Peter Parcher – Kyle Mayoral Candidate, November 2020

Based on the latest developments, is there anything the city can do to protect the safety of its citizens from the proposed Permian Highway Pipeline?

As per the contract that the City of Kyle signed and duly executed with KM, there is precious little that can be done in that respect. Should funding be available, we can build protective mounding along the site of the pipeline but legally there is no remedy to force KM to provide protective or safety measures in our jurisdiction.

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

I have heard it said the Kyle is the Belle of the Ball. Developers must contribute to the infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of the development. The City of Kyle should make it clear that if they would like to develop here, development infrastructure will be at their expense as well as connections to the city systems. Roads must be improved prior to opening the development for occupancy through co-operation with the City.

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

At present, there are 2 affordable housing units in Kyle. These are insufficient. The City itself does not fund these units. Funding is provided through State and Federal programs. In time, as the city's budget increases, this is an area I would like to change. However, as there is ample low income housing programs in our area, it will not be a priority in the immediate future. The City needs to improve it's economic situation before considering delving into this area.

What do you think about the current bond proposition to build a $37 million public safety center for the Kyle Police Department?

I feel $37 million is a large expense right now, however, I am very well aware that KPD's current facilities are extremely inadequate and dilapidated. I will support Prop A.

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?

Through my research, it is apparent to me that KPD is severely understaffed in all respects. Due to this, the deployment of available sworn officers continues to suffer negatively in many respects. As in all professions, understaffing results in many areas not getting needed services in a timely manner and KPD is no exception. KPD is in the position whereby they do the very best they can with the resources they have.

The Kyle police department rarely uses cite and release for non-violent, low-level offenses. Do you support expanding cite and release by broadening the definition of residency to include "working, living or going to school in Hays County"?

I am in favor of cite and release under the terms you have specified. I have had conversations with may residents on this subject, as well as broadening the definition of residency. My personal stance is that we can affect changes only within our jurisdiction and residency would be defined as living within the boundaries of this jurisdiction. That is why I am advocating for more discretionary leeway for officers who are on-scene and can better evaluate what is best in each situation.

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.

In order to attract businesses that residents need and want, some reasonable incentives will be necessary. However, what form these incentives take do not always have to include non-payment of taxes and the like. There are many other incentives that can be offered.

What should the city council do to support local businesses that have experienced losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

At present, the city of Kyle does try to help local businesses with a few limited programs. It is my intention to implement incentives that will help them recover and to start a shop local campaign.

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

At present, I feel Kyle is rushing to build a city that our infrastructure cannot support, which will lead to the eventual collapse of our favored status. Insufficient planning has resulted in over crowding in every facet of our economy. So much so that many residents are leaving our city to purchase their necessities, resulting in a loss of revenue for our businesses and city. It is necessary to immediately address these shortfalls in our business communities and we must start improving our infrastructure while slowing our growth for a short period of time.

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

As I have stated publicly many times, I will institute a series of regular forums and workshops by myself and others regarding city affairs. I will ask council and residents to approve changes to the city website to allow resident feedback. My e-mail and phone will be publicly posted and I will reach out to residents on a continuing bases for their input.

If elected, how will you work to ensure city council operates in a transparent manner?

I will be asking council and residents to support changes in the Rules of Council, City Charter and Ethics Ordinances to ensure full disclosure, clarity, transparency and proper conduct by the council and city staff.