Willie DeLaRosa, Ward Northcutt and Ishmael Harris are running in the race for Bastrop Mayor in the upcoming May 3 special election.
The details
Community Impact reached out to the three candidates who will be on the ballot.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines or for style and clarity.
More information on the Bastrop May 3 election can be found on the Bastrop County elections website.
Willie DeLaRosa
Experience:
Council 27 years, mayor pro tem half those years, Bastrop Economic Development Corporation board member
Occupation:
Retired mail carrier for the United States Postal Service
Contact Information:
512-775-0653
What are your top 3 priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?
1. Solve the traffic flow situation in the Burleson Crossing area between 969 and Hwy. 304, which seems to be at a standstill. 2. Work on the permit process to eliminate long waiting periods while working to protect our neighborhoods. 3. Expand more recreation opportunities for the youth of Bastrop.
What challenges do you think the City of Bastrop is currently facing, and what is your plan to address those?
The B3 Code, as it stands today, will need to have corrections to some of its deficiencies that affect density in those neighborhoods
If elected, what would be your priorities for collaboration with the city manager?
Meet with the city manager on a weekly basis to discuss my goals, her goals for our city, and as it pertains to ensure our community that we have a strong general fund, for services in the city including police, fire, EMS, parks, streets, library and finance department.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
Have city council meetings in certain areas of the community, especially if there is an item in that part of the community throughout the year. At least four in different areas of our community to get our residents coming into the council and address their concerns.
How do you handle differing opinions within the community?
On a case-by-case basis with each party, and hopefully sit them down at the table and see what resolution we can come up with or compromise to make it work.
How do you approach collaboration with the city council and other stakeholders?
Have a sit down with each member and tell me what their goals and plans are so we are all on the same page with which way to go forward.
Ward Northcutt
Experience:
Master Police Officer, Police Instructor, Crime Prevention Specialist, Criminal Investigator, Austin Joint Terrorism Task Force
Occupation:
Retired 32-year Texas Veteran Police Lieutenant
Contact Information:
512-237-0162
What are your top 3 priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?
1. City government needs to move forward in a positive proactive problem resolution-oriented posture. With my leadership, our city government will no longer focus only on taking reactive stances to growth and development. 2. Facilitating infrastructure improvements. 3. Providing government more responsive to residents.
What challenges do you think the City of Bastrop is currently facing, and what is your plan to address those?
Challenges the city is facing include rapid population growth, insufficient infrastructure, lack of responsible leadership, as well as government reactive response instead of a more-proactive posture. Last but not least negligible traffic flow controls, and a much frustrated public and no clear demeanors considered to date.
If elected, what would be your priorities for collaboration with the city manager?
Having a first-of-the-week planning meeting. Having an end-of-the-week results debriefing.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
Making myself available at key times to be seen, listen, and give feedback while providing transparency.
How do you handle differing opinions within the community?
Seek out and invite questions while facilitating and encouraging free speech from others, be an active listener, be empathetic while valuing those opinions.
How do you approach collaboration with the city council and other stakeholders?
Being objective while seeking facts. Setting expectations with goals and related responsibility focus. Setting a stage by listening to others, valuing their ideas and opinions and facilitating understanding.
Ishmael Harris
Experience:
Planning and Zoning Chair, school bond PAC member, lifelong Bastrop resident, wastewater expert, community ambassador
Occupation:
Austin Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Supervisor
Contact Information:
512-653-2562
What are your top 3 priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?
Infrastructure is priority number one—but we can’t fix it without updating our codes. Second, quality of life matters. Families deserve to thrive in Bastrop. Third, we must bring in the right businesses and jobs—boosting incomes and strengthening our city’s economy. Together, we’ll build a stronger, more prosperous Bastrop.
What challenges do you think the City of Bastrop is currently facing, and what is your plan to address those?
The challenge is unity—city, county, and schools working together to lift up our citizens. Bastrop has undeniable appeal, but growth must elevate our community, not just take from it. Let’s bring in the right development, create real opportunities, and ensure families don’t just spend here—they thrive here.
If elected, what would be your priorities for collaboration with the city manager?
Leadership starts with collaboration. When our city manager was hired, I took the initiative to meet with her monthly—building trust, understanding the codes, and ensuring Bastrop’s future stayed a priority. As mayor, I’ll continue fostering strong, solution-driven partnerships to address citizens’ concerns and move our city forward.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
Leadership means listening. As Chair of P&Z, I redefined meetings—giving citizens a real voice. By the time I stepped down, people felt heard. I pushed for earlier agendas, better access to information, and a more transparent process. Because in Bastrop, every voice matters. Every opinion counts.
How do you handle differing opinions within the community?
Community thrives on culture. From Juneteenth to Bastrop Mardi Gras, I’ve helped bring people together. Every event teaches us something—listening, improving, and making each year better. Because a great city isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about families, friends, and moments that bring us joy. Let’s keep Bastrop thriving!
How do you approach collaboration with the city council and other stakeholders?
Strong leadership connects the dots. As P&Z Chair, I ensured decisions weren’t made in isolation. I created a liaison system—bringing commissioners and council members together for a clearer, more informed process. Because smart decisions come from understanding how every piece affects our citizens and our city’s future.
