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Jess Ebee, Joshua Edmond and George M Torres Jr. are seeking votes in the Buda City Council Member At-Large, Position 1 race.
This is a special election to fill an unexpired term after council member Matt Smith announced his resignation at a July 21 meeting. At-large candidates are elected citywide and must reside within the city limits, according to the city website.
What you need to know
Learn key election dates from Hays County.
Oct. 5: Last day to register to vote in time for the Nov. 3 election
Oct. 19: First day of early voting in person
Oct. 23: Application deadline for ballot by mail (received by the Elections office, not postmarked)
Oct. 30: Last day of early voting in person
Nov. 3: Election Day
Nov. 9: Canvass and official results released
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 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.
Candidate did not respond before press time.
Why are you running for this position?
Candidate did not respond before press time.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Candidate did not respond before press time.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Candidate did not respond before press time.
What’s one thing you want voters to know about you?
Candidate did not respond before press time.
Minister; HEART Advisory Group founder; technology, business and community advisor; Buda EDC board member, 2022–2024
Why are you running for this position?
I can make a difference. As a faith leader, I see challenges our community faces beyond infrastructure and growth. As a family, we love this community, and I'm running because it should always be people > politics. I've served on the EDC board, work with local businesses, and understand emerging technology.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are transparency and stewardship.. Every decision has two types of choices, the best value decision and the right decision, which are not always the same. I'm driven by making right decisions, which is the choice that benefits the whole community, making transparency simple to achieve and deliver.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Peace. No matter who I talk to about public safety, surveillance technology, mental health, or data centers, the underlying need is peace. Steady, transparent leadership is necessary. People are worried about their children, our schools, and Buda’s future. I plan to lead with a balance of preservation and progress.
What’s one thing you want voters to know about you?
I want them to know I'm sincere. This is a nonpartisan race, and I will serve all citizens the same.
Local business owner since 2020 and serving as Chamber of Commerce Board member 2022-currently.
Why are you running for this position?
Buda thrives when dedicated City Council members invest their time and energy in building a stronger community. I am running for At-Large Position 1 to build on that progress, bring a local business owner’s perspective, support thoughtful growth after November 3, and proudly represent the voices of all Buda residents.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are managing growth by championing small businesses and ensuring development benefits our community; improving mobility, infrastructure, and neighborhood safety; and preserving Buda’s small-town charm, historic character, and welcoming spirit. I will pursue practical, balanced solutions that keep Buda prosperous, connected, safe, and distinctly Buda.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city?
Buda’s small-town charm, welcoming community, and outstanding quality of life continue to attract new residents. Our greatest challenge is guiding that rapid growth responsibly by ensuring infrastructure and essential services keep pace without losing the character, sense of community, and neighborly spirit that make Buda such a special place to …
What’s one thing you want voters to know about you?
I want voters to know that I will listen carefully to the voices, ideas, and concerns of Buda residents. I will bring those perspectives into every city decision, focus on practical solutions, and serve our entire community with fairness, respect, and independence rather than allowing partisan politics to divide us.
