Hutto resident and business owner Doug Gaul announced his bid Jan. 29 to run for mayor of Hutto in the May 7 general election. “My focus is to strengthen relationships, ask the tough questions and work with the city council and staff to cultivate a community that is poised to grow smart and strong,” Gaul said in a statement. Gaul said he has devoted the last 13 years to civic duty, with a variety of participation in community organizations, including the Hutto Economic Development Corp., Hutto Family YMCA and as a Hutto ISD board member. He served previously as the HISD board president for four years. “We need strategic growth that attracts both retail and industry without losing the sense of community that families move here for and want to be a part of," he said in a statement. "As mayor, I will work to build a cohesive city that is business friendly, working with all sizes of business, including start-ups and established businesses.” Gaul said he and his wife Ruth have lived in Hutto for 22 years and have four children, all of whom graduated from Hutto High School. City officials confirmed Gaul is the only candidate, as of yet, to submit a bid for the mayor’s seat, and those who wish to file have until the 5 p.m., Feb. 19 deadline to submit their application.