Photo courtesy Cedar Park

Cedar Park Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Fuller

Place 2 Councilman Mitch Fuller announced Jan. 23 that he will not file for re-election to Cedar Park City Council.

An Iraq war veteran and member of many local boards, his council work began August 2007 when City Council appointed him to fill a vacant seat. He was reelected in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

Fuller said he is grateful for his seven years on City Council, calling the work a significant experience, followed by becoming a father and serving in the Army.

"I feel lucky and blessed to have had this experience, which is one of the true highlights of my life," he said.

Cedar Park has changed much since his Iraq tour, Fuller said. After service, he became involved in city leadership including on the Cedar Park 4A Economic Development Corporation board of directors. The board worked on the Cedar Park Center development, Fuller said.

"It was interesting to watch that project evolve," he said. "It's all a team effort. Not one council member could get anything done on their own."

Fuller said he will keep working as a member of the Lower Colorado River Authority's Central Basin Regional Council. Gov. Rick Perry appointed Fuller to Texas' Commission on State Emergency Communications. Fuller's term there expires in 2015.

"I will help in any way I can with the citizens, with whatever the city needs," he said.

Mayor Matt Powell said hopes to continue a friendship even after Fuller leaves the council.

On Jan. 24, Corbin Van Arsdale announced he will run for Fuller's council seat. Arsdale is a former member of the city's parks and recreation board and current member of the 4B Community Development Corporation board.

"Mitch accomplished a lot during his tenure on council and established himself as an expert on the crucial issue of water," Arsdale said in a statement. "I too intend to work hard on issues that will benefit the citizens of Cedar Park."

Also up for re-election in May are councilmen Lowell Moore, Place 4, and Don Tracy, Place 6. Powell said he will run for re-election this year. Elections are on May 10.