Michael Tobias – District 6 Kyle City Council Candidate, November 2021

What can be done to ensure builders are paying their fair share so the infrastructure is done right when they build in Kyle?

Making sure developers have an understanding of our needs, road and traffic patterns thru out the city. Work closely with our City Economic and Engineering departments to get updates on any projects from builders. 

There are several large commercial, retail and residential development projects currently under construction in Kyle. Do you have any concerns about them or how well our current infrastructure can support them?

Great question. Yes, the city has ongoing projects and the issue of infrastructure comes up most often. This last budget for the city address the need for $7.5 million to help pay for capital improvement projects. Though my concerns address the need for road repair and reconstruction on most major road ways east of Kyle and other areas, the traffic flow, speed and large amounts of vehicles on our roadways pose an even greater public safety issue. 

What are your thoughts about Kyle's affordable housing situation? If more is needed, how would you provide for it?

I would like to see what options are available for residents and take hard look at what they are needing. Is it larger lots? Near schools? Better sidewalks and accessibility for persons needing ADA? Working with new home builders on finding those options at affordable pricing and an understanding of those needs for our future residents. 

Law enforcement is one of the largest expenses in the city’s budget. What are your thoughts about the size of Kyle's police force and if they are being deployed adequately and appropriately?

This past budget, I along with other council members vote to increase the budget to add 4 additional officers. As our population continues to grow the need is there for more sworn officers on duty. We are hoping this will increase response time and help with traffic issues around the city. With the new Public Safety Center under construction, we hope this will help with recruiting as well. 

The Kyle police department rarely uses cite and release for non-violent, low-level offenses. Do you support the adoption of a cite and release ordinance to reduce needless jailing?

When it come the cite and release, though it may be a good measure for the officer to use his discretion, the concern would be the statics of those who fail to appear at their court date. I would need more statics, research done before I would be in favor or oppose such action. 

Should Kyle give economic incentives to attract businesses, or is the city’s location on the I-35 corridor and its position as one of the fastest-growing cities incentive enough? Explain.

Kyle is a growing city that is attracting a variety of businesses and companies to our area. The city would need a full business plan for each of these companies and see if they fit the wants and needs of our resident. The incentives that the city would provide is the job skills, labor force and resources from the consumer buying for these companies to succeed.

What should the city council do to support local businesses?

Yes. Strongly support local businesses.

How well is Kyle planning for the future? What improvements would you suggest?

City is doing very well planning for the future and making positive steps for that. Following the city's comprehension plan and making sure we utilize as much of our city departments to stay on the right track. 

What are you willing to do to maintain an open dialog with your constituents?

To be more available by any means of communication, in person, phone or email.