Mayor Ralph Gutierrez will be running for re-election against two opposing candidates, and three candidates will contest for City Council, Place 2, which was left vacant after Rosemary Scott resigned in February.
Read Q&As with each candidate below. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the question provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates with no Q&A did not return the questionnaire by the deadline. Early voting begins Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 4. Election Day is Nov. 8.
*Incumbent
**Candidate did not adhere to the word limit. Responses over 50 words were cut off.
Ralph Gutierrez*
Experience:
mayor, city of Schertz; chair, NorthEast Partnership; City Council, city of Schertz (3 years); retired, U.S. Federal Courts; retired, U.S. Air Force; Battle of Science, University of Maryland
Occupation:
retired
Candidate Website:
https://ralph4schertz.com/
Contact Information:
210-878-9818
More Information:
Candidate for mayor
Why are you running for office?
Texas, and specifically this region, is the fastest-growing area in our nation. The economic expansion in this region has spark[ed] creative development to accommodate growth. Our city, Schertz, is experiencing an economic development boom and a housing boom.**
If elected, what will be your priorities?
Continue to foster Schertz as a sensational location for companies to invest their capital, thus providing more career opportunities for our community. The most important road is the one you travel; addressing the infrastructure will continue. Clear communication with [the Texas Department of Transportation] is critical to migrate traffic along I-35, FM 1518, FM 1103, and FM 78.**
Robert C. Marks Jr.
Experience:
I was a U.S. Army infantryman and held the position of team and squad leader during my time in the military. I deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Serving in the Army has given me the leadership skills to be able to perform the duties as mayor of Schertz.
Occupation:
retired U.S. Army veteran
Candidate Website:
https://m.facebook.com/Elect-Robert-Marks-Jr-For-Mayor-of-Schertz-102327185942494/
Contact Information:
210-960-5346
More Information:
Candidate for mayor
Why are you running for office?
Schertz has been so great to my family and I. I want to give back to Schertz and be a strong, selfless and respectful leader to the community.
If elected, what will be your priorities?
My main priorities are to reach out to businesses to come to Schertz in order to continue to help our local economy grow and bring more jobs to our area. I essentially want to bring more to our area by taking less from our residents when it comes to taxes that are paid.**
Paul Kendzior
Experience:
no prior government experience
Occupation:
oilfield services product line supervisor
Candidate Website:
https://paul4schertz.com/
Contact Information:
210-304-9690
More Information:
City Council, Place 2 candidate
Why are you running for office?
I love this community and seek to share the voices and ideals of our community as our city grows and changes.
If elected, what will be your priorities?
Responsible spending to ensure we receive value from taxes paid; responsible growth to protect our community health, safety and quality of life; servant leadership, leading by seeking first to understand the needs and wants of our community
Tiffany M. Gibson
Experience:
veteran, business owner, volunteer, mother, wife, community advocate, committed, motivated
Occupation:
finance/insurance professional and local franchise owner
Candidate Website:
www.votetiffanygibson.com/
Contact Information:
210-570-6401
More Information:
City Council, Place 2 candidate
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Schertz City Council Place 2 to serve my community with the same values I served in the US Army. I would like to provide a positive influence on the city by promoting an increase in communication, economic growth and improved policies to encourage businesses to come to our beautiful city.**
If elected, what will be your priorities?
Law enforcement, local businesses [and] responsible growth
Cedric B. Edwards, Sr.
More Information:
Candidate for mayor
Michelle Watson
More Information:
City Council, Place 2 candidate
