Candidate Q&A – Michael Tobias – Kyle City Council District 6

Michael Tobias

How can voters contact you? [email protected] or city related [email protected]

• Campaign Email [email protected]
• Campaign Website: None
• Facebook Michael Tobias Kyle City Councilman for District 6 https://bit.ly/3ZydB73
• Phone: 512-784-1729

 

In a few sentences, tell us about your background. Include in your answer information about your education, employment, and leadership experience relevant to this position. 

I am a senior officer at the Travis County Sheriff’s Department with twenty-one years of experience.  In addition, I have studied Public and Social Service - Criminal Justice and Business Administration at Austin Community College.  I have served in various leadership positions, including the following committees:  Kyle Downtown Area, City of Kyle Trails.  I am on the Community/Senior Citizens/Library task forces. I am also the City of Kyle representative on the Hays County Combined Emergency Communications Center Executive Board.

 

For the next questions, please limit your responses to 100 words each

Describe your community involvement in Kyle

I am a voluntary member of the Kiwanis.  I assist with in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Chapa Middle and I was a parent volunteer with Lehman High School Band, helping in the food concessions.

There has been a lot of discussion about council members’ use of city credit cards, how to define city business for which they can be reimbursed and the amount of pay council members receive. How would you address these issues?

I agree there are some concerns with usage of the credit cards issued to council members. City council members need to understand why these cards were originally issued and follow the City of Kyle credit card policy.  Council members must travel out of town to complete continuing education classes, so the credit cards are used for lodging and meals.  Council members must always use their best judgment and always remember we are stewards of the taxpayer.  Also, there is a set policy to determine council pay, which contains provisions for citizen input.   We must follow that policy.

How would you describe the progress to date on the 2022 Kyle Road bond? What’s your favorite aspect of these improvements? Do you see any areas where corrections are needed?

As a long-time resident of Kyle, I was a big supporter of the 2022 Kyle Road Bond.  It will improve streets, right-of-ways and repair infrastructure.  We are making great progress.  In addition, the council has a process to monitor planning and completion, and course corrections as needed.  For example, at council meetings, the road engineering company provides project concepts and progress updates.  We also provide information at open houses, held in various parts of the city, so that citizens can provide input on our plans.

With the adoption of the 2025 city budget, how well do you think your priorities and those of your constituents are being addressed?

My constituent’s priorities are my priorities.  They are reflected in the budget.  They include sidewalk improvements and initiatives to reduce traffic congestion.  I am confident that our city administration will focus on the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for our water and infrastructure needs.

How will you ensure that the underserved areas and population of Kyle, including the east side and its residents, will get the services they need?

My District covers both east and west Kyle.  As I have done in the past, I will continue to advocate to ensure residents receive increased police presence and service, road repairs and sidewalk improvements.  In addition, I am making sure our city parks east of Kyle are maintained to the highest level.

With all the construction and development going on, how will you ensure an adequate water supply for existing and new residents?

We are in the process of a water master plan.  We are also updating the water conservation and drought contingency plan.  I also back expanding reclaimed water for use in golf courses, and parks.  In addition, the council must monitor long-term water needs, which include forecasts of water usage that are continually updated to reflect planned and proposed developments.

What will you do to promote housing that first-time buyers and older residents can afford?

City Council policy decisions impact affordable housing.  We can cut red tape to reduce the cost of building housing, while keeping consumer protections intact so the quality remains. Zoning can also help by allowing for single family homes and townhomes and duplexes, to ensure a variety of price points for citizens of various incomes.

 

Thank you

Councilman Michael Tobias

District 6