Profession: Austin Community College academic counselor, adjunct faculty and small business owner

Bio: After serving in Iraq as an Army chaplain, I earned a second master’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin and started working for Austin Community College. At ACC I have served as president of the American Federation of Teachers chapter along with many other leadership roles. These days I serve as both a sociology professor and a career counselor at our local ACC campus while running a small business. Hope and I, along with our two daughters, have lived in Cedar Park for nine years.

Why are you running for Cedar Park mayor?

I’m running for mayor of Cedar Park because I believe our city deserves to elect each and every City Council member; because our city government needs to respect the rights of property owners and the     invisible hand of the market vis-a-vis zoning; and, because, in these prosperous times, we need to invest wisely such that all residents benefit.

What qualifications would you bring to the position?

I’ve held leadership and policy-management positions in a diverse array of institutions, and I have over a decade of experience in career advisory, which gives me an in-the-trenches grasp of the competitive, modern economy. I’ve served as an officer in our country’s armed forces, and the values of duty and discipline thereby acquired inform my every endeavor. Finally, as a professional scholar, I bring a meticulous and studious approach to the task of governance.

What are Cedar Park’s biggest challenges, and how would you address them?

As some may have guessed from my first answer, one of my chief concerns is political reform around City Council. Presently, the charter gives council itself the power to appoint new members in the event of a vacancy. Aside from being a usurpation of citizens’ right to self-determination, this practice also represents a clear conflict of interest and potential moral hazard. We should end the appointments, increase the term to three years and move to an annual election cycle.

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[caption id="attachment_146671" align="alignleft" width="220"] Matt Powell[/caption]

Matt Powell*

512-739-3105 512-296-7110 www.votemattpowell.com www.facebook.com/votemattpowell Twitter: @MayorPowell

Bio: Mayor Matt Powell has served as a council member since 2005 and as mayor since 2012. The council has appointed him to deliver on projects including Cedar Park Center, Veterans Memorial Park, Cedar Park Regional Medical Center and City Hall. He serves on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization board where he recently won passage of $10 million in road funding for Cedar Park. Powell owns a communications consulting firm. He and his wife, Heather, are proud parents to a 5-year-old daughter.

Why are you running for Cedar Park mayor?

Our city is in the midst of an unprecedented era of success. Our retail and office growth has never been stronger, making us more self-sufficient than at any time in our history and allowing our tax rate to be lowered for three consecutive years. That said, we continue to have challenges—large power line proposals, two massive redevelopment projects and transportation issues require an experienced, serious presence. I hope my record continues to earn our citizens’ trust.

What qualifications would you bring to the position?

I served seven years as a council member before being elected mayor in 2012. I believe I possess a strong understanding of what our goals are and how to accomplish them. I rarely go more than a few days without attending a community event, which allows me myriad opportunities to hear from Cedar Park residents about the community’s priorities. Along with my great council team, it is my honor to work to meet our city’s needs.

What are Cedar Park’s biggest challenges, and how would you address them?

Public safety continues to be my top priority. In order for our citizens to thrive and become more involved in their families, neighborhoods, faith communities and city, they must be safe. A fifth fire station and an expanded, improved police station would go a long way toward further improving public safety. We have proven in the last four years that we can meet community needs while maintaining a lean budget and lowering tax rates. I will continue this trend.