How long have you lived in Woodcreek, and what do you enjoy about living here?

We moved to Woodcreek from Houston in 1997, so 28 years ago. When we were looking for a place, we originally thought we'd be out on some land somewhere or up in the hills around Wimberley, but our agent drove us through Woodcreek after looking at a few other properties. I remember driving in and saying, "is that a golf course?!?" And that sealed the deal. The neighborhood felt like home, and living on a golf course was kind of a personal dream. We love our trees and green space all around.

What is your profession?

I led the Conference Services team and other arms of Biomedical Communications at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston before moving here and opening a consulting practice. Parts of consulting and I did not agree and I started Attendee Management, Inc in 2001. The company provides event technology and logistics services to clients holding meetings around the world. After retiring in 2020, our daughter Christina took over as CEO and son Layton COO (both Creekers). My sisters Jill and Jennifer are also co-owners.

Why did you run for City Council and Mayor?

I ran for City Council in 2021 because I felt like I could bring some management skills and technology experience to the City. After a year on the Council, I decided to run for Mayor in 2022 in hopes of bringing some unity and forward thinking to the work of the Council.

What have you learned in your time serving as Mayor and on the City Council?

To have great patience! The corporate and public sectors work on very different time sequences. City business generally takes longer, and it's good because it allows more transparency. But the time lapses can be frustrating for the citizens, committees, Council and Staff. I've also learned that the same servant leadership that served well running a company works well leading a city.

What are some of Woodcreek's biggest opportunities and challenges in the coming months and years?

The epic drought we've experienced for nearly a decade shows no sign of easing, putting immense strain on our water supply. We have to continue working to educate ourselves on conservation measures and collaborate with all of the stakeholders throughout the Valley and Hays County. We're applying for a grant that will help us rewrite our code of ordinances, and among many improvements, we can amend our codes to incentivise the conservation of our resources. We have an amazing Staff and City Council supported by hard-working committees and volunteers that are sharply focused on moving our city forward.

What is something interesting that you want residents to know about you?

I've lived my entire life around government and politics in one form or another, but never thought about getting into politics. But like so many normal citizens who see a need that needs to be addressed, I felt I had to step up. Serving the city is an absolute honor, and I encourage anyone to volunteer. It could be for a one-off project, service on a committee, or even a run for office. If I can help you, it would be my honor.

What are some of the city's biggest accomplishments during your time as mayor?

Signing off on the city's first real Comprehensive Plan gave us the blueprint for what we wanted to accomplish going forward, and we got right to it. The citizens asked us to fix our roads and provide more parkland and amenities, which are at the top of the list. We passed a general obligation bond for the first time in the city's history and were able to pay for a complete resurfacing of streets throughout the city. We were also able to upgrade our parks tremendously, adding a playground to Creekside Park and additional amenities to Augusta Park and the Triangle. There is still plenty more to do, and we're in the process of updating the Comp Plan to provide guidance.

We've oversaved and underspent our budgets each year, producing surpluses, and we've secured approximately $250,000 in grants to improve our parks and roads, too, further protecting our reserve funds.  I'd add this newsletter as a pretty major accomplishment, too. It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'm also proud to have developed better collaborations with the City of Wimberley, Hays County, and our stakeholders in water resources. I think we can also take a lot of pride in becoming a Tree City USA and establishing a team to help protect our canopy. 

Your term expires this November. What's next for Mayor Rasco?

Our city team has accomplished so much over the past four years, and I don't want to lose any momentum. Whether I run again or retire, I intend to stay very active, working with the Council and staff in support of the fabulous citizens of Woodcreek.

What advice do you have for your successors (both mayor and council)?

Continue to listen to our citizens and each other. As much as our communications have improved, we can still grow. Be strategic in your planning and be proactive. Keep educating yourself on municipal government and leadership. Continuously show your appreciation for the honor of serving the best little city in Texas!