Mayor hosts legislative briefing in Austin

Written by Phil Cerroni

Bringing the city’s concerns to Austin, City Manager Tommy Gonzalez, Councilman Gerald Farris and Chairman of the Chamber Board Daryl Walker represent Irving on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. Photo by John Starkey.

Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne discussed issues facing the city when she hosted key Texas lawmakers at this year’s “Big City Mayors’ Legislative Briefing” Feb. 8 in Austin.

“I appreciate the effort and interest of state lawmakers in taking the time to brief us on upcoming legislative issues as well as listen to our needs and challenges,” said Mayor Van Duyne. “The meeting provides a tremendous opportunity to discuss significant issues we face in our cities every day.”

Mayor Van Duyne hosted 14 mayors and one council member from across the state who represent the largest municipalities in Texas. They include Betsy Price, Fort Worth; Julian Castro, San Antonio; Robert Cluck Arlington; Paul Harpole, Amarillo; Lee Leffingwell, Austin; Mike Rawlings, Dallas; John Cook, El Paso; Ronald Jones, Garland; Annise Parker, Houston; Raul Salinas, Laredo; Phil Dyer, Plano; Nelda Martinez, Corpus Christi; Mark Burroughs, Denton; James A. Thompson, Sugar Land; Council Member, Ray Lopez, San Antonio.

“I also appreciate the opportunity to network with other Texas mayors because, as mayors of the largest cities, we share many of the same challenges: the effects of a prolonged statewide drought, transportation needs in anticipation of predicted significant future growth and providing solid educational opportunities to ensure our businesses have a deep talent pool from which to draw. We have much to discuss,” Van Duyne said.

Well represented, politicians, civil servants, business people and every day citizens took time out of their busy schedules to convey Irving’s interests to the state legislature during Irving Day in Austin on Feb. 11. Photo by John Starkey.

Source: City of Irving