Karen Huber County Commissioner: Precinct Three Report

February 2009: Staff Intros & First Tasks

One month in office and we’re off and running! First and most important, the Texas Legislature is in session. The unincorporated areas of the County are experiencing urbanizing conditions without the tools that cities utilize to maintain our high quality of life. The County is looking for more tools this session to see that the growth is responsible.

The County has put together a wish list of “tools” that we would like the Texas Legislature to grant counties. I encourage you to follow this effort as we move forward.
Also, I’ve brought on board an excellent staff to help deliver good government.

Garry Brown, a Texas native with a degree in English from UTSA (magna cum laude), is handling the relations between our office and various county departments, other political jurisdictions and the Boards and Commissions on which I participate to represent your interests. He has lived in Austin most of his adult life, is a great communicator and has knowledge and relationships within the County that will serve us well.

Michael Nalick has just been hired as my Policy Director. He joins us with a BA in Government from UT Austin and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Southern California. A suburban Houston native, he is about as quick on the up-take as they come. And just in case you are wondering, a policy director researches issues – like a specific transportation or water issue – analyzes the data, reviews possible solutions, pairs that with constituent preferences, and advises me on possible courses of action. Michael will also advise me on the Boards and Commissions of which I am a member – CAMPO, Austin-SA Commuter Rail District, Austin-SA Growth Corridor Council, and Capital Area Council of Governments, amongst others.

Kelly Darby handles any constituent issues that you may face. She comes to us with a BA in Sociology from UT Austin and a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston. Prior to joining us, she worked as Representative Donna Howard’s campaign manager and has excellent outreach skills. She will be taking the lead on my Health and Human Services policy, and will soon be organizing health advisory groups to advise me on specific issues within our precinct.

Other first tasks have included appointments to Emergency Services Districts, review of pending subdivision agenda items and meetings with each of the County’s six Executive Managers to better understand how to utilize the great resources within their divisions. The County has approximately 2000 employees and tremendous expertise exists within those ranks. Precinct 3 is now extending towards 300,000 in population and covers approximately 200 square miles. Needless to say our phone rings constantly – and please do call if you have a question or need help. My great team is here to serve you.