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Two candidates are running for the Cedar Park City Council Place 2 seat in the May 2 election.
The overview
The positions of mayor and City Council places 4 and 6 will also be on the ballot, as well as several proposed amendments to the city's charter.
Community Impact spoke to both candidates for Place 2, incumbent Mel Kirkland and challenger Darron Jurajda.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Semi-retired: owner Kirkland Consulting LLC; 21 year resident of Cedar Park. Business owner, city and ...
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
To continue to build on the great work of past leaders. Support police, fire & emergency services, maintain city infrastructure like high quality roads and trails, continue to support water and other utilities. Maintain Cedar Park AAA bond rating. Support economic development and business growth.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
Representing different experiences, cultures and ethnic backgrounds so I emphasize with the many views we have as citizens in our community. Providing representation that supports our interests while focusing on how to achieve a culture that the city can function in successful, efficient and sustainable manner.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Cedar Park, and how will you address it?
Cedar Park is a land-locked community. Cedar Park many only be a 26 square miles, with 85,000 residents and is 53 years old, with pressures coming from the state, continued populational growth, funding and limited water resources we must remain disciplined and patient in our approach to finishing out the remaining 15% of buildable land.
What is something you want Cedar Park residents to know about you?
I have the time, energy and desire to continue to serve all residents of CP. I have no problem with complex tasks, working with regional partners, community and non-profit organizations that served our community. We are a powerhouse in community building, supporting residents, businesses, education system and technology initiatives.
Director of Business Operations; 25-year resident, business operations professional, and city and school district committee ...
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My top priorities are responsible growth, public safety, and infrastructure readiness. That means disciplined budgeting, fully staffed police and fire, proactive traffic improvements, and ensuring water and utility systems keep pace with development. Growth is coming, we must plan early so Cedar Park grows stronger, not strained.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
I combine private-sector strategic planning experience with hands-on local advisory service. My career requires data-driven decisions, risk management, and fiscal accountability. Having served on bond and mobility committees, I understand how city projects are evaluated, funded, and how to balance growth with protecting taxpayers.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Cedar Park, and how will you address it?
Our greatest challenge is managing rapid growth without losing affordability, safety, or quality of life. I will address it through long-term infrastructure planning, prioritizing traffic safety improvements, and maintaining fiscal discipline so we invest wisely instead of reacting too late.
What is something you want Cedar Park residents to know about you?
I’m not running for a title, I’m running because this city is home. I’m raising my children here and caring for aging parents here. The decisions we make today shape their future, and I take that responsibility seriously.
