"Thanks to all of the individuals and organizations that supported my campaign for Travis County Commissioner. Your support was a great source of inspiration and motivation. Rest assured that I will continue to be active in helping to address our community's challenges. "

Primary Elections
Tuesday, March 02, 2010

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Economic Development Policy Statement

(Austin) — With today's uncertain economy, Travis County faces a growing number of problems with the current approach to economic development.  The County needs to play a more active role in economic development for our local community, specifically in creating new jobs, and facilitating sustainable growth in Southeast Travis County, while protecting the environment.

Travis County has to date played a limited role in securing economic development opportunities. Our community has missed crucial opportunities to expand the tax base and bring new jobs to Travis County. One example of this trend is Medtronics, a medical technology company who located their business to San Antonio after considering establishing a site in Austin. It is worth noting the role that Bexar County played in the process of garnering new economic development, specifically Medtronics - while Travis County participation was nonexistent.  Medtronics would have brought approximately 1400 jobs to our community. 

Currently, Yingli Solar Energy Co. is considering Austin and a handful of other cities, including San Antonio. Yingli will be making a decision to establish a new site, and Travis County cannot afford to again be absent in the recruitment process. Technological industry and clean energy have been areas of our region's economic strengths for decades. Travis County must revitalize its commitment to renewable resources in order to rebuild our tech base and capitalize on the creativity and resourcefulness that makes central Texas strong.

Furthermore, leadership has been lacking in developing Southeast Travis County along the SH-130 & SH-45 corridors. These areas are primed for development that can expand the tax base, create jobs and provide new entrepreneurial and residential opportunities for families in Travis County. This area has always been a desired development area for the region, but the potential that exists will not be realized if the County takes a "business as usual" approach.

 I am committed to facing these economic challenges by bringing leadership and a new direction to the Travis County Commissioners Court.  Specifically, I will work to achieve the following goals: 

(1) Maintain an active business recruitment and job creation program so that we are better able to capitalize on opportunities to strengthen the local economy

(2) Increase coordination with the City of Austin to facilitate development proposals for Southeast Travis County, specifically in areas along SH-130 and SH-45.

(3) Utilize Tax-Increment Financing to bring much needed commercial services to rural communities such as Del Valle.

(4) Participate in Downtown Development Plan 'incentive program to ensure that broad community benefits (such as affordable housing, open/public space, etc.) are realized.

I look forward to working towards these and other goals that will provide enhanced economic benefit to Travis County and Precinct Four.