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?
Absolutely! Kyle is growing so fast that we are not keeping up as a community. This includes roads, family amenities, and parks, and even our stores are packed! We really need to re-evaluate what city of Kyle 10-year goals are and see if we are on track on meeting them.
What can be done to ensure builders are paying their fair share so the infrastructure is done right when they build in Kyle?
There has been way too many tax breaks given to builders which leads to missed opportunities for the current residents. We need to tax them appropriately and make "better deals" that help Kyle increase in value and improve quality of life.
What are your thoughts about Kyle's affordability as a place to live? How would work to ensure Kyle is an affordable city going forward?
Kyle has definitely increased in value. Our home alone has tripled since we bought it 9 years ago. This is good and bad. Good in the sense that Kyle is increasing in value. Bad in the sense that we are pushing out diversity. Lower-income families can no longer afford to live in Kyle so they are selling and moving. It is important to have a balance and make sure Kyle continues to be rich in diversity.
Law enforcement is one of the largest expenses in the city’s budget. What are your thoughts about Kyle's police force and if they are being deployed adequately and appropriately?
Kyle is known as a safe place (neighborhoodscout.com shows that Kyle is safer than Buda or San Marcos) to live and where families feel comfortable raising their kids. The big reason is because of all the protection we have from our hard-working officers. I love that Kyle is also looking into providing mental health care and different methods to make sure the residents are taken care of and feel safe.
Drought has been on residents’ minds this year. How should Kyle address the city's immediate and long-term water and wastewater needs?
Truthfully, the only way I know that there is a drought is due to the signs that go up around to tell people to be consciouses of water usage. Once I see that we usually adapt to the conservation and make sure we aren't wasting water. So, the short answer, keep putting up signs and notifications for the residents to be aware. For the long term, we need to do a better job in educating our children about conservation and renewable/nonrenewable resources. Providing programs through the library to educate would be a great investment for our city.
How well is Kyle planning for the future? What improvements would you suggest?
We are moving a bit too fast. I think we need to slow down a bit and make sure we have enough space and resources to provide a place where residents are happy and well taken care of. I would recommend reevaluating our goals and stick to a plan that will keep Kyle family focused.
What should the city council do to support local businesses?
Kyle can advertise the local business and allow the business opportunities to share their business. I love that we have market days. Local small businesses come out and show off their products, giving our residents a chance to learn more about them.
What are your views on Kyle's roads and your position on the Kyle road bond proposition that will be on the ballot this November?
Our roads are extremely dense right now and with all the neighborhoods continuing to go up, we need the expansions and additions. However, I believe that we missed our opportunity to involve the developers and businesses to provide the residents with the growth. Therefore, the residents have to pay for it now :/
Selecting a city manager is one of the most important decisions a city council can make. What characteristics do you want the next Kyle City Manager to possess and demonstrate in this important role?
The City Manager should be trustworthy, want the best for the city, respectful, ethical, and having good approachable character and the utmost integrity.
What are you willing to do to maintain an open dialog with your constituents?
I would love to provide a place for residents to share their concerns and meet with me to express them. We have great technology that can connect us as well.
Kyle Road Bond Proposition
Proposition A, which totals $294.4 million, provides funding for critical transportation projects that will decrease congestion and improve overall safety and mobility in Kyle.
There are 8 roadway projects across Kyle totaling 10.3 total miles of new location, reconstruction, and widening projects to improve the City’s transportation network.
These projects will provide additional capacity to support current and future traffic, strengthen connections between the east and west sides of Kyle, and construct key segments of the Vybe trail system.
WHERE ARE THESE PROJECTS?
See the map below to look at the potential projects and where they are in the City.
Scroll through the project pages to learn more about each project on the ballot this fall.
Name
Marina Tupikov
How can voters contact you?
Describe your educational background
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My name is Marina Tupikov. I have been a resident of Kyle for over 8 years. This is my home. My community. My happy place. I have a husband who is a small business owner and a 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter who is our pride and joy. I attended Regis University, where I graduated with multiple degrees in science & math. After I graduated, I researched & developed various medications to provide individuals with autoimmune diseases with medications for relief and a better quality of life. After many years of working in the science field, I wanted to inspire our future generations to explore S.T.E.M subjects so I got certified and became an elementary school teacher. I worked at Blanco Vista Elementary School and really found my passion in teaching science. Recently, I moved to the curriculum and instruction team at HaysCISD and now support all elementary school teachers with all things science! I love visiting each campus and seeing our brilliant students thrive.
Describe your relevant employment background
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I am the science coordinator for HaysCISD
Describe your leadership experience background
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I have worn many hats in my life from working as a manager of Taco Bell at age 15 to Lead in a pharmaceutical company to teacher to science coordinator. In each season of my life, I have had the opportunity to grow in my position and lead a team of individuals to make sure they are taken care of and the team is cared for. That is where I learned valuable skills sure as:
1. With my training in math and having an analytical mind, I love looking at data, budgets and making decisions based on facts. Read charts, tables and graphs at a large level to make smart and effective decisions for the wellbeing and benefit of the community.
2. Communication- Being able to communicate and listen to community members and communicating it to the appropriate personnel. I believe in professional transparency. That means, being open about what is going on and communicating appropriate information quickly and clearly.
3. Coordinating events and festivals- being involved in a local community church, I have had the opportunity to organize and run events for the community. Knowing all the components of creating and effectively running an event will benefit the city by having someone look out for the details and how to improve social occasions.
4. Teamwork- I have worked in many different types of teams. Working with all different types of people, I have learned the importance of collaboratively working together to achieve a common goal for the success of the city.
5. Leadership- I have had many opportunities in my careers where I had to lead individuals to help the company/individuals grow and succeed. With that experience, I have learned the importance of motivating, advocating, problem solving and navigating personal to well-rounded success.
Describe your community involvement in Kyle
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Attend community events, board meetings, involved in school district, visit library with daughter, etc.
Tupikov is running for election to the Place 1 seat on the Kyle City Council. This is an at-large council seat, meaning that any registered voter in the City of Kyle can vote in this election.
The Kyle City Council is composed of a Mayor elected at-large by the people for a three-year term and six Council Members, three elected at-large and one from each of the three districts, for staggered three-year terms.
Click on the image below to see an interactive map of the Early Voting locations in Hays County. Registered voters can vote at any location.
Click on the image below to see an interactive map of the Election Day voting locations in Hays County. Registered voters in Hays County can vote at any vote location on Election Day.
