I’m Joseph Heft—Marine veteran, small-business owner, and Buda neighbor. I’m not in uniform anymore, but service didn’t stop. My mission now is simple: listen → act → report back and deliver results for Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, and Dripping Springs.

1) Roads & Safety

Goal: Cut commute times and crashes; make growth livable.
What we’ll do:

• Prioritize FM 1626, RM 967, and I-35 connectors with TxDOT funding and safety grants (signals, turn lanes, lighting).

• Stand up public project dashboards—scope, dollars, timeline, contractor performance, change orders.

• Target school-zone and crash hot spots first; publish before/after results.

2) Water Reliability

Goal: Secure long-term supply and protect the Edwards Aquifer.
What we’ll do:

• Fast-track regional supply (pipeline/ASR) using the Texas Water Fund and matching grants.

• Tie new hookups to proof of long-term supply; post quarterly supply-vs-demand snapshots.

• Support conservation, reuse, and smart irrigation so we grow without draining our future.

3) Schools & Families

Goal: Strong classrooms, real results.
What we’ll do:

• Smaller K-3 class sizes and Teacher Incentive Allotment to retain top educators.

• Fund special-ed staffing to cut wait times for services.

• Expand CTE/dual-credit with Texas State and ACC so graduates earn credentials that pay.

4) Public Safety

Goal: Safe communities with accountable practices.
What we’ll do:

• Support staffing, training, and equipment for law enforcement and first responders.

• Fight fentanyl: enforcement plus school prevention and access to lifesaving tools.

• Coordinate DPS surges on I-35 during peak needs.

• When new technology is considered, require clear policies, short retention, audits, and public reporting—results with guardrails.

5) Affordability & Small Business

Goal: Respect your dollar; grow local jobs.
What we’ll do:

• Protect and extend property-tax relief (Prop 4) and push appraisal fairness.

• Stop unfunded mandates on cities/counties that raise local costs.

• Simplify small-biz permits and taxes; remove red tape that delays openings and hiring.

6) Local Control & Smart Growth

Goal: Community-guided growth that fits our towns.
What we’ll do:

• End one-size mandates; return decisions to city councils and commissioners.

• Align state dollars with local comprehensive plans and infrastructure phasing.

• Require development to pay its way on traffic mitigation and long-term water needs.

7) Accessibility

Goal: Parks, sidewalks, crossings, and buildings that work for everyone.
What we’ll do:

• Use state grants to fund ADA upgrades and publish an annual progress map until gaps close.

• Prioritize safe routes near schools, transit, and medical services.

8) Transparency & Accountability

Goal: Every dollar visible; every project tracked.
What we’ll do:

• Launch a single County/City project dashboard (roads, water, parks) and a Budget-in-Brief summary each quarter.

• Competitive bidding, performance clauses, and independent reviews—reinvest savings locally.

How We’ll Work

• Listen: Regular coffees and open office hours in Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Dripping Springs.

• Act: Move first on FM 1626/RM 967/I-35 safety fixes; Texas Water Fund matches; K-3 classrooms; special-ed staffing; CTE/dual-credit.

• Report Back: Dashboards, timelines, dollars, and measurable outcomes—no surprises.

Why I’m Running

Service isn’t a title—it’s work. As your state representative, I’ll bring a Marine’s discipline and a small-business owner’s focus to the basics that matter: roads, water, schools, safety, affordability, and accountability. We’ll protect what makes the Hill Country home and make growth work for the people who live here now.

Join us: If this plan matches your priorities, let’s get to work together.