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Stephen Chang will face Natomi Blair for Leander City Council Place #1, Council Member David McDonald is being challenged by Annette Sponseller for Place #3 and Andrew Naudin is running against Donnie Mahan for Place #5.
Community Impact sent each candidate a Q&A with a deadline for response to ensure equal opportunity. Answers were limited to 50 words each, and answers that came in over 50 words were cut from the end to fit.
The candidates' responses are below.
Why are you running for election?
To serve the City and all of its citizens.
What are your priorities for your first term if you win?
If elected, I will prioritize smart growth to make Leander a destination city while keeping Leander, Leander; infrastructure improvements to address traffic and water issues' economic development to attract businesses and entertainment; strong leadership to ensure responsible planning that benefits all residents.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city right now, and how would you address them?
Leander faces infrastructure strain, traffic congestion, water supply issues, and unmanaged growth. I will push for strategic planning, smarter development, and investment in roads and utilities to support our future. By fostering economic growth and responsible leadership, we can create a balanced, thriving city that supports both residents and businesses.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
My vision is for Leander to become a thriving destination city with strong infrastructure, vibrant businesses, and quality development—all while preserving its small-town charm. By planning smartly, investing in roads and water, and attracting employers and entertainment, we can create a self-sustaining community where residents can live, work, and play.
Why are you running for election?
The City of Leander is at an inflection point, needing leadership that understands its past and envisions its future. With years of community service and expertise in business and communication, I offer a balanced, strategic approach to growth—ensuring transparency, fostering collaboration, and preserving Leander’s character while unlocking opportunities for sustainable progress.
What are your priorities for your first term if you win?
Leander’s growth demands a fresh approach to civic engagement. Rethinking how we communicate ensures every voice is heard, trust is strengthened, and leadership remains responsive. By embracing transparency, adaptability, and accessibility, we can foster a more connected, forward-thinking city that truly reflects the needs of its residents.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city right now, and how would you address them?
Leander faces many challenges, from long-term water planning and drought preparedness to fire prevention and infrastructure planning. By reviewing ordinances, enhancing emergency response, and strategically managing road development, we can build a resilient city that supports both residents and businesses while adapting to the demands of a growing community.
Transportation Consultant, CAPCOG, 34 years public service to include, City Council, Austin PD, TxDOT, USMC
Why are you running for reelection?
Leander is our home, and I have been a Williamson County resident for close to 30 years. I have a strong desire to continue to serve the public and to see our city grow in a<br>responsible manner. I’m proud of the recent recognition that Leander received when it was.
What are your priorities for your next term if you win?
Continue using our current Water Resolution which limits certain residential development<br>until current water infrastructure projects are complete. Continue to see the number of small businesses increase in Leander. Continue working on streamlining our processes for permitting for business development. Improve the quality of life for all Leander residents with.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city right now, and how would you address them?
Addressing the needs of the city while maintaining low tax rates. We (City Council) lowered our tax rate for 2023 and 2024. For FY25 we maintained the tax rate from 2024.
Why are you running for election?
After serving our community professionally and as a servant leader, I've realized that now is the time to make the most impact as an elected official. Supporting the growth and development of Leander is my priority. I am committed to serving as the people's advocate and put Leander first.
What are your priorities for your first term if you win?
1. Create pathways for job and economic development. This is a part of my Smart Economic Growth Development Plan. 2. Increasing our investment in first responders, public safety, and public utilities. 3. Reviewing the Leander Old Town Master Plan to support maintaining our city's legacy.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city right now, and how would you address them?
Managing our population growth. Leander is growing rapidly, and we need to invest more in our first responders and public utilities to support that growth. We also need to ensure that citizens have reliable energy and quality-of-life resources. Scaling Leander's growth is manageable, but it will require a plan.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
Why are you running for election?
Leander is the first place in my life where I’ve felt truly at home. I'm running because we need thoughtful, experienced leadership that prioritizes the needs of our community. We’re at a pivotal moment, with opportunities to shape our future in ways that benefit families, businesses, and the next generation.
What are your priorities for your first term if you win?
I’m committed to safeguarding residents’ hard-earned tax dollars, promoting smart growth, improving infrastructure, supporting public safety, and ensuring transparency and accountability in our local government. We need to foster open dialogue between residents and city hall and encourage civic participation.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city right now, and how would you address them?
Critical infrastructure development in areas such as roads and water, as well as public safety. To fund infrastructure development, we need to diversify our tax base by attracting new businesses. To support public safety, we must adequately fund police, fire and EMS to ensure the safety and security of residents.
Data Analyst; former City Councilmember, Planning and Zoning Commissioner, and Leander Foundation board member.
Why are you running for election?
I’m running because leadership should be rooted in respect and service to the entire community. Every voice matters, and our city government should reflect that. Leaders take an oath to represent all residents. I’m committed to ensuring Leander’s leadership remains respectful, collaborative, and engaged with everyone in our community.
What are your priorities for your first term if you win?
My priorities are representing all of Leander, securing our water future, revising the sign ordinance, and creating a Small Business Development lead. I’ll focus on road upgrades, retiming stoplights, improving train timing, expanding Cap Metro’s Pickup bus, and ensuring safe school zones for a more efficient, connected city.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city right now, and how would you address them?
The biggest challenge Leander faces is a lack of economic development. Commercial developers are hesitant to invest here due to unpredictable regulations, water insecurity, and frequent rule changes. I will work to create a more stable, business-friendly environment that encourages development, increases funding, and supports long-term growth for our city.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
Leander’s growth requires collaboration, transparency, and strategic planning. By encouraging open dialogue, supporting local programs, and balancing development with fiscal responsibility, we can build a thriving, sustainable future. I am committed to engaging residents, businesses, and educators to ensure smart policies that protect our city’s character while driving progress.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
My vision for Leander is for us to be a self-sustaining city with jobs, hospitals and specialized medical care, attractions, entertainment, parks, shopping, and dining. A town where your kids can work and start their families.
I want to establish the "Leander Way” as a model for other suburban American cities. Our city has a hometown feeling and why my family moved here. We selected Leander to raise our children, grow businesses, and maintain a sustainable quality-of-life. The vision of the citizens of Leander is my vision.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
Making Leander the place to be and go, rather than the place folks pass through. If elected, I’ll work to make our city a great place to live, work and play by building relationships, attracting top-tier development and investment as well as working collaboratively to put residents first.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
My long-term vision for Leander is a thriving, sustainable city with stable economic growth, where all residents are represented. By supporting small businesses, securing water resources, and improving infrastructure, we’ll create a connected, vibrant community with safe school zones, enhanced transportation, and responsible development that benefits everyone.
