The City of Kyle has called a May 11 election to fill two City Council seats that are expiring this year.

Mayor Pro Tem Diane Hervol is running unopposed for her District 1 seat, and Joe Bacon, Chad Benninghoff and Bill Sinor are running for the District 3 seat currently occupied by Bradley Pickett, who is not seeking re-election. We asked each of the candidates three questions:

1. Kyle is going to continue growing, and while this additional growth brings more tax revenue, it also brings more stress to the city's infrastructure. What can you do to ensure the city grows in a responsible way?

2. Why should voters choose you?

3. What's the most pressing issue facing the city and what would you do about it?

Hervol:

1. I can ensure and focus on how the City of Kyle can not only meet the needs of its citizens, but also how we can continue to economically grow as a community. Together, I believe in planning and resulting growth in jobs, investments and the improved quality of our lives.

2. I care about Kyle. I served one term on the City Council, current mayor pro tem, served two terms on the Planning and Zoning Commission, graduate of the Kyle Leadership Academy, Council Liaison For the Economic Development Committee. I have experience that can make a difference in Kyle's future.

3. Kyle's services and amenities must be funded by economic stability that are created by growing businesses and quality development projects that generate jobs and revenue for the city. I will remain committed to attract healthy businesses.

Bacon:

1. I have extensive budget and management experience. That gives me the ability to prioritize where we spend the money given to us by the citizens of Kyle. I have the ability to understand all sides of an issue and then bring people together for a solution. I will aggressively work to bring new businesses to Kyle that will provide more employment opportunities. I will work with the community to make a long-term plan for Kyle's future.

2. I am committed to do the work. Serving on City Council is more than attending council meetings twice a month. There are committee meetings, budget workshops and planning sessions. It takes time to research agenda items and be prepared to make informed decisions.

3. You have already identified it in the first question. Infrastructure. I want to focus on ensuring a long-term clean, reliable source of water. We need to update our wastewater treatment capacity. We need to improve our road system and develop a better plan to maintain our roads. And for a town of our size, our police department is understaffed. Without these basic services, Kyle will struggle to keep up with growth.

Benninghoff:

1. Proactive strategic planning, listening to Kyle's residents and coordination with other taxing entities, city staff and City Council members are a few ways I will ensure the city grows in a responsible way.

2. I have always had a commitment to public service and work to improve the community where I live. I have served my country in peacetime, conflict and war. I consistently support and participate in city activities. I have worked hard for the citizens of this country. I will demonstrate dedication to the residents of Kyle. Serving as a council member is another way I will serve my community.

3. A current pressing issue for Kyle residents is road infrastructure. Whether or not the road bond passes, I will work toward designating a percentage of the city's budget toward road maintenance. A percentage of the city's roads should be maintained each year. If the roads were on an eight-year rotation, a road would be maintained at least every eight years.

Sinor:

1. Although I would be only one voice of seven on the council, I will do everything I can to be fiscally responsible with the city's money and also recruit the business type that's right for Kyle.

2. After living in Kyle for almost 10 years, this is now our hometown. I am very rooted here being a small-business owner. I am very much in touch with what is most important to our town, our business owners and our citizens, and that is while we continue to grow our tax base by bringing more large business to Kyle, I will also make sure we find the fine balance to where our small-business owners always have a voice. As we grow Kyle should not lose its small-town values and feel.

3. With Kyle looking at its highest tax rate that I am aware of, we must find ways to increase our revenue to offset the tax. We can do this by investigating all avenues from the federal level on down. Also with increased business in Kyle, both large and small, we can help reduce the tax rate by increasing our sale tax revenue.