Having quality representation starts with accessible representatives. It’s not always easy to track down those representatives when you need them. I’ve held over 90 open office hours since first beginning this journey in 2017, and I will continue to be available whenever you need me, either virtually or face to face. I respond to letters, emails, and phone calls, along with posting and highlighting Council Meeting agendas, public meetings, and city-wide events. I want to empower everyone to participate in our community decisions.
Public Safety
The safety and security of our community is, and always will be, my highest priority. I will continue to work with our First Responders to ensure they have the tools they need to keep us safe and make it home safely to their families as well.
-Funded new positions within police and fire departments
-Fought for and passed a major Cost of Living Adjustment increase for retirement benefits
-Passed new healthcare plan to provide better care at more affordable cost
-Opened Fire Station #5
-Funded new and upgraded equipment for police and fire
-Passed Safe Path to Schools projects to keep our children safe
-Promoted and helped pass a drainage initiative to fund drainage projects and protect our community from floods
-Proposed the Heads Up Cedar Park campaign to promote traffic safety and awareness
Affordability and Fiscal Responsibility
With rapid growth comes high demand for housing and services. I will keep fighting for fiscally responsible policies to keep taxes low.
-Lowered the tax rate 2 years in a row, to its lowest level in well over a decade
-Balanced the budget every year while continuing a high level of service for the community
-Passed the first-ever Homestead Exemption, further reducing the burden on homeowners
-Reduced city’s debt obligations ahead of schedule, saving tax payers millions in interest
-Brought in new businesses and development to lower homeowner burden
Transit and Transportation
We all hate being stuck in traffic. I will keep working within Cedar Park and with our neighbors to find common-sense solutions to the congestion.
-Proposed a Transit Study and Transportation Master Plan update
-Helped drive a large public engagement initiative surrounding the study
-Worked with CAMPO to pass funding for new roads, road improvements, and traffic reduction measures
-Passed new signals and signage to keep cars moving and keep pedestrians safe
-Willing to work with neighboring cities and leaders to get traffic moving and projects going
Jobs
We need to ensure our economy is diverse and thriving. I’m committed to retaining and recruiting great businesses to provide quality jobs for all of us.
-Brought in hundreds of jobs and new companies, including Hyliion, James Avery, and many more
-Committed to continuing support for the amazing businesses we have here
-Dedicated to fostering a positive community environment that attracts high-quality employers
Parks, Trails, and Recreation
Our parks and trails are the heart and soul of our community. It’s how we stay connected to each other, to ourselves, and to our environment.
-Purchased additional 70 acres and began Lakeline Park Master Planning
-Worked on the Bell District Master Planning to include over 12 acres of parkland
-Funded public art, including the Korean War statue, Vietnam Veterans statue, Iraq/Afghanistan female helicopter pilot statue, Sitatunga II bronze sculpture, and many more
-Increased sidewalk connectivity
-Passed funding for bike lanes and mountain bike trails
-Implemented recycling bins in city parks
-Helped facilitate trash receptacles along public trails
Accountability and Ethics Reforms
Public trust is hard to earn and easily lost. I hold myself to the highest standards and will continue to work to maintain that trust. I will keep working with fellow Councilmembers for strong ethics policy and regular public engagement on our big issues.
-Passed stronger financial disclosure rules for candidates as well as Council Members
-Strengthened the Revolving Door policy, so former elected officials and city staff cannot use insider information for personal profit or gain
-Effectively ended the “succession policy” of appointing new Council Members without elections
Lakeline Park Master Planning is complete, and we’re now determining phases and their associated costs. Once that is complete, we’ll start looking for our partner developer. This park is shaping up to be the crown jewel in our parks system. I can’t wait to break ground!
Such a beautiful city with so much growth still happening, new large development projects starting soon are going to make this great city an even better place to live. There’s so much going on right now!
Our Master Developer has been chosen, and we’re currently negotiating the details of the contract. While that’s going on, we’re working with TxDOT to finalize plans for the 183/Bell realignment, improving the rail crossing on E. Park and Old Bell, and getting ready to break ground on the new and improved Bell Blvd. Once complete, this will greatly improve traffic flow as well as pedestrian and bicycle safety through the area. After the road is complete, we can break ground on Destination Bell and Bell Park.
93672
Estimated Population in 2020
Since I moved here 15 years ago, Cedar Park has grown 119%, and we’re expected to top 93,000 people by the end of 2020. With that much growth, it will take a steady hand and cool head to manage the stress on our resources and budget. I have shown myself to be that calm voice of reason through spirited debates.
26768
Estimated Households 2020
We’re a young, growing, and vibrant community. I will work to make sure we address the needs of young and growing families as we work through budgets. Cultural, entertainment, and outdoor spaces are among my top priorities in planning for our future.
264959
Median Home Value 2020
As more and more people hear about Cedar Park, the demand for housing becomes greater and greater. Not only are people moving in from all around Texas and the rest of the country, they’re moving here because Austin is rapidly becoming unaffordable. We have to do what we can to address affordability issues now. We don’t want to wait until people are forced to move.