Abruzzese joins Leander City Council

Ron Abruzzese joined Leander City Council for Place 4 on Jan. 2 after the council canvassed votes from the Dec. 17 special election. Abruzzese defeated Jerry Perez by 109 votes during the runoff election in December. Perez received 78 votes and Abruzzese received 187 votes. The freshman city councilman was joined at the meeting by his family and friends, whom he thanked for supporting his decision to run for election. "I have to thank my wife for her support, even though she says I didn't ask her [if I should run]," he said. "It's really been a great 27 years with her." Abruzzese replaces Michell Cantwell, who announced in August her intention to leave City Council to run for Williamson County Treasurer. "Michell has been instrumental—as well as Mayor Pro Tem [Jason Dishongh] and Mayor [Chris Fielder]—in encouraging me to do this," Abruzzese said. "Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a politician by any means." Councilmembers and city staff recognized Cantwell with a plaque noting her 10 years of service on City Council as well as a commemorative city street sign with her last name. Fighting back a few tears, Cantwell said serving on City Council was one of the greatest experiences of her life. "I decided to run for City Council in 2003 because I wanted to have the opportunity to make a positive change in Leander," she said. "It has been an honor and sincere pleasure to serve Leander during this time of significant growth and change. Many projects have been completed, but this is not something I claim responsibility for individually. This required the support of voters, the city manager, city staff and City Council."