Early voting for the Nov. 8 election will run from Oct. 24-Nov. 4.
Read Q&A's with each candidate below. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the question provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*Candidate did not adhere to word limit. Responses over 75 words were cut off.
Bear Heiser
Experience:
owner of a consulting company in sales, marketing and crisis management business; Negley Elementary PTA
Occupation:
sales consultant
Candidate Website:
http://www.vote4bear.com
Contact Information:
512-648-3625
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Work collaboratively with all stakeholders—Kyle residents and other agencies, and the development community—to ensure that as Kyle is growing, collectively we are being mindful of the enormous impact of forced change. Close the infrastructure gaps that exist between east and west Kyle—public transportation, roads, traffic, water quality. Grow our local economy by promoting small businesses while lowering the barrier to entry for new small businesses to take shape.
How would you improve transportation within Kyle as well as within the San Antonio-Austin corridor in general?
If elected, I will work with county, state and federal elected and appointed officials to secure funds that address Kyle’s transportation and traffic issues. It’s unacceptable that our residents and families spend several hours a day dropping off and picking up their kids from our local public schools. Our city must invest in vital infrastructure and multimodal transportation options.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
The only way to effectively represent an entire city is by knowing what its people are thinking, feeling and needing. That's why I will host meet-ups in different parts of the city to provide opportunities to connect with different perspectives. One's greatest ability is availability.
How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for Kyle?
Building relationships is critical to creating strong reciprocal partnerships with our state and federal leaders. We must travel to D.C. and lobby our representatives to ensure Kyle gets its fair share of funding for critical transportation and infrastructure projects.
Nick Madsen
Experience:
Army officer in Iraq, attorney with knowledge of contracts and negotiations, board for Plum Creek HOA, small-business owner
Occupation:
attorney
Candidate Website:
Facebook search: Nick for Kyle
Contact Information:
512-358-1616
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Transportation infrastructure, focused growth in consumer goods and services, and safety. Kyle is going to continue to grow whether we want it to or not, so I will support growth that benefits those that live and work here. We need more variety in the goods and services offered. Finally, I think that we need to support our first responders to make sure that both children and adults are able to prosper in a safe environment.
how would you improve transportation within Kyle as well as within the San Antonio-Austin corridor in general?
I support the road bond but understand that oversight will be necessary to ensure that we are being good stewards of the taxpayers’ money. I also think that SH 45 has been of great benefit and that it eases some of the burden on I-35. I believe a proactive approach to road expansion is necessary so we don’t have to pay more later.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
As an HOA board member, I know how important it is to have an ongoing, open line of communication with your community. I will put to use the skills gathered both in guiding Plum Creek and in my volunteering to gather feedback and ideas. Additionally, as a small-business owner, I will work with individual businesses and the Kyle Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the needs of our business owners are being heard.
How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for Kyle?
Well that depends on the leaders we are talking about! But seriously, I have extensive experience bringing people together on important and contentious issues through my many years as a trial attorney in mediations and in court. I’m confident I can represent our city strongly with the primary goal in any interaction with state lawmakers to ensure Kyle stays a great hometown and avoid the problems we see happening in Austin.
Marc McKinney
Experience:
Business leader and resident in the area for over a decade. My experience in finance gives me a different perspective from sitting members of the council.
Occupation:
finance director
Candidate Website:
N/A
Contact Information:
254-230-2290
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
First and foremost, I want to make sure that we have a good steward for our tax dollars. The city has seen more tax revenue than it has ever imagined, and the hard-working citizens of Kyle who pay those taxes deserve to have them spent wisely. One of the primary functions of government is to maintain the safety of its citizens. I want to ensure that our first responders are adequately staffed.
How would you improve transportation within Kyle as well as within the San Antonio-Austin corridor in general?
There is a road bond election coming up on the November ballot. In it includes some very necessary infrastructure projects that will help divert traffic from existing thoroughfares. I’m incredibly concerned about the price tag associated with it, however. There are several other projects I would like to see improved to allow alternative routes going east-west across town. As for the San Antonio-Austin corridor, I-35 is becoming increasingly dreadful by the day.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
A lack of transparency is always a source of concern when it comes to government. In the age of technology we are in, information is readily available and easily accessible. We've come to expect it instantaneously. I feel like social media is going to play a growing role in how we communicate as a community. Improved accessibility to our elected officials is necessary for effective representation.•
How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for Kyle?
I will meet with everybody and anybody necessary to solve our problems. With open discussion across multiple departments, we view the issue from all sides and come up with the best possible solution. Overall, the city of Kyle has done a good job of coordinating with county, state and federal officials to utilize the current programs available to us, but we need to do better. •
Marina Tupikov
Experience:
community organizations/government, data analysis and budget reports, clear and transparent communication, trilingual
Occupation:
Hays CISD elementary science coordinator
Candidate Website:
N/A
Contact Information:
N/A
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Provide our growing community with amenities that are family-focused, including: parks, businesses, family dining establishments, etc. Our roads are currently not equipped to accommodate the population growth. We need to be specific with infrastructure goals and focus on traffic flow. One of the tough goals that is easier said than done is to reduce the burden of property tax for residences. This goal includes collaboration of businesses, school district, developments, etc.
How would you improve transportation within Kyle as well as within the San Antonio-Austin corridor in general?
With the population growing, the roads in Kyle are definitely getting denser. We have seen huge improvements with the access road traffic by switching the on-off ramps. To continue to improve the traffic flow, adding a bypass loop around Kyle would really benefit the Kyle locals and spread out the traffic. In addition, Kyle can connect with the bus transportation in Texas State and University of Texas to provide additional routes to reduce carbon emission/traffic.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
I believe that the biggest communication gap in our city is due to constant movement. Families/businesses are coming and going. Keeping that in mind, we have to be considerate of the communication lines. This means that we have to be active and connected with neighborhoods, Chamber of Commerce, businesses, local amenities, social media, etc. Once we communicate to the residents of the decisions that are in process, we need to provide a space•
How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for Kyle?
There is an appropriate chain of command, and there are certain responsibilities/roles for each tier in government. The government structure helps our city to do what we need to but also is available for us should an emergency arise. As much as I have faith in this country, I respect and trust the residents of Kyle and the leaders elected to solve local problems and advocate for the wellbeing of our community.
Neal Breen
Experience:
I've been running restaurants and bars my whole life, accompanied with a lifelong study of economics. I lack political experience, and that's the way I like my politicians, personally.
Occupation:
bar operator
Candidate Website:
www.breenforkyle.com
Contact Information:
N/A
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
I intend to help manage migration, growth and taxation. I’ll do all I can to prevent Kyle from becoming “the next Austin.” I also intend to keep Kyle as livable and affordable for its natives as possible.
How would you improve transportation within Kyle as well as within the San Antonio-Austin corridor in general?
Roads are necessary to growth, but I believe in keeping the money as well-managed as possible. I’m open to entertaining any public transportation suggestions to improve transportation between San Antonio and Austin but don’t believe the people of Kyle should be financially responsible for it.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I do have a sound mind for business and own a home in Kyle. I invite the counsel of all residents and business owners of Kyle in order to make the most informed and beneficial decisions.
How would you work with state and Congressional leaders to solve local problems for Kyle?
I'm nonpartisan. Any assistance state and congressional leaders may provide will be welcomed with open arms; so long as it's necessary to the success of our city.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Infrastructure—the roads we currently have are not sufficient for the current or future traffic in Kyle. Not only do we need to repair/widen current roads, we need to provide more intermobility. Downtown revitalization—making Kyle a destination town—add more businesses that attract the people. With this, we need to provide walkability and accessibility. Much of the downtown area doesn’t have sidewalks. Continuing to provide quality housing.
How would you improve transportation within Kyle as well as within the San Antonio-Austin corridor?
I would support planning and ideas for more interconnecting roads. When traffic gets backed up along the San Antonio-Austin corridor, it is extremely difficult to navigate around and through Kyle.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
I would make sure that important decisions are made public and timely, to ensure residents and business owners are able to voice their opinions and concerns.
How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for Kyle?
I would make sure that communication lines remain open and I am kept up to date on policies and changes and advocate for things are, and are not working for residents of Kyle.
