Q&A: Learn about 4 candidates running for Universal City City Council

Four candidates are vying for three seats on the Universal City Council in the May election.

Incumbents Bernard Rubal and Lori Putt are running for reelection. Candidates Mark Dunlop and Andy Garza III will also be on the ballot for the at-large seat.

All Universal City council members are elected at-large, for two-year staggered terms. Three council members are elected in even-numbered years, and the remaining three are elected in odd years. Voters will have the opportunity to cast ballots for none, three, two or one candidate, according to the city website.

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. For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

Why are you running for reelection?

I’m running for reelection because steady, common-sense leadership matters. I’ve shown up, done the work, and focused on results—not noise. I care deeply about this community and want to continue moving it forward with thoughtful decisions and a commitment to the people who live here.

What would your top priorities be if you are reelected?

Protecting quality of life, being responsible with taxpayer dollars and keeping services reliable are my top priorities. That means strong public safety, smart growth and listening to residents. The best decisions aren’t rushed—they’re informed, balanced and centered on what works for our community.

What do you think is the biggest challenge Universal City faces in the next five years? How do you plan to address it?

Growth is coming—the challenge is getting it right. We must balance development with infrastructure and services so we don’t lose what makes our city special. I support thoughtful planning, asking the right questions and making decisions that hold up long after the moment passes.

What resources do you think Universal City is lacking?

We need stronger communication. Residents deserve to be informed, heard and included. When people understand what’s happening and why, trust grows. And when trust grows, so does the strength of our community and the quality of the decisions we make.

What is one thing you want the community to know about you?

I’ll always listen, I’ll always be respectful and I’ll stand firm when it matters. I don’t take this role lightly. My focus is simple—represent the people of Universal City with integrity, make thoughtful decisions, and do the work, even when it’s not the easy path.

Why are you running for reelection?

There is a need for a minority voice on Council that gives a voice to our hard-working and fixed-income residents. By a majority, our Council increased property taxes, rejected defining the prioritization of budgetary needs and failed to allow residents the right to vote on venue tax use.

What would your top priorities be if you are reelected?

Safety, infrastructure and improvements in the budget process to include measurable performance standards.

What do you think is the biggest challenge Universal City faces in the next five years? How do you plan to address it?

Competition in securing resources! The growth of I-35 and I-10 corridors strains the ability of Universal City to compete for everything from water rights to qualified personnel. Our infrastructure deficit (deferred maintenance) further reduces our ability to compete for critical resources. We must prudently spend every penny of tax revenue.

What resources do you think Universal City is lacking?

We need to utilize our sales tax revenues to address basic service needs of our community without increases in property taxes. We need an effective street maintenance program. We must ensure that future development costs do not exceed our service capacity, and residents are spared from development costs.

What is one thing you want the community to know about you?

I want our city to be transparent and better match tax resources with resident needs.

Why are you running for office?

Public service an important focus for me. I’ve learned a lot of lessons through my career that I can bring to the table and make a quick impact. I want to do all I can to continue making Universal City a vibrant, family-friendly place where folks want to live.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

My number one priority is growth. We have to focus on attracting businesses that last, provide good jobs and help improve the city. Redevelopment efforts like the Aviation District will help us continue to modernize the Universal City, and let folks Shop, Dine and Play in UC first.

What do you think is the biggest challenge Universal City faces in the next five years? How do you plan to address it?

I think the biggest challenge we face is not letting short-term desires derail our larger strategic goals. We have to pay for roads, public safety, etc. and still have funds for our parks, the library and community events that make our city special. Growth is key to our success.

What resources do you think Universal City is lacking?

What we don’t lack is people who are interested, willing to put their time and effort into making UC a great place to live. Space is an issue, so redevelopment is important. Water is a challenge, and the city must continue to source new access for our future.

What is one thing you want the community to know about you?

I’m a first-generation college graduate, and a firm believer in a focus on lifetime learning. I’m a third-generation veteran, so service is important in our family. Also, my family is originally from Scotland and Ireland, so don’t be surprised if you see me in a kilt occasionally!