In Universal City, voters will pick their top three candidates, and the three top vote-getters will fill the council seats following the canvassing of votes.
Early voting begins April 22, and election day is May 4. Polling locations in Bexar County can be found here.
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.
Candidates with no response did not answer the questionnaire before press time. Candidates are listed in the order presented on the Bexar County sample ballot.
*Indicates incumbent
Bernard Rubal
Experience:
40-plus years of research and statistics; active council attendance (3 years); active BAMC volunteer
Occupation:
Research physiologist (retired), Brooke Army Medical Center
Candidate Website:
https://rubal4uc.com
Contact Information:
210-659-2508
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
High property taxes! Solution: 1) Fix the budget process: identify true city priorities for basic services and safety first with a property tax rate goal of less than 0.50%. 2) Reallocation of the venue tax. This would infuse approximately $1,800,000 per year into the general fund.
Other than the most important issue above, what are your major areas of concern for the city?
In older neighborhoods, improve infrastructure. Adjacent to [Loop] 1604, there is an uptick in crime. Street safety, particularly speeding, is a common issue. The self-inflicted loss of commercial properties (Pat Booker and 1604) aggravates our landlocked state. The increase in rentals and apartments is changing the fabric of single-family home ownership.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Our city faces unprecedented challenges, and we can no longer afford to rubber-stamp budgets that are not focused on addressing these issues. I support initiatives for property tax relief and stand by my record of citizen presentations for process improvements. I support Mr. [Phil] Vaughan's initiatives and consider him best qualified.
Lori Putt
Experience:
30 years active community leader; 13 years nonprofit president; 8 years board of adjustment/appeals
Occupation:
Retired
Candidate Website:
https://www.loriforuccouncil.com
Contact Information:
210-646-4865
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
Property tax, ordinances, communication: I champion economic growth to alleviate property tax burdens, streamline ordinances for resident satisfaction and aesthetic enhancement, and cultivate a welcoming atmosphere for businesses. I prioritize governmental unity to ensure efficient governance and community prosperity.
Other than the most important issue above, what are your major areas of concern for the city?
With misinformation rampant, I'll strive to communicate accurately and guide residents to the proper departments for issue resolution. I'll review ordinances affecting quality of life and visual appeal, aiming to attract and retain businesses. Together, we can ensure our community thrives with clarity, collaboration and informed decision-making.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
With over 30 years of dedicated community leadership, I've actively volunteered for 14 years, orchestrating events that raised over $350,000 for city parks. Collaborating across departments and businesses, I've cultivated volunteer programs, leaving a lasting impact on community engagement and development initiatives.
Paul Najarian*
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire as of press time.
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire as of press time.
Other than the most important issue above, what are your major areas of concern for the city?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire as of press time.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire as of press time.
Richard Edwards
Experience:
Experienced in practical common sense and doing the right thing because it's the right thing
Occupation:
Inventory control manger, Lone Star Automotive Group
Contact Information:
210-325-2418
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
Our biggest issue is a general absence of true community and civic pride. This election, fewer than 1,500 voters will go to the polls. It’s heartbreaking that so few care to participate. Street to street, we need to establish personal pride in our city and a sense of common purpose.
Other than the most important issue above, what are your major areas of concern for the city?
We have a great city, but there is room for improvement. We should focus more on current homeowners and less on erecting apartments. We should eliminate all waste before raising any taxes. And we need full and true transparency in all city matters, up front and in the open.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I’m not the best candidate; Phil Vaughan is, period. I’m sure Bernie Rubal will also make a very commendable councilman. As for myself, I’m family oriented, hardworking and sensible. My candidacy is my offer to all good residents, to represent your views and values on the council.
Phil Vaughan*
Experience:
20 years preparing and auditing government financial statements
Occupation:
CPA business owner
Candidate Website:
https://phil4uc.com
Contact Information:
210-659-0333 ext. 731
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
Reducing our high property taxes until we are comparable to our neighbor cities.
Other than the most important issue above, what are your major areas of concern for the city?
We should run the golf course as a business and limit the tax dollars that go to it. Our focus should be on fire police and infrastructure (parks, streets and water/sewer). We need a council that represents the people, not the city.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have financial expertise that can help the city improve its fiscal health while minimizing the taxation of our residents. I will support the freedoms of the residents/businesses and will provide checks and balances on the city (not a rubber stamp).
Nick Ferguson
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire as of press time.
More Information:
Candidate for Universal City City Council
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire as of press time.
Other than the most important issue above, what are your major areas of concern for the city?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire as of press time.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire as of press time.
