Burnet elections: Mayor, 3 council seats
Burnet voters will decide key leadership positions in the upcoming at-large election May 3 that includes three candidates running for mayor and four candidates running for three council seats.
At-large races are voted on by an entire electorate.
Running for the three council positions are incumbent Ricky Langley, incumbent Tres Clinton, incumbent Joyce Laudenschlager, and Dennis Langley. The top three vote-getters win a seat.
The mayor’s race features incumbent Gary Wideman, Cliff Hirneisen, and Anthony J. Francisco.
Burnet City Council members serve two-year terms. The mayor and councilors oversee city policy decisions, infrastructure management, growth planning, and public service investments.
Early voting ends Tuesday, April 29. The election is Saturday, May 3. Polling locations can be found on the Burnet County Elections webpage.
DailyTrib.com asked the candidates for brief biographies as well as the same questions about their candidacy and issues facing Burnet. Bios have been edited for space. The candidates’ complete responses, received via email, follow.
MAYORAL RACE
J. ANTHONY FRANCISCO
Francisco lives near the Burnet town square. After graduating from Burnet High School in 1999 and earning a degree in biology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, he returned to Burnet County in 2006. He works as a mortgage broker and loan officer and owns a company called Thess Mortgage.
QUESTION 1: What motivated you to run for public office, and how do your experiences prepare you to serve the Burnet community?
FRANCISCO: My motivation is to be a servant leader for the citizens of Burnet and the employees of the City of Burnet. Throughout my career—whether it’s working on development projects or brokering loans—I’ve worked with teams, sometimes leading, sometimes supporting. Teamwork is always at the forefront for me. I was an athlete in high school and college, and that mindset stayed with me. I want to be someone who brings unity and helps move things forward.
QUESTION 2: How do you plan to address specific challenges like infrastructure development, housing affordability, and economic growth?
FRANCISCO: I’ve been studying the city charter to understand how it supports growth and where it might need adjustments. We need strong public services—fire, police, utilities—and a charter that protects them even as we grow.
For housing affordability, I’m especially concerned about big box builders pushing up prices. As a mortgage broker, I see firsthand how these deals sometimes hurt local buyers—people get locked into overpriced homes that don’t match the appraisals. I want to protect buyers by making sure developers meet fair standards, giving local builders a fair shot too, and keeping housing prices attainable for working families.
QUESTION 3: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
FRANCISCO: I would invest it into building self-sustainability within our public services. Specifically, I would back the fire and police departments to create training programs that bring people from across the state here for education. That way, we generate revenue for the departments, strengthen our local services, and become a model for other communities. Any leftover funds would go toward improving other city services.
QUESTION 4: How do you plan to get the community more engaged in decision-making?
FRANCISCO: I would encourage City Council members, including myself, to hold regular office hours. Even if only one person shows up a month, it would give people a low-pressure opportunity to talk to us without the intimidation of formal meetings. Making government more accessible is key to better engagement.
QUESTION 5: Are you actively campaigning in any way?
FRANSCISCO: I post daily on social media about where I’ll be sitting for public meet-and-greet opportunities—whether it’s at a local restaurant or business. I’m also sending out a mailer with my schedule, early voting hours, and election day details. I want to make it easy for people to connect and get involved.
GARY WIDEMAN
Wideman has lived in Burnet for 18 years. A long-time State Farm Insurance agent, he has served the city on the Airport Advisory Board, Burnet Economic Development Corp. Board of Directors, Burnet Chamber of Commerce Board, and the City Council, including eight years as mayor.
QUESTION 1: What motivated you to run for public office, and how do your experiences prepare you to serve the Burnet community?
WIDEMAN: My dad was the Mayor of the town I grew up in for 10 years. While there were challenges, seeing the good he did for our community, especially looking back now, I knew that wherever my family planted roots, it was in my future. I’ve loved this community from the start and wanted to be part of shaping its future. My career as a State Farm agent really dovetailed into serving. It’s what I do. I’ve served on the Airport Board, Burnet Economic Development Board, Burnet Chamber of Commerce Board and the City Council for 9 years, 8 of those as Mayor. Eleven of my 18 years here in Burnet have been given to this community with great joy.
QUESTION 2: How do you plan to address specific challenges like infrastructure development, housing affordability, and economic growth?
WIDEMAN: This is one of the great challenges many small communities are currently facing.
Much of the infrastructure we have is 20-30 years old. Working with all council members and city staff, we have repaved more than 50 percent of our streets, rehabbed existing water wells, updated our electrical and water plant components and have worked closely with developers to assure we can provide the best service possible.
We will continue to be challenged on housing costs as available land inside the city limits is dwindling and demand from growth continues to accelerate. Economically, we have seen good growth as sales tax receipts continue to grow and chamber membership expands.
QUESTION 3: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
WIDEMAN: I’d like to help businesses on our entry corridors (Texas 29 and U.S. 281) clean up and landscape to make the approach to Burnet more appealing. Second, I’d love to improve our park system. I’d like to see Hamilton Creek connected all the way to the YMCA and add an outdoor pickleball facility.
QUESTION 4: How do you plan to get the community more engaged in decision-making?
WIDEMAN: We instituted a product called Flashvote in my current term, which gives our citizens the ability to express their opinions on a variety of topics. We started a strategic plan in February of this year guided by the information we received to better prepare for the future.
I’ve spoken at many chambers breakfasts and luncheons and always give folks the opportunity to ask questions. Most importantly, the front door to my office is always open. I believe you have to be accessible all the time.
QUESTION 5: Are you actively campaigning in any way?
WIDEMAN: In general, no. My record and experience as Mayor for eight years is very well known, as is my service to this community. I opted not to place campaign signs all over the place or clutter mailboxes and door jams with flyers because it flies in the face of my wanting to beautify our community by avoiding eyesores. If, at the end of the day, folks want change as opposed to experience, that’s okay. I’m just glad to see citizens taking an interest in being involved.
CLIFF HIRNEISEN
Hirneisen lives near the intersection of Texas 29 and U.S. 281 and has resided in Burnet for about 2½ years. After working 33 years in construction, he became a registered nurse at a psychiatric state hospital in Pennsylvania before retiring and moving to Texas. Hirneisen told DailyTrib.com he has plans to move to Kenya if he does not win the race.
QUESTION 1: What motivated you to run for public office, and how do your experiences prepare you to serve the Burnet community?
HIRNEISEN: It kind of just happened. My grandson suggested, ‘Big Poppa, you should run for mayor.’ Since moving here, I’m so happy that my catchphrase is known and anticipated by family and friends: ‘It’s a Great Day in Burnet, Texas, USA!’ Everyone I talk to agrees I would be good for the job. Raising four daughters as a single father and working in healthcare helped me connect with all kinds of people. I see this position as a great opportunity to spread goodwill.
QUESTION 2: How do you plan to address specific challenges like infrastructure development, housing affordability, and economic growth?
HIRNEISEN: I will facilitate good communication between city departments, business leaders, and members of our community. Together we will find ideas and make appropriate goals and plans.
QUESTION 3: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
HIRNEISEN: I would invest in building a vibrant art and music scene, similar to Marble Falls. Events like Jackson Street Jams and the Bluebonnet Festival show how wonderful it is to see the community come together.
QUESTION 4: How do you plan to get the community more engaged in decision-making?
HIRNEISEN: By word of mouth to everyone I meet. Right now, many people don’t even know who the current mayor is or that there’s an election happening. We need to change that.
QUESTION 5: Are you actively campaigning in any way?
HIRNEISEN: I’m not formally campaigning. You might run into me at H-E-B or at community events. I’m always out and about.
COUNCIL AT-LARGE RACE
RICKY LANGLEY
Langley lives on Oak Vista Drive inside the Delaware Springs neighborhood and has resided in Burnet for 14 years. A self-employed homebuilder and real estate developer since 1985, he is seeking a third term on the City Council. He also serves on the Burnet Economic Development Corp. and the Hill Country Community Foundation.
QUESTION 1: What motivated you to run for public office, and how do your experiences prepare you to serve the Burnet community?
R. LANGLEY: Local government is something that I have been involved with for several years now. My motivation to continue my service stems from my desire to continue building on the foundation we have established over my previous two terms. I set goals for my time on Council, and through the coordinated teamwork of many, we have been able to achieve most of those goals. However, there are remaining items that I believe my knowledge and experience can continue to contribute toward to ensure continued success within our local government.
The experience I have gained through 40 years of business ownership has given me a unique perspective on the ‘business’ of city government. It is through that lens that I approach each challenge brought before Council and form my opinions, ultimately casting my votes using practical, logical, and fiscally conservative principles. I am focused on sustainable growth while maintaining or lowering our local tax rates.
QUESTION 2: How do you plan to address specific challenges like infrastructure development, housing affordability, and economic growth?
R. LANGLEY: As a real estate developer and homebuilder, these topics are important not just for the city, but also for my local business success. Growth is inevitable and can be a positive thing if handled carefully.
Through my work on the Economic Development Corporation, I advocate for controlled and sustainable growth that preserves Burnet’s small-town charm. For affordable housing, I helped launch the MyTown Initiative several years ago—a public-private venture to offer homes at below-market prices for teachers, first responders, and public servants. I’d like to revive similar efforts.
QUESTION 3: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
R. LANGLEY: I would use it to upgrade and expand our city parks. Parks are vital for recreation, community events, and quality of life. Improving them would benefit all residents and contribute to healthy, sustainable growth.
QUESTION 4: How do you plan to get the community more engaged in decision-making?
R. LANGLEY: I encourage residents to attend council meetings and make their voices heard. Debate and open communication are fundamental to our system of government, and participation helps us make better decisions.
QUESTION 5: Are you actively campaigning in any way?
R. LANGLEY: I have placed a few banners in visible areas around town and reached out personally to friends, family, clients, and colleagues to encourage them to vote. In small elections like this one, turnout is everything.
JOYCE LAUDENSCHLAGER
Laudenschlager has lived in Burnet for more than 40 years after moving from Indiana with her family. She worked for the city of Burnet for 28 years before retiring in 2014 and has served on the City Council for multiple terms, including a required one-year break between terms.
QUESTION 1: What motivated you to run for public office, and how do your experiences prepare you to serve the Burnet community?
LAUDENSCHLAGER: I worked for the city for 28 years, so I understand how it functions and what the city’s long-term vision is. I wanted to represent everyone in Burnet, not just a specific interest group. I know the direction Burnet needs to go. Over the years, we’ve made major investments in infrastructure like streets and water lines, and I’m proud of how much we’ve accomplished. Living here for over 40 years, I’ve seen how the community has grown, and I believe our current leadership has done a great job moving Burnet forward.
QUESTION 2: How do you plan to address specific challenges like infrastructure development, housing affordability, and economic growth?
LAUDENSCHLAGER: The City Council and the Economic Development Corporation have worked hard to support local businesses, especially during COVID. We also focus heavily on infrastructure. We’ve invested heavily in the roads and water lines and have a long-range plan for street repairs. The city has been fiscally responsible, even as costs have risen. I serve on the streets committee, the finance committee, and the new City Hall building committee to stay involved in these efforts.
QUESTION 3: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
LAUDENSCHLAGER: I would invest in upgrades to our parks and green spaces. We have a lot of young families and kids here, and they need more activities outside of organized sports. I would also like to see more community events, like summer jam sessions in the park, which draw huge turnouts and help bring everyone together.
QUESTION 4: How do you plan to get the community more engaged in decision-making?
LAUDENSCHLAGER: The city has launched new surveys to collect citizen feedback, and we’re redesigning the city website to make information more accessible. Not everyone can attend meetings in person, so providing easier ways to participate is important.
QUESTION 5: Are you actively campaigning in any way?
LAUDENSCHLAGER: No, I haven’t been actively campaigning. I’ve had some health issues recently, but I’m doing better now. I trust that the residents who know me and my work on the council will make an informed decision.
DENNIS LANGLEY
Langley lives on Highland Drive and has resided in Burnet for 20 years. A self-employed contractor for over 30 years, he previously served on the Burnet City Council from 2022-24.
QUESTION 1: What motivated you to run for public office, and how do your experiences prepare you to serve the Burnet community?
D. LANGLEY: I feel strongly about helping our small community through the growth process and making sure we maintain Burnet’s beauty and hometown atmosphere. My 30-year career in contracting has allowed me to assist city staff, including serving on the oversight committee for the City Hall construction project. I worked to ensure projects were fiscally responsible and well executed. That experience is vital as our community grows.
QUESTION 2: How do you plan to address specific challenges like infrastructure development, housing affordability, and economic growth?
D. LANGLEY: My construction background helps me review development plans carefully. I’ve advocated for larger lot sizes and higher construction standards to protect our neighborhoods from becoming too dense. I believe we can balance growth and affordability without sacrificing the character of Burnet.
QUESTION 3: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
D. LANGLEY: I would invest it in revitalizing the town square to make it more family-oriented and supportive of local businesses. We’ve already made improvements like updating lamp posts and street signs, but there’s much more we can do to restore the square’s thriving spirit.
QUESTION 4: How do you plan to get the community more engaged in decision-making?
D. LANGLEY: The city has already improved transparency by livestreaming council meetings, sending newsletters, and offering online surveys. I’d like to see even more participation by encouraging residents to join advisory boards and committees.
QUESTION 5: Are you actively campaigning in any way?
D. LANGLEY: I’m using social media, election signs, and—most importantly—personal contact with residents to get my message out.
TRES CLINTON
Clinton is a fourth-generation Burnet resident who lives in the Hills of Shady Grove neighborhood. He works as a flight instructor at the Burnet airport and also works at Camp Longhorn. He is serving his eighth year on the City Council, after a previous six-year term followed by a required one-year break.
QUESTION 1: What motivated you to run for public office, and how do your experiences prepare you to serve the Burnet community?
CLINTON: This is my home, and I have a deep-rooted history here. I truly care about Burnet and want what’s best for it. Serving on council lets me be part of protecting and guiding the future of the community I love.
QUESTION 2: How do you plan to address specific challenges like infrastructure development, housing affordability, and economic growth?
CLINTON: We’re in an interesting time, with a lot of growth coming from the Austin area. Financially, Burnet is in a strong position. We’ve invested more than ever in our streets—over $4 million, the most we’ve ever spent. Water is our next big focus. We need to manage surface and groundwater carefully and make sure we don’t overextend our resources as we grow.
As for housing, property values have gone up, but the city tax rate has stayed the same or gone down. The challenge is that taxes still feel high because of rising valuations, and that’s a real problem. Economic growth is important too, but I believe we need to maintain Burnet’s small-town character and not turn it into another suburb of Austin.
QUESTION 3: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
CLINTON: Responsibly, I’d invest it in water infrastructure. Water is our biggest challenge and we need to plan ahead. Personally, I’d also love to see some of it go toward building pickleball courts, a dog park, or a food court area. We can do both—address essentials and invest in quality of life.
QUESTION 4: How do you plan to get the community more engaged in decision-making?
CLINTON: It starts with voting, and I wish more people participated in local elections. Beyond that, the city has done a great job with the FlashVote surveys to collect feedback. Those surveys give us real data from hundreds of residents, which helps guide our decisions.
QUESTION 5: Are you actively campaigning in any way?
CLINTON: No, I’m not actively campaigning. All four council candidates are incumbents or former members, so we’re not new to council. I’m just encouraging people to vote and make an informed decision based on our records.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly said that mayoral candidate J. Anthony Francisco graduated from Huston-Tillotson University and owns a mortgage company called That Mortgage. He actually graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, and his company is called Thess Mortgage. DailyTrib.com apologizes for the errors.