VOTE411 Voter Guide

City Council members are the eyes, ears, and voice of the citizens. Engagement and participation, both formal and informal, are crucial to maintaining a clear sense of citizen concerns. You have to be approachable, you have to talk to people, and you have to listen. As a long time resident of Garden Ridge, now retired from my professional life, I have the time, interest, and ability to engage and participate.

I was privileged to hold many leadership positions in my military career, and the first and most important lesson from those experiences was the critical need for consensus for broad decisions. Nothing important can be accomplished without buy-in from a strong majority of a community. To earn that buy-in and build needed consensus requires effective engagement and communication, especially with those who are skeptical or initially opposed to a prospective course of action. Skeptics are not "the enemy." Their voices are often very important as they may point out planning flaws or oversights not previously recognized.

The San Antonio area is booming. Rapid growth means opportunity, but also potential for short sighted and poor decision making. I support prospective businesses that complement the character of Garden Ridge, appeal to a majority of our citizens, and contribute to our city's tax base. We have infrastructure needs that require attention (roads & water system) and if we don't properly manage those assets, we risk bigger challenges in the future. Garden Ridge sits next to an active quarry site that is busy meeting the growth needs of central Texas. Truck traffic, dust, and blast effects concern us all. Effective engagement with quarry management is crucial to mitigate these aggravations.

Ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply is one of the City Council’s most critical responsibilities. I will continue working with city staff and regional partners to strengthen infrastructure, secure backup sources, and plan for long-term needs. This includes maintaining system reliability, protecting water quality, and preparing for future growth and drought conditions. My experience on City Council and as former Chair of the Water Commission provides a strong foundation to support practical, data-driven decisions that protect this essential resource.

City leadership requires listening to all perspectives and focusing on facts, not personalities. I approach collaboration by encouraging open discussion, asking questions, and identifying common ground. It is important that all voices are heard, even when opinions differ. My experience working with diverse groups on council, commissions, and in my professional career has taught me that respectful, constructive dialogue combined with thoughtful analysis lead to better decisions. This approach helps ensure city policies reflect the needs and interests of the entire community.

As Garden Ridge grows, we must prioritize protecting our water resources, maintaining infrastructure, and preserving the character of our community. Growth should be thoughtful and aligned with our master plans, ensuring development enhances—not detracts from—quality of life. I support responsible planning that balances economic opportunity with the expectations of residents, while maintaining high standards for development. Careful planning today will help ensure the city remains a desirable place to live while meeting future needs in a sustainable way.