ROUND ROCK

City Council, Place 1

Michelle Ly

Occupation: small-business owner: Rock Sports Bar, Alcove Cantina, The Flats Round Rock
Experience: Round Rock High School; Texas State University: BBA in management
What would be your top priorities if you are elected?


ML: My top priorities include education and taxes. I believe that a strong school system is essential to attracting new businesses and keeping our economy strong. Our city government should continue to manage its finances responsibly and keep taxes as low as possible.


What uniquely qualifies you for this position?


ML: As a local business owner, I feel capable on making effective decisions for the future. Leaders are tasked with making decisions that help the community as a whole and protect the community for years to come. It is important to take the time to listen and communicate to the residents, a practice I implement in my work and service organizations.


How should Round Rock manage its growth?


ML: By managing its growth through continued short and long-term planning efforts. We need to be consistently planning for future water supplies. Plans to address growing traffic and safety concerns need to continually updated. I believe it is essential to continue to plan for the future in each department. The community needs to stay informed and encouraged to participate. Feedback for Round Rock 2030 Comprehensive Plan is vital for the future planning of Round Rock.


What do you see as the greatest challenge facing the city, and how will you improve it?


ML: I believe the biggest challenge facing the city is the rapid growth. We need to be vigilant in preparing for the future. On the Planning and Zoning commission, I was able to utilize tools, information and work together with city departments towards a common goal. We won’t prevent the growth, so we need to plan accordingly. I am patient and hard-working. I intend to listen and make informed decisions for the greater good of the community.


Tina Steiner

Occupation: educator, Round Rock ISD
Experience: native of Round Rock, doctoral student, Leadership Round Rock and Round Rock UniverCity graduate
What would be your top priorities if you are elected?


TS: When representing Round Rock citizens I want to ensure the City Council is more transparent, fair, and that it works for everyone. I will focus on increasing transparency, planning for infrastructure in order to manage our worsening traffic, work to ensure proper public transportation, find methods for equitable zoning so we can take care of our lifelong residents, and guarantee affordable housing for our public servants, veterans and higher education students embarking on their own.


What uniquely qualifies you for this position?


TS: I bring a unique set of leadership skills and add a diverse voice to the council being a Round Rock native and member of the Sauls family, a 2019 Local Legend. I am an educator; Chamber EAC Representative, on Infrastructure Council; Preservation Director; former Round Rock Historic Preservation, Housing Authority and WCHC Commissioner; Citizens Police Academy class No. 2 and No. 29. I serve as Heart of Round Rock Neighborhood Association Community Liaison and Vice Chair for State Rep. Talarico’s Community Advisory Board.


How should Round Rock manage its growth?


TS: Managing growth while simultaneously respecting and honoring the history and culture of a town is no easy task. When discussing growth in reference to housing policy, I prefer zoning and regulations that ensure we do not displace long-established communities or create additional burdens for families. Additionally, we should incentivize the founding of small businesses, and create programs to help already established businesses grow and expand, so they can contribute more to our local economy.


What do you see as the greatest challenge facing the city, and how will you improve it?


TS: Community, growth and sustainable infrastructure are challenges in our city. When making big business a priority, we must plan ahead for infrastructure for our worsening traffic and ensure that the city has adequate public transportation. Equitable zoning must be a priority in order to take care of our lifelong residents and older neighborhoods; and we must obtain affordable housing for our public servants, veterans, and students attending our city’s institutes of higher learning.