City Council Candidate Geoffrey Tahuahua

The Century News recently asked all six candidates for Dripping Springs City Council 10 questions. Here are their responses. The candidates were asked to keep their responses under 300 words for each question.

(Anthony Aristar, candidate for Place 1, declined to answer our questions saying he was suspending his campaign and removing himself from the race. Despite this statement, his name will appear on the ballot. His decision to withdraw came after he had filed, and too late for his name to be removed from the ballot.)

Below are the responses from Geoffrey Tahuahua:

City Council Candidate Geoffrey Tahuahua

Place 5

Occupation:VP of Policy and Government Affairs, Real Estate Council of Austin

Education:B.A. Political Science, St. Mary’s University

https://signup.geoffreyfordrippingsprings.com

1. Why are you running for city council?

I’m running to bring my years of experience in municipal planning, budgeting, and problem-solving to our community. I believe the challenges we’re facing with growth and infrastructure can be addressed through proper long-range planning. I believe my skills and familiarity with local government processes make me the best candidate to enact the vision we, Dripping Springs’ taxpayers and voters, have for our city.

2. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing the city, and what would you do about it?

Dripping Springs is growing, whether we’re ready or not. Our biggest challenge is proactively managing that growth, ensuring our city continues to run smoothly while maintaining the character that makes it home.

In my day job, I often deal with the City of Austin, and I’ve seen firsthand how disastrous it can be for a city to bury its head in the sand and hope growth won’t come. I don’t want that for Dripping Springs, which has been home for my wife and me for the last three years. I’m running to lead the charge in tackling that problem.

One of the first things I want to do is lead a community review of our comprehensive plan that passed in 2016. A lot has changed in just a few years, and we need to examine if it’s still in line with the vision and goals of the community — and then actually act on it.

3. Do you support the current approach to wastewater by the City? Why or why not?

I support the city’s approach, as addressing our wastewater treatment needs was long overdue. Now we have to start focusing on other infrastructure needs, such as roads and long-term water and wastewater infrastructure planning. Strategic placement of this infrastructure can help us manage growth, encouraging it in the locations we as a community feel are best for our city.

4. What are your thoughts about the TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) Town Center Project, with prospectively new and consolidated city hall, county satellite office ISD administrative offices, and community library?

I support the TIRZ and its goal. Our local shops on Mercer Street, and the sense of community the area brings during Founders Day and other events, are some of Dripping Springs’ biggest assets. Consolidating City Hall, the library, and county offices will assist with defining a true “town square.”

However, I’d like to also examine how the TIRZ could contribute to improving infrastructure along Old Fitzhugh and potentially improving the intersection of Ranch Road 12 and Mercer Street. If we do our jobs right, we’ll be looking at an even more vibrant and true center of Dripping Springs.

5. Would you like to see Dripping Springs become a "Home Rule" city? Why or why not?

Achieving home-rule status in the next decade will be essential to managing our future growth and improving our infrastructure. As a general-law city, the city has an extremely narrow scope. Becoming a home-rule city would give local leaders more flexibility to take actions that align with our comprehensive plan We would also have the opportunity to develop a charter to create a clear and transparent structure for the city, establish better control of city finances, and clearly define (and limit) the power of city government.

6. The city is currently considering roads and transportation plans to direct traffic away from the HWY 290 / RR 12 intersection. What are your thoughts about traffic in the area, and what would you do about it? Are there any areas that strike you as needing to be addressed quickly?

As a commissioner for our local emergency services district overseeing EMS for this part of the county, I am unfortunately very familiar with the most congested and dangerous intersections along 290. I will work closely with TxDOT and the county to ensure Dripping Springs’ needs are heard and so we can work together to make these intersections safer.

We also need to offer arterial options other than 290 and Ranch Road 12. Initially, 150 was intended to be a loop around Dripping Springs, but since no one was able to acquire the right-of-way land, that vision is likely far out of reach. We need to think further into the future about our roadway infrastructure and make sure we take that into account with every new development that arises.

7. What specific skill set would you bring to city council? 

As a public policy professional with 10 years of experience with municipal planning, budgeting, and solving problems at the local level, I am uniquely equipped for this position. I’ve also served as a board member of North Hays County Emergency Services District No. 1 for the last two years, where I led efforts to acquire a much-needed third ambulance, stabilize our budget, and improve public outreach efforts. I hope to bring these skills and experience to City Hall to make a positive impact on our community.

 8. What would you like voters to know about you?

My experience navigating local government and building consensus means I’m ready to hit the ground running on Day One. In the years since my wife and I made Dripping Springs our home, we’ve come to treasure its charm and small-town feel more and more each day. That’s why I’m so passionate about being a part of our community’s future and hope to earn your vote to be your next city council representative.

9. What was the last book you read?

I recently started The Way of the SEAL by Mark Divine, a retired Navy SEAL commander. My wife is the bigger reader and is usually reading three or four books at once!

10. What question would you have liked asked of you, that was not asked?

You’re probably wondering how to pronounce my last name! It rhymes with Chihuahua. The story goes that my family originally hails from Peru and was one of the founding tribes of the Incan empire.