Candidates share policies at Taylor mayoral forum

Three candidates vying for the mayoral seat in Taylor, Texas—Jim Buzan, Sandra Wolff, and Taylor Stubbs—participated in a forum on April 13, hosted by the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce. The event, moderated by Steve Laukhuf of KRXT 98.5 radio and live-streamed by the Taylor Press, drew over 50 attendees to discuss critical issues facing the city, including its rapid growth, increasing water demands, and the development of data centers. This upcoming May 2 election marks a historic shift, as voters will directly elect the mayor for the first time following a City Charter revision. All three candidates acknowledged Taylor's ongoing transformation from an agricultural community into a high-tech industrial center, citing the nearby Samsung Austin Semiconductor and a new aerospace lab as examples. However, their proposed strategies for managing this growth, particularly concerning data centers, differed significantly. Sandra Wolff advocated for stringent zoning requirements for data centers and called for an end to tax abatements, emphasizing the city's need for revenue to support development. Jim Buzan agreed on the necessity of specific zoning but suggested a broader land development code to encompass various industries that might emerge in the future. Taylor Stubbs expressed direct opposition to data centers within the community but recognized their significant legal backing, stressing the importance of ensuring the city's interests are protected against potential exploitation. Additionally, Buzan highlighted transparent water and wastewater planning as a key priority for the city's development.