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Editor's note: This article has been updated to fit candidates' responses to Community Impact's guidelines.
Voters in West Lake Hills will decide between two candidates for City Council Place 1 on May 3.
The overview
Currently, Place 1 is held by incumbent council member Dana Harmon, with candidate Joseph Swider filing to run against her.
City Council elections are held on the first Saturday in May every year. The West Lake Hills mayor, Place 2 and Place 4 appear on even years, and places 1, 3 and 5 appear on odd years. The mayor and council members are elected for two-year terms with no term limits.
The last day to register to vote is April 3. Early voting will take place April 22-29, and election day is May 3.
The details
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided, limit their answers to 50 words and not attack other opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to these guidelines or for style and clarity.
Why are you running for West Lake Hills city council?
Local leadership shapes our daily lives, and I’m passionate about our vibrant community. I’m running to continue fostering responsive government, smart regulations, and thoughtful long-term planning. It’s an honor to serve and help build a city that continues to thrive for both current residents and future generations.
What makes you most qualified to hold this seat?
I’ve served on council since 2024 and previously on Austin’s Resource Management Commission. I’ve worked 20 years in the energy industry including roles in executive leadership, financial oversight, and policy evaluation. I’m a frequent community volunteer and will be the only member of Council with children in Eanes ISD.
What, in your opinion, are the biggest issues faced by West Lake Hills and its residents?
I’m committed to updating our master plan and codes to reflect current needs – preserving natural beauty, wildfire prevention, wastewater capacity, responsible development, and economic sustainability – all while keeping property taxes low and working closely with partners like EISD, Water District 10, and Travis County ESD 9.
Why are you running for West Lake Hills City Council?
Lower property taxes will be my singular issue. They're increasing by 10% a year and putting undo strain on many in this community. I will invite the other members of the City Council, and the mayor, to have a sit down with Travis County to accomplish this.
What makes you most qualified to hold this seat?
I'm not running as a generic feel good candidate or as an incumbent, but as a citizen of West Lake, who lives, works and plays in the community. A community becoming more and more expensive every year. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.
What, in your opinion, are the biggest issues faced by West Lake Hills?
Higher and higher yearly property taxes weighing on the budgets of everyone, and further fire hardening of our community with forest fire risk and mitigation strategies. We've all seen Pacific Palisades. We're very similar communities. If elected, I'm not going to let that happen here.
