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City of Hays, City Council, Place 3

The City of Hays is governed by a Mayor and five City Council members. The Mayor and Council Members are elected At-Large. City Council Places 1, 4 and 5 have terms expiring in odd years and Places 2 and 3 have terms expiring in even years.

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  • Candidate picture

    Tony Valdez
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Kat Maerz
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What education, training and experience qualify you for this position?

What would be your top priorities if elected to this position?

What should be the City’s role (if any) when faced with immigration enforcement actions?

What are your proposed strategies to manage water supply with increasing population and proposals for high-usage industrial development in the face of ongoing drought?

Can you suggest guidelines that will ensure that residents testifying at public input sessions at City Council meetings will be respected as partners in city deliberations and decisions?

Candidate has not responded at time of publication
Candidate has not responded at time of publication
Candidate has not responded at time of publication
Candidate has not responded at time of publication
Candidate has not responded at time of publication
Campaign Website http://www.katmaerz.com
My qualifications for City Council come from a combination of professional leadership, real-world problem-solving, and lived community experience. With more than 25 years in Information Technology, I have led teams, managed complex projects, overseen budgets, and made decisions that balance innovation with accountability — skills that directly translate to responsible public service. My background in foster and adoptive parenting has strengthened my ability to listen with empathy, advocate for diverse needs, and navigate challenging situations with patience and collaboration. In addition to my professional experience, I have completed advanced leadership development training that focuses on communication, transparency, and ethics.
My top priorities focus on strengthening the community and restoring trust in local government. I believe in making neighbors neighborly again by encouraging connection, respectful dialogue, and shared responsibility for our city’s future. I am committed to serving on a council that respects and adheres to its city code, because consistent leadership builds public confidence. Fairness also matters — rules must apply equally to all residents without favoritism, and decisions must align with state law. My goal is simple: transparent leadership, accountability, and a city where every resident feels respected and heard.
The City’s role should be to focus on local safety, lawful governance, and community stability while respecting state and federal law. Immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility, but our city must ensure that all residents feel safe reporting crimes, accessing services, and engaging with local government. I believe the council should prioritize clear communication, cooperation within legal boundaries, and policies that balance public safety with respect for due process and human dignity. Our responsibility is to lead calmly, follow the law, and keep the community informed and supported during any enforcement actions.
Managing water responsibly requires proactive planning, conservation, and accountability as our city grows. I support prioritizing long-term water security by investing in infrastructure maintenance, reducing system loss, and expanding water reuse and conservation programs for residents and businesses. New high-usage industrial development should align with sustainable water capacity, including impact reviews, clear usage limits, and drought-response requirements. Growth must be balanced with responsible resource management, ensuring that future development does not outpace our water supply. My focus is on transparent planning, regional collaboration, and policies that protect both economic opportunity and our long-term water sustainability
Residents who participate in public input should be treated as valued partners while meetings remain respectful and productive. I support clear, consistently enforced time limits so every voice has an equal opportunity to be heard. Speakers should receive a brief overview of expectations before testimony begins, including civility standards and procedures for follow-up. Council members should practice active listening, avoid interruptions, and acknowledge concerns even when disagreements exist. A fair speaker rotation, visible timers, and consistent enforcement of rules will help prevent meetings from being dominated by a few voices while maintaining transparency, respect, and order.