Bear Heiser – District 1 Kyle City Council Candidate, November 2022

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?

It’s unacceptable that our residents and families spend several hours a day dropping off and picking up their kids from our local public schools. Our city must invest in vital infrastructure and multimodal transportation options.

I’m grateful that our current council made a commitment to prioritize critical infrastructure projects throughout our community. This road bond is critical to the growth of our city. Council has worked with key stakeholders and city staff to identify these critical projects and now the voters will have their say. It’s important that we make investments like this to strengthen our city’s infrastructure.

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

The city can require that builders contribute time, money, and energy into much-needed infrastructure projects, and also work to put aside money for down the road when these projects will need upkeep.

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?

With more tax revenue coming into the city, in theory, our property taxes should drop, too.

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?

I think the City of Kyle needs to expand its police force. Kyle PD roughly has half of the number of officers it needs based on our population. Right now, KPD has openings for 18 new officers, but it takes about one year for those officers to take on the full workload of an officer. So I think we need to get ahead of the population growth and hire at a faster rate. 

Drought has been on residents’ minds this year. How should Kyle address the city's immediate and long-term water and wastewater needs?

This is something I will need to look more into as I move forward in my discovery process. 

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

Let's use Public Transportation as the example here: If elected, I will work with County, State and Federal elected and appointed officials to secure funds that address Kyle’s transportation and traffic issues. Our city must invest in vital infrastructure and multimodal transportation options. I’m grateful that our current council made a commitment to prioritize critical infrastructure projects throughout our community. This road bond is critical to the growth of our city. Council has worked with key stakeholders and city staff to identify these critical projects and now the voters will have their say. It’s important that we make investments like this to strengthen our city’s infrastructure.

What should the city council do to support local businesses?

A Chamber of Commerce should work to further the interests of small businesses in its respective city. By definition, that is what a Chamber of Commerce is supposed to do. 

Whether you’re starting a business or operating a business on a daily basis, being a small business owner is really difficult. I know it, my wife knows it and I’m sure that quite a few of you understand the struggles of owning a small business. It can be lonely out there, but that’s where a chamber can help. 

This is where the chamber and city can collaborate to find ways to make life easier on small business owners - and this includes helping to promote new small businesses in the respective city. This is especially relevant right now in Kyle due to an influx of chains moving in. 

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?

I will be voting YES on the Road Bond. This bond will help to reduce traffic in highly congested areas, support future growth in Kyle and provide greater access to our emergency services. I think this is a great first step toward building up our infrastructure for future generations.

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?

Given that the City of Kyle recently dealt with a crisis in the City Manager's office, I think the characteristics for a replacement should be different than under normal circumstances - someone who has a multitude of skills, an exceptional leader and can unite people through difficult times.

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

As elected officials on a local level, we should be encouraging participation. Availability, I believe, is one of the best traits an elected official can have. I will host bi-weekly coffee meet-ups and offer my personal time to help community members and small businesses throughout my term.