Terry Cummings

Length of residency:  I have lived in Buda since July 2012, having moved here from Lake Jackson, Texas, for a job opportunity and to leave hurricane evacuations behind. I picked Central Texas and specifically Buda for its small-town atmosphere and convenient location. Top priorities: Keeping Buda, Buda: As a member of the Buda Historic Preservation Commission, I see the problems and opportunities we face keeping the small-town feel of Buda. We must protect historic structures and celebrate Buda’s history while managing inevitable growth. Fiscal responsibility: City Park and other projects are behind schedule. Time is money. The delays will negatively impact downtown businesses during the crucial holiday season. We must do better. Transparency: The city has a responsibility to communicate openly and honestly with citizens about the issues related to delayed projects and other issues important to citizens. Why are you running? I am running for City Council because I fell in love with Buda, and I believe I have a voice and a work ethic that will benefit the citizens of Buda. I have concerns about Buda’s growing pains, including project management and traffic. I want to ensure the fiscal health of the city and the protection of the historic, small-town feel of Buda. I want to contribute to the quality of life in this little town that we all love. I would be honored to serve this community. What experience do you have that prepares you to sit on City Council? I am a graduate of the Buda Citizens Academy. I have served on the Buda Historic Preservation Commission for three years and currently serve as vice chair. I have extensive experience as a community volunteer in positions of leadership. I have an advanced degree in management and business management experience, including nine years as a small-business owner. I am someone who is not afraid to ask the hard questions and to study the issues. What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing the city? The greatest challenge facing the city is managing growth in a fiscally responsible manner that enhances the small-town feel of Buda. How can City Council best foster economic development? Strong economic development requires good working relationships with the chamber of commerce and the economic development corp. One way to foster good working relationships is with open, honest and respectful communication, which is currently lacking.

Jeffrey Morales

Length of residency: nine years Top priorities: growth, planning, infrastructure Why are you running? I am committed to representing the citizens of Buda and feel I am best qualified and experienced to carry out the expectations of the citizens. I would like to ensure Buda is responsive to the needs of its citizens; my wife and I have lived in Buda since 2010 and have children ages 24, 21, 19, 14, 11 and 6—and a 4-year-old German shepherd. What experience do you have that prepares you to sit on City Council? I have been employed with the state of Texas with various agencies as either in inspector or investigator. I am a proud veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served in various roles while in the military, from law enforcement, security manager and training manager for a regional joint Intelligence command, and special security personnel while holding top secret clearance. I have served on the city of Buda Construction Board of Appeals since 2018. My education includes a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, an MBA in business, an associate degree in criminal justice, an associate degree in Texas peace officer specialization, an associate degree in corrections and an associate degree in fire science. What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing the city? The challenge facing the city of Buda is no different than any city that is in a fast-growing corridor, such as Cedar Park to San Antonio. It is wise to be ahead of the growth impact to the city’s infrastructure. Buda needs to keep focusing on adequate water supply, adequate water-treatment capacity, new transportation options. Buda is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. And like any city, the safety for the citizens and visitors is extremely important. How can City Council best foster economic development? Think small, focus on neighborhoods and smart business growth. Encourage business development locally, startups and entrepreneurs. Establish a culture of supporting small businesses as well as large businesses.