Meet the candidates
Candidates for Single-Member District C include Kimberly Goodman, Jeffrey Morales and Emily Jones.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Other local races
Click here to read about the San Marcos City Council Place 1 candidates and here for the San Marcos City Council Place 2 candidates.
Kimberly Goodman
Experience:
Twenty years executive leadership experience, on four Buda boards and commissions, teacher, volunteer, and mom.
Occupation:
Chief Nurse Executive, Senior Adjunct Professor
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.elaine.goodman
Contact Information:
512-373-6334
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I have dedicated my life to service for others and my community as a mom, teacher, nurse, and volunteer. Buda is at a critical point where we need a balanced approach that protects our small town feel, properly manages growth, and supports local businesses.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
As the Persimmon connection to 1626, 2770 bridge, build out of Old Black Colony to an urban standard, and Cole Springs to 1626 improvements come online, things will get better, but we must see real movement at 1626/967. We need to execute voter approved bond projects on time and...
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
The neighborhoods must have a seat at the table from the very beginning of the conversation, not after negotiations have concluded. All growth is not good growth. I'll work to make sure that we focus on keeping Buda the small town we love and that new growth shares that priority.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
An agenda of a few hundred pages is published 72 hours before the council meeting, on a Friday. Folks are busy working, raising a family-72 hours over a weekend isn't enough time. We need to workshop big issues before taking action. I want to be the voice for my district.
How do you approach collaboration with the City Council and other stakeholders?
We need to share individual conversations from our districts and neighborhoods. I believe every team member has a different perspective and area of expertise-I’m comfortable engaging with others and leveraging collective knowledge. Diversity is critical, so having the voice of a woman, mom, teacher, and nurse will be an asset.
Jeffrey Morales
Experience:
Candidate did not answer this question by press time.
Occupation:
State of Texas employee
Candidate Website:
https://www.jeffreymorales.info/
Contact Information:
512-781-9354
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
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. I have concerns about Buda’s growing pains, including project management and...
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
The top infrastructure projects being prioritized for the near future would involve transportation, water infrastructure, and park expansions. Significant expansions and improvements are being made to Buda's parks using funds from the 2021 Bonds program.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
Tax incentives for businesses to create jobs, investment in infrastructure projects, and support for key industries. The council as a team needs to manage growth in a "fiscally responsible manner that enhances the small-town feel of Buda" as the city's greatest challenge.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
To involve residents in decision-making, use public forums and workshops, implement digital platforms for input, establish diverse resident committees, and explore participatory budgeting. Key strategies include fostering an inclusive environment, building trust through community partnerships, providing accessible information, and defining clear goals for resident participation. City Council Meetings, City Budget...
How do you approach collaboration with the City Council and other stakeholders?
To approach collaboration with a city council and other stakeholders, you must foster trust, demonstrate transparency, and maintain clear, consistent communication. The most effective approach involves building long-term relationships rather than engaging only when a crisis arises.
Emily Jones
Experience:
5 years Buda Planning & Zoning Commission: 3 years as Chair; 28 years construction industry
Occupation:
Estimating Director
Candidate Website:
https://www.emilyjonesforbuda.com/
Contact Information:
Candidate did not respond to this question by press time.
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I adore Buda and am committed to giving back to our thriving community by using my extensive budgeting and construction experience to protect our hard-earned tax dollars while implementing valuable infrastructure and city projects in a timely manner; curating our growth to preserve the Buda we all love.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
The 2021 approved Buda Bonds still have $68M of unallocated project funding. That’s 76% still to be implemented or completed. These bond projects account for much needed mobility improvements that must be a focus. All water resource and storage facility projects must also be prioritized.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
Buda’s growth must be prepared for in advance while balancing current projects and related funding. Planning should be timely, intentional & engaging with the community. The Comprehensive Master Plan that I worked on is a big part of this and will be a crucial driver for Buda’s future.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
In addition to continually increasing the open houses, polls, web-based communications, and encouraging the public to speak at city meetings, I have already started looking into a mobile app where residents and visitors can opt into various notifications of events, services, meetings, and other city functions and communications.
How do you approach collaboration with the City Council and other stakeholders?
Effectively working towards a common set of goals requires respect for and earnest listening to all stakeholders involved. I have witnessed these traits within our city staff, management, officials, and citizens. I intend to continue with this legacy of true cooperation as we all have valuable insights to contribute.
