A Bastrop Planning and Zoning commissioner has filed her candidacy for mayor, kicking off an election season that has two council seats up for grabs.

Connie Schroeder, 55, filed for mayor on Wednesday, the first day filings were accepted.

"The decision to run for mayor was based really on timing more than anything else," Schroeder said. "The comprehensive plan was approved on Nov. 22 (2016), and in May I’ll be completing my second term on Planning and Zoning … Those two things combined, I’ve listened and I’ve learned and now I’m ready to take action."

A retired civil engineer, Schroeder said her top three priorities on council will be smart growth, economic stability and strategic planning.

She said the city needs managed and guided growth. The comprehensive plan recently approved by the City Council will allow the city to be proactive as it deals with population booms and incoming business and residential developments.

"We’ve completed the comprehensive plan, so we have a great place to start," Schroeder said. "Too often you put all that work in the comprehensive plan and it ends up on a shelf."

Schroeder is also advocating for Bastrop to attract living-wage employers that will allow residents to earn a living in the city. As part of her economic stability platform, Schroeder said she will make it a priority to minimize waste and be strategic and focused on where the city spends money.

"Every single tax dollars that’s collected needs to be used efficiently," she said.

Schroeder retired in 2009 after having earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Texas and working for a private consultant designing subdivisions, including roads, storm water, water and wastewater systems, sight plans and detention ponds. She also has worked for a developer and later a contractor — experience she said allowed her to work in the three private sides of development.

Schroeder also served as a Travis County road and bridge maintenance engineer before joining Motorola, where during her positions as a project manager, facility manger and Austin services director she managed over 1,500 employees, a multimillion-dollar budget and was responsible for factories in four states.

"With an engineering background, I’ve learned how to solve problems. I’ve learned looking at what’s the most critical path in a schedule, what’s the most critical path for getting something completed" and facilitating communication and common vision between the company and consumers, Schroeder said.

"I think that’s experience that’s pertinent to talking to council members and talking to staff and talking to citizens and pulling everybody together and finding commonality in solving problems."

Schroeder moved to Bastrop in 2003 after having married her husband, Charlie, who was born and raised in the city. Schroeder said her family’s ties date back to 1946 in Bastrop and her daughter graduated from Bastrop High School.

Lisa Chavez, her daughter, who has an accounting degree, will serve as her campaign’s treasurer. Schroeder said her daughter, two sons and three grandchildren are her motivation for making Bastrop a better place to live.

"When people think about Bastrop, I want them to think it’s the perfect place to (both) be young and raise your children or the perfect place when you retire to be an empty nester – that there’s something for both sides of that equation," she said. "You can work here and you can also recreate here.

"I want Bastrop to be a place where you can hear the old memories and close your eyes and see what it looked like 50 years ago. But also where people want to build new memories."

Schroeder has never run for political office but has served on city boards and commissions.

She said she’s excited for the opportunity to serve Bastrop and has the skills needed to bring strong, sensible leadership to City Council.

Mayor Ken Kesselus is not seeking re-election after having served eight years on the council. The city charter limits council members, including the mayor, to only two consecutive three-year terms in office. A third term is possible if a council member seeks higher office before their second term is expires.

Bastrop business owner Lee Harle on Wednesday filed his candidacy for City Council Place 3, a seat being vacated by Council Member Kay McAnally.

McAnally is not seeking re-election after having served two terms on the council.