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.

 

Austin American Statesman
January 19, 2012
STAR Flight basing a helicopter, crew at Dell Children's

Austin American Statesman
December 28, 2011
Travis County park purchase to add access to Perdernales River

Austin American Statesman/ Westlake Picayune
December 28, 2011
New Stop Light on
Bee Cave Road

Community Impact
November 11,2011
LCRA board bans floating habitable structures

Texas Tribune
October 27, 2011
Drought's Economic
Impact Spreading
Across Texas

Austin American Statesman
October 18, 2011
Drought hurting Lake Travis businesses

Community Impact
October 4, 2011 Commissioners aim to
better coordinate
fire information

Austin American Statesman
October 4, 2011
Travis County seeks to
improve disaster
response

North Shore Beacon
September 26, 2011
Coffee with the Commissioner


Community Impact
September 23, 20111 Redistricting changes
local representation

KXAN-TV News
September 20, 2011
911 System
needs your cell number

KVUE-TV News
September20, 2011
Travis Coounty
approves re-appraisals
for fire victims

KVUE-TV News
September20, 2011
Reappraising of
fire-damaged property
under consideration

Westlake Picayune
June 20, 2011
Travis County:
Burn ban includes
all fireworks

Texas Tribune
June21, 2011
As Texas Lake Levels Fall, Residents Fret

Impact News
June 17,2011
Austin, Tavis County
Celebrate
Balcones Canyonland
Preservation Plan

Oak Hill Gazette
May 26, 2011
Officals, residents assess concerns in the aftermath of fire

YNN
May 24, 2011
Lake Travis floating condos voted down

Community Impact Newspaper
May 24, 2011
Commissioners Court bans floating
habitable structures on
Lake Travis

KXAN-TV
May 24, 2011
"Vote: No to floating houses on Lake Travis"

Impact News
March 3, 2011
Redesign Coming to Y at Oak Hill

KVUE-TV
March 3, 2011
Plans for Oak Hill Intersection Improvements Announced

Submitted to
Austin American Statesman
August, 2010
Op-Ed
Where's the
Truth-o-Meter?

Austin American Statesman
June 14, 2010
Op-Ed
Trust and Credibility

Impact News.com
Lake Travis/ Westlake
March 5, 2010
Karen Huber Profile

Lake Travis View
News Report 2/18/2010

"Road Gives Lakeway
Access to Texas 71"

Austin Chronicle
News Report 1/15/10

"Army Saves the Day"

Austin
American-Statesman
Op-Ed Commentary
"Air Quality "

KVUE-TV, Austin
News Report 9/9/08

"Billboard Controversy Along Highway 71"

Austin
American-Statesman

Op-Ed Commentary "Highway Signage"

Austin
American-Statesman
Op-Ed Commentary
"Grandfathering"



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