“One of the biggest concerns for me is the size and speed of the growth we are experiencing. My concern is that we may lose our small-town feel before we have a chance to properly manage that growth.”

City of Justin General Election
Candidate Profile

Meet Joseph Cokel– Candidate for Mayor
Election Day: Saturday, May 2, 2026

How have your background and experience shaped your perspective for Mayor, and what inspired your involvement in Justin?

I have been a business owner for nearly 20 years and have owned and operated several businesses during that time. I also served in the United States Marine Corps, where I learned the importance of discipline, accountability, and service.

Running a city shares many similarities with running a business, particularly when it comes to budgeting, planning, zoning, and responsible decision-making.

My experience in both business and military service has prepared me to approach city leadership with practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to serving the residents of Justin.

Justin is experiencing steady growth. How would you balance growth with preserving Justin’s small-town feel?

Growth in Justin has been significant over the last six years, and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon. The key to balancing growth with preserving our small-town character starts with responsible zoning and thoughtful planning.

We want businesses to come into Justin, but we need the right kinds of businesses, ones that add value to our community and support long-term stability.

We also need to protect our current business owners and avoid oversaturating the market.

Justin should not become the fast food and gas station capital of Texas. Growth needs to be intentional so we can maintain the character and identity that make Justin special.

What issues matter most for Justin in the next three to five years, and how would you address them?

One of the biggest concerns for me is the size and speed of the growth we are experiencing. My concern is that we may lose our small-town feel before we have a chance to properly manage that growth.

Another major issue is the city budget, which has been increasing rapidly, around 30 percent each year. If that trend continues, we risk taxing people out of their homes.

We need to slow down, evaluate spending carefully, and make sure we are managing the city’s finances responsibly while planning growth in a way that protects our residents and our community.

What are your top three priorities for Justin over the next 3–5 years, and how do you plan to accomplish them?

Transparency means opening the process to the people who live here. Residents deserve to know what their city leadership is planning and why decisions are being made.

I would work to improve communication through regular updates, including Facebook meetings, social media updates, and better access to council discussions so residents can stay informed.

I also want more public input and engagement in decisions that affect the community. I believe we need to change the way we do business and create a more open and accessible city government.

Disclaimer: We do not endorse any candidate. This content is for informational purposes only to help Justin voters make informed choices.