Representing Travis County Precinct 2 since 2015.

Thanks for making it possible for me to serve!

Representing Travis County Precinct 2 since 2015.

Thanks for making it possible for me to serve!

Lots accomplished! More to do!

I first ran for county commissioner because I believed that, as a society, we were not doing enough to prepare our communities for the devastating effects of climate change. Since taking office in January 2015, we’ve made progress not only in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, conserving water and being better prepared for wildfire, but also in making major strides in criminal-justice reform.

Water: In our downtown county buildings and jail, we’ve stopped using treated drinking water for air conditioning replacing it with reclaimed wastewater. We’re now saving 40 million gallons per year. I’m pushing UT and the state capital complex to do the same.

Wildfire: To prepare our communities for wildfire, my office created Neighborhood Fire Drills. These community exercises are akin to the fire drills we used to do in school and serve the same purpose: preparing people so they know what to do. The National Association of Counties gave us their 2020 Achievement Award in the category of Risk and Emergency Management.

Greenhouse gases: At Travis County, we are measurably reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by having one of the most aggressive telecommuting policies in the region. As a result, we’ve already reduced emissions from commuting by 30% and saved $1.3 million on our utility bills. We also recently directed staff to plan to an all-electric fleet of county vehicles.

Criminal-justice reform: Travis County has a long history of innovation in criminal justice, but we’re stepping it up a notch. When I first took office, Travis was the largest county without a Public Defender’s Office, and now we have one. I recently passed a motion directing staff to investigate allowing our Sobering Center to also be used for mental-health diversion.

Your support makes it possible for me push ahead aggressively for change at the local level and often achieve a multiplier effect. By thinking globally and acting locally, we’re showing other communities what’s possible. I am honored to be able to serve our community, and I thank you for making this possible!