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In the May 6 election, New Braunfels voters will have the opportunity to vote for mayor and for a City Council member if they reside in districts 5 or 6.
Below are the responses from the two candidates for District 5—Mary Ann Labowski and Bently Cain Paiz.
Jason Hurta, the incumbent District 5 council member, is not seeking re-election.
Candidates were asked to keep their responses at or below 50 words and avoid attacking their opponents.
Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Incumbent District 5 councilmember, Third-generation New Braunfels native, Certified Municipal Official, Pillar of the Community ...
What are your top three priorities if elected?
My top three priorities are: Help the city manage the unpredictable growth it is experiencing; maintain meaningful communication with the business owners and residents of the city and District 5; preserve the city’s Historical District and the small-town appeal.
How would you improve transportation within New Braunfels?
The road system needs to stay in pace with the city’s growth. It would be nice to have a commuter rail from Austin to San Antonio to be able to access both [cities] without the traffic and parking issues. We also need to lock into some affordable transit system within the city that would be effective.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
I would have monthly town meetings with the business owners and residents. We need to work with the businesses and residents to find solutions that are agreeable to both sides on local issues.
How would you work with state and Congressional leaders to solve local problems for New Braunfels?
I would work with state representatives first because most of them are from the local area and they have a vested interest with the city's they represent. I would meet with the Congressional leaders for issues that affect us federally.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
My top three priorities will be improving critical infrastructure like bike lanes and sidewalks, creating reliable public transportation, and lowering the cost of living for residents to improve their quality of life.
How would you improve transportation within New Braunfels?
For transportation, it’s extremely important that we work with neighboring cities and communities to ensure that we are creating an accessible and reliable form of public transportation, including buses and public bike share programs, and open up to talks on high-speed railway implementation.
What would you do specifically as a council member to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
As a council member, my priority will be to listen to the needs of residents and local businesses to ensure their voices are heard. I would spend my time focusing on developing action plans based on resident input at community events and listening to local leaders throughout the community.
How would you work with state and Congressional leaders to solve local problems for New Braunfels?
Using my recent experience alongside congressional and state leaders, I would actively work to develop relationships and partnerships with these leaders, and work with them to bring solutions through funding and resources.
