Miguel Zuniga for Kyle City Council District 3 At Large

Miguel Zuniga

How can voters contact you?

Campaign Email -miguelzunigaforkylecitycouncil@gmail.com
Campaign Website -
Facebook/social media -mzunigadistrict3citycouncilmember
Phone Number -512-787-3619

 

1. In a few sentences, tell us about your background, focusing on your education, professional experience, and leadership roles that prepared you for this position?
I have three years of service on council and extensive experience with city budgets and how city departments operate at all levels.  I have advanced degrees in Organic and Analytical Chemistry that I use as Principal Scientist to make products for biotechnology. My leadership comes from years of community involvement with our residents and many neighborhood groups and organizations as well as volunteer work to help mentor underserved individuals. I am an initiative-taking leader that listens, speaks, and works to represent everyone in our city. I strive to have high standards because I do not want to let anyone down.

 

Instructions: For the next questions, please limit your responses to 100 words each.

2. Many residents are dissatisfied with road conditions, traffic congestion, and limited sidewalks in Kyle. What specific steps would you take to improve mobility without overburdening taxpayers?
As a Council Member I’ve worked with colleagues to adopt a sidewalk master plan to identify critical gaps and repairs needed in our city network. We have increased funding for sidewalks and drainage for older roads in our city. We work with developers to donate right of way and park land for our Vybe trail across our city that will enable multi-modal alternative transportation. The city has a roundabout policy to reduce congestion at major 4-way intersections and improve safety and walkability. We are working on completing major roads from the road bond such as Dacy, Beebee, Stagecoach and more.  Th new roads will provide connectivity as we continue to grow, and we call the bonds when our finance teams are ready so we can manage the cost over several years.

 

3. Many in our city are fearful of the warrantless and extrajudicial removal of Latino members of our community by federal authorities. Where do you stand on the federal government’s deportation agenda?
This is a national issue that is complex due to political, economic, and constitutional factors outside the scope of local city council. As a city official my duty is to stay focused on Kyle roads, security, development, and affordability to support our community and residents. I will work with the policies of our charter and local government to ensure our residents feel safe and continue to move our city forward.  I have no doubt our council will work with local, state, and national policies to ensure we comply with rights, fairness, and due process for every member of our community.

 

4. The cost of water utilities in Kyle are going up and residents are concerned about the long term sustainability of our water. How can the city ensure that we have a secure water supply for the long term future of Kyle?
The city is regional partner with ARWA and this is going to bring more water from the Carrizo Aquifer every year, we are investing in more water storage tanks as seen on FM1626 and there is a water master plan for conservation and additional pump stations and ARWA take points throughout the city. We are investing in reclaimed water from the expansion of treatment plant and looking at storing water underground when we are not using it but still getting it from our contracts with GBRA. In addition, when calculating the amount of LUEs needed from development we phase out the infrastructure to ensure we have enough water resources from the surrounding water providers as well.

 

5. Kyle has seen rapid commercial growth, often dominated by fast food and corporate chain stores. What policies or incentives would you propose to attract and support local businesses, small retailers, and locally owned restaurants, while maintaining the city’s unique character?
We should increase incentives for small businesses that want to open in areas of our city that could benefit from retail and commercial services such as downtown or many areas in the southeast and southwest of Kyle. Small businesses contribute to our local economy and help support our families and schools and help build the character and charm of our community. We should look at training, workshops, partnerships, startup space and all mechanisms available to create a safe economic investment zone for small businesses and entrepreneurs. When individuals are invested in their small businesses they are intricately connected with their local customers and that helps to create a beneficial environment for our community.

 

6. Compensation for Kyle’s mayor and council members has been a regular topic of conversation in Kyle. Should compensation be lower, stay the same, or be higher?
Compensation should stay the same because being on council should be about service and not about compensation. The city charter does not create a full-time position for council members so compensation should be reviewed according to the charter and compensation committee.  I would be in support of eliminating credit card use for council and limiting the amount of individuals with credit cards.  Receipts should be turned in and should follow best practices for reimbursements for approved expenses according to our city policy.

 

7. Kyle has plans for parks, art installations, downtown developments, a sportsplex, and more. What possible City projects are you most (or least) looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to seeing the Senior Community Center, KASZ building, Kyle Animal Adoption Center, and Lake Kensington come to completion.  These are all great projects I am proud to be a part of with rest of our council, city staff, and community. Once these projects are complete, they will provide a lot of fun and enjoyment for our residents and future generations as well as protect our green spaces.  The sportsplex project is something that is still being proposed and I am focused on it being primarily used by residents.  We will start to see more of this project come to life once the trails and outdoor walking areas are built.  There is plenty to be excited about with these projects along with the investment in our older parks throughout our neighborhoods.  I am excited about all these things and have seen the impact and enjoyment they bring to our community.