Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Shavano Park alderman

Alex Kling, Christian Lyons, Vicky Maisel and incumbents Konrad Kuykendall and T. Lee Powers are running for

alderman in the May election.

Community Impact reached out to the five candidates who will be on the ballot.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines or for style and clarity. Community Impact was unable to reach Kuykendall prior to press time.

Why are you running, and what is the central issue?

I’m running to help preserve what makes Shavano Park special while planning responsibly for the next generation. As a younger parent invested in our future, I want to ensure thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure decisions that protect our community’s character for years to come.

How can Shavano Park’s government best serve the community?

By listening first and leading with transparency. As part of the next generation of leadership, I believe clear communication, fiscal responsibility, and proactive planning will ensure our city continues serving families today and those who will call Shavano Park home in the future.

How will you leverage Shavano Park’s position along Loop 1604?

Our location along Loop 1604 offers opportunity, but growth must reflect long-term vision. I support responsible development that strengthens our tax base while protecting neighborhood character — ensuring Shavano Park remains strong and sustainable for the next generation.

How will you balance Greenway access with privacy concerns?

As we consider Greenway access, resident safety and privacy must lead the conversation. With thoughtful planning and community input, we can evaluate solutions that enhance quality of life while protecting neighborhood integrity for current and future residents.

What public works projects are most pressing?

Road maintenance, water system reliability, infrastructure improvements, and thoughtful utility planning are key priorities. Proactively maintaining these essential services helps protect property values, support responsible growth, and ensures our community remains safe, efficient, and well-prepared for the future.

Why are you running for office, and what is the one central issue you wish to address?

Service has guided my life. My wife Vanessa and I retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2025 after 54 combined years in uniform. Running for City Council is my next opportunity to serve—working with residents to preserve Shavano Park’s character while keeping our community safe.

How can Shavano Park’s government best serve the community?

Shavano Park is special because of its people, and our people are best served by leaders who are collaborative, respectful, and grounded in common sense. I believe our government representatives should listen first, lead with humility, and work toward solutions where everyone feels heard.

How will you continue to leverage Shavano Park’s strategic position along Loop 1604?

Shavano Park is a special place to live, work, and raise families–valued for its rustic charm, welcoming community, and proximity to San Antonio. We should protect that character while thoughtfully leveraging our location—balancing preservation with forward-looking opportunities that benefit residents now and in the future.

How will you balance the need for a Shavano Park entry point to the Salado Creek Greenway with residents’ privacy concerns?

I serve on the Citizens Advisory Panel for trail access. Our group walked the proposed route with city leaders and provided input focused on responsible spending, restricted access, safety, and nature preservation. We recommended a recessed, limited-length fence with resident-only gate access to minimize impact on Shavano Park’s foliage and terrain.

What public works projects do you feel are most pressing?

Shavano Park’s top public works priorities are maintaining our roads and aging water system. Timely road maintenance controls long-term costs and preserves safety. Proactively replacing decades-old water infrastructure prevents leaks and service disruptions. With strong planning and our dedicated Public Works Department, we can protect residents and preserve property values.

Why are you running for office, and what is the one central issue you wish to address?

I am running because I think the city council could be more transparent on the workings of the city. I think the city needs to find more avenues to reach citizens so they can be aware of major issues and decisions.

How can Shavano Park’s government best serve the community?

The city needs to plan long term for basic services such as police ,fire and public works. Once we know that the service can be maintained at its current high level then we consider amenities.

How will you continue to leverage Shavano Park’s strategic position along Loop 1604?

We need to add businesses that will generate sales tax. The state is trying to lower property taxes. That is great for homeowners and businesses. However, small cities like Shavano Park depend on property taxes as their main source of revenue. To continue to provide the premier services our city …

How will you balance the need for a Shavano Park entry point to the Salado Creek Greenway with residents’ privacy concerns?

First we absolutely do not allow parking at the entrance nor street parking on Cliffside. Then we create a seamless entrance that respects the natural habitat. We need look no further than the walking trail at city hall to see how that can be accomplished. We can create a trail …

What public works projects do you feel are most pressing?

We need to plan for the future street replacements. Our streets need to be replaced in a timely manner. We cannot allow our streets to degrade. Poorly maintained streets affect not only the property values but will impede the police and fire.

Why are you running for office, and what is the one central issue you wish to address?

This is a re-election bid. I enjoy serving my community; my 50 years in public safety allows me to contribute from a unique perspective. There is no ‘Central Issue’ except to maintain the best in safety for the residents, and accomplish this within the boundaries of budget and talent pool.

How can Shavano Park’s government best serve the community?

Shavano Park’s government is a balance of city residents, the elected body, and non-residents that are hired on the basis of education, accreditation, and licensing. To best serve is to keep citizens safe, apply best practices at every level, and maintain a co-operative framework for evolving challenges in governance.

How will you continue to leverage Shavano Park’s strategic position along Loop 1604?

Our Loop 1604 location is “Strategic”. Bracketed as we are by the IH-10 interchange and the growth there, the growth of all types of housing and businesses to the east, the careful planning and permitting of the available land along and nearby access road can be used to bring in revenues.

How will you balance the need for a Shavano Park entry point to the Salado Creek Greenway with residents’ privacy concerns?

This question assumes “the need for a Shavano Park entry point”. I make no such assumption. I will not make the decision about “balance” as I intend to listen to all sides of the discussion, and any vote I make will be reflective of the residents that live closest …

What public works projects do you feel are most pressing?

Our Public Works department is a marvel. The talent we’ve hired, the best equipment we can give them, and the Institutional Knowledge they have learned, makes that department excel in the identification and solution of the remaining water supply and storm water abatement issues that seem to, thanks to our …