Early voting for the election begins April 22. April 4 is the last day to registrar to vote in the election.
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.
Community Impact is only publishing Q&As for contested races.
Kerry Fossler
Experience:
Licensed Realtor; Boards: Chamber, Visit Bastrop, Parks, Bird City; Industries: film, hospitality, wellness, oil/gas
Occupation:
Real estate agent
Candidate Website:
https://www.KerryForBastrop.com
Contact Information:
713-882-7218
What makes you qualified for this position?
As a recognized leader in an industry that relies on ethics and integrity, I’ve spent my career reviewing detailed contracts, handling confidential information, abiding by laws, advising in stressful times, finding creative solutions, negotiating, and listening with compassion and respect. I’ve also served in leadership roles on many community boards.
What will be the top priorities of your term if elected?
An urgent priority is securing additional City Recreation Center space for immediate use while planning for long-term expansion. I see great need for increasing community input in public decisions and monitoring road improvements. Council’s priorities should always be infrastructure, public safety, and leveraging tax dollars for the entire community’s benefit.
With even more growth projected in the future, how do you intend to use your role on City Council to positively impact new and lifelong residents of Bastrop?
Honoring our cherished elders and ensuring they can age in place in a supportive community is dear to me. Welcoming the invigorating energy of new residents and businesses is crucial to our thriving community. I’ll continue connecting diverse people, encouraging us to work together, which boosts everyone’s sense of belonging.
What do you believe the next five years in Bastrop should look like?
Intergenerational living is Bastrop’s secret sauce. All stages of life are here, living alongside each other. We can maintain the strength of our community fabric through planning – recreation options, medical services, utility availability, and housing suitable for every age. Health and wellness for all—including our infrastructure and budget!
In your opinion, what makes the city of Bastrop unique?
We’re music-friendly, film-friendly, bird-friendly, and all-around friendly! We’re front porch-waving, small-town living, Colorado River-romancing, loblolly-loving folks who’ve long figured out how to get along. Visitors come to experience Bastrop’s small-town charm and discover that charm was inside them the whole time. Being a good neighbor is contagious!
Jimmy Crouch
Experience:
Current City Council member; past board member for: Parks Board, Construction Standards Board, Zoning Board of Adjustments; 30+ years in the commercial construction industry.
Occupation:
Sr. project manager
Candidate Website:
https://voteforjimmy.net
Contact Information:
512-520-2722
What makes you qualified for this position?
I bring 10 years of city government experience, serving on council and key boards. Formed a focus group for city permitting improvement. Reallocated funds for street maintenance and historic bridge repair. With over $1B in construction projects, I understand infrastructure planning and funding. Committed to responsive and resident-friendly city government.
What will be the top priorities of your term if elected?
I'll prioritize revamping the building code for usability. Generating funding for road, drainage, and infrastructure projects to lessen financial burden on residents. Adding a recreation center, multipurpose fields, and upgrading the Rodeo Arena. Promoting local workforce development and business growth to boost wages and sales tax revenue.
With even more growth projected in the future, how do you intend to use your role on City Council to positively impact new and lifelong residents of Bastrop?
I'm committed to proactive engagement. I'll actively listen to residents, developers, and business owners, implementing their ideas. I'll fearlessly adapt and innovate to ensure Bastrop's growth benefits all residents, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for both newcomers and lifelong residents.
What do you believe the next five years in Bastrop should look like?
In the next five years, Bastrop will experience significant growth, marked by master planned communities and vibrant retail spaces. Commercial development will fund crucial infrastructure projects like road maintenance, wastewater treatment expansion, and water wells. Our city will blend historic charm with modern amenities, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future.
In your opinion, what makes the city of Bastrop unique?
Bastrop's charm lies in its diverse offerings. From river paddling to historic downtown delights, championship golf, vibrant art scenes, live music venues, and welcoming locals, it offers a unique blend of recreational, cultural, and social experiences, making it a gem in central Texas.
