San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | October 2025

Election

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & SHANNON WEST

KEY: *Incumbent

San Marcos City Council, Place 2

Why are you running for this oce, and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address? I am running to oer a voice for the working class in San Marcos; particularly the disabled and poor communities. I really want to be part of the tenants’ rights discussion and see a push for a tenants’ bill of rights.

If elected, how do you plan to address future growth? Strain on our resources such as water needs to be considered. We shouldn’t only look at the possible revenue without considering environmental or health costs the negate that revenue.

Christopher L. Polanco Occupation & experience: Unemployed/Disabled (blind)/ Student (Texas State); Former reghter/EMT (Indiana), Various working class jobs, Father, Disabled Candidate did not provide website information by press time.

I’m running to ensure growth benets residents, not burdens them. As a small business owner, I know growth management is key for us. I’ll support responsible budgets and projects which generate much needed revenue for San Marcos while protecting our neighborhoods, (old and new) our water supply and the San…

I’ll support smart, balanced growth. Projects must show trac, water, and utility readiness before approval. Growth should create attainable housing, protect neighborhoods, and preserve the San Marcos River, while ensuring developments contribute real community benets.

Joshua Paselk Occupation & experience: Business Owner; Planning and Zoning Commissioner; Small business owner with experience in construction, permitting and code compliance www.joshsmtx.vote

I am running to ensure programs and changes that were started while I was a council member are completed. The major issue I hope to address is to support and encourage educational resources to provide a productive workforce for the San Marcos area.

I would encourage and reach out to environmentally friendly businesses to establish themselves in our area. This will provide jobs and income while protecting our river and air and water quality.

Saul Gonzales* Occupation & experience: Director of Facilities Christus Santa Rosa Hospital San Marcos-Retired; 9 years on city council, 6 years planning & zoning www.saulvgonzales. wordpress.com

I am running for oce because I care deeply about San Marcos and its future. With rapid growth, we must balance opportunity with protecting our history, neighborhoods, and natural resources. My priority is responsible growth supporting families, small businesses, and ensuring residents have a strong voice in shaping our community.

I plan to address future growth by ensuring it is thoughtful, responsible, and community centered. That means listening to residents, protecting our history and environment. Growth should balance opportunity with preserving San Marcos’ unique character, so families, students, and businesses can thrive while keeping our small-town feel.

Brandon Oles Occupation & experience: Assistant Project Manager for General Contracting Firm; U.S. Marine Corps Sgt, Veterans Alliance at Texas State President, TxSt Student Government Senator Instagram: Brandon Oles 4 City Council Barbara Montana-Escobar Occupation & experience: Resident Service Coordinator; 12yrs started nonprot Head to Toe, Parent liaison, advocate for families, Housing authority Facebook: Barbara Montana- Escobar’s Campaign

I’m running to unite the people of San Marcos. I’m not looking to represent just the left or the right, but all of our citizens. Because I believe what unites us is far more important than what divides us.

With San Antonio pushing north and Austin pushing south both residential and commercial growth is inevitable. We need to look to expanding and reinforcing both our electrical grid and water systems. As well as ensuring that future commercial development doesn’t negatively impact our citizens.

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.

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