Second candidate files for April 27 mayoral election

By LYNETTE SOWELL 
Cove Leader-Press 

Ron Nelson filed on Thursday to run in the April 27 special election for Copperas Cove mayor. 
Nelson is a software developer with more than 25 years of experience in a variety of roles, including programmer, technical team lead, and VP of IT Engineering. Since 2011, he has been an independent IT consultant, focused on healthcare delivery improvements and data security.
Nelson and his wife, Evelyn, have lived in Copperas Cove since late 2014 after moving from the Austin area. Shortly after moving to Copperas Cove, the Nelsons became in involved in the local library, mentoring people of all ages in regards to technology to include 3D printing, microcontrollers, programming, and more. The two co-founded the Central Texas Makers Club.
He is also a licensed amateur radio operator and works currently with preteens to earn their operator licenses and partake in emergency preparedness across the region. He has presented several times at the Temple Railroad Museum’s Tech & Geek Days, Mini-Maker Faires in Harker Heights, and the Austin Maker Faires. Nelson is a previous board member for educational improvements at St. Sylvester School in Chicago.
Nelson is running against Bradi Diaz, who filed in January to run for office. Diaz has previously served on the Copperas Cove city council and was mayor from 2004 to 2006, and presently serves on the Copperas Cove Education Foundation board and the Coryell County Appraisal District board. She is a past board member and past chair of the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation. 
The deadline to file for office is 5 p.m. on Monday, February 25. Election packets are available at the City Secretary’s office, which is located at 914 S. Main St. Suite B. Completed packets may be dropped off at the office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Packets may be mailed to the same address. 
Early voting for the special election will take place from April 10-23, with a cost estimate of $7,400.80.