In 2023, the council approved new City Council districts, transitioning from seven single-member districts to four single-member districts and three at-large seats.
District 5 is one of the newly created at-large seats, meaning all eligible Cibolo residents can vote for this council seat.
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.
Norma Sànchez Stephens
Experience:
gained experience as council member for District 5, mortgage lending experience; BBA in banking and finance
Occupation:
health and wellness
Candidate Website:
https://norma4cibolo.info/
Contact Information:
726-229-5263
Why are you running for city council?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to have served our city and would like to see projects and initiatives begun come to fruition. I would keep resident flourishing in mind while ensuring fiscal responsibility as we continue to navigate these challenging economic times.
What are the biggest challenges Cibolo is facing?
Cibolo faces challenges from abrupt population growth more than doubling since 2020. Recruitment difficulties hinder patrol force expansion, while rising ILA service costs strain tax revenues from new properties added to this year’s tax roll. Additionally, inflation impacts overall sales projections as residents adjust spending, further affecting our general fund.
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
Capital Improvement Projects will focus on road reconstructions and repairs to enhance mobility amid rising traffic. Adjusting Public Safety salaries toward market value will aid retention during recruitment challenges. Collaborating on sustainable growth strategies moving forward, and promote local businesses to strengthen the economy can help alleviate inflationary pressures.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priorities would be to continue to actively engage with residents, maintain fiscal responsibility, and ensure infrastructure improvements for quality of life. I am committed to serving with professionalism, respect, and integrity, ensuring our city government operates transparently and effectively addresses the needs of our community.
Steve Cooper
Experience:
business manager; logistics manager; operations management; budget development and implementation; personnel hiring; training and development
Occupation:
regional sales manager
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564621267445
Contact Information:
210-488-7506
Why are you running for city council?
My focus is to ensure our community has responsible growth and development, cost-saving budgets and securing long-term access to clean water. My experiences in [Planning and Zoning], [Green Valley Special Utility District] and [Canyon Regional Water Authority] have deepened my understanding of our community’s unique strengths and challenges which has inspired me to run for City Council.
What are the biggest challenges Cibolo is facing?
Fiscal responsibility, open communication and sustainable growth
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
Fiscal responsibility: developing and implementing budgets that meet our growth needs while eliminating wasteful spending. Open communication: creating lines of communication to ensure every citizen’s voice is heard at City Council. Sustainable growth: promoting sensible growth and infrastructure development, supporting property owner rights and avert governmental overreach.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities if elected are the same as what I see are the biggest challenges in Cibolo currently, fiscal responsibility, open communication and sustainable growth.
Jenna E. Hicks
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Why are you running for city council?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What are some of the biggest challenges Cibolo is facing?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Christina "Bella Donna" Lichtenberg
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Why are you running for city council?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What are the biggest challenges Cibolo is facing?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
