Meadowlakes candidates speak up
Note: In publication, two errors were made in relating responses by Bobby Brown in the Tuesday, April 25, edition of The Highlander. The corrected quotes are seen below in red type.
Although David Baker drew no challenger, he offered responses to the questions we asked and those answers are included also here in HighlanderNews.com, following candidate forum biographies.
By Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
Early voting began Monday, April 24, and in Meadowlakes, two places on the ballot are contested.
In their ballot order, Edwin O'Hayre and Mel Hazlewood are candidates for Place 4 and Bobby Brown and Charles Henley are in the running for Place 5.
David Baker did not draw a challenger for Place 2.
No matter the winner, the result will be three new council members. Incumbents in Places 2, 4 and 5—Alton Fields, Clancy Stephenson, and Barry Cunningham did not seek re-election.
The Highlander asked the new contesting candidates to answer five questions. These were their answers:
What area of expertise do you have that you would like to bring with you as a member of the Meadowlakes City Council?
Hazlewood: “I have twenty years of experience as a government lawyer and a history of involvement in all levels of government. However, perhaps more important is my background as pastor in the United Methodist Church. I was called into ministry as a second career where I learned how important it is to listen to concerns and opinions of all people and work to bring people together for the common good. A city council member needs to have the same kind of attitude in listening to all city residents and aim to work together for the common good.”
O'Hayre: “My background strengths, along with my formal education, Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with an emphasis on Management are a custom fit for the office I am running for. Experiential strengths include several successful businesses I have owned and operated. They include; O'Hayre Real Estate, 1976 thru 2010, I retired my Multi-State Brokers license in 2010. Other credentials include a Master ASE Automotive Technician certification, an FAA Mechanic license and several teaching certificates in the State of Colorado. The strong skill sets I have developed over the years are good critical thinking abilities and problem solving strengths.”
Brown: “I have never been in politics, although I have worked in many elections (5) in the Austin area. I have been in Meadowlakes since 2009 and I have tried to attend as many City Council and POA meetings as possible since I have been here. This is the only way I feel that someone can learn about what is going on in the city, and what is needed to change, or should be changed in the system. I have been asked many times to run, or put in for positions in city government since I have been here, and have not felt that I was ready to do that. When three position became available on the council for 2017 this year, I felt that I was ready to tackle one of those positions, and try so some good for the community, and for the citizens of Meadowlakes.”
Henley: “Owned and operated “Hands On” an 18 hole golf course for 15 years with bar, restaurant, banquet room similar to Hidden Falls Golf Club at Meadowlakes. Graduate of University of Texas, BSEE. Owned and operated a successful Engineering Firm (200 employees) that designed and constructed petrochemical plants. Served as President of POA of two large communities and President of Youth Programs in Houston, Texas.”
Do you have an opinion about law enforcement coverage, whether more is needed?
O'Hayre: “Currently the City of Meadowlakes has good law enforcement coverage, at a very reasonable cost. At this time, or in the near future, I do not see a need to change what we have.”
Hazlewood: “This has been discussed in Meadowlakes for a few years. I do not think we have reached the point where a police department is needed. We presently contract with the Sheriff’s Office for protection and are also patrolled by our local constable. That is sufficient for now. It is a good idea, however, to cost out the addition of a police department and be prepared for that need.”
Henley: Existing law enforcement at this time is adequate for our community and to establish a new and separate system would entail a large expense and tax increase. This can be addressed in the future to determine the changing needs.”
Brown: “At this time I do not think that we need to have any additional law enforcement coverage for Meadowlakes. If there are problems as far as a crime(s) being committed in Meadowlakes, the Sheriff’s office will respond to that crime when they are called. We also have contracted with the Sheriff’s Office for off duty deputies to provide a certain number of patrol hours each month for us in Meadowlakes. That appears to be sufficient at this time. If additional hours of manpower are needed, we will look at increasing that amount at a later date.”
Is the demographic of Meadowlakes changing and does that call for changes in the city?
Brown: Meadowlakes is not just a retirement community anymore. We have more and more working families with young and teenage children moving in to our community, and we need to be able to adjust and cater to their needs, as we have to our retirees and golfers over the years
Henley: “The growth and changes to our community dictates that city management become better informed on the needs of the community, be innovative and cost efficient with the tax payer monies.”
Hazlewood: “This is a good question as our demographics have trended younger with more young families with children moving in. Meadowlakes is no longer a purely retirement community. We need to consider this change and act accordingly. The hot topic now is expansion and location of our children’s playground. The present playground falls within the power of our Property Owners Association and not the city council. However, I believe that the city needs to work with the POA and consider centralizing and expanding children’s facilities at our golf course complex as part of a long-term plan to modernize and improve the course, restaurant, pro shop and swimming pool.”
O'Hayre: “Yes, we are seeing younger families, with children moving here. If elected, I would strongly encourage the City and the Property Owners Association to work on improving the youth opportunities needed for the kids. A few inexpensive improvements could be done to enhance their quality of life in a safe environment. Along with that we must maintain the comfort for the middle aged and elderly folks that love to play bridge, golf and enjoy the tranquility of our small paradise in Meadowlakes.”
What are the biggest challenges facing Meadowlakes within the next five years?
Henley: “Improve all rules, regulations and enforcement for a more friendly community; increase the amenities available for the majority of individuals, city management provide better flow of information to the community on decisions and changes affecting them.”
Brown: “I think some of the biggest challenges facing Meadowlakes over the next five years are our aging structures in the city that were built when the community was first established in 1973 – 1975 and some of them in to the 80’s. These structures are old and need to be replaced. The Restaurant, the Administration building, the Pro Shop, The Swimming Pool. The items will not last forever. You can only repair things for so long, and then they need to be replaced. The tennis court were just resurfaced and are in good shape, The golf course is in great shape but as with anything, the equipment has to be replaced periodically and wears out.”
O'Hayre: “The City Manager will be retiring sometime in the next few years, it is imperative we find a good new City Manager. I see a definite need to bring in qualified, experienced Management. With the changing times we need new perspectives that will change the way the City does business. There is some conversation going on concerning a possible Bond Issue, I haven't seen any published information about this. I want to work on managing the resources we already have in a better business responsible way. We can do a lot of good things with what we have. I am dedicated to keeping the community better informed and definitely following through with making sure we do what we commit to do in a timely fashion. As a City Council member, I wouldn't just 'pass the buck!'
Our restaurant operations certainly needs immediate attention and resolve. Ongoing problems are increasing and our residents and visitors want these problems to be fixed. I promise that I will do everything I can to improve it. The facility will stay for all of us to enjoy. I would not vote to close it.”
Hazlewood: “Governmental duties in Meadowlakes are split between the city and the Property Owners Association. They have a history of working together and need to continue that relationship. The city needs to work on meat-and-potatoes issues like improving water drainage and water quality and assist the POA on matters like roads and recreational facilities. I also advocate long-term planning on to improve our golf course complex, including the course, restaurant, swimming pool, and parking lot and to add recreational facilities. This will help us include demographic changes in our future actions. It will also help ensure that Meadowlakes remains an attractive place to buy and live as Austin creeps toward us and newer subdivisions are built.”
What is your dream project for Meadowlakes within the next 10 years, if funding were available?
Hazlewood: “I would love to see a modern community center built that includes a new pro shop, restaurant (with additional meeting rooms), swimming pool and recreational facilities. This would be at the center of our beautiful golf course that would be widely recognized as the best public course in the region. Most of all, though, my dream is that we work together as a community to maintain what we have and make it even better.”
O'Hayre: “My dream project would be to improve all of the amenities in Meadowlakes for every resident, and the new folks that will be living here. There are many things we can do that will benefit everyone Overall this is a beautiful property, but we can always make it better.”
Brown: “I don’t really have any Dream Projects for Meadowlakes at this time. The Capitol Improvement and Long Range Planning Committee came up with a list of items that they worked on for months that was submitted to the council several months ago, and it was never acted up on, so I would like to re-visit that list, that they came up with, and see if some of those items could be added to our Dream Projects for the next 10 years.”
Henley: “The upgrade of infrastructure of all utility systems, changes in flood water drainage systems to avoid homes flooding. Conservation of water for drinking and other needs.”
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More information for the overall view of candidates was provided for the Meadowlakes Candidate Forum, held April 8:
BOB BROWN: My elementary education was in Snyder, Texas. I am a 1963 Graduate of Big Spring High School in Big Spring, Texas. I have an Associate Degree from Howard College in Big Spring with a Major in Computer Science and Minor in Accounting graduating in December 1969.
I was an U. S. Navy Corpsman from Feb 1964 to Jan 1968 serving in Vietnam from Nov 1965 to Jan 1968. I worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs Data Processing Center Austin, Texas from 1970 to 1998 as a Systems Programmer, Systems Auditor, and Network Administrator. During this period I volunteered for 20+ years as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, I worked at Pct. #3 Constables office in Austin 1998 – 2004 as a Deputy Constable. Next I worked at the Travis County Sheriff’s Dept. as a Deputy Sheriff from 2004 to 2006. I enjoyed the work as a Reserve Deputy, but knew I could never make a good living at it.
My wife and I both retired in 2006 and sold out home and traveled in our 5th wheel to see all of the lower 48 states for 3 ½ years. We settled here in Meadowlakes, because my parents moved here in 1990. We bought property here in the early 90’s knowing that someday we would move out to be near my parents Jeff and Sue Brown. We still have the townhouse lot on the #4 tee box.
I promise to seek all citizens input and to represent their interest, not mine, in the Councils management of our city. Our population is now more than 2000+ residents. Most all of us are deeply concerned about the operation and overall condition of our golf course, either as players or as home owners interested in our property values. There are currently 96 resident golf memberships, or less than 5 percent of total our population. Although I am not a golfer, I will work hard for both the interest of the golfers and 95 percent of the city’s non golfing residents. There are many important issues that affect all our citizens. As your council Representative, your concerns are my concerns. Thank you for your Vote.
Mel Hazlewood: I am a semi-retired pastor in the United Methodist Church presently serving two small churches in Valley Spring and Cherokee, having previously served churches in George West, La Grange, Hondo and Corpus Christi.
Prior to entering the ministry, I practiced law in Austin for 20 years, serving first as general counsel and staff director to various committees in the Texas legislature and then as a lobbyist for the University of Texas System. A native Texan, my wife, Maurie, and I purchased property in Meadowlakes in 2010 and moved here permanently in 2015. We have two children and two grandchildren who live in Austin.
I promise to use my varied background to continue Meadowlakes' history of fiscally responsible government and to work for better water quality and drainage, as well as improvements in our golf, restaurant and recreational facilities. I also believe that future city planning must take into account our changing demographics as younger families move into our community.
Charles Henly: I was born in Lufkin, Texas and my family moved to Houston at the beginning of World War II. I attended High School there and graduated from the University of Texas (BSEE) in 1962. I am a Registered Professional Engineer and practiced my profession for over 50 years. My wife and I have been married 65 years and have two adult children.
I have owned and operated a successful engineering firm, designing and constructing petro- chemical plants. I owned and operated Friendswood Country Club for 15 years which is similar to Hidden Fall Golf Club.
My primary goal, if elected, is to provide information that gives our community a better understanding of how our tax monies are used. We need to review all expenditures and be assured that they are in the best interest of everyone. We need to operate our city as a business, efficient, cost effective and successful. I cannot say I can make everyone happy but I will do my best and provide full attention to every situation.
Ed O’Hayre: I was born in Denver, Colorado Feb 4, 1948. I was raised on a farm/ranch just west of Denver. Educated in Catholic schools and graduated from Regis University with a B.S. in Business Administration. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served three tours of duty in Vietnam waters on U.S. Navy ships, earning the rank of E-5 as an aviation mechanic.
Following an Honorable Discharge in January, 1969, I pursued several different career paths including banking, real estate, and other businesses. I worked for the Colorado Dept. of Revenue as an investigator for five years after which I decided on a teaching career. I retired from teaching in 2002 after teaching in middle school, high school and post-secondary education.
Next I started a NASCAR racing suspension engineering business and traveled extensively in the U.S. and Canada as a consultant to professional racing teams. I officially retired January 2013.
Meadowlakes became my favorite vacation destination in the early 90’s. I have always loved the community. My retirement days are spent enjoying hobbies; cooking, golf, photography, fishing, hunting and a few others. My greatest treasure is marrying my beautiful bride Connie. The ceremony was performed on the fourth green at Hidden Falls Golf Club on June 18, 2016.
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David Baker, unopposed for Place 2, answers campaign questions:
What area of expertise do you have that you would like to bring with you as a member of the Meadowlakes City Council?
Prior to retirement, I was blessed to be able to serve in public school administration for over forty years. When you spend your adult life in that endeavor, you acquire skills in finance, budgeting, human relations, listening, problem-solving, strategic planning, and many other personal qualities that are required when you seek to serve the public in an elected position. Although still learning every day, I strive to bring those acquired skills to bear in the volunteer activities in which I am involved.
Do you have an opinion about law enforcement coverage, whether more is needed?
Meadowlakes is a very safe city; the people who have chosen to make Meadowlakes their home make it so; we look out for one another. Currently, our city council has in place a security plan involving Burnet County sheriff deputies. In my opinion, at the present time, that plan is meeting the security needs of our city.
Is the demographic of Meadowlakes changing and does that call for changes in the city?
Although the general feeling is that the demographics of the city are changing (more younger families, specifically, as opposed to retirees), I have not seen a detailed breakdown of the present demographics of the city in comparison to past years. However, as a city government, our job is to plan for the future, deliver services, insure safety, develop policy and enforce it, and advocate for our city with state and federal authorities. I see our city government as an entity responding to those responsibilities in a manner that fairly represents all age groups.
What are the biggest challenges facing Meadowlakes within the next five years?
In my opinion, our biggest challenge in the next five years will be to continue to provide basic city services in a superlative manner, as well as improvements, with a tax base comprised almost exclusively of personal residences. Additionally, Meadowlakes is a community of approximately 900 residences with less than 100 buildable lots; insuring that the new homes built on those lots continue to reflect diversity in architecture and aesthetics in order that the uniqueness of the community is preserved is very important.
What is your dream project for Meadowlakes within the next 10 years, if funding were available?
My number one dream project is to insure that basic city services; i.e., sanitation (both sewer and refuse), water, streets (POA responsibility), food inspection, access to fire department and police, ambulance, and other health department issues are provided in an exemplary manner. Additionally, although not personally a golfer, I believe the golf course is vital to the long-term prosperity, including the property values, of this city; I would like to see gradual, affordable improvements made to the course in order to make it the municipal golf course of choice for the Highland Lakes area.
