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All residents in Bastrop, Smithville and McDade are eligible to vote for at-large positions and school bonds in the May 2023 election.
To recap, every Bastrop County city council and two school districts have contested seats in the election. McDade and Bastrop Independent School Districts also have school bonds on the ballot. Information about Elgin races can be found here.
SAMPLE BALLOT: Scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the PDF attachment, which includes ballot items for residents affected by Lexington ISD and Wildwood Municipal Utility District.
Bastrop's mayoral seat is becoming vacant due to term limits, so vying for the position are Lyle Nelson, Elizabeth Northcutt, Dock Jackson and Deborah Jones. Councilmember Kevin Plunkett is seeking re-election for Place 3 against challenger Carrie Caylor. There will be a special election to fill the unexpired term of Place 2 on the Bastrop City Council with Cynthia Sanders Meyer, Gary Moss and Christine Long.
At Bastrop Independent School District, Place 3's incumbent and board president Billy Moore is being challenged by Joseph B. Thompson. Greg Mueller and Priscilla Ruiz are the trustee candidates for Place 4.
In Smithville, Tom Etheredge is the lone incumbent of three term-ending City Council seats seeking re-election and has no opponent for Place 2. Place 1 candidates are Mitchell Jameson and Tyrone Washington, and Jimmy Jenkins and Monica Poss are vying for Place 3.
Elsewhere, Smithville Independent School District incumbents Christ Hinnant and Grant Gutierrez drew no opponents. McDade ISD has no school board terms ending in May.
We sent a survey to each candidate in each contested race for each position on Bastrop County city councils and school boards based on contact information at hand. Responses in this guide were received by our deadline of April 17.
Early voting began April 24, and Election Day is May 6. To confirm your voter registration status, see your sample ballot and learn more about the election, visit http://www.bastropvotes.org.
Photo sources include Bastrop Chamber of Commerce's Bastrop Votes program, campaign pages or candidate submissions.
— School Bonds —
Bastrop ISD
Approximately $321.5 million is about to be stake.
The May 6 election will have that bond amount on the ballot for Bastrop Independent School District. Two new elementary schools, a new police and operations center, and other additions and improvements would be funded by the bond if approved.
“This bond proposal addresses the growth we are all experiencing in our community and represents positive forward momentum," said Superintendent Barry Edwards. "The future is bright in Bastrop ISD, and we look forward to sharing the details of the proposal with our community and educating voters throughout the coming months.”
On Tuesday, Jan. 17, BISD's board of trustees unanimously voted to call for the bond election after recommendations from the district's Citizens Advisory Task Force. Among main points was Bastrop's enrollment projected increased of 3,700 students over the next five years. School officials say the new bond will not include a tax rate increase.
“We are grateful to the task force for their continued commitment to our students and staff and to our board for seeing our vision for this great district,” said Edwards.
The two new elementary schools would serve prekindergarten through fifth grades. BISD also plans to covert the intermediate school into a middle school for grades 6-8. A new police and operations center would house police, maintenance, custodial, and shipping and receivingpersonnel.
Money would also go toward additional classrooms for Colorado River Collegiate Academy and Genesis High School. New two-story academic wings would be added to Bastrop High School, Cedar Creek High School and Mina Elementary School. Aging buildings and infrastructure at other schools would be addressed with general renovations and improvements.
For more information, visit https://www.bisdtx.org/bond2023.
McDade ISD
Three propositions will be up for a vote at McDade Independent School District in the May election. MISD’s board unanimously approved calling for the bond election during the Feb. 16 meeting.
Planned building improvements, land purchases and the school’s septic system are the subjects of the propositions.
“This process has been a community effort over the past 18 months with a bond facility planning committee,” notes MISD’s legal notice signed by Superintendent Heather Stidham. “The committee included citizens, community leaders, board members, teachers, and parents. The committee dedicated several months to data collection, evaluations and planning to put this bond package together.”
According to staff, MISD’s financial advisor determined the three props could be financed with an interest and sinking tax rate increase of 44.86 cents per $100 valuation. To put in perspective,a home valued at $100,000 would have a tax rate increase of $22.43 per month.
The three propositions are as follows:
• Proposition A — construction, renovation and rehabilitation of the district’s septic system and transportation facilities, which alone would be a $0.1272 tax rate increase per $100 valuation;
• Proposition B — construction, renovation and improvements to school buildings, which alone would be a $0.2776 tax rate increase; and
• Proposition C — purchase of land for future school buildings, which alone would be a $0.0438 tax rate increase.
“We are asking every citizen to be educated about the bond. It is important to have your voice heard during this election,” said district staff.
Early voting will be April 24 through May 2. Election Day is May 6.
McDade ISD ordered a bond election last November for the first time in 20 years. The props, which included $25 million in building bonds and a property tax rate increase of $1.026 per $100 valuation, failed to pass in the election.
For more information, contact Stidham at [email protected] or visit https://www.mcdadeisd.com/55624_1.
— Candidate Forums —
Before reading the Elgin Courier's Q&A further down below, you can watch what candidates had to say at recent forums in Bastrop County.
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce's Bastrop Votes program gave candidates in Bastrop's mayor, city council and school board races a chance to speak. The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce had its four candidates speak as well.
We were unable to survey Bastrop's special election candidates for Place 2 on the City Council, so this is your chance to listen to then and others missing in our Candidate Q&A.
Bastrop City Council — Places 2 & 3
Bastrop City Council — Mayor
Bastrop ISD — Places 3 & 4
Smithville City Council — Places 1 & 3
— Bastrop City Council —
MAYOR
Lyle Nelson
What made you want to run for this position?
I am running for mayor to continue the positive work on improving our infrastructure that was begun in 2017 when I first served on the City Council. It is vitally important that we continue to address those matters now to prepare us for the future. We must do so while maintaining the integrity and charm of Bastrop in order that we do not become merely a suburb of the metropolitan area to our west.
Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?
I have 40 years of management experience dealing with multi-million dollar budgets, personnel, capital projects and establishment of policies as well as procedures. That includes four years in Airport Operations for the City of Houston, 25 years as vice president for Operations and Government Affairs at the Brazos Transit District and, currently, in my 14th year as chief of staff at CARTS. I have been elected to two terms on the Bastrop City Council and served four years as the mayor pro tem as well as the council liaison to the Bastrop Planning and Zoning Commission. I am currently a board member of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation. I have served on the CAPCOG Executive Committee, the Capital Area Clean Air Coalition, and the Capital Area Emergency Communication District as well as the Capital Area Regional Transportation Planning Organization. After serving as the first chairman of the Houston/Galveston Regional Coordination Committee for three years, I am currently in my fifth year as chairman of Capital Area Regional Transportation Coordination Committee. On a national level, I served for 12 years as the Texas State Delegate to the Community Transportation Association of America. I am a proud veteran that served as a tank commander with the U.S. Army.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your city?
The biggest challenge our city is facing is managing the growth that is upon us in such a way that is welcoming to positive development while enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. It is vitally important that we maintain and build our infrastructure to meet the demand while complying with the varied State and federal mandates.
What are some changes (if any) you feel need to happen to move forward?
Within the city's D=development codes, we should recognize the difference between small residential/family projects and large developments. Our Planning and Permitting staff should be trained to provide exemplary customer service and managed appropriately. We must utilize the volunteerism with the city for optimum participation in events, boards, commissions and input on issues that face our city.
In the last two years, what are some city council/staff decisions made you have agreed with and/or aspects of the city you feel are going in the right direction?
The hiring of a city manager who is well versed in planning and development is a major positive step forward for the current council. The review of the development codes by the city manager to enhance the customer experience is extremely encouraging.
How do you expect your city to adapt as its population grows? Where do you see your community in five years?
As mayor, I expect to lead our council and city to be responsive to the changing dynamics brought about by not only steady population growth but also meeting any mandates from the state or federal Legislatures. In five years, with a population projected to be approaching 15,000, under the right leadership, I see a vibrant city that is maintaining its integrity and charm while being responsive to and responsible for the quality of life for all of its citizens.
Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?
I believe that my voter appeal is rooted in a positive attitude that panders to no one nor can be bullied. My management approach utilizing collaboration, communication and coordination creates results. My personal work ethic mandates that each matter before the City Council deserves the appropriate study and consideration on how the city is best served. I believe that all policy should be logical, timely and consistent.
Any other information you would like to share with voters?
Early voting begins on April 24 with Election Day on May 6. I would appreciate your support and vote.
Elizabeth Northcutt
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Dock Jackson
I am Dock Jackson, a native Bastropian who has a genuine love of our community. I love Bastrop and want to continue serving all the citizens of its residents as I have for almost three decades. My devotion to volunteer my services to the city of Bastrop comes from a desire to serve and a long family history of serving our community. Although the position of mayor is not a salaried position, it is a full time commitment to serve the citizens. I willingly make that commitment. I am not serving for money but for the love of community and willingness to serve our citizens. Please accept my desire to continue to serve our community. If elected I promise I will not disappoint you as I have worked hard for you in the past and will continue to do so. Please vote for me and give me the opportunity to serve as your mayor. I pledge to be a continuing voice of leadership, experience and action for our residents.
What made you want to run for this position?
As a fifth-generation Bastropian with almost three decades of service on the Bastrop City Council I have always been involved with the Bastrop Community. My various positions go back many years as a citizen, elected official, land owner, tax payer, volunteer, business owner and various other levels of participation. I love my hometown and have dedicated many years of public service which I feel has made our community a better place to live. This year’s Mayoral race is an open seat and I was encouraged by local residents to run. My dedication to public service is a driving force in my life and that drive makes me want to continue to serve the citizens of Bastrop. It is my fervent hope that the citizens allow me to continue to serve them as I have over the years. There is still a desire to contribute to my beloved Bastrop.
Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?
Many years of experience in public service including almost three decades on the Bastrop City Council and additionally ten years of service as Elgin’s first parks and recreation director, ten years of service with Bastrop County including positions in the Bastrop County Judge’s Office, the Bastrop County Clerk’s Office and the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 office. With these municipal and government experiences and the many people I have worked with over the years, I feel that being part of a team has made a difference in the quality of life for our residents. I could not have done the many things that our citizens now enjoy in our city such as the expansion of the public library, creation of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation and the Bastrop Main Street Program, the building of the current city hall and convention center, expansion and promotion of our parks and recreation program, improvements to our water and wastewater facilities, and many other public improvements including helping create greater hotel and motel sales tax revenue through promoting our community. I served on the Texas Municipal League executive board of directors for over 20 years and as state president as well as president of the region. Additionally, I have been involved over the years with BEST (Bastrop+Elgin+Smithville+Texas) which is a county wide organization that unites the cities, school districts, county and chambers of commerce. This is an effort I hope to continue to expand as my goal is to unite our county with many more cooperative efforts which will bring success to our local community. My personal experiences in Bastrop are numerous. I was raised and educated in Bastrop Public Schools. My family has a long history of public service to the community and I have continued that tradition. Whether it be working with community service organizations like Rotary, Lions, Optimists or other similar organizations. Currently I serve as the president with a dedicated group of volunteers on the Kerr Community Center Board of Directors. Together with many residents from throughout the county, we helped organize the first county wide celebration of Juneteenth and established the annual Bastrop County Martin Luther King Holiday Commission and Walk, which rotates throughout the cities of Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville each year. This effort developed into many local organizations providing community service projects and issuing scholarships to seniors in all the high schools in the county. For an extensive list of my experience go to my website, http://www.dockjackson.com or http://www.bastropvotes.com and view my side by side profile with the other candidates.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your city?
The challenges are multiple, including growth, development, expansion, infrastructure and employment. All of these challenges are linked because as we continue to grow and the demand for development cause us to rethink our expansion we must make informed decisions. Our infrastructure and employment challenges are crucial. We as a city need to seriously develop a plan that addresses all of these challenges. With the city manager, city council, city staff, the citizens and other organizations we can work to accomplish this plan and successfully implement it. The city has many other challenges and is currently addressing many of them but I hope to aggressively work with the community to make Bastrop a better city with opportunities for all its citizens to enjoy the great community we have become.
What are some changes (if any) you feel need to happen to move forward?
I think we need to look at revamping our city planning and zoning department to make it easier for citizens to make improvements to their homes and also work with developers to make the process a more user friendly procedure. Housing is needed in our community and we should be working to make this happen. Employment needs to be available for our youth and adult citizens by providing the necessary training and development to prepare them for the job market that we have not been able to successfully create without adequate training.
In the last two years, what are some city council/staff decisions made you have agreed with and/or aspects of the city you feel are going in the right direction?
The development of expanded water and waste water facilities are a big plus for our community as we plan for future growth and development. I was proud to be a part of the council that initiated these procedures. The passing of the Juneteenth holiday is a major move forward by the council in the last year. I initiated the idea previously but met roadblocks from the council and staff. The passing of this as a holiday to coincide with the national and county wide cities’ observance was a step in the right direction to include diversity and inclusion in our community. The Diversity and Inclusion committee is also a much needed decision that was instituted by our council. We are one community and need to come together to make success a part of all the lives of our population.
How do you expect your city to adapt as its population grows? Where do you see your community in five years?
In five years, I see a community that has addressed the many needs of our community due to the population growth and is on its way to being a community that really listens to the citizens as they move forward to help meet the needs of its citizenry.
Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?
I bring almost three decades of experience as an elected official to the table. I have worked as a municipal department head and as a policy maker with budgetary and policy experience. My Texas Municipal League experience helped me to visit with cities throughout the state and learn from their experiences. That experience has been most beneficial to my development as a public servant. As a native Bastropian I have witnessed the many changes that our community has undergone. Actively involved with almost every organization and neighborhood in our city over the years has helped me to learn about the wants and needs of our community. I feel my knowledge of government and the connections I have developed locally, statewide and nationally over the years will help us as a community to benefit from the many funding sources that are available as we strategize and develop a stronger community. I also think that providing a community where development pays for itself and the current citizens are not overtaxed due to the growth and development that is occurring.
Any other information you would like to share with voters?
Please look at my experience, dedication to community and knowledge of our city in making your decision for a new mayor.
Deborah Jones
I have lived in the City of Bastrop for more than 30 years. I moved here after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. Today, I am proud to say that my children and grandchildren also call Bastrop their home.
Like the “Iron Bridge”, our community has always thrived by staying connected.
I will work with the city, county, BISD, as well as local groups and churches to bring the best resources we have together. I am about representing all the citizens of Bastrop, staying focused on what’s best for you.
The biggest challenge is keeping Bastrop authentic as we welcome more and more people to our community. I support the new city manager’s efforts to bring the planning department in line with the needs of our community. Also, my strong understanding of finance allows me to be an asset to the city and council as we set policy addressing preservation, development, maintenance, parks and recreation.
As a professional appraiser, I work in and around Bastrop and see first hand what factors can have an impact on our community. As a former city council member, i believe my professional experience and skill as a communicator are what make me the right choice for your next mayor.
PLACE 3
Kevin Plunkett
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Carrie Caylor
What made you want to run for this position?
First and foremost, I love the Bastrop community. Serving on the Planning and Zoning Board for the last two and a half years has been not just an honor and a privilege, but truly enjoyable. I decided to run for City Council because I served as a planning director and have worked in municipal government. I believe that with all of the growth Bastrop is experiencing and anticipating, it would be beneficial for the citizens to have a representative on City Council who can bring professional planning acumen to the dais.
Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?
You will be hard-pressed to find a candidate with a more diverse professional background. My work ethic was forged (pun intended) in a metal shop and honed while serving in the Director of Development Services for a regional municipality. I am a proud TCU alumna having earned my B.A. in International Relations. After returning to central Texas, I began my professional career working for the East Austin Architecture Firm Stanley Studios. While at Stanley, I worked to forge and fabricate large-scale architectural metalwork and sculptures, some of which were installed at the Capitol, the University of Texas at Austin, and John Gaines Park in the Mueller Development. I left Stanley and took a position with the city of Rollingwood, where I served the community for four and a half years. A year in, I was asked to leverage my experience with the architecture firm and bring the city’s planning department in-house. I worked to create a department that was customer and citizen-driven, with clear processes, and consistent and equitable application of the city’s codes.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your city?
Bastrop is in the midst of a fresh wave of growth. It is important that as this growth occurs, the town does not lose its sense of identity and charm. What I plan to accomplish is advocating for increased services—hospital expansion, infrastructure improvements, increased assistance for groups like the Family Crisis Center which are straining from pressure imposed on us impart from Austin’s growth—while making sure that growth is sustainable, pays for itself so that it doesn’t become a burden on taxpayers down the road, and is done in accordance with the rules that are in place.
What are some changes (if any) you feel need to happen to move forward?
I think Bastrop and prior leadership positioned the city very well in anticipation of the growth that is now upon us. It is the responsibility of this next group of leaders to both leverage and respect the work already undertaken to shepherd forward.
In the last two years, what are some city council/staff decisions made you have agreed with and/or aspects of the city you feel are going in the right direction?
While the building moratorium was a difficult decision to make, it was the right decision to ensure that Bastrop develops in a safe and fiscally sustainable way. It was the right decision to mitigate our neighbors’ risks of flooding.
How do you expect your city to adapt as its population grows? Where do you see your community in five years?
I expect to see Bastrop with even more great local businesses feeding the commercial ecosystem, and improved infrastructure, while still retaining its charm.
Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?
I have the leadership strength and professional background to be the best community steward. I will serve with an eye and a heart toward thoughtful stewardship—stewardship of the land, stewardship of community resources, and stewardship of the people’s tax dollars. I will represent everyone, regardless of race, gender, background, or political views.
Any other information you would like to share with voters?
Vote for me on May 6.
— Bastrop ISD —
PLACE 3
Billy Moore
In the past nine years of serving on the BISD school board, I have shared the successes and challenges that have faced our schools, teachers and students. I believe that the board has helped BISD move through these exceptional times in the right direction to enhance safety, improve academic outcomes and engage the community while showing a commitment to careful oversight of the taxpayers’ money. We are not where we want to be, we can always improve as a district, but I believe we are headed in the right direction with the right tools to deal with the growth issues we face and I would like to continue in my role as a team member of the board of trustees to be part of the process. It has been a great honor to serve on the Bastrop Independent School District board of trustees and I hope to continue to do so.
What made you want to become a school trustee?
I have a strong commitment to public education and the possibilities that it offers and I absolutely believe that the future of this community requires a successful school district. I have been involved in supporting the Bastrop Independent School District for the last 29 years and am constantly impressed by the hard work and dedication of our professional teachers and support staff and even more amazed at the growth and achievements of our student body. The BISD schools provided my sons with a strong foundation of academics that has served them both well and I want to continue to be a constructive community member by volunteering my experience to provide oversight and direction to our district.
Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?
I graduated UT Austin with a double major in English and History and with a permanent Secondary Teacher’s Certification, then later returned for graduate studies earning a Master of Fine arts form the University of Colorado. Thirteen years ago when I left my work in Austin, I immediately became invoiced with the Bastrop Education Foundation working on fund-raising and reading, awarding and evaluating their classroom grants program. As I became more closely involved in visiting the campuses of BISD and visiting with its administrators and teachers, I decided that I wanted to do even more for the district so that when a position was available on the school board, nine years ago, I filed for it and got elected. I have beed re-elected twice and with the growth we are experiencing I want to work to gather the public support to pass a school construction and upgrade bond in the May election. We have come a long way in nine years and we have a significant task ahead to keep up with the local changes that have resulted in a 40% growth in the district in the last 5 years. I want to continue to work with the other trustees focusing on making the best decisions we can for our highest responsibility, our students.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your school district.
The biggest challenge facing our district is preparing for and effectively planning and dealing with the rapid growth of our area population while continuing to work on raising our students’ academic achievements. All the while, keeping an equally strong focus on the safety of our schools, teachers and staff and especially our students.
What are some changes (if any) needed at your school district to go in a positive direction?
We need to rally again our public support to pass the bond prepared by our Citizens Advisory Task Force to enhance and upgrade our existing facilities and construct two additional elementary schools. The two schools that are under construction now as a result of the 2021 bond are due to open in August and they will be opening at full capacity. We need classrooms for our students instruction and learning.
In the last two years, what are some school board decisions you agree with and/or aspects of the school district you feel are going in the right direction?
Every year that I have had the privilege to serve on the BISD board, we have voted for raises for our teachers and staff and we will continue to do so to get to a point where teaching is not a high demand low return occupation. If the State Legislature would fully fund the public school system we could go a lot further down the path to showing our teachers how much they are valued and respected. We have also increased our fund balance and continue to get recognition from TEA on our accuracy and transparency in our financial activities.
How do you expect the school district to adapt as the local population grows? Where do you see your community in five years?
BISD must continue to develop and foster broad community relationships with families, businesses and area service providers such as area daycare facilities, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, Bastrop County Cares, the Early Childhood Coalition. Expanding relationships within the community is a priority to ensure the success of BISD, public education and of our students. In five years, we are projected to have an additional 3,000 students necessitating a continued building and upgrading of campuses to accommodate the growth.
Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?
In the past nine years serving as a BISD trustee, I have received more than 120 hours of training in school board operations with additional training in legislative updates and governance. Serving on the School Safety Committee for the past four years, interacting with all local first responders, has helped focus the work toward our board goal of campus safety and security. Additionally, I have been taking part in school activities, volunteering when needed, serving as a member on campus and district committees, taking part in career days, science fairs, workshops and awarding and evaluating Bastrop Education Foundation grants, while building relationships with teachers staff and administration personnel as well as interacting with the students of our district. As an officer of the BISD board, and serving for the last year as presidents I have had the honor of working with the other trustees and the district leadership and administration in a team directed manner while maintaining focus on arriving at consensus on making the best decisions for the students of BISD.
Any other information you would like to share with voters?
The functions of a school board should be about local control, for local community and district needs, and not about personal agendas, platforms or politics. I believe that the success of BISD as well as its future rely on this concept and way of working. Engaging the public through building community relationships and encouraging volunteer work to bring community members into our campuses will benefit the district as well as inform community members of what is really happening in our district. Engaging the public makes public schools strong and successful.
Joseph B. Thompson
School board elections oftentimes go overlooked and voter turnout is historically low. School board is one of the most important positions impacting our children's future. I encourage each and every one of us to pay more attention to school board elections and let your vote count.
What made you want to become a school trustee?
I decided to run to become a Bastrop ISD school board trustee because after years of advocating and providing educational resources to economically disadvantaged students I felt the only way to really make a difference for them was to effect change on the policies the district was making. I believe the school board is one of the most important elected bodies on the planet making policies within our schools that have an impact on our kids for generations and every student needs to have a voice on that board no matter their demographics or socioeconomic status.
Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?
Since 2013, I have been president and CEO of DJ Bling Foundation, a nonprofit that I founded to provide educational resources to students. Since its creation, our nonprofit has provided over $1 million worth of resources to over 12,000 students in Austin & Bastrop ISDs. Before nonprofit work, I worked in the music industry as a DJ and in artist development helping young artist create successful music careers. I also served in the U.S. Marine Corps on Active Duty for five years with tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your school district?
The biggest challenge facing Bastrop ISD is the rapid growth. Our community is growing rapidly, and we need to build new schools and update existing infrastructure in order to accommodate that growth.
What are some changes (if any) needed at your school district to go in a positive direction?
One of the most pressing changes needed in our district is we need more representation amongst our leadership both on the board and at the campus levels. Currently, our leadership does not reflect what our district or community looks like. To do that, we need to move from an at-large election format to single-member districts so that every community within our district is represented.
In the last two years, what are some school board decisions you agree with and/or aspects of the school district you feel are going in the right direction?
In the last two years, Bastrop ISD passed its first bond in 14 years to add two additional elementary schools which open this fall and upgrade current schools. The district also gave significant stipends to all teachers to increase their salaries for the year.
How do you expect the school district to adapt as the local population grows? Where do you see your community in five years?
As the local population grows, I expect the district to adopt policies that are representative of what our community looks like now and I also expect the district to increase the trust in the community so that we can get bonds passed to build much need schools and repair existing schools. In five years, I expect our district will be almost two times bigger than it is now with a still rapidly growing community but I expect we will be strong academically and socially.
Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?
I ask the voters to choose me because we have had the same leadership for a number of years and it’s time for a new voice on our school board that can speak for all of our students and their needs. I will bring new innovative ideas and fresh outside perspective to the board that we can use to take our district into the future. I believe my experience with economically disadvantaged communities, which makes up 70% of our district, along with my experience in service to the community set me apart from my opponent. We need someone on the board who understands the needs of the students in our district and who can advocate for the educational resources they lack.
Any other information you would like to share with voters?
Academics has declined not only in Bastrop ISD but throughout Bastrop County. While our board focuses on other things as priorities, we have declined to a 28% literacy rating and a 25% math proficiency rating. As a school board trustee, I will always advocate to put academic achievement as our number one priority and increase the academic success of our students.
PLACE 4
Greg Mueller
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Priscilla Ruiz
Priscilla Ruiz is a native Texan born and raised in Midland which is known for friendly West Texas people, oil and gas production, and Friday night lights. She grew up in a Catholic home with two loving parents and four siblings rooted in strong family values. She attended public school and thoroughly enjoyed academics and fine arts. She graduated on an advanced transcript with concurrent college credit which paved the way for a corporate training program. In addition to a corporate career in financial planning, she served as a U.S. Army Reservist for six years. In 2007, a career promotion moved the family to central Texas and after 22 years, she retired. In 2014, the Ruiz family moved to Bastrop where Priscilla accepted the call to serve as the Youth Minister for Ascension Catholic Church. Danny, her husband is faithfully by her side serving youth and families. Hannah, their oldest daughter works with our students at Bastrop Middle School and Shelby is a 2015 Bastrop High School graduate and currently works and lives in College Station. Their three grandchildren, Luke, Bonnie Rose and Lorelai are their pride and joy.
Priscilla’s commitment in serving the whole child is to assist and support how they are being formed academically and through extracurricular activities. Her involvement in the district has been as a substitute teacher, a mentor, an intern community partner, a Citizen’s Advisory Task Force member, and a community leader for the district’s five year strategic planning committee. She was a grant reader in 2019 and will read grants again for the Bastrop Education Foundation this year which she believes has truly helped educators enhance the student learning experience.
The outcome she wishes to see as a future board member is that every child has a chance to realize their personal goals. Therefore, she is equally passionate about community service as a CASA volunteer advocate, Bastrop Pregnancy Resource Center board member, co-creator of teen led Bastrop County Youth Summit, and co-founder of Youth Bridging Networks for Change. Priscilla believes that a thriving community needs confident, active learners and serving youth today, will make servant leaders tomorrow.
Priscilla believes teacher recruitment and retention is of great importance now more than ever. In addition, new schools and expansion and/or renovation of existing campuses are needed as the district faces unprecedented population growth. Our district must hire additional qualified teachers and staff with attractive compensation packages while simultaneously offering pay increases to current teachers and staff. As a member of the citizen task force which worked on the bond package, she agreed with the board’s decision to call the 2021 bond which passed with significant voter support. The school bonds are necessary to add more classroom space, which reduces classroom size and fosters a better learning environment for students and a quality work environment for teachers.
— Smithville City Council —
Place 1
Mitchell Jameson
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Tyrone Washington
What made you want to run for this position?
I decided to run for City Council because I feel like there needs to be a voice for everyone in Smithville, not just the businesses. I also feel like there needs to be more representation for the community. Very seldom, is there anyone representing the average citizen.
Describe your experience – educational, professional or personal – that you bring to this position?
I will be honest, I don’t have a fancy college education. However, I have a lifetime of experience working in and around Smithville. For example, I have worked for Bastrop County Prcinct 2 Road and Bridge for over 20 years, serving the last two as the foreman. I also have served in the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years, having served as a lieutenant, captain and now assistant chief. Not to mention my seven years working for the city of Smithville reading electric/water meters.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your city?
There are many issues facing our community. However, I think the biggest challenge facing our community is growth. With all of the major businesses coming to central Texas, it is inevitable that Smithville will grow. However, we need to make sure that Smithville is growing the right way to ensure that Smithville can maintain that “small town feel” that everyone enjoys, but still provide for the needs of the community.
What are some changes (if any) you feel need to happen to move forward?
I think more outreach needs to be done to include everyone in our community. I know there are many folks that feel their interests are not represented. Anytime the City Council makes a decision, they need to consider how those decisions truly affect those in the community who are outside of the business aspect of the city. I believe having someone of the general population on City Council would create an environment that would allow regular citizens to feel more comfortable attending meetings and events, as well as speaking out about their desires.
In the last two years, what are some city council/staff decisions made you have agreed with and/or aspects of the city you feel are going in the right direction?
I do think that our current and past City Council persons have truly done an outstanding job for our community. They have worked to implement great programs throughout the city. Having listened to the financial reports of the city have proven to be enlightening.
How do you expect your city to adapt as its population grows? Where do you see your community in five years?
I think that the best way to adapt is to consider how towns close by have taken on that task. Weighing the positive and negative effects of the choices that were made can allow the City Council to make better, more informed decisions. Not to mention, consider the needs of the community. The majority of folks want to keep the small town charm, with some of the big city benefits. In five years, I see the community of Smithville growing exponentially because of the draw of our community.
Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?
As I stated before, I am just a regular guy who has spent my whole life in service to the Smithville community. I understand what the majority of the citizens want, as well as, knowing the community in ways that others don’t. I want to give everyone in our community opportunities to be involved in their city government that they did not see before.
Any other information you would like to share with voters?
I just want to share my gratitude for all of those who have showed support and faith in me throughout this process. I am so humbled to have had the privilege of serving the community of Smithville, and I look forward to continuing that service for many years to come.
Place 3
Jimmy Jenkins
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Monica Poss
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