Eric Boyce Seeks Place 4 Cedar Park City 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.

Eric Boyce is running for Cedar Park City Council, Place 4.

Age: 53.

Party affiliation: N/A

Family: Wife of 28 years, Joanne; two children, Natalie and Jack.

Occupation: Business Owner & CEO, BKA Wealth Consulting, Inc.

Previous elected experience: NA.

Family members in government: None.

Campaign website: www.ericforcedarpark.com

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

The priority for Cedar Park is threefold:

(1) The impact of rising home values on housing affordability, property taxes and in managing city budgets;

2) Scaling infrastructure and improving mobility amidst our continuing growth;

3) Execution on existing community development projects as well as active business attraction and retention efforts to help diversify the tax base and keep property tax rates low.

I believe in data-driven analysis coupled with active dialogue with stakeholders to address the expansion of the city’s infrastructure, address safety, mobility and livability for our citizens, as well as supporting economic development."

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

"I bring important experience in working with the city, city boards and commissions, working with city staff, business leaders, business owners, the Cedar Park chamber, with non-profits, and with citizens of all political backgrounds."

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

1. President – Cedar Park Economic Development Corporation
2. Chair – Cedar Park Planning & Zoning Commission
3. Board Member – Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF)
4. Member – Legislative Committee, Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
5. Member – Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
6. Volunteer – Reveal Resource Center

I have wide support across people of all political persuasions. I have worked directly with city staff, board and commissions, local business owners and non-profits, as well as many, many citizens.

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

Small businesses, which employ many citizens, have been greatly impacted by COVID-19. First, I will be motivated to help existing businesses retain primary jobs, access resources and connections for support and future growth. Second, I think we can do more to perhaps bring businesses to the neighborhoods, for citizens less comfortable in leaving the safety of their homes. Furthermore, the burdens on local non-profit organizations have increased, and I believe my role can help generate both helpful connections and positive communication.

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

I favor both qualitative and quantitative support for law enforcement. First, ensure adequate training in responding to cases involving mental health, behavioral disorders, and especially race-sensitive issues, while also providing more overall peer group best practices. Maintain compensation equity, tools and equipment in line with other cities within our size cohort.

List other issues that define your campaign platform.

Restoring constructive dialogue & enhancing community engagement and dialogue; making citizens believe their voice is heard, their ideas important, and emphasizing their important role as stakeholders in the growth of our infrastructure, our city budget, our economic growth, and the forging of our lasting identity as a city and community.

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

I bring important experience in working directly with the city, with city boards and commissions, with city staff, with business leaders, the chamber, and with citizens of all political backgrounds. I’ve served in volunteer positions with considerable financial responsibility. I’ve had to make critical decisions with regard to budgets and spending priorities, and I’ve had to help build consensus on important matters of land use and development. I’ve sat in the chairman’s seat of a city board meeting at 10:30 at night with a contentious issue deadlocked at 3 to 3; everyone’s tired and mad, but they are looking at you for leadership to get them through. I relish that role, I embrace that role, and I embrace the challenges of bringing people together to drive consensus and solutions.