04.01.09
Williamson County News
Williamson County state representative Diana Maldonado, HD-52, will lay out her first bill in the Texas House tomorrow. It’s HB 1332, story via the AusChron, Maldonado’s Milestone.
Big day for Rep. Diana Maldonado, D-Round Rock, tomorrow. “I’m going to be the second freshman to get the hazing treatment,” said our neighbor to the north.
[…]
House Bill 1331 is her clean-up language on school text books: Currently, if a student loses a book, they have to replace it, but that doesn’t apply to electronic equipment like textbooks on CD or laptop computers. Her bill will close that loophole, and provide waivers for poor families.
The Hutto News has this article profiling the candidates for Hutto City Council Place 5, Candidates want growth, transparency, (Jason Wirth(i) v. Melanie Rios).
Both candidates identified the need for continued economic growth as a major priority for the council.
Wirth said the city must continue to encourage business growth within the city to combat funding shortfalls as a result of a halt in new construction.
“I want to get a little more self-sustaining,” Wirth said. “We need to get more businesses. Our economic development is key.”
Rios stressed the need for clean industrial growth.
“I think the most important issue is bringing some form of light and clean industry here,” she said. “Everywhere people are being laid off. A good portion of the Hutto residents would like to work in the community.”
As a companion to the growth, Rios said the city of Hutto needs to move in the direction of a more well-rounded community. Parks and other facilities designed to keep residents in town and interacting with each other should be a key part of the city’s future growth, she said.
“It makes for a nicer place to live in,” she said. “We’re lacking in amenities.”
Wirth, a three-term veteran of the council, said as the city moves forward, there needs to be room for more government openness. Given the current divisiveness on the council, it’s something he said needs to be addressed to make sure no one is abusing the power of city hall.
“This election needs to be a little bit more about transparency and better government. There are certain people who think they have the gold. I want to get that gold back to the citizens. I want their say back in this,” Wirth said.
You see a list of all the Hutto candidates here. And today was “Hutto Day” at the Texas Capitol. Press Release from Rep. Maldonado’s office can be read in extended entry. Here’s an excerpt:
State Representative Diana Maldonado (HD-52) of Round Rock Wednesday welcomed the first ever “Hutto Day” at the Capitol. More than 30 Hutto residents came out in support of the town’s legislative agenda as well as to help spread the word about the rapidly growing town of Hutto.
Rep. Maldonado Welcomes “Hutto Day” to the Texas Capitol
For Immediate Release: April 1, 2009
Contact: Jon Niven 512.463.0670
Austin – State Representative Diana Maldonado (HD-52) of Round Rock Wednesday welcomed the first ever “Hutto Day” at the Capitol. More than 30 Hutto residents came out in support of the town’s legislative agenda as well as to help spread the word about the rapidly growing town of Hutto.
“Hutto is an extraordinary community and I am honored to have worked with them to organize this wonderful day at the Capitol,” said Maldonado. “Many towns and counties across Texas, including Williamson County, take the opportunity to visit their state Capitol to increase awareness about the top issues impacting their region. Hutto’s growth and location provide it with unique opportunities and circumstances to benefit the local families and economy.”
As part of Hutto Day, Maldonado participated in a several activities throughout the day dedicated to the City of Hutto. She participated in a breakfast with the delegates of Hutto Day as well as a reception which included Puffy Tacos from Mario’s and various pies from the Texan Café.
Maldonado presented a Resolution on the floor of the House recognizing the city and citizens of Hutto. She also presented a resolution to Dr. David Borrer, Superintendent of Hutto ISD, congratulating Denise Kablaitis of Hutto ISD who was named Region 13 Nurse of the Year. In addition, she presented a resolution to Texan Café co-owners Roger Joughin and Ron Yaudes honoring the historic restaurant’s recognition in Texas Monthly magazine as one of the 40 best small town cafes in Texas.
“The first Hutto Day was a huge success and I look forward to coordinating with the city to help support its continued growth and guarantee its economic vitality in the future,” said Maldonado. “I especially want to thank Mayor Pro Tem David Begier and all of those who helped to coordinate the charge for this inaugural event, and I hope Hutto will continue its active participation in the state legislative process.”