 32.04%, or 1,746, votes.
But, ultimately, Flores-Cale was voted into the position with 50.83%, or 1,226, of votes, surpassing Rizo’s 49.17%, or 1,186, of votes.
Flores-Cale will replace former Mayor Travis Mitchell, who was the city’s longest-serving mayor, amounting to eight years.
Flores-Cale’s campaign noted that she is a “resident advocate” and hopes to focus on water and water resources, reviving downtown and restoring relationships between city officials and the community.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and communications and a master’s degree in legal studies. Flores-Cale currently works as a paralegal.
The District 1 race was won by Courtney Goza, after receiving 50.80%, or 1,201, of votes. Incumbent Bear Heiser garnered 49.20% or 1,163 votes.
On Nov. 4, Heiser had 39.54%, or 2,061 votes, while Goza had 26.94% or 1,404 votes.
Goza’s campaign focused on transparency and improving infrastructure in Kyle. One of her plans upon sitting on the dais is to create a website that will allow residents to view departmental spending, with the ability to flag concerning items.
She holds a bachelor's degree in business and an associate’s certificate in contracting.
Buda City Council’s only seat up for election was Single Member District C, which four candidates, including Kimberly Goodman and Jeffrey Morales, were vying for.
Goodman earned 42.58%, or 459 votes, while Morales had 41.14%, or 465 votes, securing their spots in the runoff.
The Dec. 13 runoff yielded Goodman the win, with 50.79%, or 225, of votes. [name] received 49.21%, or 218, of votes.
Goodman is a 20-year Buda resident and enjoys serving the community, as previously reported by the Hays Free Press.
She has been a nurse for 24 years and now serves as the chief nurse executive for Austin State Hospital.
The newly-elected council member hopes to protect Buda’s small-town feel and prioritize: local, small businesses; manage growth to minimize impact on water, traffic and schools; create more mental health awareness and resources; continue Buda’s fiscal policy; and more.
“I am so incredibly excited and honored to win this City Council District C position,” said Goodman. “I want to thank my opponent Jeff Morales for running a very clean and noble campaign. I look forward to being the voice of my district and working hard for the people of District C. Thank you to everyone that came out to vote!”
Results will remain unofficial until canvassed and certified.
