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Two candidates are running for Cedar Park City Council Place 6 in the May 2 election.
Community Impact conducted Q&As with both candidates, Shweta Padmanabha and Randy Strader.
The background
Place 6 incumbent Petri Darby was appointed by City Council in November to serve the rest of the current term after council member Heather Jefts resigned to run for Williamson County judge. Because he was appointed rather than elected, Darby is ineligible to run in this election.
What else
The positions of mayor and City Council places 2 and 4 will also be on the ballot, as well as several proposed amendments to the city's charter.
All City Council positions and the mayor are elected at-large, meaning they serve the entire city and everyone living within the city can vote in all races.
Early voting for the May 2 election runs from April 20-28.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Sr. Program Manager; Community Development Board, Two-Term President of IACC, and CP Chamber Leadership Program
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Manage growth responsibly, keep public safety staffed and equipped, and ensure roads and mobility investments lead development. I will advocate for infrastructure-first growth, careful evaluation of development decisions, and fiscal discipline to protect residents. I’ll strengthen coordination with schools and support local small businesses to preserve Cedar Park’s safety and character.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
I bring lived experience and proven execution. My family rebuilt our life in Cedar Park, so I value stability, strong schools, and safe neighborhoods. Professionally, I have 15 years leading complex programs, budgets, and teams. I’ve served on a city board and led a nonprofit, delivering accountable results for residents.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Cedar Park, and how will you address it?
The biggest challenge is managing rapid growth without eroding mobility, infrastructure, and emergency response. We need infrastructure-first planning: roads, drainage, water capacity, and public safety staffing built alongside development. I’ll insist on data-driven projections, transparent decisions, and disciplined budgeting, so Cedar Park stays safe, livable, and financially strong every year.
What is something you want Cedar Park residents to know about you?
Cedar Park is where my family rebuilt our life and found stability and belonging. That’s why this race is personal. I’m committed to protecting parks, trails, safe streets, and the neighborly character people love. Growth should be planned, not rushed. I’ll serve with accessibility, transparency, and follow-through for every neighborhood.
Program Manager, Apple Inc.; 10 years on Cedar Park Planning & Zoning, former tax manager at ...
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Mobility, affordability, and livability. I’ll work to ease road congestion as nearby cities build out, keep the tax burden in check so renters can become homeowners, and protect and expand parks and amenities for residents of all ages.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
I’ve served Cedar Park for 10 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission and was elected Chair twice, running more than fifty public meetings. I also led Deer Creek Ranch as HOA President for six years, representing a 996-home neighborhood.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Cedar Park, and how will you address it?
Cedar Park is shifting from rapid growth to near build-out. The challenge is managing infrastructure and core services while spending responsibly. I’ll focus on long-term planning for water, roads, police, and fire, and on a balanced revenue approach beyond property taxes.
What is something you want Cedar Park residents to know about you?
My wife, Tessa, and I have been married 32 years and raised three sons who graduated from Cedar Park High School. This is our forever home. I’m running to protect what makes Cedar Park special, paying it forward for the next generation.
