Bob Cornelius Seeks Place 2 Cedar Park Council Seat

CEDAR PARK, TX — The 2020 election is heating up across Texas, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of key local races.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns, and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Bob Cornelius is running for Cedar Park City Council Place 2.

Age: 41
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family: NA
Occupation: Owner/CEO of 90 Degrees Agency, LLC (9.5 years)
Previous elected experience: NA
Family members in government: Yes. My brother-in-law is a state police officer.
Campaign website: www.BobforCedarPark.com

What is the single most pressing issue facing the community, and what do you intend to do about it?

Our explosive population growth is creating several problems that our Cedar Park city council is failing to address. First, compared to other cities of the same population, our police department is understaffed. Our police chief asked for more officers, and the city council denied his request. We must fully fund and support our police department. Second, we must expedite our road projects. The current road plan is years behind our traffic needs and will only get worse once the Bell Boulevard construction starts. Third, our city council has approved more apartments this year than the past 5 years combined. We can’t effectively cut property taxes for our families, because the council has chosen apartments over family homes.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The most important issue in the race for Cedar Park City Council Place 2 is deciding what kind of councilor you want. My opponent has spent the past 2.5 years raising your taxes, adding millions of dollars to the city budget, and creating divisiveness by serving his own political agenda on the city council. I have a plan to cut your property taxes, spend your tax dollars wisely, and already have a working relationship with a majority of the city council. I can bring civility back to the council, so we can start working on the real issues of property tax reform (lowering property taxes), fully funding our police/fire departments, and expediting infrastructure projects to meet our population growth. He is a liberal. I am a conservative.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am active in Cedar Park, both civically and politically. I am a member of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce and the Central Texas 100 Club. Politically, I represent Precinct 266 on the Williamson County Republican Executive Committee. I am a member of the Williamson County GOP Leaders, Central Texas Republicans, Gun Owners of Texas, and the NRA. I have worked with the state legislature on bills and currently work with several Cedar Park City Councilors on projects and initiatives.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

We need to continue to attract new businesses and continue supporting the small businesses already in our community. For us to fully recover, our Cedar Park businesses have to get back to better than normal. We also need to trust our small businesses to do what’s right. They will do what is necessary to keep themselves, their employees, and their customers safe. We as Cedar Park residents need to continue shopping local and dining local. Spending locally will create a faster recovery. I would also be willing to give small businesses a sales tax rebate to help them get back on their feet.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?

I have always been open to listening to all sides, and making decisions based on facts and evidence. We have seen many unfortunate incidents over the past year, and those who are found guilty should be punished. I also believe that fully funding our police department, giving them the tools, equipment and training they need is vitally important. Making sure we have a enough officers on patrol for our population will go along in keeping current officers out of strenuous and overworked situations.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

My opponent, Mel Kirkland, has been the leader of the divisiveness on city council. He has wasted countless amounts of taxpayer money and countless hours of wasted city council meetings on a personal vendetta against other councilors. My opponent has called special council meetings just to serve his own agenda. I, on the other hand, have worked to help elect four of the current councilors. I have positive relationships with a majority of the council and am willing to work with the others for the betterment of Cedar Park.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have a unique perspective of Cedar Park. My family has been here for nearly five decades. I can draw from our past to build a foundation for our future. I can also draw on my years of experience working with local, state, and federal officials to address the needs facing our city. This balanced approach is what our city council needs as we move forward. I love Cedar Park. I want to make Cedar Park attractive to new families and new businesses. Cedar Park can be a community where our families can live, work, and play locally. I have a plan to make that happen. I have the support of other city councilors, community leaders, and regional leaders to put that plan into motion for the benefit our current and future residents. The only thing hindering our city is a lack of vision and a lack of leadership. If you elect me, I will bring the vision and leadership to the city council that is desperately needs. I humbly ask for your vote.

This article originally appeared on the Cedar Park-Leander Patch