11.25.09
RRL on Stauber and Maurice running for Commissioners Court
Democrat Jim Stauber will challenge GOP incumbent Cynthia Long for spot on the Commissioners Court in Precinct 2, Democrat aims for place on all-GOP Wilco court.
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.
Stauber is definitely right about needing some balance on the WCCC. And he would give those opposed to the WCCC’s mishandling of the SH 29 project last year.
In Precinct 4, Maurice to challenge Morrison.
Stating he is “frustrated by political gamesmanship,” Hutto attorney and Williamson County Landfill opponent Jeff Maurice this week declared he will run for the Pct. 4 Commissioners Court position currently held by Republican Ron Morrison.
Maurice said he will enter the race as a Democrat, during the Dec. 3 to Jan. 4 filing period.
“It’s time for the citizens of Pct. 4 to be represented by someone who has their best interests at heart,” Maurice said. “From the Hutto landfill to property tax rates, the citizens of Pct. 4 have been repeatedly ignored when it comes to issues that have the greatest impact on our community.”
Maurice has lived in Hutto for six years. He and wife Shawn reside on a ranch, where they provide shelter for homeless animals.
Maurice said he is dedicated to public service.
The former Dell attorney currently serves as an elected board member on the Jonah Water Special Utility District, which represents about 4,800 water customers.
He is perhaps best known, politically, for serving as chairman for the Hutto Citizens Group’s landfill committee. For the past several years that group has been locked in disputes with county government concerning landfill operation, expansion and contracts.
“I’ve found out that you can make change happen if you approach issues professionally and with persistence, and that’s the approach I intend to take on the commissioners court,” Maurice said. “Like many Williamson County residents, I’m frustrated by political gamesmanship. As county commissioner, I’ll always consider the needs of my constituents first and foremost.”
Putting two Democrats on the court would surely bring some accountability to our government in Williamson County.