T.J. Monroe With a variety of work and volunteer experience, T.J. Monroe believes she can help strengthen Lampasas’ economy as a member of the Lampasas City Council.

Mrs. Monroe, who moved from Arlington to Lampasas with her husband in 2001, works as an account manager for Bluebonnet Healthcare Management. She also has volunteered for Preservation Lampasas and Vision Lampasas!, serving in the latter capacity for about two years as chairman of the housing and economic restructuring committee.

As head of the restructuring committee, Mrs. Monroe prepared land use recommendations for the city. In particular, the recommendations emphasize ways to promote mixeduse development in downtown retail zones. VL encourages a mix of multi-family dwellings, singlefamily homes and retail businesses in the downtown area, Mrs. Monroe said.

In her volunteer efforts with VL, Mrs. Monroe has worked to increase retail activity in Lampasas, an effort she plans to continue if elected to the City Council.

“We need an infusion of new business [and] new activities,” she said. “We need some reflective thinking about what would be good for Lampasas.”

Increased job opportunities and a greater variety of community-wide events can help attract young families to Lampasas, Mrs. Monroe said.

“That’s where all your energy is coming from — young people,” she said.

Because she has been a partowner of a small business, Mrs. Monroe — who also has experience as an employee of a large corporation — said she is prepared for the challenges of attracting new businesses while supporting existing ones in Lampasas.

“I know what problems small businesses have,” the candidate said.

The Monroes — who are renovating a downtown building on East Third Street — moved to Lampasas in part for its friendly atmosphere and calm way of life, Mrs. Monroe said. Economic growth, the council candidate said, is compatible with those features of the community.

“You can have more business and a better economy, and I don’t think it will take away from the smalltown atmosphere,” Mrs. Monroe said.

By developing more hike-andbike trails, Lampasas can add to its existing offerings, which include springs, creeks, the Campbell Park sculpture garden, Lampasas Association for the Arts activities and the newly formed Lampasas County Higher Education Center.

Mrs. Monroe also believes constructing a civic center and an addition to the Lampasas Public Library will add to Lampasas’ amenities. She expressed her hope that the two projects can be funded at the same time. The city may be able, the council candidate said, to run the civic center with existing city staff until use of the meeting facility grows enough to justify hiring more employees.

In balancing the city budget, Mrs. Monroe said she would seek suggestions from the heads of city departments.

“They’re the ones trying to work with the budget, and I would think they’re the ones who would know better,” she said.

Cuts to non-essential projects may be necessary, Mrs. Monroe said.

“If it comes down to an aesthetic versus a need, I would think you [fund] the need,” she said, adding that fire and police department funding are among her highest priorities.

In another matter, Mrs. Monroe noted that she sees benefits of annexing areas just outside the city limits.

“From a homeowner’s standpoint, it would be beneficial to be in a position to have city services,” she said. “If you’re going to be using those tax dollars, it would be nice to have that tax revenue coming in.”