Voters in Kyle's District 6 will vote May 9 on which of three candidates will serve that area on Kyle City Council for the next three years. Incumbent Tammy Swaton, who did not respond to this questionnaire, is vying to win her first full term after taking Ray Bryant's seat in May, when the former councilman stepped down. Candidates Dex Ellison and Daphne Tenorio are Swaton's two challengers in the race. Get to know them more here:

Why are you running for a seat on Kyle City Council?

Ellison: I'm running for the District 6 City Council seat because I care very deeply for my community. I want to do everything I can to help build this growing community into what I see as potentially one of the most prosperous and vibrant cities in not only the state but also the union. Kyle is at a very crucial point in our great city's timeline that with the imminent growth we are already facing, vigorous decisions need to be made for not only the next three years of this seat's term, but for our future in 10 years and well beyond.

Tenorio: Kyle is at a crossroads. The decisions we make now greatly impact the quality of life of its citizens in the short and long term. Kyle needs strong leaders who will continue to build on the current good quality of life and to strive to make that quality of life even better. This will require tough decisions to ensure we have a quality road system, an ample water supply and a strong economy with flourishing and thriving businesses. All that must happen while ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently.

Why should voters choose you?

Ellison: District 6 voters should elect me as their representative because I pledge to be the exact definition of that word, representing the requests and needs of those residents. I pledge accessibility to the constituents of District 6 and others in this city that feel they need to speak with someone who is ready to work hard for them. With my desire to see Kyle continue to grow as a great municipality, I pledge to put in the time and effort that's needed to work with other leaders in this city as a team to achieve great accomplishments.

Tenorio: I have 22 years of community and civic leadership experience. I have participated as a volunteer in our Hays CISD schools in various leadership roles. I participate with and hold numerous other volunteer roles with multiple nonprofit organizations. I have served on the planning and zoning committee. Additionally, my accounting background gives me a better understanding of the fiscal needs of our community.

I understand the issues facing Kyle–growth, economic development, roads and facility maintenance. I am ready to address those issues. I look forward to creating solutions for all in our community. I will work hard for you.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the city, and what would you do to address it?

Ellison: Preparing for the inevitable growth with the infrastructure, including transportation and communication systems, in place beforehand is a challenge. Working with the county and TxDOT with the 150 realignment, passenger rail, and other projects are key parts to that. Secondly, creating an environment of attraction in tourism and economic development are pertinent as well. We want travelers to pull off I-35 and partake in a primary lure that they can only find in Kyle to broaden that revenue base and lessen the tax burden on homeowners. Finally, attracting higher paying jobs and keeping people in Kyle to work and live.

Tenorio: Unfortunately, our city has not been planning well. For example, citizens voted to build a new, 1-mile, five-lane Bunton Road, from the highway to Lehman Road. Instead the road is scheduled to be only two lanes with a short turning lane and will only be 3/4 of a mile. The last quarter of a mile to Lehman Road is an overlay repair. This could have been avoided by paying for a better cost estimate for the roads before the bond election. I intend to ensure Kyle plans better and monitors projects so the voters get what they approved.

If elected, what will you do to improve Kyle's quality of life?

Ellison: I work with youth as a volunteer coach for the [youth football and cheerleading squad] Kyle Invaders and I see the need to bring something to this city like a recreation center/skate park that our residents can enjoy. Secondly, as a graduate of the Kyle Citizen's Police Academy, I'd want to work closely with KPD and our [emergency services district] on making sure we have the resources in place ahead of the growth. Finally, that primary lure I spoke of previously. People travel from all over the state to places like New Braunfels, San Marcos and others to enjoy time and spend money in an appealing city.

Tenorio: Attracting good jobs to the city will allow citizens to work here also. This will give more citizens a chance to avoid long commutes and improve the quality of life for the whole family. We must continue to maintain our park system and encourage local events for all ages. The city can work with event organizers to streamline permitting and create local regulations that encourage music events, art shows, theater productions, festivals and other events in the local community. The reward is a bump in tourism and great family events. This is a win-win for citizens.

What industries should the city attract to round out its economy?

Ellison: Leadership has done well attracting industries of the medical field and an entertainment complex to keep residents and sales taxes in the city. We need to continue to do that and find our own unique, environmentally friendly industry to make Kyle a popular destination. I think this is something we need to work on as a community to decide what we would like to have. Not every industry is for us, and we need to be judicial in the development we attract while encouraging small, local business and entrepreneurs, which I believe to be a huge asset to any community.

Tenorio: Kyle needs a balance of retail, service, corporations, small businesses and entertainment entities. Our most pressing need is to attract industries with well paying jobs—jobs that can sustain a family, allow for homeownership and ease commute times.

I will support our strong small business community by fostering a small-business-friendly environment. The locally owned retail and service businesses provide a character to Kyle that is uniquely our own. While I want to encourage strong national and regional store chain growth in Kyle also, I will always work to support our small business community.

Early voting is April 27-May 5 and will be held at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center St., Kyle. Election day polling will take place May 9 at Kyle City Hall as well as Chapa Middle School, 3311 Dacy Lane, Kyle, and Wallace Middle School, 1302 W. Center St., Kyle. The schedule is as follows:

Early voting:
April 27: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
April 28-30: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
May 1: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
May 2: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 4: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
May 5: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Election day voting:
May 9: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.