Economic development was among the running themes April 22, as five candidates in the Kyle city election participated in a forum before the members of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce.

Among the city council seats up for grabs this election cycle are districts 2 and 4, as well as mayor. The District 6 seat, vacant due to Councilman Ray Bryant's resignation, was decided after Tammy Swaton ran unopposed.

Candidates from the District 2 race—incumbent Becky Selbera and her opponent, Jaime Sanchez—did not attend the forum due to scheduling conflicts, said Julie Snyder, chamber CEO.

Many of the candidates present—District 4 incumbent David Wilson and challenger Laurie Luttrell and mayoral candidates James Adkins, Todd Webster and Brad Pickett—expressed needing to invest in infrastructure, such as to meet the city's water and transportation needs but also decreasing the burden on the tax base, saddled with the highest property tax rates in Hays County.

Wilson and Luttrell touted the potential for economic development to lower the city's tax rates and debt.

Luttrell said her experience as a small business owner provides her the experience needed to make important budget decisions that will lessen the burden on taxpayers.

If the city is to attract the business community, it must be business-friendly, said Wilson.

"I think that we have been running on the cheap in economic development," Wilson said, adding that he would support the creation of an economic development corporation, which would need approval from voters.

Diana Blank-Torres heads the city's economic development department, but Wilson said, "One staff person and a citizens' committee, is really not enough."

The mayoral candidates gave their takes on a proposal to bring a Lone Star Rail District station to Kyle.

Adkins said he favored the deal because the city's infrastructure must be improved. Pickett, however, said the proposal ought to go to a vote because having the rail station built would entail millions of dollars the taxpayers would be responsible for. If the numbers work and it is planned well, Webster said the station could be an economic boon.

"I really believe that having a rail station can provide a tremendous opportunity," he said.

Snyder said she was pleased with the turnout and the dialogue the forum inspired.

"I think (our members) learned where our candidates stand on certain issues that are facing Kyle," Snyder said. "I'm very pleased with it. We had over 100 people."

On May 10, Election Night, Kyle residents will learn who was voted in to serve on the next council, which could have as many as four new faces.

Early voting for the city of Kyle as well as the San Marcos CISD and Hays CISD races takes place April 28–May 6.