The Advocate asked each candidate the following questions to enable voters to review “apples-to-apples” responses regarding issues and platforms. Answers were limited to 150 words, appear in the order in which they were received, and as submitted.
Alex Fuller
Why did you decide to run to be the next City Council member for Georgetown’s District 1?
I have always valued public service, and now that I am semi-retired from my law practice, I have more time to commit to it. When multiple people asked me to run, I decided that serving on Council would be a good way to build on what I have learned through 7 years of service on city commissions. While block-walking and at the many meetings I have attended during the campaign, common concerns expressed by folks I’ve met are that Georgetown retain the small-town character and charm that drew them here and that it remain an overall affordable place to live.
Which, if any, Georgetown City Boards or civic organizations have you served on, participated in?
I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission from 2014-2018, and on the Zoning Board of Adjustment from 2016 to the present. I am currently Chair of that board.
I have also been a Board member for Texans for Cures since 2011, and a member of Preservation Georgetown since 2001.
Who is your employer and what are your primary roles within this organization?
I founded my own small law firm in Georgetown, Alex Fuller Law, PLLC, when I retired as a senior partner with Davis, Fuller, Jackson, Keene in Austin in 2012. I still represent a handful of hospital clients, as well as doing wills and probate work. At DFJK, I handled complex litigation, mediation, and mergers/acquisitions of hospitals; defended doctors in medical malpractice cases, served as General Counsel to six public hospital districts and helped with day-to-day management of a 35-person law firm.
What degrees, majors, certifications, or educational experience will assist you if you are elected to council?
In addition to a BA in Government from the University of Texas at Austin, I have a J.D. degree from Bates College of Law at the University of Houston. I also maintain Certification in Healthcare Compliance, which requires substantial Continuing Legal Education annually. My legal education and years of practice taught me how to read and digest complex documents, how to think on my feet and speak in public, and most importantly, how to find common ground between parties involved in acrimonious disputes. I think all those skills will serve me well on Council.
What three issues in Georgetown are most important to you?
Neighborhood & historic preservation. In a fast-growing city like Georgetown, it is critical to balance development/growth with preservation of our historic assets and the charm and character of our existing neighborhoods.
Transportation (including public transport, traffic and parking). We need more cost-effective public transport than our current GoGeo bus, we need to find ways to divert through truck traffic away from Highway 29 through the center of town, and continue exploring ways to provide more parking around downtown.
Managing utility costs. I want to be part of the solution to the cost overruns currently being passed through to utility customers.
What one item makes you the best choice for District 1 City Council seat?
My temperament. I am able to remain calm under pressure, after decades of experience in pressure situations as an attorney. I am able to look at both sides of issues without prejudice, and make my own judgment as to the best decision, regardless of whose name is appended to which side of the issue. While I will fight hard for what I think is right, when the fight is over, I don’t consider the folks who supported a different view as enemies. As a long-time believer in public service, I feel serving on Council will be right up my alley!
Mary Calixtro
Why did you decide to run to be the next City Council member for Georgetown’s District 1?
I am running for this position because Georgetown is my home. I want to make a difference. I’m the person who will add balance in the planning and decisions of growth in our city. The person who intentionally connects with the citizens that may feel they are not being heard when they approach council.
Which, if any, Georgetown City Boards or civic organizations have you served on, participated in?
I currently serve on the Board of Directors for A Gift of Time, Georgetown Housing Advisory Board, Southeast Georgetown Community Council co-founder / member, Courageous Conversation member, Previous – GISD District Performance Council, GISD Neighborhood Conference Committee, Getsemani Community Center Board member/ volunteer, and Hispanic Parents in Action.
Who is your employer and what are your primary roles within this organization?
ACM Trucking – Administrative Assistant
What degrees, majors, certifications, or educational experience will assist you if you are elected to council?
As a trained Facilitator for the Diocese of Austin in Ethics and Integrity in Ministry and ACC Equity Facilitator, this training will help ease the process of council decisions being made to consider empathy and inclusion of all residents in the community who may possibly be affected.
What three issues in Georgetown are most important to you?
- Workforce and affordable Housing
- Balanced and conscientious planning of our city growth
- Restore trust and transparency in our city leaders by intentionally engaging the residents in our district.
What one item makes you the best choice for District 1 City Council seat?
I have worked most of my life serving in civic organizations and City boards as well as keeping up with a small business while raising six kids. I know the needs of my community.
