Length of residency in Buda: three years

Experience: water-quality permit coordinator and air-quality planner for the state, transit planner and board deputy, state policy analyst and state senior financial analyst

Why are you running?

I’m running to maintain the vibrancy, safety and charm of a town I have come to love and call home: Buda, Texas. I will make certain our interests as residents are heard, considered and respected. Furthermore, I will ensure the city is acting as a good steward of public resources and is responsive to the needs of its citizens. I’m running because I enjoy public service, not because I’m a politician.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the city of Buda? Growth and its impact on Buda’s infrastructure and local setting. Buda was recently named the fastest-growing Texas city with at least 10,000 residents and grew by nearly 80% from 2010-2015. Buda must embrace smart growth, improve its transportation network, protect its open space and natural character and continue central business district improvements. The city must also be ready for the challenges posed by areas of potential annexation and the complexities of smart regional planning. Why do you feel that you are the most qualified candidate? I have solid qualifications in the public and private sectors. I have worked for several private organizations, but I’ve also worked in my family’s business.  I have over 11 years’ experience working at the state and county level in the environmental, transportation, planning and financial subject areas. I have a bachelor's degree in environmental science and a master's in public administration with a concentration in urban and environmental planning. I enjoy talking to members of the community, and I appreciate a diverse range of opinions and backgrounds. What is your biggest priority when it comes to new infrastructure? Transportation and water resources are the biggest priority. The stress of local and regional development remains a stress on area water supplies. Even though local cities are cooperating on water supply, it remains a long-term issue.  Future discharge into area creeks and watershed is also an area that requires infrastructure management and environmental stewardship. The rapid growth has stressed local transportation networks and corridors, so the city must plan carefully to ensure that future projects meet the needs of local users and commuters who reside in Buda. SH 45 and the local implications of a future east to west connection are huge pieces of this transportation puzzle. With a potential new school close to west Buda, the intersection of FM 1626 and FM 967 presents a huge opportunity for improvement.

How do you think Buda should adapt for growth while still retaining its character?

Buda and its residents benefit from healthy small businesses and the continual development of its downtown core in the form of increased community engagement and the potential for lower overall tax rates. Our city should limit the influx of high-density, multifamily units, and it must allow for open spaces on its rapidly expanding residential east side. It should preserve its oldest trees within reason, embrace natural spaces and enhance familiar spots like Stagecoach Park, Main Street and Bradfield Pond.