Gerald Daugherty
Gerald Daugherty was Travis County Precinct 3 Commissioner from 2002–08. Daugherty, a Houston native, has been an Austin businessman for 28 years, owning and operating businesses such as the Pleasant Valley Sportsplex and a retail sporting goods store.
What do you see as the biggest issue for Precinct 3, and how do you plan to address it?
There are two big issues in my opinion: transportation and water. With transportation, given our limited resources, we must focus on identifying and funding an adequate road system. Managing our scarce water supplies in a time of protracted drought is a nonpartisan issue. My ability to build consensus on complex matters, as I did in my previous six years on the court, will serve Travis County well as we continue to address this most pressing of issues.
How do you plan to address the drought and water levels in Lake Travis?
We need continued research and an understanding of the science of water, particularly the geologic impacts of capturing water at various levels, and how drilling affects the water supply at different levels. I will call for a comprehensive water study to do just that. Additionally, I will revisit the outdated "rule of capture" law as it pertains to groundwater that grants landowners the right without liability to capture water beneath their land.
What would you name as your proudest accomplishment and why?
I am proudest of having served the people of Precinct 3 for six years from 2002 through 2008.
I feel I was able to connect with my constituents and address their concerns in a collaborative and positive manner.
I welcome the opportunity to serve once again.
In relation to growth, what do you consider the highest priority?
Transportation and mobility is absolutely the highest priority. Growth is inevitable. The theory of "If we don't build it, they won't come," hasn't worked very well so far.
We must plan our road system to support the growth we know is on the horizon. We cannot wait until the situation gets further out of hand and the costs are even higher.
Albert Gonzales
Albert Gonzales has been an Oak Hill Area resident for more than 25 years. He is the president of Southwest Austin Democrats, Southwest Austin Precinct 358 Chair, a community and political activist, and an advocate for open government and transparency.
What do you see as the biggest issue for Precinct 3, and how do you plan to address it?
The biggest issue currently is traffic congestion, especially at the Y [at Oak Hill]. I would review the current partnership with the City of Austin and Travis County, which are providing $4.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively to TxDOT for an intermediate solution. I'll work towards allocating additional funds to enhancing the traffic flow to tie into a future free parkway speedway. I would propose selling the downtown lot the county just recently bought.
How do you plan to address the drought and water levels in Lake Travis?
Working with the City of Austin, Lower Colorado River Authority and our surrounding neighbors to come to a fair and equable Emergency Water Distribution Management Plan.
Planning and working with all parties involved and keeping in mind the human element has to be considered foremost throughout the planning process.
What would you name as your proudest accomplishment and why?
For the opportunity and privilege to run as a candidate for commissioner of Precinct 3 to serve as a citizens' commissioner and not as a politician.
To represent the constituents of Precinct 3 not as a wealthy or special interest candidate but just as one of you—a neighbor who will truly represent my neighbors in county commissioners court doing the "people's work."
In relation to growth, what do you consider the highest priority?
Controlling development where it is manageable and eco-community friendly. I would work toward mimicking the Mueller development for the Y in Oak Hill. With proper foresight and planning, the area can be developed without us having to reinvent the wheel utilizing the Mueller model. Creating a so-called suburban community plaza where neighborhoods, businesses and a pedestrian-friendly city with non-tolled roads strive together in unity.
Karen Huber (Incumbent)
Karen Huber has more than 20 years of experience in real estate, economic development, conservation and consulting to electric/water utilities. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a master's in political science.
What do you see as the biggest issue for Precinct 3, and how do you plan to address it?
Water! We have a very short time to make and get plans implemented to assure a future water supply for our area. Travis County has the statutory authority to be more involved in water supply than it currently exercises. I am assessing these options. We are also working on our legislative agenda with our legislative delegation and the coalition that formed for the Lake Travis Economic Study is assessing "next steps."
How do you plan to address the drought and water levels in Lake Travis?
See above. I also plan to continue to work closely with other decision makers to see that the State Water Plan gets implemented, that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality accelerates its approval of the LCRA Water Management Plan, that LCRA moves to the next step for appropriate water management, and that lake interests continue to have and improve the forum for education and lobbying to get effective water policy in place.
What would you name as your proudest accomplishment and why?
The Lake Travis Economic Study. This study provides much-needed base-line information on the economic contributions of Lake Travis and the impact on the economy of various lake levels. It also provides cause for other areas along the Colorado Basin to evaluate their economic impacts. With good data from up and down the basin, better decisions can be made. I'm proudest, though, that we all came together in a coalition of common interest.
In relation to growth, what do you consider the highest priority?
Central Texas is growing rapidly—projected to double in population in the next 50 years—and we have limited resources in water and transportation financing. It is imperative that we work harder in planning our growth such that the infrastructure components complement each other—e.g. roads should be built where there is water, where jobs are, where schools and affordable housing are appropriately in the mix.
Jim Strickland
Jim Strickland served on the Eanes ISD school board in Westlake for nine years and was president of the board for three years. He served as a member of the 2001 Citizen's Bond advisory committee. He is also involved in youth athletic leagues and the Rotary Club.
What do you see as the biggest issue for Precinct 3, and how do you plan to address it?
The biggest issue facing the Travis County Commissioner's Court is the building of the new County Courthouse on a lot already purchased downtown.
The County is considering a complicated public-private partnership to develop and construct the courthouse and office building complex.
While on the Eanes school board, I oversaw projects of $52 million and $54 million that came in on time and on budget.
How do you plan to address the drought and water levels in Lake Travis?
While the drought is a very serious issue, the county should stay within its constitutional and statutory authority. Groundwater is a state-regulated issue, and the Texas Water Quality Board has made its recommendation on the drawdown of the Trinity Aquifer which was approved by Groundwater Management Area 9, which controls the area of the aquifer in Travis County. Lake water is controlled by the LCRA, which has experts who do a good job.
What would you name as your proudest accomplishment and why?
My proudest accomplishment is having a loving family and raising two children who have grown to be fine adults. For the area of service, it was to be part of a team that hired Nola Wellman as our superintendent who partnered with the board to make Eanes the preeminent school district in Texas and one of the best in the nation. When I was president of the board, we achieved the highest test scores while managing a difficult budget affected by the Robin Hood recapture.
In relation to growth, what do you consider the highest priority?
The county's reaction to growth should be one of managed, well-thought-out solutions.
The county's responsibilities—public safety, roads and bridges, county parks and administrative and regulatory functions—need to be planned in advance of the growth to provide services to all parts of the county.
Election dates for 2012
- April 30: Voter registration deadline for primaries
- May 14– May 25: Early in-person voting period
- May 29: Primary election
- July 23–27: Early in-person voting period for runoff election
- July 31: Runoff election
(Source: Secretary of State)
