Robert Rizo for Kyle Mayor

Robert Rizo

ENDORSEMENT ALERT - KBAD Membership voted overwhelmingly to endorse Robert Rizo in the 2025 Election. 

How can voters contact you?

Campaign Email - RizoRobert@gmail.com
Website - https://robertrizoformayor.com/
Facebook/Social Media - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579183859395
Phone - 512-659-6744

 

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’m Robert Rizo, City Councilmember for District 2 and have been on City Council since 2019.

I’m a 5th-generation Kyle resident, I grew up in the town I love, and it is the only place I will ever call home. I graduated from Hays High School in ‘88 and pursued a liberal arts degree to become a teacher at ACC (go Riverbats!). I ended up going into property management, taught religious studies at St. Anthony’s, and have spent the last 30 years of my life volunteering for this community, whether it be coaching youth sports, serving on PTAs, providing a Thanksgiving meal to our seniors, or serving on the Hays County Food Bank. I love this city dearly, and I want to make it a better place each and every day. The best feeling in the world is when you’re helping someone.

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?

In my time on Council we have brought forward the master transportation plan. We passed the 2022 road bond, which will bring in seven major road projects to the City Of Kyle, especially in historically underserved East Kyle. We created the Vybe Trail System, which will connect 80 miles of trails throughout the City Of Kyle, where developers pay 75% of the costs. Finally, working with the Commissioners Court, we’re able to bring more road projects to Kyle on the county bond. I’ll continue to make sure that development addresses road infrastructure in and around Kyle.

 

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?

Growing up as a Hispanic kid in Central Texas, I have experienced my fair share of racism, and know how fear and uncertainty can impact people and communities. I truly believe there are hard-working people here just looking for the American Dream. Yes, violent actors will be punished, but we should not penalize hard-working individuals who pay taxes, contribute to our economy, and are only looking to provide a better life for their families. As Mayor, I will ensure we are focused on public safety, but it is not our job to enforce federal immigration enforcement.

 

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?

Water is an issue I am deeply experienced with and passionate about, so pardon me if this gets a bit technical. The ARWA Waterline Connection was established before my tenure on council, but the current council has made sure that it is online and bringing in water. During my time on council, I oversaw the installation of Line A from the ARWA pipeline that brings in 2,400,000 gallons of water a day, and I am currently working with staff to make sure that Lines B &C are installed promptly. Unfortunately, the bill is due, and many will likely see an increase in their water bills for bringing this infrastructure online. Additionally, we were also looking at water storage to make sure we have water for the hot summer months and continue to expand our water capability, as well as options for waste, such as purple pipe endeavors.

 

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?

As the City, we must not implement policies that make it difficult for small businesses to operate or put extra cost on their bottom lines. We need to promote locally owned businesses and make it viable to compete and thrive against chains and corporations.

As the City of Kyle continues to update its infrastructure, this will help revitalize many areas and provide more opportunities for small businesses to spring up. I personally want to reinvest in our historic Downtown Kyle and turn it into somewhere we can celebrate its historical value and build community, complete with local shops, retail, and restaurants.

 

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?

When I was first elected in 2019 council members were making $100 a month, which equaled $50 per meeting. Council members give up vacation time from their day jobs to travel and work on behalf of the city. As a city continues to grow, the leadership of the city has been asked to work more hours and put in more time. This is a big ask, and low pay for Councilmembers only empowers those financially well-off  to serve. I believe the choice should be up to the compensation committee and the taxpayers.

 

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’m really looking forward to the revitalization of our historic downtown and investing in our aging parks. Lake Kensington will soon be an important park for Kyle, and we will continue to improve our aging parks.

As for ongoing projects, the citizens have funded an outdoor sportsplex at around $21 million, $7 million coming from Kyle Parks Bond, $7 million from the County Bond, and the rest possibly coming out of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone of a small area of Kyle. Any other improvements should to go to the voters to decide what’s important for the community.