Local · Trusted · Free
The Morning Impact — your neighborhood's most important stories, delivered every morning.
The city of Schertz will have a special election Dec. 14 to elect a council member for Place 4, following the resignation of Tiffany Gibson in September.
What you need to know
According to the city website, five candidates will be on the ballot: Benjamin Guerrero, Tyrone Taylor, Timothy Dusek, Heather Stamper and Paula Del Toro.
The election will be held by Guadalupe County, and the candidate with the most votes will finish out the remainder of Gibson’s term ending in November 2026.
Early voting for the election will begin Dec. 2. Learn more about each candidate below.
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.
Why are you running for City Council?
First and foremost, I believe in service, whether that is to my city, church, or community and professional organizations. I want to make a difference in the city of Schertz, and I want the residents to feel they have a representative who truly understands and listens to them.
What are the biggest challenges Schertz is facing?
Keeping city services on pace with growth; and, ensuring that citizens feel their voices are heard, particularly on issues affecting their neighborhoods and businesses.
How do you plan addressing those challenges?
I will be steadfast in representing and voting the will of the residents of Schertz, not out-of-town or special interests. I will promote smart growth strategies that do not negatively affect the integrity, history, and culture of the community and its neighborhoods
What would be your priorities if elected?
Being the people's voice, and ensuring the residents feel they are represented. Improved police protection, streets and roads, and parks and trails, particularly in the developing areas of Schertz. Our homeowners and families deserve tax relief, and I will strongly advocate for a homestead exemption.
Why are you running for City Council?
Having been appointed to the Charter Review Committee, I want to improve the public services for the residents of Schertz by furnishing our first responders (law enforcement, firefighters, EMS) with the most effective equipment and training resulting in quality service
What are the biggest challenges Schertz is facing?
From talking with over 50 residents of Schertz, the biggest challenges the majority experience daily are traffic and needed maintenance of roads/infrastructure throughout the city.
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
First, needs to widen numerous two-lane streets which have an enormous amount of daily traffic. Second, the city must expand due to the increase of people moving into Schertz. Last, the city needs to choose the most effective construction company to complete quality work in the least amount of time.
What would be your priorities if elected?
My top priorities would be the effectiveness of our first responders (law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel) to ensure quality service, and a monetary increase in our infrastructure budget to complete critical maintenance on our roads.
Why are you running for City Council?
Schertz is home and I deeply value our close-knit community. So, when I see the character and charm of home degrading, I’m motivated to be part of the solution. I want to work alongside others to preserve what makes our city special while planning for a bright future.
What are the biggest challenges Schertz is facing?
Schertz is growing quickly, which means needing upgrades to infrastructure (roads, utilities, communication networks) and schools. Water security is a concern with rising demand and limited resources. And keeping things affordable, especially housing and essential services, is key to maintaining a good quality of life for residents.
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
I’d like to proactively engage residents in long-term planning for their neighborhoods. Plus, seek smart urban planning solutions for revitalization, including historic preservation and adaptive reuse. With my experience in process improvement and collaborative strategic development, I will work with council and partners to drive solutions and tackle challenges together.
What would be your priorities if elected?
Roads and traffic—because this is the top pain point for residents; engage with residents to create strategy for development, ensure fiscal responsibility and determine quality of life improvements; Resolve stalled developments; upgrade utilities and help households with knowledge and resources for emergency preparedness
Why are you running for City Council?
I am running for City Council because I want to ensure that Schertz remains a place where residents can thrive, feel valued and have access to opportunities that help them succeed. I aim to advocate for residents’ needs, preserve the city’s unique character and plan for a bright future.
What are the biggest challenges Schertz is facing?
Schertz faces rapid growth, increasing infrastructure demands and the challenge of preserving its unique character. Ensuring youth programs, senior support and fully funded and staffed first responders remain priorities will be crucial to maintaining a thriving, safe and engaged community. Balancing development with those needs will shape Schertz’s future.
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
First and foremost—I will be a staunch advocate for the full funding and staffing of our police, fire and first responders to keep our beautiful city safe. I will also advocate for the expansion of recreational programs for youth and seniors, ensuring that every resident has opportunities to engage ...
What would be your top priorities if elected?
My priorities include strengthening the first responder support, enhancing youth and senior programs and working with any colleagues on council to manage growth in our municipality responsibly. I’ll focus on creating opportunities for community engagement, improving infrastructure and preserving the character of Schertz while ensuring it remains a safe and ...
Why are you running for City Council?
Schertz is my home. I want to be a part of the team to keep our hometown as the premier city it is while maintaining affordability for our taxpayers.
What are the biggest challenges Schertz is facing?
Growth balanced with managing the city budget to meet unfunded obligations required by the state. Additionally, ensuring our first responders are compensated and receive the best training available.
How do you plan on addressing those challenges?
I will focus on our city’s infrastructure, to include roads, along with ensuring our planning and zoning process is non-adversarial. This also requires our Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Unified Development Codes to be current and help attract opportunities for responsible growth.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
I will support opportunities for property tax relief along with ensuring our road infrastructure has a solid improvement plan. Responsible economic development of commercial opportunities, integrated responsibly, will help increase tax revenue and offset the burden from taxpayers. Additionally, ensure our first responders have resources needed, including our K-9 officer.
