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.
Meet the candidates
Candidates for Place 3 include Claudia Zapata and Miguel Zuniga.
Other races
Click here to read about the Kyle City Council Place 2.
Claudia Zapata
Experience:
Development & Analysis, Workforce & Budget Analyst, Anti-Displacement Project Manager, Workers Rights Advocate
Occupation:
Nonprofit Grant Writer
Candidate Website:
https://msha.ke/claudia4kyle/
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’m running to ensure Kyle grows equitably. With my background in anti-displacement policies, I bring a community-centered approach to housing, infrastructure, and inclusive planning. Local governments must act as a safety net to protect working families and keep people from being priced out of our city.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
I’ll push to adopt stormwater and road impact fees; prioritize Bebee and Kohlers expansions; equitable water, wastewater, and stormwater upgrades; and implement the Sidewalk Improvement Plan. We can balance equity and fiscal responsibility to ensure equity, transparency, and stewardship guide every funding decision. Every neighborhood deserves safe, resilient infrastructure.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
Kyle’s growth must center people. I support policies that hold development accountable for infrastructure impacts, expand services for residents like the Property Maintenance Program, and create free, welcoming public spaces for residents. We need expanded social services and small business supports to ensure residents aren’t priced out or left behind.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I’ll host town halls and coffee hours, push for bilingual city communications, and reach out directly to those often left out. From renters to immigrants to working families, everyone deserves a say…not just those who own homes, speak fluent English, or can attend a 7PM meeting.
How do you approach collaboration with the City Council and other stakeholders?
I bring 10 years of policy analysis, community experience, and a commitment to equity. I’ll lead with data and empathy, and work collaboratively across perspectives. As state and federal attacks on local control grow, I understand that Council must work in coordination and cooperation to best serve our residents.
Miguel A. Zuniga
Experience:
Current Council Member, Committee Member, Waterleaf HOA Partner, Hays CISD Volunteer, Lehman Booster Member, Kyle Lions Club Volunteer
Occupation:
Principal Scientist Product Development
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/ZunigaDistrict3KyleCityCouncil/
Contact Information:
512-787-3619
Why are you running for this office, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?
I’m running to continue serving all residents of Kyle about concerns with public safety, safer streets, conservation, and to ensure our community has a voice in the planning for our city. The work is not over we are going to make this city better and prioritize needs for our community.
What infrastructure projects would you like to see prioritized in the next term?
I would like to see our downtown, older streets and parks prioritized so that our community can be a part of the decision making to attract small businesses. Secondly, we need to continue working with our county and state to build more road networks to improve transportation in our city.
If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?
Future growth needs to bring amenities and value to our city and be located where retail services are lacking throughout our community. By planning strategically, we can build in proper locations and permit quality zoning. This will reduce costs, redundancy, and mitigate dense housing that burdens our residents.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I share information through my fb page, emails, phone calls, texts and easy to get a hold of. Being informed is important so I meet with folks to discuss agenda items and invite folks to attend city meetings, events, and get involved in our community by joining committees and volunteering.
How do you approach collaboration with the City Council and other stakeholders?
I regularly speak with our city manager and staff about agenda items. I also share feedback from residents with all council members. I believe that an effective leader should always be open to respectful communication and collaboration to do what is best for all residents of our city.
