The Legislative Session is nearing a halfway point, and our Travis County Legislators are
working to get all their new legislation filed before the filing deadline on Friday. I have been
working side-by-side with Commissioner Eckhardt to consider the County’s position and
response to some bills being filed which would impact the County’s authority on land use. As
many of you know, this was central to my campaign and I have dedicated a significant portion of
my first few months in office to working on legislative efforts that will help Travis County
ensure that, as we continue to grow, we also protect our quality of life that makes this such a
great place to live.
I have also been busy in my capacity as sitting member of the Capital Area Metropolitan
Organization (CAMPO), an appointment that I was very happy to inherit from my redecessor.
Rail expansion was another tenant of my campaign, so I am happy to have a voice for you on the
very board which oversees such projects.
Mainly though, I have been listening. Travis County is such a unique place, and each
community has its own set of needs. Precinct 3, as I have said before, is the largest precinct in
the County and representing the needs of all of my constituents would be impossible without big
ears. My staff and I are steadily making our way through the precinct, meeting with constituents
in the office and attending community meetings at night.
Last week, my office attended a community meeting at which the Sheriff’s Office offered a
presentation on neighborhood safety. This meeting was a response to a series of car burglaries
reported in several neighborhoods around the County. They believe the persons responsible are
a group of teenagers who are sneaking out of their homes at night and roaming the streets
looking for easy prey, or “target rich neighborhoods.”
Thankfully, our excellent Sheriff’s Department was prepared at the meeting with some common sense
tips. Given similar burglaries in other parts of the precinct, I offered to share these tips in
my monthly column. We’ve heard most of these before, but they bear repeating:
1. Lock your doors and remove all of your valuables! According to the Sheriff’s Office,
most reports of breaking-and-entering into a vehicle are less breaking than just plain entering.
A surprising amount of folks left their laptop computers, mp3 players and even garage door
openers and keys to their house inside their unlocked cars.
2. Get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood watch program. Becoming
acquainted with your neighbors is more than just good manners – it’s good sense. If you go
out of town and nobody knows that you are away, how will anyone know that the individual
entering your car or house isn’t supposed to be there?
3. Report suspicious activity. The Sheriff’s Office said it best: if something doesn’t feel right,
it probably isn’t. If you see strangers walking around your neighborhood late at night, go
ahead and call the authorities.
4. Be able to identify your valuables. Take photographs of your valuable items, and when
possible, keep product serial numbers in a safe place. If your digital camera is stolen and
taken to a pawn shop, the authorities won’t be able to identify it as yours unless they can
match up a serial number.
5. Most importantly, avoid a confrontation. As Texans, we take a lot of pride in taking care
of our own. Most of the time this is a good thing, but don’t let it backfire (no pun intended).
The law may not protect you if you hurt an unarmed intruder. Instead of confrontation, opt
for safety and call 911.
I realize all these are just common sense solutions, but it is often good to refresh our memories –
especially when recent situations warrant the need.
In closing, please continue, as many of you have, to let us know if we can be of assistance to
you. We are here to serve and that is foremost in our mind. My office phone number is 854-
9333 – and please do call when the need arises.
June 15, 2010
