Editor’s note: Candidates are listed in ballot order. The first question was limited to 300 words, all others 100 words. Gil Caley did not respond by our deadline.
Adam Hernandez
What are your three top priorities and what will you do about them if elected?
My three top priorities if elected are animal services, Code Enforcement, and bulk item trash pick up. I want to improve these City services using the taxes you already pay, and I know there’s ways to do it.
Should the city reconsider impact fees or go forward with road bonds?
The city should bring back impact fees, and I will be working to do just that. It’s not a question of impact fees or road bonds. In order to meet the needs of our citizens, and our road maintenance needs, and the need for new roads for new developments, the solution is not one fix. We need a balanced approach of the property tax rate, impact fees, and road bonds. When we do this, that means less money in road bonds, which means less interest, which means less debt over time.
The city has promised pay increases for our first responders in many years with resolutions and has not followed through on their end.
adam hernandez
What letter grade would you give Lubbock’s police and fire departments and why that grade?
I would give Lubbock police and fire departments an A, because overall, I believe they do a good job for our city, and have done so even when the city has not always honored them in the same way. For example, the city has promised pay increases for our first responders in many years with resolutions and has not followed through on their end. In spite of this, our fire department, for example, has maintained high standards so that your insurance rate is lower for all citizens of Lubbock. I think that deserves recognition and proper compensation.
What’s your opinion about the city attracting AI hubs?
Lubbock shouldn’t allow AI data centers until they tell us exactly how much water they’ll use and promise to stay away from neighborhoods. These centers need huge gas plants that pump out more nitrous oxide than all the traffic in Lubbock combined. Right now, they don’t have to report their water use, making it impossible for the city to plan ahead. If they really used as little water as they claim, they’d show us the data. Until we get real proof and answers to these risks, I just can’t support building them here.
What’s your opinion about the 2040 plan, which advocates a centralized neighborhood development process, or should people in neighborhoods be allowed to make their own choices?
The 2040 plan does not advocate a centralized development process in the sense that everybody has to do the same thing. What it is, is a guide for developing the city in a more financially responsible way, while promoting the quality of life of citizens in every neighborhood. Many of the policy issues I’ve advocated for are directly called out in the 2040 plan.
We know Lubbock will have to fund more roads as it grows. Are you satisfied with the city’s water plans, or is there more to be done?
There is more that needs to be done, and we need to utilize the property tax rate, impact fees and road bonds in a responsible way, so that we can stay on top of our needs.
Over the next four years, what kind of leadership talent does the city need to hire in terms of skills and philosophy of local government?
I can’t think of any leadership talent off the top of my head that needs to immediately be hired. However, I do believe that our current city staff at all levels need to be taken care of and compensated properly so that we can continue to have the best services and best leadership possible in place.
What’s your opinion on business development and recruiting large employers to Lubbock?
Business development is an important part of any city. One major improvement that I believe could be made in this area, is reconfiguring how LEDA is set up. Currently, it’s set up to only attract industrial uses. This is problematic not only because residential neighborhoods don’t want these types of uses near them, but they are also not the types of industries that bring in the most property taxes. So, I think that LEDA should be reconfigured so that it can attract other types of businesses.
There has been pressure on the city to stay at the no-new-revenue rate. Where do you stand and why?
I am not for a no new revenue rate because it goes directly against the fiduciary duty of the Council. It takes money to run a city and to provide city services, so it doesn’t make sense to take in less money while costs are rising over time. That’s how things get neglected and start costing more money over time and creating more debt. I believe that we should look at the budget every year in a sober way and balance needs with a fiscally conservative approach.
The city should invest in a city-owned waterpark. On that same site, there should be an enclosed pool facility, so that it can bring in revenue year-round.
adam hernandez
What quality-of-life issues would you advocate the city invest in and why?
The city should invest in a city-owned waterpark. On that same site, there should be an enclosed pool facility, so that it can bring in revenue year-round. Once this is up and running, and has brought in some revenue, the city could then look at expanding the pool system and bringing back some of the pools we’ve lost. These not only provide opportunities to bring in hotel occupancy taxes, and visitors from other small towns around Lubbock, but it also adds to the quality of life of our citizens.
Is there an important issue that might force you to take an unpopular vote and why?
I can’t think of one right now.
David Bruegel
What are your three top priorities and what will you do about them if elected?
My top three priorities are public safety, infrastructure maintenance and supporting strong neighborhoods. It is crucial that the City of Lubbock continues to invest in the police and fire departments. As the city continues to grow, more officers will be needed to fight and prevent crime. The fire department’s ISO Class 1 rating needs to be maintained not just for the high level of service to the community, but also because the rating helps reduce insurance premiums for Lubbock homeowners.
From the early settlers through the mid-century and until the modern day, Lubbock’s leaders have worked hard to plan well for the future. I plan to continue this legacy by focusing on investments in water and transportation infrastructure.
david bruegel
From the early settlers through the mid-century and until the modern day, Lubbock’s leaders have worked hard to plan well for the future. I plan to continue this legacy by focusing on investments in water and transportation infrastructure. Our city would not be nearly what it is today without a stable, long-term water supply and I intend to aid in continuing to develop these water plans. Much thought and investment have been put into Lubbock’s road system. It is fast and easy to travel around Lubbock and I plan to work hard to keep it that way by making smart investments in maintaining our existing roadways well while planning for our future needs.
One of the many things that makes central Lubbock so special are our neighborhoods and our parks. Great care must be taken by the City Council to preserve the character of our neighborhoods for the next generation. Central Lubbock’s big parks with mature trees and walking trails are a great asset to the citizens and deserve to be faithfully maintained.
Should the city reconsider impact fees or go forward with road bonds?
Impact fees initially created undue hardships for citizens who were affected by them. If considered again, I plan to make sure they will not create additional difficulties for small business owners working to improve properties in central Lubbock. Both 34th Street and 50th Street have seen substantial privately funded improvement projects over the past decade and the city needs to continue to be supportive of these efforts. A future road bond will likely be needed for an eventual reconstruction of 50th Street as well as other major roadways in District 3 as was done on 34th Street with great success.
What letter grade would you give Lubbock’s police and fire departments and why that grade?
The skilled professionals who serve our city as police officers and firefighters earn an A grade. If elected I will work hard to make sure they have the resources and support they need to be successful in keeping Lubbock a safe place to live.
What’s your opinion about the city attracting AI hubs?
While AI data centers could present an opportunity for both job growth and tax revenue I have concerns about them. My greatest concern is whether or not they will consume excessive water.
Water is a very valuable resource for our region and needs to be conserved. The concerns of nearby citizens must be addressed when these projects are brought to the table. All our neighborhoods, not just the most affluent, need to be supported.
What’s your opinion about the 2040 plan, which advocates a centralized neighborhood development process, or should people in neighborhoods be allowed to make their own choices?
Strong neighborhoods are one of the best things about living in central Lubbock. Our neighborhoods must be protected. When plans are being made for parks, roadways, zoning, and other issues that affect residents, those residents must have opportunities to make their voice heard in the conversations.
We know Lubbock will have to fund more roads as it grows. Are you satisfied with the city’s water plans, or is there more to be done?
Lubbock is on the right path with water planning. Plans to create additional reservoir space and improve pipelines will help keep us on the right track. I will continue to watch for additional needs as the city grows.
Over the next four years, what kind of leadership talent does the city need to hire in terms of skills and philosophy of local government?
The City of Lubbock currently employs numerous skilled and talented people. We must continue to make sure they have the resources and training needed to be successful. The best philosophy of local government for city employees is one focused on public service.
What’s your opinion on business development and recruiting large employers to Lubbock?
More high paying jobs will be a great benefit to the citizens of Lubbock. I plan to continue to help support a business climate that will encourage both large and small businesses to thrive here in our city.
There has been pressure on the city to stay at the no-new-revenue rate. Where do you stand and why?
First, the no-new-revenue rate (NNRR) has an inaccurate name. Tax revenue from new construction is still added on top when the NNRR is adopted. My first priority during the budget season will be to make sure the citizens’ money is being spent wisely and efficiently on the items that are essential to the success of our city such as the police department, the fire department, road maintenance, and water infrastructure development. I will work diligently to aim to provide these services well without increasing taxes when possible. We need to live within our means.
Lubbock’s parks are an excellent quality-of-life asset for the citizens.
david bruegel
What quality-of-life issues would you advocate the city invest in and why?
Lubbock’s parks are an excellent quality-of-life asset for the citizens. I plan to focus on maintaining our trees, sports facilities and walking trails for the next generation to continue to enjoy.
Is there an important issue that might force you to take an unpopular vote and why?
There likely will be several. I am not running to make popular votes, but to serve our community well. When that time comes, I plan to seek input from the citizens of my district and vote the way I think best supports the citizens of Lubbock.
