Cedar Park City Council picked Jon Lux as its newest member Dec. 1. He replaces his neighbor, Tony Dale, as Cedar Park's Place 5 councilman, with Lux garnering top consideration among six candidates.

"I really feel honored I was chosen by council," Lux said following his appointment to conclude the three-hour interview process. "I appreciate and look forward to serving with you all."

Also vying for the position were, in order of their interviews with council, Dr. Mo Jahadi, Homer Rocha, Eddie Hurst, Lux, Corbin Van Arsdale and Scott Rogers.

In the end, however, council members picked Lux, whose experience includes his 2008 appointment to the Cedar Park Tourism Advisory Board before being named in 2010 to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He also continues work as the campaign treasurer for Dale, who was elected Nov. 6 to represent Texas House District 136. Dale stepped down from City Council on Nov. 13, prompting the appointment process, in accordance with city charter.

Lux met Dale in 2007 when he first moved to Cedar Park, and the two instantly clicked. Dale emphasized the 20 years of experience as a naval officer Lux brings to the council as well as his Planning and Zoning Commission background.

"Tony has been a great mentor and has always been involved in the community," Lux said. "He talks a lot about doing no harm and bettering the environment for everyone."

The two also discussed what role the new councilman would potentially play.

"Each council member finds their own niche in how they interact with other council members and [takes] leads on particular issues," Dale said. "Although it always takes a while to get your footing and understand what issues are."

During the 20-minute interview with council, Lux advocated himself as a "calming presence" who would not take adversity personally when heated discussions arise.

"Maybe it's my military background because I have learned I can't be reactionary," he said following the special meeting.

Councilman Lowell Moore called the six candidates "by far the best pool I've ever seen" to fill a vacant council seat.

"It's just very difficult to say one exceeds any other," he said.

The remaining five candidates should have another opportunity for a council appointment following the Nov. 29 announcement that Place 3 Councilman Scott Mitchell will step down in the coming weeks because of a work conflict that requires him to travel internationally for at least six months.

Mitchell himself advocated against the appointment process, noting only that it is line with the city's charter.

"There will be another chance next month," Mitchell told the remaining five candidates following a motion to appoint Lux. "This was a tough decision. I think we're making the right decision right now, but don't give up because you didn't get picked this time."

Lux did confirm his intentions to attend the Dec. 7 and 8 City Council retreat. He also plans to run for a full term in May when Place 5 will be decided by the voters.

"I will retain this seat, I guarantee that," Lux told councilors during his interview.