May 2022 Election: Sue Prinz Brashar

What made you want to run for this position?

I am 100% pro-Elgin and just want to be able to make a difference in the town I was born, raised and still am a member of. My ambition is to continue to keep Elgin's small-town charm and character while maneuvering and managing the growth that is upon us.

What kind of experience - educational, professional or personal - do you bring to this position?

This year I am finishing out my eighth year on the Elgin City Council. I have learned so much during this endeavor and now bring a wealth of Council experience to continue. In my professional career as a Business Operations and Systems analyst, I continually manage and monitor multi-million-dollar budgets which lends its hand to the budgetary and operations systems within the city of Elgin. In my personal life, I have served on, volunteered for and been a part of many city and civic organizations.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Elgin?

Elgin's biggest challenge currently is managing the large amount of growth in a very short amount of time with all that goes with that. We are facing infrastructure needs with both new and existing roads, utilities and pipes. Creating partnerships between city, state and federal agencies as well as new developers and businesses coming into our city must be fostered and enhanced so that no part of our city declines.

How do you expect Elgin to adapt as Bastrop County’s population grows? Where do you see the city in five years?

Elgin is already in the adaptation stages of the county growth. We have projects in the planning stages or already well underway to alleviate growing pains in our roads as well as our utility systems. Staffing challenges as we grow will move to the forefront to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our citizens. In five years, Elgin will be a much larger city and with the continued planning of the council and city staff, in a good position as the entire county grows.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of during your time in office?

As an incumbent, I have experienced lots of wins of Elgin. One of my top accomplishments was being able to spearhead the no-truck traffic through our downtown. I have also recently brought to the council the need to set a ceiling freeze on city taxes for over 65 residents, requesting moving our codes back to larger lot sizes for new developments and reviewing/updating our current permitting process for citizens as well as developers.

Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

I'm not a politician nor do I want to be. I truly want what is in the best interest of Elgin and its citizens. I have had eight years on the city council and with that comes lots of experience both good and bad. From that, I want to continue with the current issues that I have been working on and make Elgin the best place it can be. I do not want to be like another town. I want Elgin to be the proud town that continues to create its own unique legacy. Let's do this together!