District 2 Councilwoman Becky Selbera faces opposition from Jaime Sanchez in an election that could bring wholesale changes on the dais. Early voting for this race and others in the city of Kyle and San Marcos CISD takes place April 28–May 6. Election day is May 10. For more information about voting times and locations, look for the election guide in the next issue of Community Impact Newspaper, out on April 17.
How would bringing a Lone Star Rail station to Kyle help or hurt the city?
Selbera: Lone Star Rail can help by taking citizens that commute to either Austin or to San Antonio, or it can hurt the city if we do not plan this carefully. We need to make sure that we get the public involved. Therefore, I would like to send a survey out to the citizens and ask the citizens of Kyle "Are you for or against LSR?" If the majority of citizens say "yes," then I would work closely with staff, LSR and with the citizens so that we plan LSR carefully and thoroughly.
Sanchez: A rail station in our city provides the opportunity for growth and economic development. It will allow families to live in the second-best place to live in Texas and work in other cities that might have better pay. The council must ensure that a decision to approve the rail must be prosperous and favorable for our city. While the potential exists for great advancement, no one can predict the future. Thus, a more analytical approach must be taken to analyze this issue.
Why should voters choose you?
Selbera: I am experienced. There is a lot more that I want to accomplish in public safety, community development, growing Kyle's south side both east and west, keeping our water and wastewater rates low and keeping our transportation system efficient and effective. Let's keep working together to build strong neighborhoods, support small and big businesses, continue to help grow a healthy economy and protect our environment, citizens, and Kyle that we so proudly call home!
Sanchez: I am more qualified, and I have a vision to move this city forward and compete with our adjacent cities. I did more in the two years I was elected than my opponent has done in her 12 years served. This is simple; count the resolutions she has proposed in the betterment of our city in her 12 years served. Minimal, at best, is the word to define and characterize her lack of proactive-ness. While her interest is self-governing, my interest is for our city and citizens. As a native of this community, my goal is and will be for the betterment of our city.
What is the most pressing issue facing your district?
Selbera: Community development in the south part of District 2. Cities grow or shrink based on their success in attracting investments—investments that bring residential, commercial and industrial development projects to their city. When small and large business investors decide to site their projects in Kyle, city officials and leaders must be willing to assume responsibility for involving the community in the planning and decision-making process. Without community involvement, there is greater risk that projects will not be welcomed by the affected neighborhood but will instead be derailed by misunderstandings and lengthy disputes between developers and neighborhood groups and residents. Without community involvement, the success of any development project is in jeopardy. During my tenure on the City Council, the number, quality and diversity of businesses in Kyle have improved. I always promote community engagement to ensure everyone has a voice when decisions are made. It is a cornerstone of my work—for example, our City Council's request to have a public workshop on changes this year suggested by the Long Range Planning Committee and the Planning and Zoning Commission in order to get the maximum community input and ideas before making the final decision by the City Council.
Sanchez: The minority voting community has sponsored candidates who served their purpose instead of sponsoring candidates who serve the best interest of our city. The answer to this question is a "train wreck." The decisions of previous and some existing council members have put our city in a path of destruction. Previous and existing council members approved to give away the farm with developments on the hospital, H-E-B and the Target development. They also approved to pay for 100 percent of the bill to construct highway projects instead of going through the funding mechanism provided by TxDOT and CAMPO. What is the result? A "train wreck." The current tax rate for Buda is 20 cents and the city of San Marcos is mid 50s, but the city of Kyle has a projected tax increase of 20 cents on-the-dollar and no tax influx from the Lone Star Rail for 50 years. The city has also done zero for water, wastewater, drainage and roadway infrastructure. The wastewater plant is 70 percent over capacity, violating TCEQ rules and regulations. The south cannot be developed because there are no utility services and the north cannot be developed because of Monarch's lack of good service.
