City Council 2019-2025. Grasp of the Charter, zoning, resolutions and ordinances. Common sense, data driven thought process, solution oriented to lead with clarity and a demeanor not easily shaken.
Current phasing of residential development is helpful in allowing the infrastructure to catch up. Further phasing can be implemented or adjusted as needed. The use of PUD’s have been and will continue to be a useful tool to target a balanced approach of commercial and residential while allowing infrastructure to catch up. New development helps fund infrastructure.
BCRUA partnership and deep-water intake project is a tremendous step in supplying needs of treated water. Support additional storage capacity and conservation efforts to make better use of our clean water. (Roughly 75% of treated water goes into landscape and lawns.) Greywater programs deserves more research on viability and cost/benefit for new development and highly encouraged for commercial.
Continue to be recognized as one of the safest cities to live in by supporting police and fire, manage growth and match appropriate staff. Proper signage and communication before, during and after construction of roads, development or maintenance. Traffic studies as we grow to determine management needs. Encourage fire-wise through HOA’s. Encourage coms on driver safety, bikes, pedestrians.
Staff is a major factor in keeping council connected and informed. Encourage the continued open dialogue and possibly bi-annual meetings (as needed) for updates and planning with City Managers, department heads and state officials of the region. Include updates to Council and Mayor. Planning sessions when appropriate. Find the overlap of needs among our cities to determine best practices.
My concern is preserving our small-town feel. Gathering places unite us and remind us we are more alike than different. Most residents are newcomers, and Texans should be friendly, welcoming, and willing to teach others what that means. Conversation builds understanding, involvement, and community. When we learn together, we can accept what works and improve what doesn’t.
I’m serving my third term as Mayor Pro Tem and I lead the city daily. Voters elected me in 2021 and re-elected me in 2024. I deliver results in budgeting, infrastructure, public safety and governance.
I balance development challenges by listening to residents and meeting regularly with neighbors to understand how growth affects daily life. I work with staff, developers and regional partners to address roads, water and public safety needs. New development contributes through roadway impact fees so costs stay fair, taxpayers stay protected, and existing neighborhoods remain strong and safe.
In 2021, the city appointed me to the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority board. I focus on long-term planning and coordination to secure clean water and reliable energy. I work with partners to invest in infrastructure, conservation, and diversified supply sources. Smart growth policies and responsible budgeting ensure residents have dependable access to water and energy.
Since joining Council in 2021, public safety has been a top priority. I supported Civil Service for firefighters and Meet & Confer for police to strengthen recruitment, retention, and training. I’ve also spearheaded community events that build trust between residents and public safety officials, backed by long-term planning and steady funding to maintain fast response times and safe neighborhoods.
I work through regional partnerships to address shared challenges. I serve with the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority, CAMPO, and CAPCOG, and regularly attend meetings to coordinate water planning, emergency management, transportation, and development. Continued collaboration, shared data, and aligned funding help ensure decisions support Leander and neighboring communities.
Managing growth alongside economic development is critical for Leander. I'm focused on attracting quality businesses while protecting infrastructure, public safety, and neighborhoods. I also champion clear, easy access to city communication so residents stay informed, engaged, and heard as decisions are made and growth continues.
Mike Sanders has served as a pastor and on multiple governing boards, experienced at running meetings. He enjoys data analysis and examining budgets. As a Marine veteran, he has demonstrated courage.
I will vote against more high-density apartments and promote more single-family housing. Focus on improving roads like San Gabriel, Lakeline near Hero Way and Ronald Reagan Blvd. Create longer turn-lanes at intersections throughout our city. Less empty trains that cause traffic to stand still for lengthy times. I oppose converting Ronald Reagan into a tollway. Improve traffic signal timing.
Add alternate sources of water such as the aquifer and Lake Buchanan rather than drawing all our water from the single source of Lake Travis. Add electric generators to pump water up water towers in emergencies. Coordinate better with PEC when they do rolling blackouts. Separate power lines to our water towers so they don't lose power. Take action prior to emergencies rather than be reactive.
Crime Prevention, Command Presence, and Community Engagement. Adequate staffing and pay, quality over quantity. LPD is a great group of men and women who deserve our support. I trust Chief Minton and Chief Wusterhausen to give sound advice. I want to hear from rank-and-file police officers and firemen to consider their thoughts. For answering this question I sent texts to 3 of them.
Meet with neighboring Mayors and talk with them about these issues. Work together to form plans for mutual help prior to emergencies. Establish teams in our cities, with people who are willing and capable of helping in emergencies. Bring teams together for annual training. I will not leave our ETJ without help in emergencies. Coordinate with HOA's to form emergency plans. Listen to citizens.
Half of all our sales tax goes to CapMetro. In exchange for over $10 Million per year, we watch empty buses and trains going back and forth between Leander Station and Lakeline Station. We should educate our citizens regarding this incredibly huge waste of taxpayer money. For less than $1 Million annually, we could provide better public transportation for Leander residents.
