December 4th, 2009
Huebner announces run for Kyle council

STAFF REPORT
 
Local banker Russell Huebner announced Friday that he is running for the Kyle City Council seat being vacated by Ray Bryant, who has stepped down to run for Hays County Precinct 2 Commissioner.
 
Huebner recently became Director of Business Growth for Pioneer Bank in Dripping Springs after seven years with Wells Fargo Bank and J. P. Morgan Chase Bank. He is a member of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce (KACC) and serves on the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee for the City of Kyle. 
 
No other candidates have announced for the seat, which will be filled in a special election on Feb. 13.  The seat, designated as District 6, is one of three single-member districts in Kyle. District 6, represents the broad majority of eastern Kyle.
 
Huebner said he is especially concerned about Kyle’s growing infrastructure debt, which is up to $73 million. The city has raised its property tax rate 15 cents in the last two years and is still contemplating additional projects, such as a recreational center.
 
“We are at a crossroad in the city’s development and must be diligent about how we approach the future,” Huebner said. “ … The city has made a tremendous start, but we must control debt creation and restore fiscal responsibility for the sake of our future. New energy and enthusiasm is needed at City Hall to address growth issues that maximize the city’s potential without jeopardizing the reason why many of us call Kyle home. I am very concerned by the debt which has been created, the tax hikes which have taken place, and the future tax hikes scheduled for the years to come.” 
 
Huebner has been endorsed by Bryant, who said, “I am pleased that Russ is willing to serve the people of District 6. I believe he will continue to represent the citizens and their concerns on City Council and continue to provide the strong leadership we need.”  
 
Huebner attended Richmond International University in London and graduated in 2001 from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in general business. 
 
Huebner’s wife, Johnell Huebner, is the owner of Clearly Classy Events, Secretary of the Kyle Chamber of Commerce, and a graduate of the most recent Leadership San Marcos class. The Huebners have a daughter, Madeline, and a son, Ashton.