 |
|
|
|
| 11/24/2009 12:53:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | Democrat aims for place on all-GOP Wilco court
Last week Pct. 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long of Cedar Park announced she will seek a second four-year term on the court.
At about the same time Liberty Hill Democrat Jim Stauber announced he intends to challenge her.
Precinct 2 takes in the cities of Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill, plus a small portion of Georgetown. It also includes the Anderson Mill and Block House Creek subdivisions.
Long stresses progress
"Making Williamson County the place where residents not only want to live but work, worship, shop, play and go to school continues to be a top priority," Long said. "I am seeking a second term to continue the progress that I have made toward that priority."
Describing herself as a "strong fiscal conservative," Long noted the county's property tax rate has declined during her four years on commissioners court. Additionally, countywide property values have increased during that time.
Long - who holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas A&M University - said finances and roads are two of her main issues.
She said that during her first term county government has built more than eight miles of new roads in Pct. 2. and - following a bond election in 2006 - purchased 1,011 acres for future parkland.
Covey was elected to commissioners court in 2006 when she defeated Democrat Randall Craig 66 to 34 percent.
She previously served on the Cedar Park City Council for four years - and six years before that on Cedar Park's Planning and Zoning Commission.
Long has also been active in GOP politics, serving as vice chairman for the Williamson County Republican Party.
Additionally, she has served on the Round Rock Medical Center board and as founding chairman for Twin Lakes YMCA.
Long has lived in Williamson County for more than 20 years.
She and husband Donn are the parents of one daughter, 10-year-old Sarah.
Stauber wants change
Although Stauber has not lived in Williamson County for as many years as Long, he is also no stranger to local politics.
Stauber is active in the Williamson County Democratic Party and four years ago unsuccessfully challenged Dist. 20 state Rep. Dan Gattis (R-Georgetown).
Stauber told the Leader he is entering county politics because he perceives the commissioners court to be a Republican-dominated "rubber stamp."
County Judge Dan Gattis and all four commissioners are Republicans, as is every other elected official in Williamson County government.
"They have had that tied up for a couple of decades," Stauber said. "There really is no dissension on the court. I want to get the little man's opinion in there and change the way of thinking."
Stauber worked for General Motors for 35 years and has been a member of the Unite Auto Workers union for more than 45 years.
When Stauber retired from GM in 1997, he and wife Carol moved to Liberty Hill, settling in the Durham Park subdivision off FM 1869.
Stauber serves as president of the Durham Park Water Supply Corporation.
He is also vice president for Hope Alliance of Williamson County (formerly the Williamson County Crisis Center), which assists women who are domestic violence victims.
Stauber - who four years ago ran as an opponent of toll roads - said he is also against a proposed Liberty Hill bypass that might someday be built off state Highway 29.
Additionally, he is against increases in toll road fees.
Despite the party's recent setbacks in Williamson County, Stauber said he thinks 2010 might be a good year for Democrats - if they can get people to the polls.
"The biggest thing with an off year (non-presidential) election is getting people out to vote," he said.
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
|
|
|
|
NEWS
