Leander has high hopes despite commuter rail delay

From KVUE, March 24, 2009...

On Monday [March 23], Capital Metro indefinitely suspended the rail line's start date.

"We're not disappointed because we know it is coming. Yeah, we'd like it to be tomorrow but if it's a month from now, that's OK too," said Mayor John Cowman of Leander.

Mayor Cowman is confident the delay won't hurt the town for long.

"People move up here because there's going to be access to public transportation. We're not complaining. We think we've made the right move," he added.

During the past two years, as the 183-A toll opened and the rail line construction began, city leaders say business space grew by about 725,000 square feet.

There are plans for a large transit village next to the rail station with mixed-use development.

"The intent is to create an environment where you can walk everywhere,” said Kirk Clennan, Leander’s director of economic development. "(The rail) is another step toward sustainability for Leander."

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Leander mayor announces run for re-election

From Impact News, February 25, 2009...

John Cowman, first elected as Leander’s mayor in 2003, plans to run for re-election.
“I have an opponent; I look forward to the challenge, but I would like to talk about the rest of the council races,” Cowman said.

He endorses Andrea Navarrette for the Place 1 position which will be vacated by Vic Villarreal, who announced his candidacy for mayor earlier this month. Cowman also backs current council members Kirsten Lynch, Michell Cantwell and David Siebold to retain their seats in places 2, 4 and 6, respectively.

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Villarreal to run for Leander mayor

From Hill Country News, February 9, 2009...

Vic Villarreal on Monday filed to run for the office of Leander mayor in the upcoming May general election. Villarreal, a Place 1 council member since 2001, has served as Mayor Pro-Tem and on several boards as a city representative.

"I am overjoyed that Mr. Villarreal is running for mayor," Cowman said. "It is my understanding he will have to resign. That's good for the city of Leander."

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Leander council to discuss idea for real estate transaction tax

From statesman, February 4, 2009...

Leander Mayor John Cowman’s hope to establish a real estate transaction tax within the city seems to be gaining little traction, if any at all.

He’s floated the proposal, which would take 0.5 percent from real estate sales and and spend it on public works projects, to the staff of a couple of lawmakers. But he hasn’t received any commitments to sponsor legislation that would allow cities that use sales tax revenue to pay for public transportation, like Leander, to charge the tax.

And, Cowman said, he isn’t sure how committed the rest of the council is in backing the proposal. He also says he’s aware that the real estate industry would likely not support such a proposal.

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Leander State of the City

From Hill Country News, January 23, 2009...

Leander Mayor John Cowman will deliver his annual State of the City address on Tuesday afternoon at Central Baptist Church immediately after the Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. The address will start at approximately 12:15 p.m.

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