Todd Webster defeated Bradley Pickett in Kyle's mayoral election May 31. Webster received 69.16 percent to best Pickett's 30.84 percent in the runoff election. Webster received 493 early votes and 146 election day votes, for a total of 639. Pickett received 203 early votes and 82 election day votes for a total of 285. Webster said he is eager to get to work. First, he said he plans to educate himself "at a high detail level" on the issues facing the city. At the top of his list is an issue with which Webster said he is familiar. Drainage and transportation issues drew him to serve on the City Council from 2002–07, and he said he began seeing the same issues ahead of this year's election. "What drew me in is that we're not anywhere near where we were in 2002, but it just seemed like there was some sliding," Webster said. "It just seemed obvious to me that we're sliding. That's what drew me in. City Council has the same concerns, and staff has the same concerns." Last May, voters approved a $36-million road bond to address five of the city's most traveled and dilapidated streets. Webster said similar bonds to address improvements to water and other areas of infrastructure are welcome signs that the city is responding to infrastructure needs. The next step, he said, is focusing on economic development. Webster said he believes the city is in need of large-scale manufacturers to create jobs and ease the property tax burden many residents are faced with. The city's property tax rate is $0.5483 per $100 of home valuation, about one penny higher than San Marcos' rate and a quarter higher than Buda's rate. Webster said he is hoping to alleviate that burden by attracting employers to the city. Outgoing Mayor Lucy Johnson, who has held the mayor's seat since 2010, said she will help Webster in the transition and hopes he will be able to fill her positions on regional boards such as the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency, the Capital Area Council of Governments and the Capital Area Regional Transportation Planning Organization. Webster said he in unfazed by looming debt and infrastructure issues. The bonds issued to pay for water and roads were essential because they address core functions of the city government, he said. Webster said he believes the city is well-positioned to begin attracting major employers. "It's really important that we start talking positively about the community," Webster said. "There's a good story to tell. There are a lot of good people here." Webster will be sworn in at a special City Council meeting June 10.