Annette Sponseller was named the new Place 2 Leander City Council member Oct. 15. Sponseller fills the unexpired term of Michelle Stephenson, who resigned in September.

Council considered 10 applicants Oct. 15 and unanimously appointed Sponseller. She will serve through the end of the Place 2 term in May.

Sponseller, a Leander resident of over 10 years, currently serves as on the planning and zoning commission and on the comprehensive plan advisory committee. She previously served on other city commissions. The vacant Place 5 planning and zoning commission seat will be open for applications soon.

Three people spoke in favor of Sponseller's appointment, and one person submitted a written comment in favor.

"I just have to say that this is one of the toughest things we've had to do," Mayor Troy Hill said after Sponseller was appointed.


Council members noted that the decision was difficult due to the number of qualified applicants.

"It really warms my heart that so many good quality people turned out with interest to the city," Council Member Kathryn Pantalion-Parker said.