Seven candidates are in the running for three places on Leander City Council

Two Leander City Council members are facing a challenger in their re-election bids while an open third seat has drawn three candidates in the May 5 election.

The race for the Place 2 seat pits incumbent Michelle Stephenson against Philip Contatore, while Christine Sederquist will challenge Council Member Ron Abruzzese for his Place 4 seat. Marci Cannon, Marshall Hines and Derek Levisay are running for the Place 6 seat that is being vacated by Troy Hill, who is running for mayor. Here is a race-by-race look at all of the candidates:

Place 2

Stephenson, a 54-year-old homemaker, has served one term on the council. She said her priorities if re-elected are keeping residents safe with strong police and fire departments, keeping ahead of the city’s infrastructure needs and working with the city staff to encourage business growth.

She said she has learned the needs of the community and how the city works after serving as a council member and being on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

“One of my goals is to help build a strong sense of community and togetherness as Leander grows. There’s explosive growth occurring right now, and I really want Leander to keep its warmth and friendliness,” she said.

Her opponent, Philip Contatore, is a 53-year-old police officer. He said his priorities include diversifying the tax base through commercial development; addressing high water rates; and making sure the city’s public safety departments are properly trained, equipped and funded.

He said he knows Leander residents are also seeking property tax