Georgetown Edition | February 2024

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Georgetown Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 FEB. 21 MARCH 19, 2024

Developing downtown

Trac and pedestrian-focused updates may be coming to downtown Georgetown.

BROOKE SJOBERGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

City proposals to bring more parking, walkability to Georgetown Square

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

“Having permanent improvements made to the streetscape would also help enhance those types of events,” McAuli e said.

City Council at the end of February. Plans include a more pedestrian-focused Ninth Street, which Kim McAuli e, Georgetown’s down- town and tourism director, said would create a corridor for public art and activities.

A more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly down- town Georgetown is on the horizon as city ocials hammer out updates to the Downtown Master Plan with a nal proposal set to be considered by

CONTINUED ON 34

Also in this issue

Impacts: City Post Chophouse to open basement speakeasy (Page 6)

Election: See who is on the ballot for the March primaries (Page 15)

Health care: Rock Springs debuts youth mental health unit (Page 29)

Dining: Weather could delay Austin-area crawsh season (Page 38)

This is not a time for political silence.

Electme and we will fight to restore faith in the Texas version of the American Dream.

STOP THE BORDER INVASION PROTECT PARENTS RIGHTS

PUSH BACK ON FEDERAL OVERREACH

STAND AGAINST CENSORSHIP OF TEXAS VOICES

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Pol. Adv. paid for by Janine Chapa Campaign

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The Wesleyan

Our goal is always to encourage, support and provide opportunities for you to do the things that make you most happy. This dedication always results in a busy and eclectic event calendar — check it out and see which offerings will help you live a joyous life! February 1 at 2:05 PM

Our purpose is to provide you with all the comforts of home, an enhanced quality of life and a welcoming community that allows you to cherish all the moments that matter most. We call it our purpose. You call it home. There’s always something going on at The Wesleyan.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Central Texas Philharmonic proudly presents

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Conservative Leadership WORKING FOR YOU WORKING FOR YOU Conservative Values • Proven Leadership • Professionalism • Integrity • Results Conservative Values • Proven Leadership • Professionalism • Integrity • Results

WORKING FO

ative Values • Proven Leadership • Professionalism • Integrity • Results

Safety

Conservative Values • Proven Leadership •

• Reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission • Chair of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Board-maintaining a no-kill shelterstatus • Member of both the Williamson County Investment and Audit Committees • Leadership role in ensuring continued operations during COVID • President of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation • Elected president of the National Habitat Conservation Plan Coalition fighting for local control and solutions • Successful in working with congressional representatives to address endangered species issues • Leadership role in developing Wilco's Long Range Strategic Plan “It is an honor to serve you as Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 3, and I humbly ask for your vote and support on March 5th” “It is an honor to serve you as Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 3, and I humbly ask for your vote and support on March 5th” “It is an honor to serve you as Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 3, and I humbly ask for your vote and support on March 5th” • Reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission • Chair of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Board-maintaining a no-kill shelterstatus • Member of both the Williamson County Investment and Audit Committees • Leadership role in ensuring continued operations during COVID • President of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation • Elected president of the National Habitat Conservation Plan Coalition fighting for local control and solutions • Successful in working with congressional representatives to address endangered species issues • Leadership role in developing Wilco's Long Range Strategic Plan • Chair of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Board-maintaining a no-kill shelterstatus • Member of both the Williamson County Investment and Audit Committees • Leadership role in ensuring continued operations during COVID • President of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation • Elected president of the National Habitat Conservation Plan Coalition fighting for local control and solutions • Successful in working with congressional representatives to address endangered species issues • Leadership role in developing Wilco's Long Range Strategic Plan • Reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission Conservative Leadership Conservative Leadership

Conservative Leadership

Safety

• Since 2011 has led the charge to pay voter approved debt early, saving taxpayers over $92 million in interest • Fiscally conservative using CPA skills to keep spending under control • AAA bond rating maintained saving your tax dollars Conservative Budget Management • Since 2011 has led the charge to pay voter approved debt early, saving taxpayers over $92 million in interest • Fiscally conservative using CPA skills to keep spending under control • AAA bond rating maintained saving your tax dollars Conservative Budget Management • Since 2011 has led the charge to pay voter approved debt early, saving taxpayers over $92 million in interest • Fiscally conservative using CPA skills to keep spending under control • AAA bond rating maintained saving your tax dollars • Continues to collaborate with state and local entities to address behavioral health concerns Conservative Budget Management • Supported competitive compensation for law enforcement retaining highly trained personnel • Supported hiring additional law enforcement personnel • Garnered statewide recognition for the innovative jail diversion programs • Serves on the county's Behavioral Health Task Force • Spearheaded the 23-hour hold diversion center, the youth respite center, and the jail-based competency restoration program • Continues to collaborate with state and local entities to address behavioral health concerns • Continues to collaborate with state and local entities to address behavioral health concerns • Supported hiring additional law enforcement personnel • Garnered statewide recognition for the innovative jail diversion programs • Serves on the county’s Behavioral Health Task Force • Spearheaded the 23-hour hold diversion center, the youth respite center, and the jail-based competency restoration program • Supported competitive compensation for law enforcement retaining highly trained personnel • Supported hiring additional law enforcement personnel • Garnered statewide recognition for the innovative jail diversion programs • Serves on the county's Behavioral Health Task Force • Spearheaded the 23-hour hold diversion center, the youth respite center, and the jail-based competency restoration program Safety Safety • Supported competitive compensation for law enforcement retaining highly trained personnel Safety • Since 2011 has led the charge to pay voter approved debt early, saving taxpayers over $92 million in interest • Fiscally conservative using CPA skills to keep spending under control • AAA bond rating maintained saving your tax dollars • Supported competitive compensation for law enforcement retaining highly trained personnel • Supported hiring additional law enforcement personnel • Garnered statewide recognition for the innovative jail diversion programs • Serves on the county's Behavioral Health Task Force • Spearheaded the 23-hour hold diversion center, the youth respite center, and the jail-based competency restoration program • Continues to collaborate with state and local entities to address behavioral health concerns Conservative Budget Management

Safety Conservative Leadership • Reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission • Chair of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Board-maintaining a no-kill shelter status • Member of both the Williamson County Investment and Audit Committees • Leadership role in ensuring continued operations during COVID • President of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation • Elected president of the National Habitat Conservation Plan Coalition fighting for local control and solutions • Successful in working with congressional representatives to address endangered species issues • Leadership role in developing Wilco’s Long Range Strategic Plan Thoughtful Transportation Planning • Ushered more than 45 safety projects through completion • Managing more than 10 projects currently in progress • Responsibly managed four voter approved road and park bond programs • Consistently works to connect the trail systems throughout the county • Supports the county’s Long Range Transportation Plan and its implementation- maintaining the safety and mobility of residents • Reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission • Chair of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Board-maintaining a no-kill shelterstatus • Member of both the Williamson County Investment and Audit Committees • Leadership role in ensuring continued operations during COVID • President of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation • Elected president of the National Habitat Conservation Plan Coalition fighting for local control and solutions • Successful in working with congressional representatives to address endangered species issues • Leadership role in developing Wilco's Long Range Strategic Plan “It is an honor to serve you as Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 3, and I humbly ask for your vote and support on March 5th”

Conservative Values • Proven Leadership • Professionalism • Integrity • Results Conservative Values • Proven Leadership • Professionalism • Integrity • Results

Early Voting February 20 - March 1, 2024 | ELECTION DAY: Tuesday March 5, 2024 For voting information & locations, visit: www.wilcotx.gov/elections

Early Voting February 20 - March 1, 2024 | ELECTION DAY For voting information & locations, visit: www.w

“It is an honor to serve you as Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 3, and I humbly ask for your vote and support on March 5th”

Early Voting February 20 - March 1, 2024 | ELECTION DAY: Tuesday March 5, 2024 For voting information & locations, visit: www.wilcotx.gov/elections Early Voting February 20 - March 1, 2024 | ELECTION DAY: Tuesday March 5, 2024 For voting information & locations, visit: www.wilcotx.gov/elections

ValerieCovey.com | vcoveycampaign@gmail.com

ValerieCovey.com | vcoveycampa

Early Voting February 20 - March 1, 2024 | ELECTION DAY: Tuesday March 5, 2024 For voting information & locations, visit: www.wilcotx.gov/elections ValerieCovey.com | vcoveycampaign@gmail.com Paid political ad by Valerie Covey Campaign • P.O. Box 2925, Georgetown TX 78627 ValerieCovey.com | vcoveycampaign@gmail.com Paid political ad by Valerie Covey Campaign • P.O. Box 2925, Georgetown TX 78627

Early Voting February 20 - March 1, 2024 | ELECTION DAY: Tuesday March 5, 2024 For voting information & locations, visit: www.wilcotx.gov/elections ValerieCovey.com | vcoveycampaign@gmail.com Paid political ad by Valerie Covey Campaign • P.O. Box 2925, Georgetown TX 78627 Paid political ad by Valerie Covey Campaign • P.O. Box 2925, Georgetown TX 78627

Paid political ad by Valerie Covey Campaign • P.O. Box 292

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Paid political ad by Valerie Covey Campaign • P.O. Box 2925, Georgetown TX 78627

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

195

Impacts

management, diabetic exams and eyewear. • Opened Jan. 29 • 501 S. Austin Ave., Ste. 1145, Georgetown • www.blinkgeorgetown.com 5 Decor With Amor Owner Jasmin Sky works with artisans in Mexico to curate the sustainable home goods store and showroom. • Opened in November • 1107 S. Main St., Georgetown • www.decorwithamor.com 6 Amazing Explorers Academy The center oers a variety of programming for ages 6 weeks to prekindergarten, before- and after-school activities, and summer camps for school-age students up to age 12. • Opened Jan. 8 7 Austin Fine Arts Academy The business oers private voice, piano and beginner guitar lessons for all ages as well as a Georgetown Community Children’s Chorus. Brett Ellis owns the academy, and Diana Ellis is its manager and voice and piano teacher. • Opened Jan. 22 • First Baptist Georgetown, • 4509 Williams Drive, Georgetown • www.aexplorers.com/georgetown 8 Tropical Smoothie Cafe The cafe serves smoothies alongside atbreads, wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas and salads. Mike and Kara Sheppard are the franchisees for the location. • Opened Jan. 19 • 19388 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 620, Georgetown • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com 110 9 Sport Clips Haircuts Headquartered in Georgetown, the salon oers one-on- one consultations, haircuts and styling for men and boys. • Opened Jan. 9 1333 W. University Ave., Georgetown • www.austinineartsacademy.com 29 130 TOLL

DEL WEBB BLVD.

SERENADA DR.

MEADOW DR.

NORTHWEST BLVD.

3405

130 TOLL

LAKE GEORGETOWN

E.8THST.

KAUFFMAN LOOP

13 1

RIVERY BLVD.

E. UNIVERSITY AVE.

9 8

WOLF RANCH PKWY.

W . U N I V E R S I T Y A V E .

INNER LOOP

MAP NOT TO SCALE

1460

• Opened Jan. 1 • 901 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 103, Georgetown • www.texastwistersgym.com 3 Raa Mawa Desi Fu sion Located at South Fork Fun, Food and Brew, the food truck serves authentic Indian street food, including hyderabadi chicken, punjabi samosa, and Indian dessert gulab jamun. The food truck also oers catering. • Opened Dec. 7 • 3309 W. Hwy. 29, Georgetown • www.raamawa.com 4 Blink Boutique Eyecare + Eyewear The optometry practice—led by Drs. Kimberly Pham and Alyssa Garza—provides comprehensive eye exams, contact lenses, dry eye treatment, eye disease 1460

Now open

1 Perfect Pair Si ps & Board s The business serves infusion boards—which highlight avors from around the world and Texas—as well as cocktails, wine and beer, co-owner Kristin Gunter said. • Opened Jan. 12 • 1500 Rivery Blvd., Ste. 2125, Georgetown • www.perfectpairsipstx.com 2 Texas Twiste rs Gymn astics The facility oers classes for all ages, competitive teams, open gym time, private lessons, birthday parties and camps. The business is owned and operated by Todd Austin and his wife, Becky Austin, who has a background in competitive gymnastics and coaching.

110

Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certied (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 64 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists)

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11 Sh el l The gas station will also have a convenience store and fast-food restaurant, owner Aslam Motiwala said. • Opening in early 2025 • 6830 Hwy. 29, Georgetown • www.shell.com

• 19388 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 630, Georgetown • www.sportclips.com

Coming soon

Moms I Like to Feed Meals The meal prep service delivers healthy, family-style meals that are gluten-, dairy-, soy- and nut-free. Brittany Sarkisian opened a kitchen in Georgetown after moving to the area. • Opened Jan. 22 • www.momsiliketofeedmeals.com Acclaimed Angels Home Care The business provides in-home care to seniors as well as operates three personal care homes in Georgetown staed 24/7 with workers trained in dementia care. • Opened Dec. 15 (in-home), Jan. 16 (personal care homes) • www.acclaimedangelshomecare.com

Relo cati ons

12 Kona’s TX BBQ The food truck serves Texas-style barbecue for lunch and dinner. It relocated from Hutto to a permanent site in downtown Georgetown at Teal Sky Boutique. • Relocated Jan. 9

• 1005 S. Rock St., Georgetown • www.facebook.com/konastxbbq

14 City Post Chophouse speakeasy The vintage, 1930s-inspired cocktail lounge will serve Prohibition-style drinks, host live music and feature a cigar lounge with a built-in humidor. The speakeasy will also oer private meeting and event space. The new venue will be located on the basement oor of City Post Chophouse, an upscale steakhouse in downtown. • Opening in late spring or early summer • 113 E. Eighth St., Georgetown • www.citypostchop.house

Clo sin gs

Coming soon

13 The Garden at The Summit The restaurant served seafood, pasta, pizza, wine, cocktails and brunch. The closure comes as the restaurant’s majority investor pulled out of Texas. • Closed Jan. 9 • 1500 Rivery Blvd., Ste. 2175, Georgetown • www.thegardengtx.com

10 Domino’ s Pizza The global franchise serves pizzas, cheesy bread and bread twists as well as chicken wings, pasta, sandwiches, desserts and sodas. • Opening by early March • 6601 Williams Drive, Ste. B102, Georgetown • www.dominos.com

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY APRIL KELLEY

The city of Georgetown is weighing the implementation of a short-term rental registration program, joining other neighboring cities. Short-term rentals are dened by the city as a residential building used for lodging for a period of 30 consecutive days or less, and are often listed on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. The registration program would preserve the character of Georgetown neighborhoods and ensure operators are following all relevant laws and standards. The number of short-term rentals in Georgetown has increased since 2021, with the growth in popularity attributed to events like the Red Poppy Festival and Two Step Inn. Additionally, only a few short-term rentals are paying hotel occupancy taxes—a 7% tax in the city of Georgetown, which is reinvested into local tourism—according to city documents. City scrutinizes short-term rentals

The details

Why regulate short-term rentals? The city of Georgetown cited several reasons for why it is important to regulate short-term rentals, including:

Permits for short-term rentals in Georgetown city limits will be administered by the Downtown & Tourism Department, and applications will be submitted online, according to city documents. Application requirements include: • Contact information for owner, operator and 24/7 local contact • Statement acknowledging city ordinances • Good Neighbor brochure and neighborhood notice within 200 feet of short-term rental • $100 application fee and HOT payment • Advertising platforms used for listing Only one address per short-term rental will be allowed, unless an exception is requested, and the permits will be nontransferable if ownership changes, according to city documents. Permits will also be evaluated annually by the Downtown & Tourism Director for a renewal fee of $50.

Recover lost HOT revenue

Preserve neighborhood quality

Advocate for residents’ interests

Encourage communication between stakeholders

Minimize public safety risks

Avoid party houses

Educate travelers unfamiliar with local rules

Monitor compliance fairly

Promote aordable housing

Protect local service jobs

Prepare for future industry growth

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What's next?

Increase in short-term rentals

100 150 200 250 300 50

term rental owners and operators. The city anticipates an estimated hotel occupancy tax revenue of $600,000 annually from the program based on the current count of short-term rentals within city limits. Georgetown City Council will decide on the passage of the ordinance at an upcoming meeting.

The annual cost of the short-term rental program, including software and sta, will be an estimated $60,301 for the rst year and $50,301 for subsequent years, according to city documents. The cost of the software will partially be covered by the proposed $100 registration fees and the $50 renewal fees paid by short-

2021

2024*

*AS OF JAN. 23

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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WILLIAMSON COUNTY | PRECINCT 3

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

State

BY HANNAH NORTON

What to expect after a historic year at the Texas Capitol

$100,000. The legislation also reduces how much homeowners pay their local school districts in taxes and eliminates a tax for some small businesses. The state anticipates spending $5.3 billion to reimburse schools for revenue lost from the lower property taxes. “There was really no other issue ... coming out of the election and going into the session that Republican leadership was more committed to,” Henson said. “If there’s any surprise about that, it’s that they had so much diculty actually getting the bill across the nish line.” Texas law enforcement agencies will soon have the power to arrest and deport migrants who enter the state illegally under Senate Bill 4. Despite several groups suing Texas over the new law, it is currently scheduled to go into eect March 5. What else? At the local level, House Bill 2127 prevents city and county ocials from adopting or enforcing ordinances that go beyond state or federal law. “The bill was the culmination of several sessions of eorts in the Legislature to assert authority over local governments,” Henson said. “The primary targets of this bill ... are the big urban centers in the state that are primarily overseen by Democratic elected ocials.” This is playing out in Austin and San Marcos, as the cities are being sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over voter-approved ordi- nances to end low-level marijuana oenses. House lawmakers repeatedly rejected another one of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s top

With a 140-day regular legislative session and four special sessions in 2023, Texas lawmakers spent more time in Austin than ever before. While lawmakers passed over 1,000 new laws, they struggled throughout the year to cut property taxes, increase state support for public school teachers, tighten border security and more. Community Impact spoke with Jim Henson, the director of the Texas Politics Project at The University of Texas at Austin, to break down some of the most consequential things Texas lawmakers did in 2023 and what Texans need to know for the year ahead. A closer look Eligible homeowners can expect an adjust- ment to their 2023 property tax bills after lawmakers approved an $18 billion property tax relief package, which raises the tax exemption on Texans’ primary homes from $40,000 to “Border security tops the list of things that Republican [voters] consistently identify as the most important problem facing the state. The politics of that are magnied by the fact that there’s a Democrat in the White House. ... It’s

Texas lawmakers spent 246 days at the Capitol in 2023—more than any prior calendar year. In that time, lawmakers passed 1,326 bills.

Regular sessions

Special sessions

246 days total

140

106

2023

140 87

2021

227 days total

140

2019

140 days total

140 29

2017

169 days total

140

140 days total

2015

207 days total

140

2013

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE LIBRARYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

priorities, education savings accounts, in 2023. The voucher-like program would give families public money to pay for private schools. “[The voucher debate] poisoned the whole discussion of public education at a time when there was the potential to provide more funding for these very wildly popular measures like increasing teacher pay and putting more money into school safety,” Henson said. What’s next? The governor has the power to call lawmakers back for a fth special session. The 89th regular legislative session is set to begin Jan. 14.

been a thorny and real policy problem given migration ows over the last couple of years.” JIM HENSON, DIRECTOR OF THE TEXAS POLITICS PROJECT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

City Council adopts Sidewalk Master Plan The Sidewalk Master Plan—approved by Georgetown City Council Jan. 23—focuses on connectivity by lling in gaps in existing sidewalks and creating safer routes near schools, according to city documents. The total estimated cost of the plan is $31.64 million. In a nutshell The plan prioritizes projects into four tiers: • Public schools ($7 million): sidewalk seg- ments that provide direct access to schools • Gaps ($22.82 million): identies connectiv- ity gaps in the existing sidewalk network • Downtown ($775,000): focuses on complet- ing the downtown sidewalk network • Small capital improvements ($1.05 million): projects that are less than 200 feet in length

Call volume increases After a slight decline in

44.29%

30K

20K

2022, the Georgetown Police Department experienced an uptick in the number of calls for service in 2023.

10K

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT

Georgetown police see more calls for service Calls for police service and motor vehicle crashes were up in 2023, Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida said at a City Council meeting Jan. 23. The gist Tchida said there were 28,085 calls for service in 2023. However, 22.99% of them are 911 hang-ups.

The other top types of calls include: • Citizen assist: 9.2% • Motor vehicle crash: 7.85%

• Burglary alarm: 5.72% • Reckless driving: 5.55% • Suspicious activity: 5.45% • Welfare concern: 5.03% What else? Georgetown PD received calls for 3,419 crashes in 2022 and 3,763 in 2023—an increase of 10.06%.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY APRIL KELLEY & HALEY MCLEOD

Samsung plant to begin some operations by July Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell announced at a Commissioners Court meeting Feb. 6 that the Samsung Austin Semiconductor fabrication plant in Taylor will begin operations by July. The big picture During a recent trip to Seoul, South Korea, Gravell said he met with the chief nancial ocer of Sam- sung Worldwide, conrming details regarding the timeline for operations and manufacturing to begin at the Taylor facility. Gravell said the Taylor plant will begin receiving employees no later than July 1, with manufacturing beginning within that time frame. Construction crews have also already started pouring the foundation for the second semicon- ductor fabrication plant, or fab, in Taylor, Gravell said. Combined, the two Samsung fabs will total 11.4 million square feet.

County against groundwater annex On Jan. 9, Williamson County Commis- sioners voted to not support a petition to annex parts of Williamson County to a neighboring conservation district. The gist The Aquifer Conservation Alliance, a group formed by Williamson County residents, reled a petition Sept. 6 with the Clearwater Underground Water Conserva- tion District in Bell County. The petition, which was previously submitted in March 2023, requests to annex the western half of Williamson County into the CUWCD to manage use of the Trinity Aquifer. However, Williamson County ocials chose not to support the petition, as Bell County would retain a majority of the district board members.

“Other than New York and Los Angeles, the most well-known city in the Republic of Korea was the city of Taylor,

Texas. We had a positive meeting with the CFO for Samsung Worldwide.” BILL GRAVELL, WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE

The framework Comments from the judge came after various reports of a possible delay at the Samsung plant. In response, WilCo economic leaders have pushed back. Dave Porter, executive director of the William- son County Economic Development Partnership, said in January the reports were “not true.” “Somebody mentioned at a conference that mass production would begin in 2025, and that’s always been the case,” he said. “They always said we were open to start testing products ... in 2024, and ... we’ll start mass production in 2025. That’s still on track.”

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Voter Guide

2024

To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY

R Republican

D Democrat

*Incumbent

R Abhiram Garapati D Stuart Whitlow D Rick Von Pfeil D Brian Walbridge State Board of Education member, District 10

D Heli Rodriguez Prilliman D Mark Gonzalez D Meri Gomez

Dates to know

Feb. 5: Last day to register to vote Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 1: Last day of early voting March 5: Election day

D Roland Gutierrez D Steven J. Keough D Thierry Tchenko Railroad commissioner R Christie Clark R Christi Craddick* R Corey Howell R James “Jim” Matlock R Petra Reyes D Bill Burch D Katherine Culbert Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 D DaSean Jones D Randy Sarosdy Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* R Brian Walker Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 D Bonnie Lee Goldstein D Joe Pool Presiding judge, Court of Criminal Appeals R Sharon Keller* R David J. Schenck Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 7 R Barbara Parker Hervey* R Gina Parker Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 8 R Lee Finley R Michelle Slaughter*

R ”DC” Caldwell I R Tom Maynard* R Mary Bone D Raquel Saenz Ortiz D ”DC” Caldwell I State Representative, District 20 R Elva Janine Chapa R Terry M. Wilson* State Representative, District 52 D Jennie Birkholz D Angel Carroll 3rd Court of Appeals judge, Place 2 D Maggie Ellis

Where to vote

Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Williamson County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. For a list of polling locations in the Georgetown area, see Page 16. Visit www.wilcotx.gov/ elections for a full list of county polling places.

Sample ballot

Federal election U.S. President R Ryan L. Binkley R Chris Christie R Ron DeSantis R Nikki Haley R Asa Hutchinson

D Edward Smith* D Melissa Lorber 3rd Court of Appeals judge, Place 5 D Thomas J. Baker* D Karin Crump Williamson County commissioner, Precinct 3 R Valerie Covey* R Mitch Slaymaker Williamson County constable, Precinct 3 R Bert Witcher R Kevin Wilkie R Deke G. Pierce Williamson County constable, Precinct 4 D Perry Travis D Kenneth Guerrero Williamson County chair

R Vivek Ramaswamy R David Stuckenberg R Donald J. Trump D Joseph R. Biden, Jr.* D Gabriel A. Cornejo D Star Locke D Frankie Lozada D Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato

D Dean Phillips D Cenk Uygur D Marianne Williamson State elections U.S. Senator R Ted Cruz* R Holland “Redd” Gibson R R.E. “Rufus” Lopez D A. “Robert” Hassan D Carl Oscar Sherman D Colin Allred

Local elections U.S. Representative, District 31

R Michelle Evans R Michael Salvo

R Mike Williams R Mack Latimer R John Carnan Anderson

R John Carter* R William Abel

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

GEORGETOWN EDITION

Election

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Georgetown City Hall 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St. Georgetown ISD Technology Building 603 Lakeway Drive Heritage Baptist Church 1601 FM 971 The Oaks Community Center-Sun City 301 Del Webb Blvd. Randalls 5721 Williams Drive Southwestern University, Howry Center 1001 Southwestern Blvd. Wellspring United Methodist Church 6200 Williams Drive

Georgetown City Hall 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St. Georgetown ISD Technology Building 603 Lakeway Drive The Oaks Community Center-Sun City 301 Del Webb Blvd. Randalls 5721 Williams Drive Election day Carver Center for Families 1200 W. 17th St. Emmaus Church of Georgetown 5060 E. Hwy. 29 The Delaney at Georgetown Village

Voting dates and times

Early voting will take place in Williamson County according to the following schedule: Feb. 20-23, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Feb. 24, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 25, noon-6 p.m.

Feb. 26-March 1, 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. Election day is March 5. Voting hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide.

Polling locations

Registered voters in Williamson County can cast a ballot at any polling location in the county. The following list includes polling locations throughout the Georgetown area. For a full list of Williamson County polling locations, visit www.wilcotx.gov/elections.

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

359 Village Commons Blvd. First Baptist Georgetown 1333 W. University Ave. Georgetown Annex 100 Wilco Way

Early voting Georgetown Annex 100 Wilco Way

For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/ voter-guide.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

*INCUMBENT

Williamson County Precinct 3 Commissioner, Republican Party

Why are you running for Precinct 3 County Commissioner? I am seeking re-election to continue the work that I’ve been engaged in since 2006. Several areas have required signicant involvement and direction, including transportation needs, mental health, the regional animal shelter and the Williamson County Conservation Foundation, where we balance endangered species concerns with development. I will continue to use my skills as a CPA to balance the budget, provide resources in a growing county while maintaining a low tax rate and AAA bond rating. First and foremost, the men and women of [the Williamson County Deputies Association] asked me to lend my expertise to this position in order to help them protect the frontlines of our beloved county. That is one facet of my desire to serve. I have been a public servant my entire life and know what it means to be humble enough to understand my position only exists at the will of those I serve. I’m also a believer in term limits to ensure that one’s view is fresh, pure, and in line with that of his constituents.

How should the county manage increased growth in both population and industry? Counties’ authority to regulate development is limited. Counties have no zoning authority or ability to deny permits if the county’s rules are followed. However, we should continue to plan for growth by coordinating with municipalities in the development of WilCo’s [Long Range Transportation Plan]. I have been engaged in implementing WilCo’s strategic plan which emphasizes core duties. We can also encourage certain industries that would provide good-paying jobs and shorter commutes. Managing this explosive growth within our county is not easy but we must be ever vigilant on holding all stakeholders accountable to deadlines and consequences for not meeting them. We must have a clear mutual expectation of results going into any contract. Focus on attracting American-made and -maintained industries to build and develop in Williamson County.

Valerie Covey* Occupation: Certied Public Accountant Relevant experience: Precinct 3 County Commissioner, CPA www.valeriecovey.com

Mitch Slaymaker Occupation: Former Brownwood Police Department sergeant, former president of the Texas Municipal Police Association Relevant experience: Law enforcement

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 100 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

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