CANDIDATE Q&A
Get to know the candidates running in the election
2023 LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
Incumbent
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 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.
Lakeway mayor
Why are you running for Lakeway mayor?
What is your top priority?
What is the biggest issue facing Lakeway?
Occupation: public insurance adjuster/ investor RON COOPER
I believe we need to re-establish a sense of civility, professionalism and engagement at City Hall. We need to focus on the growing number of smaller crimes in Lakeway before they become more di cult to address; and of course, sound scal management and transportation improvements can use a “get it done” mayor. My background in complex negotiations, administrative work, small-busi- ness growth and government agency work can be of service to my fellow residents. I am running for re-election to complete the work started and promised to voters two years ago. We must complete Main Street from Lohmans to RM 620 and to Lohmans Spur. We must manage the transportation bond funds prudently and complete the roads and projects. Finally, City Hall must be responsive to all residents and not be con- trolled by any special interest groups.
Transportation, which includes much smarter tra c ow, smarter engagement with [the Texas Department of Transpor- tation] and road safety, especially for our children.
We need more and much smarter engage- ment with our citizens, with Travis County and TxDOT, starting with a city-driven and community-informed vision that informs our pubic partners on what we want and helps them prioritize Lakeway’s needs.
Relevant experience: board member, Lake- way Board of Ethics, business owner roncooperformayor.com
Occupation: retired, currently serving as Lakeway mayor Relevant experience: Lakeway mayor, 2021 TOM KILGORE
My top priority is unchanged; we must continue to actively control development. That applies to all zoning—commercial, resi- dential and parkland. It must all t together in a cohesive plan. The city must also be prepared for the RM 620 expansion, which will require creating a new zoning overlay to serve our business owners. Redeveloping our commercial corridor with a well-designed ordinance will be key to business success. My top priority as mayor will be to make a lasting impact in my rst term, guided by resident input and the Comprehensive Plan. Water, transportation and a sense of community top the list. Let’s build a walking trail around the entire city. Let’s consider connecting Lakeway to Austin via light rail. You decide; I will work hard for you.
Managing change! Lakeway is a gem in Travis County. People and businesses con- tinue to move here and join our community. We need to simultaneously welcome the changes while maintaining our essential character. Lakeway celebrates its 60th birthday this year. We all will honor the people who volunteered, served and built Lakeway, all while acknowledging that we are becoming a younger, more diverse community. By managing development and change, we will preserve our character. O cially, the biggest issues facing Lakeway are tra c, uctuating water levels and un- bridled growth. The underlying issue seems to be the struggle to keep pace with the rapid changes happening here to respond dynamically. I will work with City Council to analyze our organization and see where we can improve.
to present; Charter Review Committee 512-905-6149 www.kilgoreforlakeway.com
Occupation: technology consultant Relevant experience: former small-business owner, student govern- ment (class president) 512-703-0125 roypaar.com ROY PAAR
I am running for mayor because I like to take matters into my own hands. My family and I are new to Lakeway, and we love the com- munity, but I see things I can improve. More sidewalks, bike lanes, better communication, access to resources and improved services.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION • MARCH 2023
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