Experience continues its imminent departure from the Buda City Council dais as a longtime city leader announced he wouldn’t seek reelection this November.
Earlier this week, Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Lane,a 17-year veteran of public service to Buda, announced he would not seek reelection for his Place 6 seat, which comes up for grabs this November.
Lane’s announcement comes roughly two weeks after Buda Mayor Todd Ruge announced he wouldn’t run for Mayor again.
In a letter to Buda residents, Lane said it was “time to open a new chapter in my life and be open to opportunities that arise.”
Lane said his recent retirement has provided “changes and challenges.” However, Lane thanked the residents of Buda, city staff and former and present mayors and council members for the opportunity to serve for so long.
“I am sincerely grateful to all current and former mayors and council members who offered their wisdom and support,” Lane said. “Thank you citizens of Buda for allowing me to serve as your council member, mayor pro tem and mayor these past 17 years.”
Lane said open debate and discussion on the council has provided a platform to share individual viewpoints, as well as assist him and others to “act in the best interest of all of Buda’s citizens and ultimately do what’s best for Buda.”
Lane also thanked his wife, Julie, and his family for their support during this time of transition to the private sector.
“I ask that you continue to support the City of Buda as we move through this next election cycle and know that your votes and your voices count,” Lane said.
Lane was first elected to the Buda City Council dais in May 2000, according to his biography on the city’s website. Since then, he’s served as the Mayor Pro Tem on two occasions, as well as the Mayor.
During Lane’s tenure on the dais, Buda became a home-rule city and he was on the dais when the city’s charter was crafted.
Lane and his family moved from Pflugerville to Buda in 1995.
It’s unknown at this time if Place 5 city council member Eileen Almiller will seek reelection in November. According to the city website, no one has officially filed for the Place 5 or Place 6 races. Council member George Haehn filed for Mayor this week.
