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League of Women Voters

Of Hays County

VOTERS GUIDE

Election November 3, 2015

This Voters Guide lists candidates for City of San Marcos Council Member races, and includes

responses to a questionnaire sent to four candidates in two contested races. Candidates were

asked to limit responses to each question to 100 words in length. Candidates are listed in the order

they will appear on the ballot. This Voters Guide also includes information about two City of San

Marcos propositions, with arguments for and against, summarized from comments submitted by

the public to the League.

The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or any

candidate. The League does promote informed participation of all citizens in their

government by providing factual information to help prepare citizens to cast an

informed vote. The League does take action on selected governmental issues that it has

thoroughly studied, and on which its members have reached consensus. You may bring

this Voters Guide into the voting booth.

The November 3, 2015 ballot also lists several other elections in some precincts of Hays County.

Listed on page 8, these elections are not covered by this Voters Guide. A Wimberley Voters

Guide was also prepared, and will be inserted in the Wimberley View for the Woodcreek elections

and Wimberley Independent School District elections, and distributed in Wimberley.

The LWV of Hays County prepares and places this local Voters Guide in City Hall, the Public

Library and many other locations in San Marcos, along with a state LWV Texas Voters Guide.

The local Voters Guide is also inserted in the San Marcos Daily Record, and is available online at

http://lwvtexas.org/local/hays/. The state LWV Voters Guide, which includes the seven

constitutional amendments on the November 3 ballot, is on the home page of the same website.

For more information on elections, the phone number for the Hays County Elections Office is

512-393-7310, and their website is http://www.co.hays.tx.us/elections.aspx.

Index:

Candidates………………………………………………………………Pages 2 - 5

City Propositions 1 & 2, Arguments For and Against……………….....Page 6 and 7

List of other elections on November 3 in Hays County..……………….Page 7

Early voting locations…………………………………………………...Page 8

November 3rd Election Day polling locations …………………………Page 8

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City of San Marcos City Council, Place 5

List your experience, education and training that qualify

you for this position. Considering the recent floods in our area, what can the City

Council do to help prevent wide spread future damage and

help mitigate current damages?

Frank Arredondo

For over forty years I have been extensively involved in

our community serving as Mayor and city council-man,

officer on PTA’s, booster clubs, civic groups, church

organizations and city-appointed commissions and

boards. Throughout my career, I served and worked in

various branches of government including city, state and

federal government. US Marine Corps – Viet Nam

Veteran. BBA – Southwest Texas State University.

Governor Dolph Briscoe’s Administration. City

Councilman – San Marcos. Mayor – San Marcos.

Executive Director – Community Action Inc.

Community Builder Fellowship, President Clinton

Administration, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban

Development. Executive Management Training –

Harvard University

As a policy directive the City Council can have the city

manager direct the City Planning Department to collaborate

more closely, to identify areas prone to flooding; design major

drainage projects which will alleviate extensive damage to

neighborhoods; permitting and inspections departments can

also play a part in assisting to mitigate possible loss by

guiding homeowners and conducting FEMA approved home

restoration workshops. Additionally, the council should work

with federal and state legislators along with authorities to seek

resources for building dams or bypass channels for flood

mitigation.

Stephen Herrera

Mr. Herrera withdrew as a candidate. However, the deadline

for changing the ballot had passed, so his name remains on the

ballot.

Scott Gregson

As the first person in my family to graduate from

college, I earned a degree in Finance from Texas A&M

and an MBA from Harvard. Since 1982, I have had a

successful business career in the private sector. For the

past 20 years I have owned a small business in San

Marcos and a resident for the past 15 years. I have

served on 15 public and civic boards and commissions

and have two grown married children and soon to be a

grandfather. I have the skills, background and

experience to lead our city into the future on City

Council.

First, we must not approve projects on or near our rivers. We

must not perpetuate the decisions of the past that will only

result in even larger disaster areas in the future. We should

take seriously the potential catastrophic outcomes that living

in a river city poses. We owe it to those flooded on Memorial

Day to help them re-establish their neighborhoods and to

provide and find assistance to raise those impacted homes

above future flood levels. Lastly, we should work in

conjunction with the Army Corp of Engineers to divert

floodwaters around the city to prevent future flood events.

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Additional questions and responses, Council Member, Place 5

What kind of tax incentives are you

in favor of to encourage future

economic growth?

How can the city meet the

transportation and traffic needs of our

fast growing city?

How would you, as a city council

member, ensure that the Comprehensive

Master Plan is implemented?

Frank Arredondo

Property tax rebates and sales tax

rebates (if any). These incentives

are performance based on # of jobs,

wages and investments. We need

to remember these are rebates of

what the company pays in taxes.

Another key to these rebates is that

the Greater San Marcos Partnership

performs an economic impact

analysis on every incentive request.

Only projects that are cash positive

to the city are presented for

consideration.

Code SMTX, which is in its formative

stage, currently is addressing future

transportation needs of our community.

In addition to bike trails and beautifying

our streets there are suggestions on how

to improve traffic flow throughout San

Marcos. There is ample opportunity for

more input into the transportation code

part of Code SMTX for more

community involvement; it is

encouraged so that our ideas are fully

reviewed and addressed. Continue

collaborating with state and federal

transportation agencies to improve

traffic flow and resolve congestion

issues.

After a thorough review by our

citizens and staff, the governing body

will adopt a comprehensive plan

which reflects the majority view of

our community. However, in the

meantime, we need to continue

working to create a comprehensive

Master Plan which not only focuses

on our growth but also works towards

establishing a precedent for

determining how we expand our

public safety services by a certain

percentage based on growth.

Scott Gregson

I favor incentives for “career-

based” jobs for our current and

future citizens. These jobs are at or

above the living wage, with

healthcare and education benefits

and that provide opportunities for

advancement and career

development. These types of jobs

allow people to hold their head high

knowing that they can provide food,

shelter, clothing and a quality

education for their families while

putting money away for a rainy day

and retirement. We owe it to the

taxpayers to make certain we don’t

squander our limited resources on

jobs that only perpetuate the cycle

of poverty in our community.

While implementing the

Comprehensive Master Plan we are also

updating our Transportation Master

Plan. This plan calls for creating multi-

modal streets that accommodate cars,

bicycles and pedestrians. Pursuing this

approach allows us to significantly

increase the capacity along our existing

streets without significant cost. I favor

efforts to bring commuter rail options to

our city incorporating a robust public

transit system, allowing people the

option to leave their cars at home. I am

also in favor of road systems to the east

that divert traffic currently going

through San Marcos giving motorists

that option to go around San Marcos

instead.

Code SMTX is the document that will

be used to implement the community

desires expressed in the

Comprehensive Master Plan. What

our land development code says and

allows will set the course of growth

for our city for generations to come.

It is crucial that we get this document

right the first time. Secondly, when

Code SMTX is finally approved, it is

important that we don’t allow

exceptions to become the rule. If we

want to achieve the plan we all

worked on and approved, we must

then follow our plan to achieve the

outcomes we desire.

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City of San Marcos, City Council, Place 6

List your experience, education, and training that

qualify you for this position. Considering the recent floods in our area, what can the City

Council do to help prevent wide spread future damage and

help mitigate current damages?

Melissa Derrick

I have served on our City Charter Review Committee,

am a member of the San Marcos River Foundation, and

a Neighborhood Commissioner for Sector 2, while also

acting as the Board of Advisor's Treasurer at Katherine

Anne Porter School. After receiving a B.A. from Texas

State, I have worked there for twenty managing budgets

much like those at the city level. My husband and I also

own and manage two small businesses in San Marcos.

My knowledge of budgets, grants, and our city codes,

along with my passion for San Marcos, make me

uniquely qualified for council.

Flood plain management and support of engineering efforts

towards long-term solutions are of paramount importance. It

is pertinent that our engineers evaluate our city's existing

policies and ordinances for development in flood plains, and

provide us with a plan to protect areas and identify areas

that should not be developed. I will support flood recovery

by waiving fees associated with rebuilding. I will engage

with citizens, assess unmet needs and have them met, while

supporting all long-term recovery efforts and assisting those

whose homes need to be raised for compliance with the

new flood plain elevation standards.

Shane Scott

U.S. Air force veteran, Criminal Justice Degree from

Southwest Texas State University, Resident of San

Marcos for twenty-seven years, Small business owner,

Five Years’ Experience on San Marcos City Council.

As a father I have been involved in our school system

for twelve years.

The city has been working on this issue for years. Some

homes that have been flooded previously have not been

upgraded to current flood standards. I would continue to

push for these standards and look at a regional plan that

could capture flood waters and allow them to be stored for

use during times of drought.

Your Vote is Your Voice

For more information on elections, call the Hays County Elections Office

at 512-393-7310, or find details on their website

http://www.co.hays.tx.us/elections.aspx.

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Additional questions and responses, City Council Place 6

What kind of tax incentives are you

in favor of to encourage future

economic growth?

How can the city meet the

transportation and traffic needs of our

fast growing city?

How would you, as a city council

member, ensure that the

Comprehensive Master Plan is

implemented?

Melissa Derrick

Our economy depends upon above

average living wage jobs, and

utilizing tax based incentives as a

tool to attract employers who

provide these jobs with benefits.

Our city's existing jobs based

incentive policy

ensures what's good for the investor

is good for San Marcos. Sales

tax incentives must not to disrupt

the flow of the free market.

Such incentives can give an

advantage to one over all others,

and could make it difficult for

business to survive without

government assistance, moving us

away from the free market

philosophy that is proven to be the

healthiest tool for our economy.

We have some great projects already in

the works. The FM 110 county project

will alleviate congestion on East IH 35,

the loop 82 overpass at Aquarena will

improve travel to and from the

University, sidewalks will be added to

Sessom from NLBJ to the University

and Old RR 12 from

Holland to Craddock, just to name a

few. The addition of sidewalks

promotes safe bike-able, walkable

alternatives needed for both

students and residents. Public transit

needs expansion, but through Code

SMTX, our transportation master plan

is being updated, which I hope will

include additional transit options along

with the tools to get there.

I will work diligently to ensure that

our new Master Plan is followed as

our Land Development Code con-

tinues to be updated in accordance

with it. I don't believe in making

changes to our plan, unless to do so

would benefit all stakeholders. The

time of changing zoning for whoever

gives us an offer for "anything" is

over. We have a clear road map for

development that must be strictly

adhered to in order to increase

predictability, which instills the trust

vital for investors and homeowners,

and will prevent San Marcos

becoming just another bedroom

community along the corridor.

Shane Scott

Any deal or incentive that is cash

positive for the city and would

bring jobs to our citizens.

The City and University can work

together on transportation options, such

as offsite parking for students that

commute from surrounding cities. We

already add bike lanes to all new

roadways that need construction. We

are about to push out our downtown

parking plan soon, to further help with

traffic.

This plan is nothing more than a

general direction in which the city

can grow, butit’s not in stone and is

subject to change based on the needs

of the community as a whole and the

general health of ourcity.

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City of San Marcos Propositions PROPOSITION NO. 1, as it appears on the ballot:

“Amending the San Marcos City Charter to add a separate section relating to fluoridation of the

San Marcos municipal water supply to read as follows: The City of San Marcos shall not add, or

direct or require its agents to add fluoride in the form of hydrofluorosilicic acid, hexafluorosilicic

acid, or sodium silicofluoride to the San Marcos municipal water supply.”

NOTE OF EXPLANATION: Proposition 1 to change the City Charter is written in

the negative.

Thus, a vote for Proposition 1 is to stop adding fluoride to the water. A vote against

Proposition 1 is to continue adding fluoride to the water.

Arguments Regarding Proposition 1

For Against

Proponents in favor of not adding these forms of fluoride to

City water say, based on numerous studies, that there is no

conclusive scientific data to prove that fluoridation prevents

dental decay.

According to numerous studies, fluoridation of

community water supplies is an effective health

measure to prevent dental decay.

Those in favor of not adding fluoride to the City water say that

it contaminates our fresh water supply; affecting both humans

and wildlife

Historically, the reason given for adding fluoride to

the municipal water supplies is ample evidence

suggesting that water with added fluoride benefits the

dental health of the total population, when US

guidelines are followed.

Using fluoridated toothpaste has been proven, in some studies,

to be good for oral health; negating the need for fluoridation of

the water supply.

Those in favor of continued fluoridation argue that

even with the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste,

fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing

dental decay.

Those in favor of removing fluoride from the City water

supply express concern that individuals within the community

consume contaminants in their water of which they are not

aware.

There is abundant research and information to support

fluoridation and the positive effects it provides to

communities, especially children and those who do

not have access to adequate dental care.

(Proposition 2 information continues on the next page. )

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City of San Marcos Propositions, continued. PROPOSITION NO. 2, as it appears on the ballot:

“Amending Section 12.11 of the San Marcos City Charter, regarding charter amendments, to

include a cross-reference to the requirements for verification of signatures on any petition paper

in Section 6.03 of the city charter and to be worded as follows:

Sec. 12.11. Amending the Charter.

Amendments to this charter may be framed and submitted to the voters of the city in the manner

provided by state law and in compliance with the provisions of this charter pertaining to the

holding of elections, including the requirements in Section 6.03 for verification of signatures on

any petition paper that have been continuously in effect since the adoption of the original city

charter on February 24, 1967.”

NOTE OF EXPLANATION: Proposition 2 would create a cross reference in the

City Charter.

Thus, a vote for Proposition 2 is to clarify the city charter requires verification of

signatures for all petitions filed with the City. A vote against Proposition 2 would leave

the wording as is in the charter, which has caused differing interpretations for different

petition types.

Arguments regarding Proposition 2

For Against

The purpose of Proposition 2 is a clarification of the petition

signature verification process. If citizens circulate a petition to

place a charter amendment before the voters, the signatures on

the petition must be verified by an oath or affirmation of the

person or group circulating the petition. This is consistent with

the signature verification requirements for an initiative,

referendum or recall petitions.

Requiring an oath of authenticity for signatures on a

petition to amend the city charter makes the process

more complicated for citizens.

Proposition 2 will make it clear that the petition signature

verification requirements apply to any citizen petition in order

to place an item on the ballot; a requirement for any petition

paper since the original city charter was adopted in 1967.

Requiring signature verification is a limiting factor in

citizen participation in the governmental process.

Other Elections scheduled for November 3, 2015 in Hays County

State of Texas Constitutional Amendment Election for Seven Propositions

City of Buda General Election for Two Council Members

City of Buda Special Election on Alcohol Sales Hours

City of Woodcreek General Election for Mayor and Council Member

Wimberley Independent School District Election for Four Board Members

City of Mountain City General Election for One Council Member

Crosswinds Municipal Utility District Special Election on Road Bonds

Headwaters Municipal Utility District Election on Road Bonds and Taxes

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NOVEMBER 3, 2015 ELECTION EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE

IN SAN MARCOS

Government Center October 19-23 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Conference Room. October 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

712 S. Stagecoach Trail October 25 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

San Marcos October 26-30 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hays County Health Dept. October 19-23 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

401 A Broadway St. October 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

San Marcos October 25 1 p.m. to 6 p.m

October 26-30 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Texas State University LBJ Student Ctr.

700 Student Center Drive, San Marcos October 27, 28 & 29 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES IN HAYS COUNTY, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

111 &112 Dunbar Center, 801 MLK Drive, San Marcos

110/113 Hays County Health Dept., 401 A Broadway Street, San Marcos

120 San Marcos Housing, Residents Office, 820 Sturgeon St., San Marcos

125/127/129 Tobias Elementary School, 1005 East FM 150, Kyle

221/223/225 Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center, Kyle

224/228 Buda City Hall, 121 N. Main St., Buda

226/230/232/236/238 Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 North FM 1626, Buda

229/234 Goforth Water Supply, 8900 Niederwald Strasse, Niederwald

301/315/316/317 First Baptist Church – San Marcos, 325 W. McCarty Lane, San Marcos

318/330/336/339 First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St., San Marcos

332/334 Travis Elementary School, 1437 Post Road, San Marcos

333/335/337 Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley

413/414 Allenwood Homes Auditorium, 1201 Thorpe Lane, San Marcos

416,/417/418/419/420/421 Wallace Middle School, 1500 W. Center Street, Kyle

440/441/449 Dripping Springs ISD Administration Ofc., 510 West Mercer St., Dripping Springs

442/443 Belterra Clubhouse, 801 Belterra Drive, Austin

444 Sunset Canyon Baptist Church, 4000 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs

415/447 Promiseland Church, 1650 Lime Kiln Road, San Marcos