Q&A: Meet your candidates for New Braunfels City Council District 1

What are your top three priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?

I’m committed to enhancing quality of life in New Braunfels by expanding parks and trails, improving roads, and supporting public transportation. I’ll continue strengthening local businesses to drive sustainable prosperity while preserving our city’s unique culture and natural resources. Together, we’ll build a thriving, balanced future for all.

How do you handle different priorities within the community?

I listen to resident feedback, engage with stakeholders and prioritize based on community values and needs, long term impact and available resources. My goal is to balance economic growth, infrastructure and quality of life while ensuring transparency and collaboration in decision-making.

How do you approach collaboration with the other council members and city stakeholders?

I prioritize open communication, respect and shared goals when collaborating with fellow council members and city stakeholders. By fostering transparency and constructive dialogue, I work to build consensus and find solutions that best serve our community’s needs.

How do you plan to involve residents in decision-making processes?

I host district forums to update residents on local projects and initiatives. I encourage community involvement by recruiting citizens for our advisory boards and commissions. Additionally, we utilize digital platforms to gather feedback and keep residents informed.

Based on your experience as a council member so far, what lessons have you learned that you plan to implement if re-elected?

Serving the city has deepened my understanding of the intricacies involved in city management. I recognize how land use ordinances and policies shape our community's physical space and influence resident interactions. If re-elected, I aim to leverage this knowledge to implement policies that foster unity and encourage community engagement among residents.

What are your top three priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?

Reduce taxes, improve streets, improve drainage

How do you handle different priorities within the community?

I base it on urgency and importance focused on tasks that align with district goals and values.

How do you approach collaboration with the other council members and city stakeholders?

I get buy-in by fostering an atmosphere of shared goals and trust.

How do you plan to involve residents in decision-making processes?

As my previous years of City Council experience shows, I started community forums every 4 months and a check-off system once they are completed.

What are your top three priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?

1) Public safety; ensure enough police and fire firefighters to handle the population and the risk. 2) Address budget to ensure money being spent results in a benefit for the citizens and control tax increases to an already financially stressed society. 3) Condition of city should reflect its high cost of living.

How do you handle different priorities within the community?

The priorities of the city should have a positive impact on the citizens of New Braunfels. The priorities should be handled by greatest impact for citizens benefit and that are also attainable and affordable under the current taxation amount.

How do you approach collaboration with the other council members and city stakeholders?

Seek to work with council/stakeholders to identify areas where citizen impact is not a component of the cost realized. Inspect whether it should be a city expenditure and resolve the item through healthy debate regarding what is the goal or what is to be achieved and why through the expenditure.

How do you plan to involve residents in decision-making processes?

Work to improve communication to the citizens and gain more transparency when decisions could impact population (eg; tax increase). Work to have public town halls with citizens to allow open forum. I would encourage a rotation of a couple of council members every other month in person or online.