The chief of staff for U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, had a message from Washington, D.C. and then a message for the city of Hutto: It’s time to work together.

Jonas Miller, a former longtime Hutto resident, returned to update local business leaders Thursday at the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce and Hutto Economic Development Corporation power breakfast. The monthly event, featuring different speakers, was held at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center.

Miller said Carter—who represents Texas' 31st district that includes Hutto and Round Rock—has five goals. In Miller’s words, the goals include:

  • “Repeal and replace Obamacare. It was a promise we made, and we are working for that. The conversation is fluid.

  • “Tax reform, growing the economy and getting the government off your back. We are in a very unique place. You are literally living in the best county in the United States of America. Quality of life is good. Can it get better? Hello, we’re Texans.

  • “Grow our defense. In this congressional district, we have Fort Hood, Texas. The men and women who serve us and their families are amazing.” Miller said the U.S. military presence in Ukraine, South Korea, Syria and elsewhere are led by soldiers from Fort Hood. “Any conflict around the world, it’s your neighbor, your community, your soldier. It is our honor, privilege and responsibility to support these men and women.

  • “National security on our side of the border. Not just the wall. The immigration system, too.

  • “We have to take care of our infrastructure. Put the infrastructure in the ground.”


Miller said all of the changes need to follow the order of health care reforms, which will create billions in offset to grow the economy, military and homeland security.

Russia, Miller said, is the boogeyman for the U.S.

“It needs to be dealt with, but Russia isn’t our only problem when it comes to security," Miller said. "Iran is better than the Russians. But our No. 1 issue is health care. They are all in one, and we need to continue down the path to handle health care. It’s really important to us.”

In closing, Miller brought his talk to a local level, saying city and business leaders need to work together to move Hutto forward.

“There are so many great people in our community right here,” Miller said. “We need to work together. This is your team and these are the guys and ladies you are going to win with and lose with. Hutto is going to pass all of our expectations. We’re all in the same foxhole. Let’s get together and move the ball forward.”