Meet the candidates running for 2 Round Rock City Council seats

Two Round Rock City Council members vying for their second terms will face challengers in the May 6 elections.

Incumbent Michelle Ly, 41 and the owner of the Rock Sports Bar, will face Shannon Probe, 34, a stay-at-home parent, for the Place 1 seat. Frank Ortega, 67, a Realtor, will be challenged for his Place 4 seat by Greg Rabaey, a retail energy executive. Rabaey has served as the city's Planning and Zoning Commission's vice chair.

Mayor Craig Morgan is running unopposed for a third term. Round Rock council members serve three-year terms.

On May 6, residents also will vote for or against the largest bond in Round Rock history. The $274 million bond is divided into two propositions. Prop A calls for $230 million for parks and recreation projects, and Prop B calls for $44 million for public safety projects. It will be the city's first bond election since 2013.

Early voting runs April 24 through May 2.

More: Two incumbents to face challengers for Round Rock City Council seats

Place 1

Ly said the biggest issue facing the city is how quickly it is growing. She said as it becomes more attractive to residents and businesses, Round Rock must be prepared to provide public safety, water, roads, infrastructure and a good quality of life. She said residents have told her they are concerned about the city's rapid growth.

"As we continue to grow, our needs as a city will change. I plan to stay focused on what the best solution will be and how to reach the end goal," Ly said. "I plan to listen with an open heart to our growing population on their concerns and plan for what I believe is best for the city as a whole."

Ly said she is the best candidate because she has been a servant of the community, is dedicated and a hard worker. Ly also said she brings a unique perspective to the city, being the daughter of Vietnamese refugees and an "example of the American and Round Rock dream."

Ly said that given residents' concerns, she supports the bond proposal because it will address public safety and quality of life.

Probe, who is running for public office for the time, said the city's biggest issues are housing, traffic and water infrastructure. She said Round Rock has not properly addressed the housing crisis.

Probe said that if elected, she will ensure she makes decisions with every citizen in mind. She also will focus on ensuring that everyone who works in Round Rock also can live in the city.

"As a City Council member, I will preserve Round Rock's unique character amidst the rapid growth and be a fresh voice for the people," Prove said. "I will prioritize creating a thriving community for all residents and centering the people’s voices. I envision a vibrant community with clean parks, safe roads, secure water sources and economic opportunities that benefit all residents."

Probe said she is the best candidate because she holds no business interests in the city and is committed to increasing communication between elected officials and residents.

She said the bond propositions are an investment in the amenities residents love and will be critical to address future growth.

Place 4

Ortega said the city has to prioritize infrastructure and development, especially water, wastewater, utilities and roads.

He said the residents he talks to say affordability is their biggest concern. He said the city has to work to understand the community and who can and cannot afford to live here.

If re-elected, Ortega said his goals are improving city infrastructure, having sustainable neighborhoods, maintaining public safety, investing in parks and amenities and prioritizing fiscal responsibility. He said the city needs to plan for its growth while also maintaining its beauty.

When asked what makes him the best candidate for the seat, he answered: "I’m committed to engaging with residents, collaborating, and making decisions that prioritize our community’s interests."

Ortega said that while the bond decision will be up to residents, the city must be prepared for growth. He said new fire stations will ensure shorter response times and that investing in parks is essential to "create a healthy and lively community."

Rabaey, who also is seeking public office for the first time, said he decided to run for the City Council to solve the hard problems Round Rock is facing. He said those issues are taxes, public safety, transportation and having dependable water sources in the future.

He said that if elected, he will focus on ensuring quality of life and prosperity for the city. He said to do that he will support police officers, firefighters and first responders so they can have the tools needed to protect and serve. He said he also will work to prioritize funding for roads and to secure a dependable water source by prioritizing water and wastewater utilities.

"I’m committed to planning for a future, that will ensure prosperity and a high quality of life for everyone in our community," Rabaey said. "This requires a commitment to long-term comprehensive planning for growth, development, transportation, and utilities."

Rabaey did not respond when asked about his thoughts of the proposed bond.

About the candidates

Place 1

Michelle Ly

Education: Bachelor's degree in management from Southwest Texas State University

Community involvement: Member of Parent Support Team, National Women in Roofing and Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. investor in the Round Rock Chamber, Board of directors of CHASCO YCMA, Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center and Round Rock Rotary. Former commissioner of Round Rock Planning and Zoning, former board member of the Round Rock Chamber. Volunteers at Prevent Child Abuse of America, Girl Scouts, Backpack Friends, Texas Baptist Children’s Home, STARRY, RRISD PIE Foundation, Texas A&M Scholarship Foundation, Texas Fallen Project, Share the Will, Colon Cancer Coalition and Center for Child Protection

Shannon Probe

Education: Bachelor's degree in Spanish and master's degree in teaching from Trinity University.

Community Involvement: Campaign manager for Chuy Zarate, volunteer at Access Education RRISD, member of Anti-racists Coming Together. Executive board member at Round Rock ISD Council of PTAs, Ridgeview Middle School PRA and MOMs Club of Round Rock-SE.

Place 4

Frank Ortega

Education: Associate's degree in applied arts from Howard College.

Community involvement: Board member of Hispanics Organized for Political Education, member of Round Rock Police Training advisory board, Capital Area Council of Governments, El Amistad Club of Round Rock and Kiwanis Club of Round Rock, Austin Rodeo ambassador, Director of League of United Latin American Citizens.

Greg Rabaey

Education: Bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics and computer science from Minnesota State University. Master's and PhD in physics from the University of Arizona.

Community involvement: Member of the Round Rock Sertoma, NW Austin Rotary Club. Serves in the Capital Area Council BSA executive board, St. William Parish Finance Council, the St. Dominic Savio High School board of advisors and the Annunciation Maternity Home board. A graduate of Leadership Round Rock and the Round Rock Citizens Police Academy.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Meet the candidates running for 2 Round Rock City Council seats