The Hays Free Press posed the following questions to candidates for Buda City Council Position 2 At-Large. Here are their responses.
Monica Davidson
Buda City Council candidate for Position 2 At-Large
HFP: How would you further economic development efforts for the area?
Davidson: Buda is PRIME real estate right now given the high costs of living in Austin. As we gain more and more residents because of our suburb appeal, I would like us to focus on the demographic and provide more businesses that provide the ability for us to live, work and play in our own backyard. A focus on our parks, entertainment district and shopping/dining is a big priority. I no longer want Buda to be a bedroom city where everyone commutes for their livelihood and weekend activities. Additionally, we need to provide further education on what exactly "economic development" really means, who is in charge of this and how does our community participate in these decisions.
HFP: What type of business/industry would you like to see come to town?
Davidson: Buda needs more light industrial businesses to attract employees. And, we need to produce the workforce for these types of businesses to want to come to Buda. Working closely with the high schools and their Career and Technology Education courses, will ensure we are graduating individuals who are ready to serve the needs of the industries in Buda. Businesses like Amazon that have recently moved to Buda help attract similar businesses.
HFP: Do you think festivals should continue to be held in the downtown area?
Davidson: Absolutely. Buda's downtown area is the heart and pulse of our town. Decades of tradition are held in our annual Budafest, Wiener Dog Races and now our Holiday Sip n Stroll, Market in the Park and many more events we've added to our lineup. This is what we are known for and should continue to share with future generations.
Bobby Lane
Buda City Council candidate for Position 2 At-Large
HFP: How would you further economic development efforts in the area?
Lane: a. Primarily through a cooperative working relationship with the Buda EDC. This organization is the prime conduit for bringing new business prospects and the city together to negotiate potential incentives for economic growth.
b. Second, conduct a thorough review of comments from potential new businesses regarding navigating the permitting processes with the city. Are there opportunities to streamline the review and permitting processes to expedite new businesses.
c. Third, canvas existing business owners/companies to solicit their recommendations to facilitate their growth/expansion.
d. Fourth, coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce to bring open communications between the city, EDC and Chamber.
HFP: What type of business/industry would you like to see in town?
Lane: a. Clean, environmentally conscientious businesses. More technology-based activity.
HFP: Do you think festivals should continue to be held in the downtown area?
Lane: a. Yes, with provisions: Traffic flows/control, parking/shuttles, hours of operation. We need to bring commerce back to the downtown historic district.
