Candidate Profile: Anne Duffy For Cedar Park City Council Place 3

The May 1 election in Williamson County is fast approaching and voters are already making their choices heard through early voting, which began Monday. One of the local races on the ballot in Cedar Park is for City Council Place 3.

Anne Duffy hopes to retain her seat on the council and shares with Patch why she should be re-elected.

Age (as of Election Day)

48

Position Sought

Cedar Park City Council Place 3

Family

Husband, Derral son 14, daughter 17

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing

Occupation

Registered Nurse, 23 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

City Council, Place 3

Campaign website

akduffyforcp.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have served 2 terms on the City Council.
We currently have a great group of professional leaders on the City Council. I am excited about the possibilities for the next 2 years. We have a lot to consider in the way of future development, city identity, fiscal health, and maintaining a high quality of life. Service has always been a part of my life. Being able to collaborate with other servant leaders to shape and guide our city’s future has been a distinct honor and privilege.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Cedar Park is very limited on developable land. It is essential our Council works together to guide the plans for the future of our city. As a homeowner, it has always been important to me that the City and Council are intentional about fiscal responsibilities and budget priorities. After the impacts of the Pandemic and recent storms, we are all focused on returning to standard operations and continuing to promote all the great things Cedar Park has to offer.

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

My background and experience makes me the best candidate for Place 3. I’ve proven my ability to work with others on the Council, as part of a community team. I’m willing and able to serve and represent the needs and interests of everyone. My time as a Naval Officer, Nurse, parent, and 4 year member of the city council, has given me tools and experiences needed to lead and keep Cedar Park a strong community.

I’m involved in the community, serving at many non profits, PTA, and sports related groups.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The Pandemic has impacted all of us. We are in an unprecedented time. It has required a lot of communication and collaboration by our city staff, Council, Emergency Management, and regional leaders. This pandemic has required everyone to come together to protect each other and promote personal responsibility. Our city has offered guidance to the public and business owners on how best to navigate and reduce risks of contracting COVID. Through the pandemic, I’ve been focused on our economic vitality: promoting local business, volunteering with local non profits, and supporting efforts to assist businesses with grants. I remain attentive to the needs of our business owners, as we further open our economy.

By following the guidance of the State of Texas, I feel like local officials were appropriate in being consistent with recommendations.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Most importantly, City Leaders need to set a positive example that attracts people to our city. I have over 29 years as a Servant Leader. With my leadership experience, I have the skills needed of a City Council Member. Collaboration, listening, working together, having respectful communication, and the ability to compromise, are essential values of a leader. It’s essential we’re collaborating with everyone, focused on staying true to our city’s identity.

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

Listen, collaborate, and serve. We are getting great work done right now, and the Council has been very productive since the November election. It is important to develop and build relationships with each other on council. Leaders need to be respectful of each other’s opinions. We need to remember why we are here, and not distracted by issues in other cities. It’s imperative we stay focused on our goals and how best to keep Cedar Park the amazing city we value.