Meet the two candidates running in the Bastrop City Council Place 4 election

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!

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?