BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Live Oak Mayor
KEY: *Incumbent
Christina Lichtenberg Occupation & experience: Small Business owner est. 2006 www.facebook.com/p/Elect-Christina- Lichtenberg-61564188462965
Mary M. Dennis* Occupation & experience: Retired SAISD-SPED Department; Live Oak Mayor, Live Oak Planning and Zoning, Texas Municipal League, AACOG ... www.facebook.com/YourMayorMary/#
For years, we politely knocked on the doors of City Hall asking for transparency, only to be ignored. I’m running because the time for asking is over. It’s time to take the keys back. I’m running to return the power of the Mayor’s o ce directly to the people. Why are you running for o ce?
I’m running for reelection to keep our city strong, safe and well-managed. We’ve made steady progress on infrastructure, public safety and supporting local businesses. I want to improve on that work, protect our community’s values and ensure our neighborhoods remain places we’re proud to call home.
My rst act will be to Unlock the Books with a full forensic audit. I’ll prioritize Total Transparency, making every city contract searchable online, and Abolishing Backroom Deals. We are ending the “insider-only” culture and ensuring that public funds are spent on public needs, not private interests. What would your top priorities be if elected? The biggest challenge is Institutional Corruption disguised as “growth.” I will address this by implementing a “Glass House” policy. Every meeting, every budget line and every developer agreement will be laid bare for the public. If the city can’t justify an expense to a watchdog, we shouldn’t spend it. What is the biggest challenge Live Oak faces in ve years? How will you address it? We lack Accountability Infrastructure. We need an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee with subpoena power over city departments. We don’t need more “committees” that rubber-stamp the status quo; we need a system where the taxpayers have the ultimate “key” to approve or veto major city expenditures. What resources do you think Live Oak is lacking? I’m not here to join the “Good Ol’ Boys” club; I’m here to dismantle it. I’ve spent years as a watchdog because I believe the truth belongs to you. I’m not asking for a seat at their table—I’m bringing the table back to your front door. What is one thing you want the community to know about you?
My priorities are keeping Live Oak strong through safe neighborhoods, better infrastructure and e cient services. I support local businesses and use tax dollars wisely. With 24 new businesses recently welcomed—12 being small—my commitment to a thriving economy and our community remains clear.
Live Oak must address water stability and state-mandated property tax reductions. I am committed to protecting our water supply and stabilizing city revenue while minimizing nancial pressure on you. Together, we will ensure a high quality of life for every family and business—putting Live Oak rst.
Live Oak’s growth brings opportunities to continue strengthening our resident’s quality life. Through upcoming community conversations, residents and businesses can share ideas and priorities on the issues that matter most to them. By working together we will continue to enhance services that support our families, businesses and local economy.
Serving Live Oak for 15 years is an honor. I remain committed to hard work, accountability and accessibility. Together, we’ve built a strong community, and the best is ahead. Live Oak is a great place to live, work and play—I’m proud to call it home for 30 years.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
YOUR SOLUTION IS HERE. daily marketing
NEWSLETTER BANNERS
Scan, call 512.989.1000 or email ads@communityimpact.com.
11
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook