lisacoppoletta


Length of residency in San Marcos: 30 years


Experience: has served on Neighborhood Commission and Arts Commission, received the “Most Participation” award at SMTX Code Rodeo, 30 years attending and speaking at City Council meetings, 30 years filing open records requests in San Marcos, seven years video journalist with San Marcos News Live


Why are you running?


I have spent 30 years researching, reporting and speaking about neighborhood issues; meeting with city staff; volunteering; and participating in city government issues facing our community. I fully research each issue before taking a stand and then listen with an open ear to all stakeholders. My commitment to preserving the historic and ecological character of our community is well-documented. I would like to be on the dais providing solutions and building bridges in San Marcos. 


What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing the city?


Rebuilding from the flood should be our top priority. In the future we must avoid compromising homes and lives by building multifamily apartments in the wrong place. We should work with our Greater San Marcos Partnership to continue to bring green jobs and develop a better decision-making process with Texas State University. We should continue to revitalize our downtown, act with fiscal conservatism, develop and maintain sound infrastructure, with a water supply for future generations. Protect our sacred San Marcos River.

Why do you believe you’re the most qualified candidate?

I have extensive experience on the citizen side of our government. I love to communicate with our residents, and this will be a dedicated vocation for me. It will be my main job, not my second job. After 30 years of carefully following our city government, I know the issues much better than my opponents. I invite everyone to check out my Facebook page and view my Coppoletta Chats, which are video white papers on policy.

What do you believe the city should do to protect neighborhoods while ensuring adequate housing for students?


The answer is simple: Follow our master plan! Our citizens, builders and government all worked to develop “Vision San Marcos: A River Runs Through Us.” I won the SMTX Code Rodeo belt buckle for attending the most meetings and conferences with the city, therefore I understand our land development code. Terrible conflict happens when the planning and zoning commission and City Council turn their back on the plan and the people. You can count on this: I will follow the master plan! 


What do you believe the top priority should be as the city begins administering the $25 million disaster recovery grant from 2015's two floods? 

As neighborhood commissioner proposed and lobbied City Council, which passed mold protection ordinances: (1) Renters are to be notified they live in flood plane; (2) Landlords must repair flooded out units. Grant allows HUBS Historically Underutilized Businesses. I am opposed to river bypass. We should install shut off values preventing sewage during floods from entering houses via pipes. We should also ensure adequate staffing and equipment for first responders.