Mark Anderson takes the oath of office administered by Mayor Dan Kasprowicz. Photo by Joni Simon

In possibly one of their most important decisions this year, Fair Oaks Ranch City Council members appointed Mark Anderson to fill the Place 3 seat left vacant when Dan Kasprocwicz won the mayoral election in May.

Anderson fills the position until the next general election.

Anderson was one of two candidates who interviewed for the position. The issue that gave him the edge, according to Alderwoman Cheryl Landman, is a big one on the Ranch - water.

“This is the first time the council has done this. It was a very unique situation,” Landman said. “We got to see how much talent we have in the city. Both men brought a lot to the table. I got to thinking, ’What would I want for my business? ‘Water was the most important thing.”

Anderson, a retiree after a 35-year Air Force career, was a member of the Water Utility Board for three years. He most recently served on the Capitol Improvement Board the last two years.

“We don’t want you to go away,” Kasprowicz told Jeff Cook, the other contender for the Place 3 position.

“We’d like you to be a member of our team.” Cook opposed incumbent Alderman Ray Balcer in the May election and garnered 497 votes.