ISSUES

Proposition A - If it passes, this part of the bond would be for $230 million and would complete the following projects:

  • Citywide trail expansions

  • Play for All upgrades

  • The Lawn at Brushy Creek

  • Systemwide infrastructure for parks

  • Clay Madsen Recreation Center remodel

  • Sports Center expansion

  • Old Settlers Park Active Amenities

    • Recreation Center

    • Rock’N River Expansion

    • Lakeview Pavilion

    • Multipurpose Complex Expansion

Proposition B - If it passes, this part of the bond would be for $44 million and would complete the following projects:

  • Public Safety Training Center

  • Central Fire Station Relocation

  • Two New Fire Stations

My thoughts - I love the parks and trails in our city. My family and I have spent countless hours at our parks walking, biking, and spending time with friends and family. I am excited for what Proposition A can do for our city and will be happy to vote for it. I am in full support of the fire station needs. Getting two new stations on the north side of town will help immensely with the growth happening there. As a former public school teacher, I can appreciate the need for more classrooms at the Public Safety Training Center. However, I am concerned about the necessity of a high-speed driving track. Being that these are all contained in one proposition I will likely be voting in favor of it.

Education

As a former public school teacher, I know that our schools are as critical to our community as any other aspect, if not more so. I have a deep love for this school district, but our school district can only be a “destination district” if our city remains a “destination city” and visa versa. And while our city officials have made some great choices to move our city forward there is more work to do and a fresh perspective can help.

affordability

Round Rock is a place people want to be, but it’s not a place all people can afford to be. Like much of central Texas, Round Rock is becoming more expensive and we need to have better solutions. I have heard many city officials say they see the issue and they are working on building affordable housing. Then I hear people say “Affordable for whom?” We have teachers and police who do not share our community because they cannot afford it.

representation

Some elected officials in Round Rock live such a different experience than so many others in our town that voices critical to our city are left out. Though city council is a local, non-partisan position, it is not immune to greater political issues. Like anywhere in the United States those in positions of political power are often those with extra resources, particularly of money and time. Though I am one of those people now, I did not grow up that way and I have not forgotten. I would bring to the council a vote that views issues with an equity lens, who is constantly looking at issues and asking “Who is not represented here? Who haven’t we heard from?” I will not be another person to say “I have something you’ll like!” without first asking “What do YOU want to see?” Second, I am not a business person like many members of our council. That portion of our community is overrepresented on our city council. Instead, I am a parent to two young children, a community leader, and an educator. I will bring a view unique to me and members of our community who are traditionally underrepresented, or worst, ignored.