Editor,
Mayor Jane Garnette Hughson has earned my unwavering support, my vote, and my gratitude. We may not always see eye-to-eye, we may even disagree on some important topics, but one thing I know is that I wholeheartedly trust Jane. She is guided by a strong moral compass. And she listens. She listens to all the residents of San Marcos, and represents us all. She does not “govern” for the few, but is an inclusive mayor who works for the benefit of San Marcos, San Marcos’ people, businesses, natural resources, economy, and future.
When COVID-19 hit, the world, the nation, Texas, and San Marcos experienced something, the likes of which no one has seen since the Great Influenza of 1918. Jane went to work immediately, with the city council, Hays County, and Texas officials. This city council and she worked together and enacted an ordinance which protected vulnerable populations from being evicted, through no fault of their own, from the homes and apartments they rent. Jane cares about the underserved and protects tenants’ rights.
Jane continuously encourages the development of housing which is affordable for all San Marcos residents. She encourages the purchase of homes, not just the addition of more rental properties. She understands that an economy based on 73% of the population renting is not stable. San Marcans deserve the opportunity to purchase affordable homes.
Jane cares about and sees all of San Marcos’s residents, especially our students. She encourages smart growth and strives to provide our students access to housing options they can afford, not just luxury apartments. She is also a key player in strengthening Town and Gown relations to best serve all San Marcans.
Jane works to protect all neighborhoods, especially the vulnerable neighborhoods at risk of gentrification. She helps protect against gentrification by keeping neighborhoods intact and helping them flourish, so that large commercial properties are not built right into neighborhoods, driving the property taxes so high that people can no longer afford to live in their homes.
Jane understands that some criminal acts stem from people who have mental issues and supports initiatives like expanding mental health training for officers.
Jane promotes affordable and reliable transportation for all residents. She has worked diligently with Texas State University to create a joint busing system, which relieves parking stress, and helps eliminate car pollution. Her vision of improved transportation encourages growth and revitalization of the downtown area, making it accessible to employees and customers.
Jane’s public service to the community is unparalleled. She has supported been active in the Hays County Food Bank, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce (Natural Resource Committee), LBJ museum Association, League of Women voters, and San Marcos Performing Arts Association, to name a few.
Jane has insight into the inner workings of City, County, and State Leadership, and navigates it all with grace. She works everyday with all groups of people as a mature, steadfast civil servant who is pushing this city forward into a stable and robust economy with job opportunities for all.
With all of the change, especially in 2020, I believe it is in San Marcos’ best interest to support our committed mayor, Jane Garnette Hughson. Please vote in the runoff election on Dec. 8. You can find voter, candidate, and polling location information at vote411.org. Thank you.
J. Kama Davis
San Marcos
