Length of residency in Buda: four years
Experience: former director of the criminal justice division, deputy director of the Texas Narcotics Control Program, served on the Buda Master Plan Commission in 2001, part of the leadership team that changed the law to bring H-E-B to Buda
Why are you running?
My wife and I moved to Hays County 21 years ago. We have been active in our community and have watched it grow for more than two decades. We have served as volunteers on numerous committees and boards, from Buda United Methodist Church to school organizations like the [parent-teacher associations]. I served on the school realignment committee in the early 2000’s, was a member of the Hays Education Foundation board of directors as well as a coach and board member of the Hays Youth Baseball Association. I served on the 2000 Buda Master Plan Committee and was instrumental in the efforts to bring H-E-B and other restaurants and retailers to Buda as well as a founding member of the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the city of Buda?
Infrastructure, growth and planning. Buda isn’t just one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, we are one of the fastest-growing areas of the country. And that isn’t going to change anytime soon. I’ve seen our community go from 1,300 to 13,000 in population. We must constantly focus on our infrastructure—roads, water, law enforcement and parks—to keep up with the growth. We need to constantly evaluate and update our previous plans to manage our growth while ensuring we keep Buda affordable and taxes in check.
Why do you feel that you are the most qualified candidate?
Experience at the state, regional and especially the local level in Buda and Hays County. I served as staff to a member of the Texas Legislature. Was honored to serve four years in Governor Ann Richards’ administration including 1 year on executive staff and director of the Criminal Justice Division. For 21 years, Rebecca and I have had many opportunities to be involved. Whether coaching baseball and softball for our kids, serving on the Hays Education Foundation Board, HCISD Attendance Zone & Bond Committees, to leading the Buda Methodist Men’s Group and other church committees, we’ve been involved. I served on the Buda Master Plan Committee in 2001 and led the effort to bring H-E-B to Buda and finally the election in 2012, that paved the way for companies like Deep Eddy Vodka to come to Buda. I feel my past experience would be helpful in guiding policy decisions on the council so Buda continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.
What is your biggest priority when it comes to new infrastructure?
Finding the balance between the need to constantly update the demand the growth will have on city services and facilities, while keeping Buda affordable and taxes under control. We need to make sure homeowners aren’t paying more than their share and that we have a good balance to commercial and retail development and residential growth.
How do you think Buda should adapt for growth while still retaining its character?
Experience matters. I am excited about the future of Buda and believe we are a community heading in the right direction. I was active in Buda when we were a town of 2,400 people—today we are nearly 14,000, but we still have our small-town feel and charm. We can maintain our character if we plan for the growth accordingly, work with those who are already here as well as those who are coming. We need to continue to focus on making sure Buda has the infrastructure in place to keep our community viable as we deal with the issues of roads, water, finances and taxes, economic development and law enforcement.
