Bio: Kristyne Bollier and her family have resided in Cedar Park since 2009. Born in Vietnam, Kristyne considers herself an adopted Texan. Professionally, Kristyne has over 19 years of experience in hi-tech, management consulting, and state government with Cisco Systems, BMC Software, Deloitte & Touche, and the TNRCC [now known as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality]. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University in finance/management and a master’s from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Kristyne recently served on the 2015 Bond Task Force committee and the tourism board.

Why are you running for Cedar Park City Council?

I’m proud of the progress and growth in Cedar Park and want to keep the momentum going. As a fiscal conservative, I will continue to work to lower tax rates as well as diversify our tax base by growing retail, commercial and employment opportunities.

I will also focus on the redevelopment of Bell Boulevard and other community enhancements.

Finally, I am committed to ensuring our fire and police departments have the resources, equipment and support to keep us safe.

What qualifications would you bring to the position?

Professionally, I have over 19 years of experience managing complex problems, projects and producing results in multiple industries.

As a council member, I have come up to speed about the city’s comprehensive plan, operating budget, land-use roadmap, planning and zoning requirements, and multiple transportation and mobility improvements.

My Bond Task Force involvement has given me a deep understanding of the city’s future projects and enhancements. This is critical as we move into the prioritization and execution phases.

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

We will face full build-out of the city in the next few years. Growth is critical, but we must also be mindful to strike the balance between development, green space, affordable housing and diversification. As we expand, we need to attract large employers and good-paying jobs so that we can bring in new property, sales and commercial taxes to maintain the city’s high quality of life. At the end of the day, it’s about managing growth, not stopping it.

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[caption id="attachment_146646" align="alignleft" width="220"] Maria Talamo[/caption]

Maria Talamo

512-299-7771 [email protected] www.mariatalamocampaign.com Twitter: @RememberTalamo

Profession: registered nurse, health care management consultant

Bio: Maria is a registered nurse, health care administrator and hospital management consultant with extensive experience in clinical nursing; nursing administration; health care management; start-ups; turnarounds; new facility design and construction; finance; strategic planning; lean process redesign; and business development in acute-care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, long-term care, behavioral health and addictions treatment. [She has] over 14 years of experience in economic development and community development. Maria, her husband, Don Garritano, and their three children have lived in Cedar Park since 1999. 

Why are you running for Cedar Park City Council?

Cedar Park City Council serves at the pleasure of City Council, not the electorate. Four out of seven [members] were initially appointed, hand-picked by insiders, not elected by citizens, with no debate or dissent on issues or priorities, and no choice. It’s time to adopt land-use policies that promote sensible growth, develop a strategic financial plan for our parks and open space and trails master plans, [and] open our library to 9 p.m. and our recreation center to 10 p.m. every evening.

What qualifications would you bring to the position?

Fourteen years on city boards and commissions; 2001 city of Cedar Park General Obligation Bond Taskforce; 2002 graduate of Leadership Cedar Park; 2002-11 4B Community Development Corp. board, vice president  2006-11.

Voted for $27,262,000 in transportation, community development, parks, trails and economic development projects.

2003 “Citizen of the Year”; 2011-12 Arts Advisory Board; 2012-14 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; 2004 recruited Triad to build Cedar Park Regional Medical Center for $125,000,000, the largest, most successful economic development project in the city’s history.

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

1) Returning selection of City Council members to citizens. I want to amend the city charter to call for free and fair special elections whenever a member of City Council resigns. 2) Land use. Promote sensible growth that diversifies our tax base, with development of land to its best and highest use that’s consistent with market realities. 3) Public infrastructure. Improve drainage in flood-prone neighborhoods; build Lakeline PUD Park, trails; acquire parkland and unique natural areas before they’re gone.