AUSTIN

Georgetown City Council District 1

Mary Calixtro (incumbent)

Occupation: administrative assistant
Experience: Georgetown Housing Advisory Board, South East Georgetown Community Council
Why are you the best candidate for the position?
MC: I believe my civic experience demonstrates that I understand my community. I am committed, accessible and motivated to serve all the people who approach me with a concern. I'm able to communicate in two languages.
How will you help Georgetown recover from the effects of COVID-19 and the winter storm?
MC: My contribution in helping Georgetown recover from COVID-19 and Texas winter storm is being informed of the resources and directing the community to them. Educating the community about the effects of COVID-19 and what should be done to lessen the chance of infection using local, county and state guidelines to help in the decisions I make at council meetings.
What Georgetown City Council project or policy initiative needs to take priority and why?
MC: I think the review of the city charter is priority, because so much has happened in these two years we need to make sure the way we run the day to day operations is in line with the charter. The members of the committee were nominated by council members to represent their district and to review the charter. There may be amendments or revision that need to happen, and I feel this improves transparency.

Amanda Parr

Occupation: senior director of development, major gifts at Southwestern University
Experience: university fundraising, Lark & Owl Booksellers co-founder
Why are you the best candidate for the position?
AP: I am an experienced community advocate, preservationist and nonpartisan leader. It is my goal to give District 1 the voice we deserve. Through my strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with others, I will engage in regular, open and transparent conversations with citizens in District 1, city staff and fellow City Council members to ensure that the thoughts, ideas and needs of District 1 are heard and acted upon.
How will you help Georgetown recover from the effects of COVID-19 and the winter storm?
AP: In these unprecedented times, public health and well-being need to remain top of mind. However, maintaining a healthy economy is a priority. Our businesses, citizens and community depend on our city being open, ensuring citizens have jobs and businesses continue to thrive. I will be a champion for local businesses and will support measures that are fiscally responsible and conservative in managing city expenses and priorities that allow us to adjust and move forward.
What Georgetown City Council project or policy initiative needs to take priority and why?
AP: Managing growth appropriately. As our community grows, it is critical to plan for both the short and long term. Creating innovative solutions as we expand our water and electricity and keeping our citizens safe by supporting first responders are key in managing growth effectively. Clear and consistent policies, fiscal responsibility and respectful development help maintain our small-town charm while providing amenities and resources of larger cities while not overlooking our more vulnerable residents.