Local · Trusted · Free
The Morning Impact — your neighborhood's most important stories, delivered every morning.
Learn more about the candidates running for Pflugerville City Council Place 5 ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Melody Ryan and Jim McDonald* have both filed to appear on Pflugerville City Council. Early voting runs Oct. 21-Nov. 1.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
* Indicates an incumbent
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Promoting fiscal responsibility, enhancing community amenities like parks and recreation, fostering a welcoming business environment, and collaborating on smart, strategic growth that benefits residents. My goal is to manage resources efficiently and build a vibrant, thriving community.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
My qualifications include a CPA background, extensive experience on city finance and bond committees, and 17 years of community service in Pflugerville. I am well equipped to address our city’s needs effectively because I bring strong fiscal management skills and a history of strategic planning and collaborative problem solving.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the city, and how will you improve it?
The greatest challenge is balancing growth with fiscal responsibility. I will address this by leveraging my financial expertise to manage resources efficiently, prioritizing projects that meet critical needs and collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable, well planned growth for Pflugerville.
What is something you want Pflugerville residents to know about you?
That I am here to be a strong voice for Pflugerville. I am passionately involved in our community, with my kid’s PFISD schools, my neighborhood and the city. I’m committed to listening to your concerns and working together to make our city a better place for everyone.
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Securing our water future is one of our greatest priorities. I am committed to promoting responsible growth, enhancing our public services and ensuring that Pflugerville remains a vibrant and inclusive community. We need fiscally sustainable solutions that will last into the future, not cheap shortcuts.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
My training in software development provided me decades of experience in seeing the big picture. I constantly play tetris in my head, assimilating new data to continually improve and build the best solution. We need leaders with vision that look at the big picture.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the city, and how will you improve it?
Traffic congestion is one issue I see as our greatest challenge. With the help of citizen input, we are exploring innovative ways to move throughout our city and still maintain a high quality of life. We are the Trail Capital of Texas which reflects my commitment to safe pedestrian travel.
What is something you want Pflugerville residents to know about you?
I am engaged with all facets of our community and am easy to find and have a conversation. Together we can build a stronger and safer community and a vibrant future. I will not speak over you with a bullhorn, but will take the time to understand your perspective.
