In a small town like Llano, it’s quite possible that you know at least one of the five candidates who are running for three at-large spots on Llano’s City Council. But for those who don’t know the candidates, The Llano News wanted to give each alderman candidate a chance to introduce themselves and to elaborate on what local issues are important to them.

First, a brief introduction, in alphabetical order. Laura Almond, 54, is a retired teacher who owns Possibilities on the Square. J.R. Decker, 41, operates Walker & Solomon Insurance in Llano. John Ferguson, 60, is a retired teacher who now manages properties. Joshua A. Oebel, 34, is a taxidermist. Real estate agent Kelli Tudyk, 52, is the only incumbent on the ballot.

Oebel did not respond to requests to participate in this story.

Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election begins next Tuesday, Oct. 13 and ends on Oct. 30.

Q: Introduce yourself to folks.

Almond:

My first career was in education. I taught early childhood for 29 years, with my last 3 years being in Llano ISD. Currently I own and operate a resale shop on Llano’s historic square. Possibilities is a year old and has two employees, plus the greatest twin sister ever!

I grew up in Menard, graduated from Texas A&M, and lived in the Houston area for way too long. In 2018 I married a local boy, Derek Almond. I love to tell folks that my mother-in-law, Phyllis Almond, literally wrote the book on Llano’s history.

I’ve always relied on my sense of humor to make friends and deal with the frustrations of life. Working with students, parents, co-workers, volunteers, and administrators has taught me how to appreciate each side of a situation and how to work toward a mutual solution.

Decker:

I’m a fifth-generation citizen of Llano County. My family moved here in 1872. Aside from a stint in the U.S. Navy (2001-2006) and three years in San Marcos, this has been my home. My wife, Emily, is from Austin but has had family in Llano since 1997. Our son Ethan is 4 ½ (he would insist I add the ½). Llano has long been home to my family and we’ve served in many different aspects over the years. My great great-grandfather was County Commissioner of Precinct 4; my grandfather, William T. Rogers, was Sheriff; and my father was Chief of Police for the City of Llano, Chief Deputy and Deputy for Llano County, and Bailiff for the District Court.

Ferguson:

I’m retired from teaching math at the high school level, and I currently manage family properties here in Texas. I moved to Llano from Houston about 13 years ago, primarily because it just feels right living here. I've made my home in Llano, and I believe working for all our homes here is a great way to take care of the future of us all.

Tudyk:

I was raised here and graduated from Llano High. My family is here in Llano. I have three kids who are almost grown. Real estate has been keeping me busy since 1996. As far as what I like to do, I love the outdoors—I like to hunt and fish. I also have been in and out of the flower shop business since I was 18 years old. It’s kind of a passion, and it’s therapeutic for me.

Q: Why did you decide to run for alderman and what do you have to offer voters?

Almond:

During my teaching career I volunteered in many ways, but I didn’t have a lot of extra time. Basically, I feel like this is my season to serve. My parents were committed to community service and they instilled that value in me. I enjoy the government process and being a part of problem-solving. For those of you who lean on the Lord, I truly feel that God has called me to be a part of Llano’s leadership. I have a natural drive to help solve problems through communication. Many frustrations and concerns can be solved by clearly communicating with those involved.

I moved to Llano in January of 2015 and have made many friends while serving with several local organizations: The Art Guild, Hope Haus, Llano Main Street Board and the Highland Lakes Crisis Network.

Decker:

I’m running for alderman because I once again wish to serve my community and all of the people that live here. I was appointed to the City’s Planning and Zoning Board in June of 2007, elected alderman in May of 2009 and re-elected in May of 2011. The City of Llano seems to me to be at a crossroads between sustainable growth and stagnation. I would like the opportunity to work with the other council members to guide us in the right direction. I don’t believe we should strive to be another Marble Falls or Fredericksburg, but we must do something so that younger people want and can make a decent living here and raise their children in this community. We must think about more than the present. We must protect our future as well and we must start now.

Ferguson:

I've been on city council before. Working with dedicated citizens, debating difficult options at council meetings, and having time since then to reflect on how to best be on the council has given me a seasoned outlook on how to get things done. It takes learning everything you can about each issue, a readiness for open (and occasionally spirited) debate at city meetings, and lots of skepticism when someone asks the city to spend more money.

I've also been on a number of committees for the city, researching and discussing options for the council to consider. Most recently, I worked on the Drought Contingency Plan, which council members passed unanimously.

Tudyk:

This is my second time around on the Llano City Council. I served previously on the council and then I decided to run again. I love Llano. I’m from Llano, and I know it like the back of my hand. I care about what happens to the city and I always do my best to make informed decisions because I know that my decisions will impact the community. I think it’s important for people--and other alderman candidates--to come to council meetings and see what’s going on.

Q: What issues facing the City of Llano right now most concern you?

Almond:

Thankfully, most of the more serious concerns that were obvious a few years ago have been solved by the current administration. We have great streets, a professional police force, and God has provided water. I do believe that decades of deferred maintenance have caused some infrastructure issues that need to be addressed. Just like a home needs attention, so too do the moving parts that make a city operate.

On the economic side, there’s a fine line between promoting Llano and losing Llano. As a business owner I love those city dollars coming to Llano. As a small-town girl, I would hate to see Llano turn into a big-city suburb. I’m concerned about retail leakage. Llano dollars don’t stay in Llano when its citizens must go elsewhere to purchase products not available here.

Utility costs are always an issue—as they are in most small towns.

Decker:

I believe the two most important issues facing this city are the cost of utilities and the street contract, and I suspect the majority of the people reading this agree with me. I will not make any promises because I know first-hand how difficult it is to effect change in government even at the smallest level. I will pledge right now that I will fight for the people of Llano and to always be a representative for every citizen of Llano and not be beholden to any one group. My door will always be open for citizens to voice their concerns and for their ideas on how we can address those concerns. In closing, I am asking you to allow me to once again serve this city as I have served her and my country in the past. Thank you.

Ferguson:

Change is a fact of life. I'm running for alderman because I'm looking at the future of this city, and looking out for the people who live here.

I think it's important for Llano to keep its fundamental character. I'm very much a fiscal conservative and I know that most every dollar the city spends comes out of the pockets of hard-working people. Your money deserves to stay with you.

Tudyk:

Small businesses are the key to our community. Without small businesses, we wouldn’t have a Llano. I want to see more commerce and continue to work on infrastructure. COVID-19 has set us back a few steps but we’ll thrive. I want to see growth, but be smart about it and with a forward-thinking mindset.

Other issues that are important are the airport, the event center and the golf course, because those three things can bring so much commerce to the community. We won’t know what we’ve lost until it’s gone. And then it’s hard to get it back.

A low water crossing is something that I feel is needed, and with time and the communities support hopefully we can make that happen.