Priorities
Garden Ridge is a thriving community, and its future depends on strong leadership, smart planning, and responsible stewardship of resources. As your mayor, I will prioritize financial responsibility, water supply security, economic development, and aggregate production operations while ensuring transparency and sustainability in all city operations. One of my goals is to improve two-way communication with residents. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Garden Ridge while preserving the unique character that makes our city a great place to live.
Financial Responsibility
Garden Ridge has maintained a balanced budget for years, and we must continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility. This means reducing wasteful spending, ensuring public funds are used effectively, and focusing on long-term financial planning. I will lead efforts to review and update the 25-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to assess progress and new priorities. This will include updates to critical plans like the Water, Streets, and Wastewater Master Plans. I also want to have a short-term rolling 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. I believe in maintaining reserves that cover at least six months’ worth of operating expenses, with the funds readily available for emergencies and small capital investments. Transparency will be key in how we allocate and spend these funds, ensuring that residents are fully informed.
Water Supply Security
Garden Ridge is fortunate to have its own water supply, but we must take steps to safeguard this critical resource. I will work to ensure sustainable access to clean, safe water by focusing on both the quality and distribution of our water supply. Protecting our water infrastructure and planning for long-term resilience against droughts and contamination will be a top priority. Additionally, I have working with city staff to pursue an agreement with SAWS (San Antonio Water System) for an emergency source of water by connecting to the Vista Ridge Line by Davenport High School. This project has been budgeted for just under a $1M (no bond will be required for funding). We have also started negotiating with SAWS for purchasing wholesale water as our third water supply to further secure our future water needs. I am also working with New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) to include the City of Garden Ridge Water Company in their “One Water” program.
Economic Development
I am committed to fostering economic growth and improving revenue generation, particularly through sales tax. I do not feel that we are years behind with economic development. We are where we should be along FM 2252. The TxDOT expansion project of FM 2252 is due to be complete in the fall of 2026 and it is the right time of new businesses to come. We can be choosy of with what type of business – high end restaurants and retail. We need revisit the Master Land Use Plan, update the implementation strategy, and develop actionable steps to achieve its goals. While encouraging new businesses to grow in Garden Ridge, we must also preserve the natural beauty of our city. To that end, I am leading the effort to apply the Natural Features Overlay District to undeveloped properties along FM 2252 and FM 3009. Additionally, I will work to streamline the building and business approval processes to ensure that new projects move forward efficiently and help our city thrive.
Aggregate Production Operations
The quarry has been here for over 90 years, before Garden Ridge became a municipality. The city of Garden Ridge and Heidelberg Material had a great neighbor working relationship. My manufacturing background with skills in operational excellence as well as being a professional engineer will be a valuable asset in rebuilding that relationship. If elected Mayor, I will serve as the Council Liasion to the Aggregate Production Operations project to ensure its continued success and progress. I will support any avenue that will enhance communication between APO management and the City Of Garden Ridge to resolve issues identified by residents. Rest assured; I will not allow this effort to be sidelined.