Candidate Profile: Kyle McAlister

By West Texas Tribune | April 4, 2025 |

Kyle McAlister

Kyle McAlister

Abilene City Council Candidate, Incumbent, Place 5

1. What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment as a servant?
It’s a work in progress. Romans 12:3 says, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” I try to make sure that I keep myself in place. That I never think what I am or who I am makes me any better that anyone else. If I can always strive to do that, then its an accomplishment.

2. What do you feel like is the greatest challenge facing the city of Abilene, and what would you do to solve it?
Streets are what citizens still are concerned about. Since 2016, 29% of our streets have been improved. Since 2016, $140 million has been spend on streets from bonds, the DCOA and the street maintenance fund. And we’re not finished yet. We’re still “fixing” a lot of our streets, getting to the point where we can just “maintain.” That will happen eventually, it’s just a long process.

3. What do you see as the greatest opportunity for the city of Abilene?
Our potential. We are on the verge of great growth and we are laying the groundwork for it.

4. If you could change something about the city on day 1 what would it be?
I would like to redraw the lines that divide the north and south sides. When the charter was established, the railroad tracks were pretty much the center of town. Now, they city has grown so far south that I think we need to move the line south, or maybe make it “east/west.”

5. Sometimes the citizens have a cynical attitude when it comes to elected officials. The attitude is a we versus them attitude. What are you doing or what will you do to foster an environment where every citizen feels important?
I hope I do this every day. I hope every Abilene citizen feels they can approach me with any question.

6. How do you believe the citizens of Abilene can help make this a better community?
By becoming involved. I know that running for office is not for everyone, and that’s not what I’m asking. But I would love to see huge voter turnout at every election.

7. What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the city council?
I have 3 things that come to mind when looking specifically at me versus my opponents. 1) I have the temperament to serve. As a councilman, you have to be able to work with all citizens, regardless of whether you agree with them or not; and whether they think they will agree with you or not. We may not always agree, but it is important to always maintain a civil discourse. The citizens of Abilene deserve to be represented by someone who they know they can talk to. 2) I am a taxpayer. When we talk about taxes, I have financial skin in the game. If we have to raise taxes, I’m raising my own taxes too. This makes me keenly aware of how we spend “our” money. Taxpayers of Abilene deserve to be represented by someone who is in the financial trenches with them and not to be represented by someone who has never paid property taxes. 3) I am involved in the process. I have voted in every city council election since 2008. It is hard to claim to be involved, when your voting history shows that you have never, never, voted in a city council election.

8. We seem to be at a place in politics where individuals campaigning for office can be extremely mean to each other. Could you pay your opponent(s) one compliment?
Miguel has a desire to serve others and Cynthia is passionate about what she believes in.

9. The city council is searching for a new manager. What qualities and traits would you hope the new city manager would have?
We will be looking for someone who has the breadth of knowledge that Robert Hanna has. Also want someone who has a servant heart, like Robert has.

10. If you could have dinner with anyone from the past or currently living, who would it be and why?
Father-in-law Jim Talbot. He was a wise man who I wish I could seek advice from.

11. Tell us a little about your family, hobbies, etc.
My wife and I have been married for 34 years. We have 2 daughters. One lives in Dublin, Ireland with her husband where she is the librarian for a private school and the other lives in Ft. Worth with her husband where she manages a spa. I am a deacon in my church and am active in soccer officiating.

12. Are you supported by a PAC and if so what is their purpose?
As of now, I have not been endorsed by an PAC.