Amy Proctor and Wiley Hopkins are facing off in the race for Place 2 on Buda City Council. Hopkins, the incumbent, and Proctor, the challenger, faced each other in January during a special election to fill the seat that was vacated when former Place 2 Councilman Todd Ruge was elected mayor. Hopkins won a runoff election with 162 votes compared to Proctor's 81.

Why are you running for Buda City Council?

Hopkins: As the elected incumbent for place 2 on City Council I bring the experience of serving in the position but also knowledge of the city's vision for the future.

Proctor: We have lived in the Buda area for over 30 years. We do not want this charming small town to become like Austin, Kyle or San Marcos. People move here to get away from all the hectic traffic and noise associated with those cities.

What previous experience do you have that qualifies you for the job?

Hopkins: My experience prior to serving on council was executive management service with local and state government agencies. It required me as a standard procedure to interact with elected officials and present to them—in committees or public forum settings—detailed recommendations of initiatives for serving their communities and constituents.

Proctor: While working for Santa Clara County, I instructed doctors, social workers and nursing staff in legal processes for conservatorship of mental health patients and filed the necessary documentation with superior court. I supervised a 24 hour/7 days a week mental health support staff and provided services to support the emergency outpatient clinic and the inpatient mental health unit; I hired, trained, evaluated and disciplined employees. At Lockheed Martin Security, I was in charge of all contract's documentation, including all classified documents and wrote a procedure manual to ensure all documents were handled properly.

What is the greatest challenge facing the city?

Hopkins: If I had to single out the greatest challenge facing the city—it's a difficult question because there are many challenges we will face in the future—however, if I had to narrow them down to one, I would have to say sustainable sources and delivery of water. Our growth pattern now as well as in the future is going to continue to be a paramount concern that will require multiple innovative initiatives to address water delivery efficiency.

Proctor: How to manage growth.

Buda just completed an economic development strategic plan. What do you believe the city should do to increase economic prospects and capture more sales tax?

Hopkins: The process of creating the EDC strategic plan establishes an excellent foundation for directing Buda's desired growth and for diversification in the desired categories that were identified from extensive studies leading up to the EDC strategic plan.

Proctor: That is not our goal. We like the small town charm of Buda, and we do not want it to turn into an Austin, Kyle or San Marcos. People move here to get away from the hectic pace, excess traffic and noise.

Proctor only: Last year you mentioned rising property taxes as one of your main concerns. In order to keep property taxes lower, are there any cuts you would make to the city's budget?

Proctor: I would have a management review of all city projects to determine the benefit to the citizens versus the cost for the taxpayers to pay. I would want to know why the city is spending over a million dollars to repair (re-build) a road that a contractor recently built.

Hopkins only: In January you said controlled growth was the biggest issue for Buda. What have you done to help control or manage that growth? Are there any decisions that stick out to you?

Hopkins: As a council member I have been able to collaboratively work with my fellow council member colleagues and the city staff to assist and manage the growth of the city. Annexation has played a role in controlling or managing growth in major arterials in the city. Growth will always be controlled by available water and wastewater. It is the city that in essence provides those services. Usually developers are only interested in developing their property if water and wastewater is available, thus growth is managed by the costs associated with those services. The city continues to plan for growth by establishing policy guidelines that include expansion of existing plant operations and facilities for delivery of services as well as new facilities and streets.

Early voting for City Council elections in Buda and San Marcos as well as all other items on the November ballot begins on Oct. 21 at the Hays County Government Center, 712 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos.