Election Roundup: Ruge gets new term; Arabie to fill vacant seat

Buda's citywide election is two months away, but it is already known that Mayor Todd Ruge will continue to hold his seat for another three years.

Ruge is running unopposed in Buda's mayoral election while incumbents Bobby Lane and Eileen Altmiller will face competition from Buda restaurateur Greg Henry and engineer Evan Ture, respectively.

"Obviously, I'm pleased to be able to continue serving the citizens of Buda," said Ruge, who was elected in December 2012 after former Mayor Sarah Mangham resigned. "It's exciting. Buda is a good place to be. We have a really competent council, and the staff just really makes my job very easy. I really love doing it."

He said his goals in his first full term include involving the public in the critical decisions the city is facing in the midst of unprecedented growth. Additionally, keeping taxes low, fostering responsible growth and improving public safety will remain priorities, he said.

Kyle voters, meanwhile, have decided Planning and Zoning Commissioner Shane Arabie will assume Kyle City Council's vacant District 3 position.

According to unofficial results from the Aug. 30 election, Arabie garnered 337 total votes, or 73.3 percent, while his opponent Laurie Luttrell received 123 votes, or 26.7 percent. The votes are slated to be canvassed at a Sept. 2 meeting.

Arabie and Luttrell were in a runoff after both gained more votes than Bill Sinor on Aug. 9. Neither received more than 50 percent of the votes in the initial election, though.

Buda's election will take place on Nov. 4. The city's $55 million bond proposal that would fund infrastructural improvements, such as a new city hall and public library as well as a public safety facility, is also on the ballot.