Candidate Profile: Jim Penniman-Morin For CP Council Place 1

Austin TX

21 April, 2021

1:51 PM

Description

On May 1, Williamson County voters will make their choice on who they want elected to fill local positions in their city. Jim Penniman-Morin, who is running for Cedar Park City Council Place 1, shared with Patch why he should be elected to city council and represent residents in his community. Profile: Jim Penniman-MorinAge (as of Election Day): 41 Position Sought: Cedar Park City Council Place 1 Party Affiliation: Non-partisan race Family: My wife Sarah leads the global logistics department for a major global charity. My daughter Loree is a freshman at Sam Houston State University. I have two daughters, Aimee and Madeleine at Cedar Park HS, Jackson is Cedar Park MS, Tess is in the 4th grade at Deer Creek ES and baby Teddy turns 1 on election day. Campaign website: www.jpmforcedarpark.com Q&A with Penniman-MorinDoes anyone in your family work in politics or government? No. What is your education background? Bachelor of Science, U.S. Military Academy (West Point), Class of 2001; Juris doctor, Georgetown University Law Center, 2008 What is your current occupation and what were your previous ones? Attorney 2008-present, practicing corporate and transactional law, particularly venture capital and emerging companies; previously, U.S. Army, Infantry officer, 2001-2009. Have you ever been elected or appointed to office? No. Why are you seeking elective office? Coming from a corporate and military background, I've been concerned by the divisiveness that certain members have brought with them to our city council, leading to controversy after controversy that distracts from the important business of the council. The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it. Leadership. During this period of rapid change in our region, Cedar Park needs steady, level-headed leaders that know how to bring people of different backgrounds and beliefs together in order to get them all focused on the common goal of achieving smart, sustainable growth from a bedroom community to a vibrant town with great places to work, live and play. What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? Temperament. Strong leaders need to be able to keep themselves and their teams cool, calm and collected so that the group can stay focused on the task at hand. They treat all people with the respect they are due, and appreciate the value of different points of view. They show up and answer questions not just from their supporters or publications they feel comfortable with, but from any person in the community they are called to serve. How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently? I think the City of Cedar Park was well led during the pandemic and the winter storm, promptly taking action to encourage preventative measures and support local businesses. Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. I will ensure the city remains fiscally responsible, inclusive of all faiths and backgrounds, invests in best-in-class parks and public spaces and takes smart steps to alleviate the worsening congestion. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have over a decade of experience negotiating complex, high-stakes deals for Fortune 500 companies, small start-ups and everything in between. I was a very successful commander during my military career. I have years of service to our community through scouting, pro bono legal advice and civic involvement. Strategic thinking and servant leadership have been the hallmarks of my life, and they are critical for success on our city council. The best advice ever shared with me was: Focusing on doing the small things right, and the big things take care of themselves. What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I'm here to listen, think and serve - in that order. I don't have a partisan axe to grind or an agenda, and whether you vote for me or not, whether I win or not, I hope you stay in touch with my on ideas on how our city can be better and more efficiently run, as I'm dedicated to our community for the long haul. MEET OTHER WILLIAMSON COUNTY CANDIDATES: Candidate Profile: Kevin Harris For Cedar Park Council Place 5 Candidate Profile: Anne Duffy For Cedar Park City Council Place 3 Candidate Profile: Annette Sponseller For Leander Council Place 2 EARLY VOTING GUIDE: Elections 2021: Your Early Voting Guide For Williamson CountyThese Propositions Will Be On The Ballot In Williamson County