Incumbents Kelly Brynteson and Jennifer Szimanski will be running for re-election, while candidates Christopher Levy and Matt Sherman have also filed to run in the May election.
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided in 75 words or less and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*indicates incumbent
Kelly Brynteson*
Experience:
Current council member, PUD development committee, comprehensive plan committee, arts committee liaison, Lakeway's CAPCOG representative
Occupation:
Competitive intelligence professional and small-business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.kellyforlakeway.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for this position?
As a current council member, my responsibility is resident safety, protecting the city from lawsuits, and maintaining Lakeway’s infrastructure and amenities. I listen, learn and advocate for citizens. From moms concerned about their child’s safety to residents unable to exit their neighborhood due to unsafe driving conditions, or residents without water, electricity or gas during a weather event, I want to continue fighting for our residents. I have enjoyed being your advocate and voice on council.
What are your major areas of concern for the city?
Candidates always say development, traffic, connectivity, safety and green space, but keeping campaign promises is what matters, and I do just that. On PUD development, I give developers guidance on what residents want and are against. I met with TxDOT and worked with Public Works to make our streets safer. I voted for parks and small businesses, voted against development that does not align with Lakeway, and was the only council member to vote against raising property taxes.
If elected, what is your No. 1 priority to address?
My top priority is to balance the budget and increase commercial sales tax to keep property taxes low. The second is to bring harmony back to Lakeway. We all want the same thing—safe roads; better connectivity from residential to schools; shopping, dining and medical care; more amenities for all ages; and protection from crime that is spilling in from Austin. We need to stop fighting and work collectively to keep Lakeway great.
Christopher Levy
Experience:
Experienced and proven leader; longtime member of the Lakeway community; strong financial acumen
Occupation:
CEO, NFA Group Inc.
Candidate Website:
http://www.levyforlakeway.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for this position?
Lakeway has a leadership vacuum that has not been addressed through recent elections. This, combined with extensive growth and community issues, has created a need for change. My goal is to lead the effort to reform our leadership structure and improve the quality and stability of the city’s operation.
What are your major areas of concern for the city?
The city needs a strong plan to survive the growth phase we are entering while stabilizing and increasing revenue from sales taxes. As part of the Lake Travis region, Lakeway needs to expand on and build out our partnerships with neighboring municipalities, developers, [the Texas Department of Transportation] and [Lake Travis] ISD.
If elected, what is your No. 1 priority to address?
Unite all of the communities that make up Lakeway into One Lakeway. Create new partnerships between the various stakeholders in these communities to align our resources and efforts towards that goal. Create a two-year plan that advances this One Lakeway ideology across our city.
Matt Sherman
Experience:
Chair 2024 Lakeway Comprehensive Plan, commissioner Lakeway Zoning and Planning (ZAPCO), president Lakeway View HOA
Occupation:
Digital advertising
Candidate Website:
https://www.mattshermanforlakeway.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for council to honor Lakeway’s heritage while shaping our future. My wife and I are raising our young daughter here, fully invested in preserving Lakeway's unique character and high quality of life. My service on the Zoning and Planning Commission (ZAPCO), as chair of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, and regular advocacy at city meetings demonstrates my dedication to improving our community for future generations and my ability to get things done.
What are your major areas of concern for the city?
Our most pressing concern lies right there in our name—Lake Travis and its water supply are facing an extraordinary drought. We must collaborate with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), utility partners and neighboring cities to educate our community, foster smart development and enact water-conserving measures. Furthermore, we must prioritize updating our parks, reducing dependence on property taxes, improving traffic conditions, promoting the safety and well-being of our children, and steadfastly preserving our character.
If elected, what is your No. 1 priority to address?
If elected to council, my foremost priority is to honor Lakeway’s heritage while shaping our future. The tangible priorities are determined by the residents of the city. As council members, we understand their needs through proactive outreach—including the recent city survey—and by being readily available both in-person and online. My decisions will always be influenced by our 60-plus-year history while adapting to current lifestyle demands and expectations.
Jennifer Szimanski*
Experience:
Candidate did not provide questionnaire or headshot by deadline.
Occupation:
Candidate did not provide questionnaire or headshot by deadline.
More Information:
Candidate did not provide questionnaire or headshot by deadline.
Why are you running for this position?
Candidate did not provide questionnaire or headshot by deadline.
What are your major areas of concern for the city?
Candidate did not provide questionnaire or headshot by deadline.
If elected, what is your No. 1 priority to address?
Candidate did not provide questionnaire or headshot by deadline.