Posted 9:30

Unofficial results indicate that Wiley Hopkins and Angela Kennedy have claimed victories in the Nov. 5 Buda city council races.

Place 2 Incumbent Hopkins gained 398 votes, or 72 percent of the final vote. In doing so, he defeated his only challenger in Amy Proctor, over whom he claimed victory in a special election held earlier this year.

Kennedy's 71 percent, or 393 votes, trumped nearest candidate Wayne Proctor's 24 percent, or 134 votes. Also in the race, Lorraine Gerami and Beverly Araki gained 11 and 12 votes, respectively.

Hopkins was elected to the council in March after Mayor Todd Ruge stepped down from that post to pursue the office of the mayor. An Illinois native, Hopkins told Community Impact in a recent interview that putting Buda on a path to sustainable growth was one of the most pressing issues facing the city.

Hopkins said he was very pleased with the turnout and his support.

"I think the voters have spoken very clearly that they don't buy into a lot of the rhetoric you hear in campaigns, and I am looking forward to working with my fellow council members on the dais and addressing the business that needs to be addressed," he said.

Kennedy, an engineer for the Texas Department of State Health Services, has 18 years of water resources engineering experience. She is also a Buda Planning and Zoning commissioner and plans on zeroing in on water infrastructure.

The first-time candidate for public office was thankful for her supporters when reached by phone after the final results were released.

"Something like this doesn't happen without people coming out to vote, and turnout was great," Kennedy said.

Her keen interest in water will inform the initiatives she puts forth on council, she said.

"I definitely want to pursue conservation measures in our development code and encourage conservation for existing residents," Kennedy said.

All results are unofficial until canvassed.