In 2023, the city council approved new city council districts, transitioning from seven single-member districts to four single-member districts and three at-large seats.
District 4 has two candidates on the ballot, composed of incumbent Katie Cunningham and Teresa Derksen.
Learn more about each candidate ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Residents have until Oct. 7 to register to vote, and early voting starts Oct. 21.
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided in 50 words or fewer and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Katie Cunningham
Experience:
current city council member; 10-plus years of city committee experience
Occupation:
contract management
Candidate Website:
https://www.katie4cibolo.com
Why are you running for city council?
Cibolo is more than just where I live, it is home. My goals for Cibolo are the same whether I’m a council member or citizen: be involved, lead by example and do the work to make Cibolo better for everyone. I am running for re-election to continue to use my knowledge…
What are the biggest challenges Cibolo is facing?
Cibolo is a great city and has the potential to be even better. There are many things that I would prioritize if re-elected, but the most pressing issues facing the city are funding and infrastructure. We need to focus on increasing sales tax revenue to take the burden off of…
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
We have tools and resources we should be using to guide our decision making. We need to ensure that these documents are reviewed often and updated to keep up with the needs of the city. We successfully updated our comprehensive plan this year, and the next steps are to review…
What would be your top priorities if elected?
My priorities are simple: increase sales tax revenue through economic development to take the burden off of property owners, ensure our city-maintained roads are safe and drivable, update our UDC to provide clear, realistic rules for building, zoning and subdivision regulations that align with the comprehensive plan and continue to…
Teresa Derksen
Occupation:
retired United States Air Force Veteran
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3484378055027229&set=a.151155641682837
Why are you running for city council?
I'm running to defend those who can't fend for themselves.
What are the biggest challenges Cibolo is facing?
Diversity. Diversity in school curriculum is a must so that they understand all people's history is important. To erase the Black, Mexican, Asian, LGBTQIA+ and Indigenous people is discrimination and a disgrace towards them.
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
By challenging and eliminating the laws that Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, Ted Cruz and Dan Patrick have passed against the people of Color. (SB 4)
What will be your top priorities if elected?
Making sure that our children are safe in every school located in Cibolo. Texas is leading in mass shootings and needs gun reform now.
