Two candidates are running to fill the seat vacated by Place 1 Councilwoman Kim Porterfield, who decided not to seek a third term in office. Lisa Prewitt has owned and operated a landscape business for 17 years. She said she supports preservation of community and natural geography as the city grows. Bill Taylor has held a number of civic roles in the past three decades. He is a former City Council member and current chairman of the San Marcos Planning and Zoning Commission.

Why are you running for San Marcos City Council?

Prewitt: We are a city that is in the fastest-growing corridor in the state and a city with all the components in place to have great positive growth right now. I was a co-chair of the new city comprehensive master plan, and I want to see the intent of the master plan carried out in the next three years, which I feel is very crucial to the success of this city's future.

Taylor: San Marcos is the fastest-growing small city in the United States. Our city manager has resigned, leaving a real leadership void. The next elected council member will have the responsibility of selecting the next manager, and that's critically important. In addition, along with fast growth comes tough decisions about transportation, housing, water and delivering the new master plan. I have the desire, experience and expertise to provide that leadership.

What is the greatest challenge facing the city?

Prewitt: Our greatest challenge is to attract industrial and commercial business to San Marcos to strengthen our workforce and expand our tax base. I will support incentives that are both financially sound and beneficial to our city and prospective businesses alike. If we establish predictability and high standards of development through our new land development code, we will attract the businesses that will be long-term residents and assets to our city and protect our environment.

Taylor: It's twofold and involves managing growth and our water supply. Not many folks know we don't utilize the Edwards Aquifer much; we get most of our water from downstream of Canyon Dam. We are well-positioned but are also exploring other options for water. Growth of the university creates tough decisions to be made about housing, transportation and infrastructure. I'm looking forward to meeting these challenges head-on.

Early voting for City Council elections in Buda and San Marcos as well as all other items on the November ballot begins on Oct. 21 at the Hays County Government Center, 712 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. For information, visit www.co.hays.tx.us/elections.